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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by anthonyg23 on October 3, 2008, at 16:01:26
Hi everybody....
I really need some help pinpointing exactly what's wrong with me. Here's the deal: I've been able to put a band-aid on my depression by using Effexor and Lamictal together. It works okay, not as good as Serzone did for me, but it works.
My biggest problem that affects my life tremendously is as follows:
- I rarely arrive on time
- I'm scatter brained
- I hardly ever get things done on deadlines
- I begin projects and never finish them
- I have an extremely hard time staying motivated, I begin to see all the negatives and roadblocks and I'd rather not start the project then face such issues.
- I can become inspired for a short time only to have it burn out after a little bit
- I say I'm going to do things and get worried about the outcome so I don't follow through.
- If there's something I feel is going to be a small confrontation with others I put it off until it becomes worse.
- The first response in my head whenever I have a task to complete is inherently "it's too hard" or "It's not worth it"... etc etc.I've been told it's anxiety, I've been told it's ADD. All I know is that it's ruining my life. I've got just as much potential as anyone but I always seem to be operating at 50% or in other words "Half-Assing" it. It's like I can't help it, I'm not lazy, I just can't seem to beat this huge issue. Basically with any situation that presents itself to me my first reaction (almost unconciously) is to think of the negatives, roadblocks, etc.)
At my job for instance, I have to follow-up with customers on a weekly basis... And, if they call with questions or concerns regarding their purchase I usually send them to voicemail and procrastinate the call-back because I don't want to deal with the confrontation. It ultimately has resulted in complaints to my manager about me not calling people back!
I hope you guys can lend me some insight.
Posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2008, at 16:21:07
In reply to Guys I needs some help from everyone, posted by anthonyg23 on October 3, 2008, at 16:01:26
Seriously you sound a lot like me but at least you're working. Sounds a bit like bad anxiety and fear to me but that is just me. If new to babble let me welcome you lots of good info here. Are you taking anthing for anxiety. You say you're on lamictal and effexor and say it works it that for depression/anxiety or some other condition. Do you have a diagnosis? Phillipa
Posted by Racer on October 3, 2008, at 16:21:45
In reply to Guys I needs some help from everyone, posted by anthonyg23 on October 3, 2008, at 16:01:26
Well, you may not like my answer very much, but it's one I'd stand by in any venue: it sounds as though some therapy would be your best bet.
The thing is, a lot of that involves behaviors, rather than anything that can be addressed chemically. The habit of seeing the potential roadblocks, and being paralyzed by them, is something which a lot of people who've battled depression for a long time develop. Because it is a habit, a pattern of behavior which is comfortable because of its familiarity, it's something which can be hard to break. And it's not something medication can affect.
Now, a lot of people seem to respond saying, "I don't need therapy -- my problems are all biochemical!" While the origin of the problem probably is biochemical, anyone who has been depressed for any length of time has probably developed some patterns of thought and patterns of behavior along the way which reflect the depressed state. These familiar pathways are often self-sustaining -- because it's so easy to fall into them, it's very difficult to break free of them.
Of course, for someone who's experiencing a first episode of depression, and has found a successful treatment quite easily, most of the above may not apply.
So, my advice is therapy. Find a good therapist, my inclination is always towards psychodynamic, but for the sort of behavioral symptom you're describing CBT would probably also be appropriate.
Best luck, and I do hope you find an effective answer for yourself.
Posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2008, at 16:34:07
In reply to Re: Guys I needs some help from everyone » anthonyg23, posted by Racer on October 3, 2008, at 16:21:45
Good answer and Gary why not post this thread on psychology and see what the response is there too? Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2008, at 16:35:03
In reply to Re: Guys I needs some help from everyone » anthonyg23, posted by Racer on October 3, 2008, at 16:21:45
Sorry meant Anthony something was on my mind forgive me Phillipa
Posted by desolationrower on October 3, 2008, at 16:43:29
In reply to Guys I needs some help from everyone, posted by anthonyg23 on October 3, 2008, at 16:01:26
yeah get some adderal first.
-d/r
Posted by azalea on October 3, 2008, at 18:54:04
In reply to Guys I needs some help from everyone, posted by anthonyg23 on October 3, 2008, at 16:01:26
What dose of Effexor and Lamictal are you currently taking?
Have you tried any of the medications specifically for ADD (Adderall, Ritalin, Straterra, Dexedrine, Vyvanse)?> Hi everybody....
>
> I really need some help pinpointing exactly what's wrong with me. Here's the deal: I've been able to put a band-aid on my depression by using Effexor and Lamictal together. It works okay, not as good as Serzone did for me, but it works.
>
> My biggest problem that affects my life tremendously is as follows:
>
> - I rarely arrive on time
> - I'm scatter brained
> - I hardly ever get things done on deadlines
> - I begin projects and never finish them
> - I have an extremely hard time staying motivated, I begin to see all the negatives and roadblocks and I'd rather not start the project then face such issues.
> - I can become inspired for a short time only to have it burn out after a little bit
> - I say I'm going to do things and get worried about the outcome so I don't follow through.
> - If there's something I feel is going to be a small confrontation with others I put it off until it becomes worse.
> - The first response in my head whenever I have a task to complete is inherently "it's too hard" or "It's not worth it"... etc etc.
>
> I've been told it's anxiety, I've been told it's ADD. All I know is that it's ruining my life. I've got just as much potential as anyone but I always seem to be operating at 50% or in other words "Half-Assing" it. It's like I can't help it, I'm not lazy, I just can't seem to beat this huge issue. Basically with any situation that presents itself to me my first reaction (almost unconciously) is to think of the negatives, roadblocks, etc.)
>
> At my job for instance, I have to follow-up with customers on a weekly basis... And, if they call with questions or concerns regarding their purchase I usually send them to voicemail and procrastinate the call-back because I don't want to deal with the confrontation. It ultimately has resulted in complaints to my manager about me not calling people back!
>
> I hope you guys can lend me some insight.
Posted by greywolf on October 3, 2008, at 19:51:28
In reply to Re: Guys I needs some help from everyone » anthonyg23, posted by Racer on October 3, 2008, at 16:21:45
> Well, you may not like my answer very much, but it's one I'd stand by in any venue: it sounds as though some therapy would be your best bet.
>
> The thing is, a lot of that involves behaviors, rather than anything that can be addressed chemically. The habit of seeing the potential roadblocks, and being paralyzed by them, is something which a lot of people who've battled depression for a long time develop. Because it is a habit, a pattern of behavior which is comfortable because of its familiarity, it's something which can be hard to break. And it's not something medication can affect.
>
> Now, a lot of people seem to respond saying, "I don't need therapy -- my problems are all biochemical!" While the origin of the problem probably is biochemical, anyone who has been depressed for any length of time has probably developed some patterns of thought and patterns of behavior along the way which reflect the depressed state. These familiar pathways are often self-sustaining -- because it's so easy to fall into them, it's very difficult to break free of them.
>
> Of course, for someone who's experiencing a first episode of depression, and has found a successful treatment quite easily, most of the above may not apply.
>
> So, my advice is therapy. Find a good therapist, my inclination is always towards psychodynamic, but for the sort of behavioral symptom you're describing CBT would probably also be appropriate.
>
> Best luck, and I do hope you find an effective answer for yourself.I agree with Racer. CBT is the way to go.
Greywolf
Posted by anthonyg23 on October 3, 2008, at 21:05:26
In reply to Guys I needs some help from everyone, posted by anthonyg23 on October 3, 2008, at 16:01:26
I have taken Provigil for ADD. But, all it did was make me stay awake. My focus didn't change and I definitely didn't stick to tasks.
CBT may be the answer for me. What's crazy is that 5 years ago when I was on Serzone (Nefazodone) my outlook totally switched and those initial thoughts about roadblocks never came up. It was crazy, instead of "I can't do this" or "this isn't worth it" it was completely positive. It was the first and only time I ended up getting all A's in college, etc. The negative conditioning that I had for years had just vanished! Sadly, I had to be taken off of it due to the liver issues. I don't think doctors really want to prescribe it anymore. I've taken sooo many different meds since the Serzone and nothing has done what it did. I've heard Remeron could have similar effects.... I'm thinking of trying that next.... Any thoughts?
