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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 12 to 36 of 42. Go back in thread:
Posted by jflange on August 3, 2008, at 20:20:49
In reply to Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression???, posted by UGottaHaveHope on August 3, 2008, at 15:44:01
Hi!
My story:
Feeling good with Zoloft/Buspar combination for anxiety disorder with panic since 2004. Took me 4 years to find the right combo and dose, and which vitamins to supplement with: Calcium/Magnesium/Potassium (for anxiety, breathing, heartrate) and Bromelain (for IBS from meds) and Zinc (for hair loss from meds).I suffered from anxiety and panic and PTSD syndrome for two years after being the victim of a school shooting (not shot, but watched the horror very close by as friends were murdered and I ran for my life). Smoking, talk therapy and avoidance of social situations helped me get by for 8 years until the stress of my work, quitting smoking, and an unhappy personal life devolved into a recurrence of my symptoms.
I was really philosophically opposed to meds for some years even while suffering the second time because I had beaten my symptoms once without a pill. When it became clear I had no other choice, I tried Buspar, which gave me nightmares and made me sleepy and fuzzy. Off of that to Zoloft, which made me want to puke all the time from anxiety and panic attack anticipation. Then my pdoc talked me into using both of them together which I was VERY skeptical about and it turned out he was spot on. I remember vividly the day when I was able to go into a crowded movie theater without plotting escape plans if a panic attack hit.
Yes, I do get some anxiety sometimes in stressful situations, but it is manageable. My success on this medication is something I continue to have to manage: I have learned to trust myself that there are certain foods, drinks, vitamins, activities (like heavy exercise) I simply cannot do any more because they create problems with my meds. My pdoc, as great as he was, was pretty clueless about those things and the pharma companies have no obligation to report anything post-approval unless people start dying.
But despite all this I can say that my medication is responsible for helping me accomplish some positive things in the last 4 years which I never would have been able to do with my anxiety disorder.
I hope everyone here finds success in their treatment.
Be well, jflange
Posted by copper on August 3, 2008, at 20:42:05
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression???, posted by jflange on August 3, 2008, at 20:20:49
I did very well on 225mg of effexor and 2mg of clozapam for about 4 years. I stopped going to this site once I felt better, because I was so busy doing normal daily things, and being involved with society. Slowly it stopped working and I'm now trying different things, and I'm back to thius site bacause I feel at least here there are people who feel the way I do, and I'm not alone.
Good Luck, Copper
Praying for the right combination
Posted by Bob on August 3, 2008, at 20:44:15
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression???, posted by copper on August 3, 2008, at 20:42:05
Slowly it stopped working and I'm now trying different things, and I'm back to thius site bacause I feel at least here there are people who feel the way I do, and I'm not alone.
>
> Good Luck, Copper
>
> Praying for the right combination
For me at least, a big part of this site is knowing there are other people out there struggling with similar things to me. Sometimes that eases the distress.
Posted by manic666 on August 4, 2008, at 3:06:15
In reply to Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression???, posted by UGottaHaveHope on August 3, 2008, at 15:44:01
sorry buddy, just seen you all i can say and ive had loads of meds, PROZAC was good for me.MANIC666
Posted by SLS on August 4, 2008, at 5:39:34
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression??? » SLS, posted by Bob on August 3, 2008, at 19:38:30
> > I am doing well enough to return to work in the fall. That's the plan, anyway.
> >
> > Currently:
> >
> > Nardil 90mg
> > nortriptyline 150mg
> > Lamictal 200mg
> > Abilify 20mg
> > NAC 1800mg
> > Lovaza (fish oil) 1860mg EPA / 1500 DHA> That is one heck of a combo, Scott.
>
> Isn't adding a healthy dose of nortriptyline to an MAOI a risky thing? That seems like a lot of norepinephrine.I generally believe that drugs, when combined, are most effective at their usual therapeutic dosages. I know for sure that each of the dosages arrived at in my regime is the minimum that produces a treatment response. I have sequentially reduced the dosages of each drug, found that I relapsed, and titrated back up again. Fortunately, I did not endanger my ability to recapture the response.
> What is NAC 1800mg?
N-acetylcysteine. I originally began taking this food supplement in hopes of relieving the burden of oxidation and excitotoxicity in the brain produced by the stresses caused by bipolar depression. I wasn't anticipating any type of psychotropic response. I subsequently and serendipitously found an article that describes the potential of NAC to effectively treat the residual symptoms of bipolar depression. I found it compelling enough to commit to 4-6 months of treatment if tolerated. I seem to be tolerating it well.
- Scott
Posted by coral on August 4, 2008, at 6:41:04
In reply to Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression???, posted by UGottaHaveHope on August 3, 2008, at 15:44:01
I'm a success story. Roughly thirteen years ago, went into a three 1/2 year clinical depression. Zoloft at 200 mg before breakthrough and librium for anxiety.
I was on zoloft for a couple of years....in the past decade, I've gone back on for brief periods to help through a rough patch.
But, I am definitely a success story. There is hope.
Coral
Posted by Roslynn on August 4, 2008, at 16:34:16
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression???, posted by SLS on August 3, 2008, at 17:06:27
> I am doing well enough to return to work in the fall. That's the plan, anyway.
>
> Currently:
>
> Nardil 90mg
> nortriptyline 150mg
> Lamictal 200mg
> Abilify 20mg
> NAC 1800mg
> Lovaza (fish oil) 1860mg EPA / 1500 DHA
>
>
> - Scott
Congratulations, that is great news.-Roslynn
Posted by theo on August 4, 2008, at 17:24:44
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression???, posted by SLS on August 3, 2008, at 17:07:19
How do you like Deplin? I'm currently taking Foltx and have also taken Metanx by Pamlab.
> Oops.
>
> Forgot Deplin 7.5mg
>
>
> > I am doing well enough to return to work in the fall. That's the plan, anyway.
> >
> > Currently:
> >
> > Nardil 90mg
> > nortriptyline 150mg
> > Lamictal 200mg
> > Abilify 20mg
> > NAC 1800mg
> > Lovaza (fish oil) 1860mg EPA / 1500 DHA
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
>
Posted by SLS on August 5, 2008, at 7:45:42
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression??? » SLS, posted by theo on August 4, 2008, at 17:24:44
> How do you like Deplin? I'm currently taking Foltx and have also taken Metanx by Pamlab.
Sorry, Theo. I had responded in detail to your post, but I obviously didn't submit it properly. Don't you hate when that happens?In summary, I prefer Deplin because it is pure L-methylfolate and represents a higher dosage than the other products you mentioned. I discovered that methylcobalamin severely exacerbates my depression, so those preparations containing this ingredient is harmful to me rather than being helpful. Be aware, though, that despite a brief "blip" improvement occurring at approximately day 3 of treatment, the true response takes more like 2-3 months to become robust.
- Scott
Posted by UGottaHaveHope on August 6, 2008, at 15:14:43
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression??? » theo, posted by SLS on August 5, 2008, at 7:45:42
Some of you have mentioned that you hesitate to tell your story because you are concerned that it might upset or generate criticism from others on this board.
I just urge you to share your story for the Greater Good of all in here who need some HOPE.
As far as those others who may or may not be upset, you should not worry about that because that's their issue not yours. Believe me, there are far more people (even though they might not all post) who want to read about your success story. Or anything positive, even little steps of progress.
That's what you've got to focus on, that you may HELP.
Posted by theo on August 7, 2008, at 21:54:43
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression??? » theo, posted by SLS on August 5, 2008, at 7:45:42
Do you take one tablet in the morning? I just got samples today.
> > How do you like Deplin? I'm currently taking Foltx and have also taken Metanx by Pamlab.
>
>
> Sorry, Theo. I had responded in detail to your post, but I obviously didn't submit it properly. Don't you hate when that happens?
>
> In summary, I prefer Deplin because it is pure L-methylfolate and represents a higher dosage than the other products you mentioned. I discovered that methylcobalamin severely exacerbates my depression, so those preparations containing this ingredient is harmful to me rather than being helpful. Be aware, though, that despite a brief "blip" improvement occurring at approximately day 3 of treatment, the true response takes more like 2-3 months to become robust.
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by SLS on August 7, 2008, at 22:09:21
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression??? » SLS, posted by theo on August 7, 2008, at 21:54:43
> Do you take one tablet in the morning? I just got samples today.
Yes.
Good luck!
- Scott
Posted by theo on August 8, 2008, at 8:08:14
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression???, posted by SLS on August 7, 2008, at 22:09:21
Thanks! Just out of curiousity, have you heard of any results from anyone taking Luvox CR?
Posted by SLS on August 8, 2008, at 8:18:19
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression??? » SLS, posted by theo on August 8, 2008, at 8:08:14
> Thanks! Just out of curiousity, have you heard of any results from anyone taking Luvox CR?
I don't recall seeing any posts about it - good or bad.
