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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 28. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2012, at 18:30:01
For 42 years have used low doses of benzos. And they just relaxed me. About 6 years ago they began making me tired so cut doses down again. Now for two years I sleep like a log but have nightmares. And when wake feel horrible and have to push myself hard to just do what need to do. As the day goes on and they wear off I seem to get emotionally better. I've though also of the synthroid, the low dose luvox and low dose lexapro. Actually my husband and I just discussed this as felt I had suicidal thoughts this morning but would never ever act on them. Take l0mg valium and .25mg of xanax at bedtime which is late around 2:30am. As post on ebay then shower and read in bed? Any and all thoughts appreciated. As just doesn't make sense to me? I know the half life of valium is very long? But shouldn't I feel worse as the day goes by? Phillipa
Posted by Twinleaf on January 9, 2012, at 20:19:59
In reply to Can Years Of Benzo Use Cause Suicidal Thoughts?, posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2012, at 18:30:01
I thnk the SSRIs are the most likely cause for the suicidal thoughts. How long have you been taking Lexapro?
Posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2012, at 20:52:13
In reply to Suicidal Thoughts, posted by Twinleaf on January 9, 2012, at 20:19:59
Almost two years now. Why SSRI's? Jan/P
Posted by Beckett on January 9, 2012, at 23:50:48
In reply to Can Years Of Benzo Use Cause Suicidal Thoughts?, posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2012, at 18:30:01
What time do you take the luvox and lexapro?
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 10, 2012, at 0:16:08
In reply to Re: Can Years Of Benzo Use Cause Suicidal Thoughts? » Phillipa, posted by Beckett on January 9, 2012, at 23:50:48
Its possible its the benzos, but unlikely - it might just be a change in your biochemistry, a dip in your mood caused by brain chemicals.
If you want to give up your benzos and see what happens, get your script for Valium in 2mg tablets and cut down by half a tablet (1mg) per 1-2 weeks, that way you shouldnt get withdrawl symptoms.
It might be that you need to tweak your antidepressant meds, for example, could you take Welbutrin along with your Luvox for extra antidepressant effect?
Posted by Twinleaf on January 10, 2012, at 11:10:38
In reply to Suicidal Thoughts, posted by Twinleaf on January 9, 2012, at 20:19:59
Suicidal ideation in young people is now included in the warnings for SSRIs. The pdoc I go to feels it should be included for all ages, but isn't because of marketing considerations. Haven't you seen it on the info that comes with the medication?
Posted by Beckett on January 10, 2012, at 11:20:50
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts, posted by Twinleaf on January 10, 2012, at 11:10:38
Twinleaf, I always thought that was focused mostly on the start-up stage of ssri or AD usage.
Posted by Twinleaf on January 10, 2012, at 12:46:18
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts » Twinleaf, posted by Beckett on January 10, 2012, at 11:20:50
I did too, but I got it after two years on Lexapro, so I know it can happen. I don't know if it's the cause with Philippa, of course.
Posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2012, at 18:31:32
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts, posted by Twinleaf on January 10, 2012, at 12:46:18
Twinleaf just reading now seriously? I know you would never post something not true. Could you write me what happened as I didn't know this either. It will help. Thanks Phillipa
Posted by Twinleaf on January 10, 2012, at 19:56:56
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts » Twinleaf, posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2012, at 18:31:32
I actually had the same thing happen twice. When I first developed MDD, I didn't have suicidal ideation. I developed it after two years on Prozac. After quite a bit of med juggling, I began Lexapro and the same thing happened after two years. As you can imagine, no more SSRIs for me. I know they can really help, though.
Posted by sigismund on January 10, 2012, at 20:00:52
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts, posted by Twinleaf on January 10, 2012, at 19:56:56
This is more than just wishing you could disappear, die, or avoid having been born?
Is making plans more toward the end point?
And then there are plans and plans.
I know.
No need to answer. Just thinking out loud.
Posted by Lou Pilder on January 10, 2012, at 20:22:19
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts, posted by Twinleaf on January 10, 2012, at 19:56:56
> I actually had the same thing happen twice. When I first developed MDD, I didn't have suicidal ideation. I developed it after two years on Prozac. After quite a bit of med juggling, I began Lexapro and the same thing happened after two years. As you can imagine, no more SSRIs for me. I know they can really help, though.
Friends,
If you are considering being a discussant in thiis thread, I am requesting that you view the following two videos.
Lou
To view these,
A. Bring uup Google
B. Type in:
[youtube, psych truth, The truth about suicide, part 1]
Then the same as {part 2} or it may be listed there under the video for part 1.
Posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2012, at 21:11:46
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts, posted by Twinleaf on January 10, 2012, at 19:56:56
Twinleaf two SSRI's same thing happens so what did you do stop all add's or take another class? I've never thought depressed it's anxiety now hidden inside that leads to depression. Only benzos that did same was klonopin. So continue please? Phillipa
Posted by Twinleaf on January 10, 2012, at 23:00:21
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts » Twinleaf, posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2012, at 21:11:46
Nothing further to add really. Now I take just tianeptine and occasional Zyprexa when very stressed. Therapy has really helped a great deal in cutting down on the severe dysphoria and anxiety I used to have. That's why I'm always suggesting it, I guess!
Posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2012, at 23:35:22
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts, posted by Twinleaf on January 10, 2012, at 23:00:21
Twinleaf I value your opinions. I still am planning on that talk with doc in two weeks. thanks Phillipa
Posted by SLS on January 11, 2012, at 1:20:24
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts, posted by Twinleaf on January 10, 2012, at 23:00:21
> Nothing further to add really. Now I take just tianeptine and occasional Zyprexa when very stressed. Therapy has really helped a great deal in cutting down on the severe dysphoria and anxiety I used to have. That's why I'm always suggesting it, I guess!
Dysphoria and anxiety can be a lethal combination. I didn't realize that you suffered in this way. Psychotherapy can work wonders. I am glad that you found your way through the worst of it.
- Scott
Posted by gadchik on January 11, 2012, at 11:22:34
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts » Twinleaf, posted by SLS on January 11, 2012, at 1:20:24
phillipa,i now believe that yrs of living w/anxiety & depression would cause suicidal thinking.I think effectively treating both will increase longevity,and happy thoughts.
Posted by Christ_empowered on January 11, 2012, at 13:28:43
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts, posted by gadchik on January 11, 2012, at 11:22:34
I've heard that antidepressants in general can cause suicidal thoughts. With the tricyclics, that's why they'd often give really small prescriptions to start with (my doc only gave me 2 weeks doses at first) and sometimes either prescribed a sedating drug or use a TCA+sedative (Triavil, limbitrol,etc.) for treatment.
Sorry about your suicidal thoughts, Phillipa. