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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jjw1 on February 26, 2011, at 15:57:06
For B2Chic or any other who has had similar experience. I'm a long time no time poster. I've been monitoring this site for quite some time but never posted. I've been going through a very tough year (an uderstatement) - 3 hospitalizations as well as outpatient classes - suicideal ideations which is scary. I have a wife and 2 kids and am becoming so disgusted. My latest med is Pristiq along with Lamictal. B2 - I'm encouraged by your posting. I've been taking for 4 weeks now. I have a few days where I feel ok - but certainly doesn't last all day and it's still way to few days and am still having some horrific days. Stimulants help. I'm encouraged by your post because you indicated it took 8-10 weeks. Although that is a relatively long time, If I was convinced (or at least optimistic) that I would be feeling better in 8-10 weeks, I can stick it out. That's nothing compared to over a year of complete hell. Now, the long and the short of it, were there times that you felt you were starting to feel at least a little better during that time frame which caused you to hang in? I get upset when I read the posts on this and other sites where individuals notice significant difference in 1 week or so. I've be dealing with major depression for too many years than I care to mention so I'm certainly aware that individuals respond differently to different meds but I do find some hope when there are posters who have similar experiences. I know not to expect an exact response as others but I am putting alot of stock in this med. I've been on more ADs than you can count. I had a partial response to Effexor years ago so I'm hoping Pristiq might be a good choice. Thanks to anyone who can provide their experiences with this med. Take care and good luck to all
Posted by polarbear206 on February 26, 2011, at 16:44:04
In reply to Pristiq B2Chic, posted by Jjw1 on February 26, 2011, at 15:57:06
> For B2Chic or any other who has had similar experience. I'm a long time no time poster. I've been monitoring this site for quite some time but never posted. I've been going through a very tough year (an uderstatement) - 3 hospitalizations as well as outpatient classes - suicideal ideations which is scary. I have a wife and 2 kids and am becoming so disgusted. My latest med is Pristiq along with Lamictal. B2 - I'm encouraged by your posting. I've been taking for 4 weeks now. I have a few days where I feel ok - but certainly doesn't last all day and it's still way to few days and am still having some horrific days. Stimulants help. I'm encouraged by your post because you indicated it took 8-10 weeks. Although that is a relatively long time, If I was convinced (or at least optimistic) that I would be feeling better in 8-10 weeks, I can stick it out. That's nothing compared to over a year of complete hell. Now, the long and the short of it, were there times that you felt you were starting to feel at least a little better during that time frame which caused you to hang in? I get upset when I read the posts on this and other sites where individuals notice significant difference in 1 week or so. I've be dealing with major depression for too many years than I care to mention so I'm certainly aware that individuals respond differently to different meds but I do find some hope when there are posters who have similar experiences. I know not to expect an exact response as others but I am putting alot of stock in this med. I've been on more ADs than you can count. I had a partial response to Effexor years ago so I'm hoping Pristiq might be a good choice. Thanks to anyone who can provide their experiences with this med. Take care and good luck to all
You need to give a more detailed decription of your symptoms. Onset? sleeping/eating patterns? What are the current doses of you medication. Therapeutic response is around 200mg for Lamictal.
Posted by Phillipa on February 26, 2011, at 19:01:40
In reply to Re: Pristiq B2Chic, posted by polarbear206 on February 26, 2011, at 16:44:04
Is your diagnosis depression unipolar? Are you employed able to work? Seeing a pdoc or gp? Yes more info needed. Phillipa
Posted by Jjw1 on February 26, 2011, at 20:30:22
In reply to Re: Pristiq B2Chic, posted by Phillipa on February 26, 2011, at 19:01:40
> Is your diagnosis depression unipolar? Are you employed able to work? Seeing a pdoc or gp? Yes more info needed. Phillipa
Well I've been diagnosed as unipolar over 30 years ago. I had success with parnate for many years but then began to sink again and went off parnate @12-13 years ago. Tried mnany ADs and found some success with Effexor but that too faded. Tried Parnate again but things only got worse. I've been seeing a pdoc for many years.I'm currently on 75mgs Pristiq, 600 Lamictal. My sleeping pattern is not what you would call ideal. I am tired much of the day, go to sleep at a reasonable hour but wake during the night and am up for a bit. I do eventually get back to sleep - usually with some Klonopin. As far as work - I am "working" but not to the best of my ability and often have to call in sick because I just can't bring myself to go outside some days. I probably should also mention that I have recently had 18 ECT treatments. Needless to say, I'm getting very disappointed but I'm trying very hard to believe that I can get better, although it's getting harder and harder each day.
Posted by Phillipa on February 26, 2011, at 21:37:37
In reply to Re: Pristiq B2Chic, posted by Jjw1 on February 26, 2011, at 20:30:22
I'm really sorry. You sure are going through a lot and have already been through a lot. I do wish some of the true med experts were posting. Does your pdoc know it isn't working yet? Give him/her a call. I do wish you the best of luck and keep posting. Phillipa
Posted by sigismund on February 26, 2011, at 23:22:38
In reply to Re: Pristiq B2Chic, posted by Jjw1 on February 26, 2011, at 20:30:22
> I am tired much of the day, go to sleep at a reasonable hour but wake during the night and am up for a bit. I do eventually get back to sleep - usually with some Klonopin.
That's a familiar pattern which seems not to be well understood.
Posted by polarbear206 on February 27, 2011, at 11:02:37
In reply to Re: Pristiq B2Chic, posted by Jjw1 on February 26, 2011, at 20:30:22
> > Is your diagnosis depression unipolar? Are you employed able to work? Seeing a pdoc or gp? Yes more info needed. Phillipa
>
> Well I've been diagnosed as unipolar over 30 years ago. I had success with parnate for many years but then began to sink again and went off parnate @12-13 years ago. Tried mnany ADs and found some success with Effexor but that too faded. Tried Parnate again but things only got worse. I've been seeing a pdoc for many years.I'm currently on 75mgs Pristiq, 600 Lamictal. My sleeping pattern is not what you would call ideal. I am tired much of the day, go to sleep at a reasonable hour but wake during the night and am up for a bit. I do eventually get back to sleep - usually with some Klonopin. As far as work - I am "working" but not to the best of my ability and often have to call in sick because I just can't bring myself to go outside some days. I probably should also mention that I have recently had 18 ECT treatments. Needless to say, I'm getting very disappointed but I'm trying very hard to believe that I can get better, although it's getting harder and harder each day.
Wow, 600mg of lamictal is pretty high. Have you seen a psychopharmacologist? I would imagine that you had a full workup in the past to r/o underlying disease?
Posted by Jjw1 on February 27, 2011, at 12:47:11
In reply to Re: Pristiq B2Chic » Jjw1, posted by Phillipa on February 26, 2011, at 21:37:37
> I'm really sorry. You sure are going through a lot and have already been through a lot. I do wish some of the true med experts were posting. Does your pdoc know it isn't working yet? Give him/her a call. I do wish you the best of luck and keep posting. Phillipa
Thanks Phillipa - I will keep posting. I meet with Pdoc this week so we will obviously discuss. Truth is, I do feel a little better at times which is why I was hoping that I just need to give more time. He also has recommended TMS. As far as 600 Lamictal, I've been on that dose for many years and have had workups. I must admit that, as many posters may also do, I tend to make the depression worse because I'm depressed, in other words, make the depression worse because I don't see it lifting. I try to remain positive but it's often very difficult.
Posted by Phillipa on February 27, 2011, at 19:37:39
In reply to Re: Pristiq B2Chic, posted by Jjw1 on February 27, 2011, at 12:47:11
Oh good you see the doc this week. No I would very much doubt you can will yourself out of true depression. Good thoughts sent your way. Phillipa
Posted by B2Chica on February 28, 2011, at 13:53:52
In reply to Pristiq B2Chic, posted by Jjw1 on February 26, 2011, at 15:57:06
that makes me smile.
thanks. and glad you are posting now :)this time around it seemed to take longer. i feel like its finally kicking in and about 11 weeks. (went off cuz of pregancy) my second.
what helps me through is zyprexa. its kinda my failsafe. was up to 10mg until last week when i finally gained back 20 lbs. and said no more but i think the pristiq was finally starting to kick in cuz i went down to 5 and only feeling slightly blah.
i'm on 5mg zyprexa
50mg pristiq
300mg gabapentin 3x day (or what i need-less or more)for anxiety
10mg adderall.
(xanax prn) but i haven't used that in a while. the zyprexa usually helps pretty well with anxiety.anyway. two things.
i'd like you too keep me up to date if it kicks in for you. secondly,i've been told that more than 50 doesn't really do much. do you notice with 75?
before preganancy when i first started it i was really bad so pdoc then tried 100mg (double) and didnt help at all. tried for two weeks then went back down.i also have two kiddos. Doing my best to be my best for them. You are too. no matter what. hang in. and keep in touch!
b2c.
Posted by Jjw1 on March 3, 2011, at 15:08:57
In reply to Re: Pristiq B2Chic » Jjw1, posted by B2Chica on February 28, 2011, at 13:53:52
Went to PDOC yesterday after horrible week. Really just wanted to give up. I did however have some few hours where I was absolutely fine - felt the way I think I should feel and I'm not talking manic. Just normal. He now thinks that much of my depression and anx needs to be addressed via therapy. He says that if I have a few hours over lets say a course of 12 hours where I feel fine then go into a tailspin, it is likely psychological because the brain chemistry is the same within those 12 hours. I started the session in tears but did feel better afterwards. However, I don't think that just because I can become occassionally engaged in a conversation means that there isn't any more potential help with meds. I do not discount therapy at all. It definitely has value but I also don't have any significant issues in my life that I would think would cause me to become so depressed as to be suicidal. We all have issues but I've never experienced poor treatment as a child, sexual abuse or any of some of the other issues that could be obvious candidates. I'm married for 23 years, 2 great healthy kids, good job, white picket fence etc.. Today, I woke up with significant anxiety that quickly led into depression. I've go to believe that the biological/chemical component can still be adjusted. Has anyone else been told by their pdoc that if they have some really good times while on a med but then suffer deep depression it must be psychological because the chemistry is basically the same? Or perhaps it's time for a change in pdoc
Posted by B2Chica on March 3, 2011, at 15:36:08
In reply to Re: Pristiq B2Chic, posted by Jjw1 on March 3, 2011, at 15:08:57
actually i heard a key word in your statement. Anxiety hit then followed mood drop.
my pdoc is Big in that anxiety increases and sometimes prompts depression. he's big on controlling sleep and anxiety. because those factors can snowball depression.are you on any antianxiety?
i'm a believer in both psychotherapy and meds for a while. both have their limitations.
try T for a while. but dont stop asking questions to pdoc. if he keeps throwing his hands up deferring to therapy its time to go a shopping!b2c.
Posted by Jjw1 on March 3, 2011, at 19:57:53
In reply to Re: Pristiq B2Chic » Jjw1, posted by B2Chica on March 3, 2011, at 15:36:08
I have started Therapy not too long and I too believe it has alot of merit and am hoping it will add to recovery.
The interesting thing you said is about anxiety. I am currently taking Buspar but I think that makes me nervous (different than anxiety). I think you are right on that anxiety can easily lead into depression. In fact, much of my deep depression is often preceded by anxiety, although I guess we were more concentrated on the depression. Do you take anything for anxiety that you've found useful other than the benzos?
Posted by B2Chica on March 4, 2011, at 8:39:50
In reply to Re: Pristiq B2Chic, posted by Jjw1 on March 3, 2011, at 19:57:53
yes. i noticed in the past that if i had to take any pain meds such as hydrocodone or Tyl#3 that my anxiety ceased AND i slept great.
talked with pdoc about if he would ever consider Rx opioids and he Rx'd me gabapentin. i'm Rx'd 300mg x3 day.
but sometimes he said i can take 1 in morning and 2 afternoon and 2 before bed. depending on how my anxiety is.the only bad side effect i got from gabapentin is it really effects my vision. i get really blurry with 600mg. and i've just purchased my first set of reading glasses...ugh.
but i'm also not a young pup anymore so i guess that was inevitable..Lol.b2c.
Posted by Jjw1 on March 4, 2011, at 18:02:21
In reply to Re: Pristiq B2Chic » Jjw1, posted by B2Chica on March 4, 2011, at 8:39:50
I'll talk to my pdoc about gaba. Don't worry, I've had reading glasses for about 5 years now so I'm sure I'm an older pup than you.
Posted by Phillipa on March 4, 2011, at 20:24:24
In reply to Re: Pristiq B2Chic, posted by Jjw1 on March 4, 2011, at 18:02:21
Oh definitely got you both beat on that one!!!! Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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