- Scott
Posted by dcruik518 on August 8, 2008, at 10:56:16
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression???, posted by SLS on August 8, 2008, at 8:18:19
I experience complete remission and then some on the following:
90 mg nardil
2 mg clonazepam
300 mg trazodone at nightThis combo totally wiped out my social anxiety and severe dysthymia--i.e., non-stop depression since adolescence. It also took care of some mild ADD. I decided to stop taking the nardil, though, because I was getting dangerously overweight on it.
I am not doing as well now as I was on the Nardil, but my current cocktail definitely helps and I experience very few side effects. I am not in remission though, but definitely better than I without the meds. Current cocktail:
Pristiq 50 mg
Clonazepam 4 mg
Abilify 10 mg
Trazodone 100 mg
Neurontin 1200 mg
Posted by dcruik518 on August 8, 2008, at 10:59:26
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depressio, posted by dcruik518 on August 8, 2008, at 10:56:16
Oh, I forgot Adderall 60 mg -Dwight
Posted by dcruik518 on August 8, 2008, at 11:45:06
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depressio, posted by dcruik518 on August 8, 2008, at 10:56:16
> I experience complete remission and then some on the following:
>
> 90 mg nardil
> 2 mg clonazepam
> 300 mg trazodone at night
>
> This combo totally wiped out my social anxiety and severe dysthymia--i.e., non-stop depression since adolescence. It also took care of some mild ADD. I decided to stop taking the nardil, though, because I was getting dangerously overweight on it.
>
> I am not doing as well now as I was on the Nardil, but my current cocktail definitely helps and I experience very few side effects. I am not in remission though, but definitely better than I without the meds. Current cocktail:
>
> Pristiq 50 mg
> Clonazepam 4 mg
> Abilify 10 mg
> Trazodone 100 mg
> Neurontin 1200 mg
> Adderall 60 mgI realize six medications is a lot and I'm taking more than would be ideal. I also occassionally take Requip for sleep. I would like to trim my meds down to 3 or 4 at most as I'm sure that would be safer. I just don't know what I can cut from this current regimen as everything on it does something different that helps me in some way. I'm thinking, however, if I found a more ideal antidepressant treatment, I might be able to cut out a few of these. I'm really interested in the Zoloft + Nortryptyline combo, which some people and researchers are saying is especially effective. See: http://www.psychotropical.com/dual_action_ads.shtml
I think I might be able to cut the trazodone by taking the Nortryptyline at night. Also the Pristiq and perhaps the Abilify, which are both really expensive. And maybe the neurontin if the combo does a good enough job treating my anxiety.
We'll see.
~Dwight
Posted by theo on August 8, 2008, at 21:59:24
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression???, posted by SLS on August 7, 2008, at 22:09:21
I'm actually starting it alone to see what happens. Have you heard of any results with Deplin monotherapy?
> > Do you take one tablet in the morning? I just got samples today.
>
> Yes.
>
> Good luck!
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by SLS on August 9, 2008, at 5:23:00
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression??? » SLS, posted by theo on August 8, 2008, at 21:59:24
> I'm actually starting it alone to see what happens. Have you heard of any results with Deplin monotherapy?
No. Deplin is thought of as an augmenter to standard antidepressants for people who maintain a partial response to them.
You must be on Deplin for 2-3 months to glean a significant antidepressant response from it. It would not hurt to give Deplin a try as monotherapy. It is a rather benign substance. If you fail to respond to it, I would keep it on board, though, while you try adding antidepressants. You might even want to try again the antidepressant that you felt worked best.
- Scott
Posted by theo on August 9, 2008, at 14:37:21
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression??? » theo, posted by SLS on August 9, 2008, at 5:23:00
Thanks for the input. Haven't been here in a while and nice to see some familiar folks.
> > I'm actually starting it alone to see what happens. Have you heard of any results with Deplin monotherapy?
>
> No. Deplin is thought of as an augmenter to standard antidepressants for people who maintain a partial response to them.
>
> You must be on Deplin for 2-3 months to glean a significant antidepressant response from it. It would not hurt to give Deplin a try as monotherapy. It is a rather benign substance. If you fail to respond to it, I would keep it on board, though, while you try adding antidepressants. You might even want to try again the antidepressant that you felt worked best.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by theo on August 9, 2008, at 15:04:00
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression??? » theo, posted by SLS on August 9, 2008, at 5:23:00
Through all of my trials, I've never tried a small dose (250mg) of Depakote ER for a mood stabilizer. Will Deplin also be good with an anticonvusant since they are suppose to deplete folic acid? I was thinking about trying Lamicatal again but I hate feeling instantly great only to get a nice response with each dose increase and after that, poop out.