Posted by azalea on October 3, 2008, at 22:02:10
In reply to Re: Guys I needs some help from everyone, posted by anthonyg23 on October 3, 2008, at 21:05:26
Trazodone is quite similar to Serzone (nefazadone), more similar than Remeron.
Trazodone is frequently used as a sleep aid at low dose, 50mg. For anti-depressant effect, the recommendation is 150 mg/day in divided doses, increased by 50 mg/day every three to four days. The maximum dose is 400mg/day.
> I have taken Provigil for ADD. But, all it did was make me stay awake. My focus didn't change and I definitely didn't stick to tasks.
>
> CBT may be the answer for me. What's crazy is that 5 years ago when I was on Serzone (Nefazodone) my outlook totally switched and those initial thoughts about roadblocks never came up. It was crazy, instead of "I can't do this" or "this isn't worth it" it was completely positive. It was the first and only time I ended up getting all A's in college, etc. The negative conditioning that I had for years had just vanished! Sadly, I had to be taken off of it due to the liver issues. I don't think doctors really want to prescribe it anymore. I've taken sooo many different meds since the Serzone and nothing has done what it did. I've heard Remeron could have similar effects.... I'm thinking of trying that next.... Any thoughts?
Posted by JayMac on October 4, 2008, at 18:24:11
In reply to Guys I needs some help from everyone, posted by anthonyg23 on October 3, 2008, at 16:01:26
From what you are saying, my first instinct is that therapy would help you find a primary source of relief. Therapy along with medication, as a secondary source of relief, would be beneficial as well.
As for which theoretical framework, psychodynamic approach all the way baby ;)
Posted by anthonyg23 on October 4, 2008, at 19:09:50
In reply to Re: Guys I needs some help from everyone » anthonyg23, posted by azalea on October 3, 2008, at 22:02:10
I've tried to get trazodone. I get the response from my doc that it's an "old prescription" and not used anymore. I've asked for serzone as well and have been turned down.
I really don't think I need the Provigil or the Lamictal. I don't have trouble staying awake, nor do I have issues with bi-polarity. I'm ADD/Anxiety and then slight depression resulting from the anxiety...I think what would help is some new therapy and possibly a new doc.
Posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2008, at 19:39:10
In reply to Re: Guys I needs some help from everyone, posted by anthonyg23 on October 4, 2008, at 19:09:50
Same thing happens to me anxiety to high=depression. It was prescribed for me last summer should have taken it. Phillipa ps at the time my liver enzymes had been off due to a bout of diverticulis. Phillipa
Posted by greywolf on October 5, 2008, at 2:14:08
In reply to Re: Guys I needs some help from everyone » anthonyg23, posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2008, at 19:39:10
Give Remeron a try, but ask to start out at 30mg/day, not 15 (which will likely be too sedative). And get a good CBT therapist, don't just grab someone out of the phone book. It's worth waiting a couple months to get into the best CBT in your area instead of just jumping into whatever's available.
Greywolf
Posted by elanor roosevelt on October 7, 2008, at 21:23:41
In reply to Re: Guys I needs some help from everyone, posted by greywolf on October 5, 2008, at 2:14:08
thanks for posting
i was wondering what was wrong with my attitude
i am rarely late--but in the past few months i have found myself lacking in the appropriate "sense of urgency" as far as timing goes
i am also on effexor and lamictal
let me know what you find out
Posted by elanor roosevelt on October 7, 2008, at 21:25:00
In reply to Guys I needs some help from everyone, posted by anthonyg23 on October 3, 2008, at 16:01:26
therapy is an excellent idea
don't mean to discourage therapy
Posted by merry-dove on October 13, 2008, at 20:08:32
In reply to Guys I needs some help from everyone, posted by anthonyg23 on October 3, 2008, at 16:01:26
Doesn't anyone see this as the typical side effects of an SSRI? Apathy, no motivation, emotional bluntness. I have had these side effects from every antidepressant I've taken over the last 20 years. I take ritalin to help combat these things. Doesn't eliminate the problems altogether but without it I would sit on the couch all day and do nothing. No amount of therapy would change anything for me. When I have the right combination of meds I can function "fairly" well. Unfortunately after a pretty good year and 1/2 I am sadly going downhill fast as far as depression goes.
This is the end of the thread.
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