> You must be on Deplin for 2-3 months to glean a significant antidepressant response from it. It would not hurt to give Deplin a try as monotherapy. It is a rather benign substance. If you fail to respond to it, I would keep it on board, though, while you try adding antidepressants. You might even want to try again the antidepressant that you felt worked best.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by SLS on August 10, 2008, at 4:59:57
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression??? » SLS, posted by theo on August 9, 2008, at 15:04:00
> Through all of my trials, I've never tried a small dose (250mg) of Depakote ER for a mood stabilizer. Will Deplin also be good with an anticonvusant since they are suppose to deplete folic acid?
That seems like an additional reason to take Deplin. It is hard to predict what will work for you without the benefit of a crystal ball. I don't know if Deplin works when combined with Depakote alone. I tend to think that you would need an antidepressant to work in conjunction with Deplin. Deplin increases the rate of synthesis of NE, 5-HT, and DA. So, here we are, dealing with a possible synergy between drugs that act on these same neurotransmitters.
> I was thinking about trying Lamicatal again but I hate feeling instantly great only to get a nice response with each dose increase and after that, poop out.Yes. Your experience with Lamictal is typical. However, it might still prove essential in a treatment regimen. I take two antidepressants, but feel like crap if I don't also take Lamictal 200mg.
What drugs had the best effect on you?
- Scott
Posted by theo on August 10, 2008, at 9:05:52
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression??? » theo, posted by SLS on August 10, 2008, at 4:59:57
Actually, Paxil worked wonders but I absolutely cannot have sex and that adds quite a bit of stress on a marraige. Next good combo was Wellbutrin XL 150mg and 1mg Xanax XR twice daily.
Do you still take Abilify? I had a good response to it before but had a weird side effect and it scared me a bit. I was squating down working on an outside faucet in some pretty cold weather. I jumped up and ran inside and had this feeling of extreme vertigo that wouldn't stop. Room spinning feeling like I was going to pass out, actually almost went to the ER. I can't remember the term but I later read this sensation can be a side effect of Abilify and some tricyclics. I was also scared of tardive d. Now that it is actually approved for depression, it's a possibility to revisit. Since it actually works on dopamine and doesn't shut it down like older antipsychotics, it seems to be less likely to cause TD. What do you think?
> What drugs had the best effect on you?
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by llurpsienoodle on August 10, 2008, at 9:09:01
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression??? » theo, posted by SLS on August 10, 2008, at 4:59:57
I've been in remission since June on this cocktail. My Dx is BipolarII and I had a major depressive episode that lasted (with brief remissions) for 2.5 years. The anxiety had never gone away, though I was able to use klonopin to take the edge off and make me somewhat functional.
Lamictal 300mg (been on this for over a year)
Zoloft 100mg (this dose for about 8 months)
Abilify 10mg
WellbutrinSR generic -- when I started at 150 mg I had intensification of suicidal thoughts, and had to be hospitalized, but I stuck it out. Anxiety went away but came back every day as the dose wore off. About 6 weeks ago, added another 150mg to take in the afternoon. Now, I no longer take klonopin, except for emergencies (yes, I still have anxiety in extreme situations, like any human, I suppose)
sonata 10mg prn for sleep (when I wake up in the middle of the night)
I recently complained to pdoc about lack of energy, (I was sleeping way too much) and he and I decided to eliminate abilify from the cocktail.
I went from 10mg to 5mg for 3 weeks (noticed nothing!) then to 0mg a week ago, and had some aural stuff (an incredibly loud incessant stream of very energetic classical music that kept me awake for 48 hours. yuck. -- thank god that klonopin shut up my internal iPod. felt some gastic upset (barf) and headaches, dizziness. NOTHING as bad as coming off of an SNRI, though.
so, currently cocktail is
occasional sonata and klonopin
lamictal, zoloft, wellbutrin.Eventually, I'd like to eliminate or reduce the zoloft, because I'm sick of sexual S.E. and weight gain. I hope I can make it on wellbutrin and lamictal alone. X cross your fingers for me!
-Ll
Posted by SLS on August 10, 2008, at 9:39:49
In reply to Re: Success stories for meds for anxiety/depression??? » SLS, posted by theo on August 10, 2008, at 9:05:52
> Do you still take Abilify?
Yes. I take 20mg a day.
You were experiencing vertigo, which is an infrequent side effect of Abilify. I have no idea if it resolves with time.
- Scott
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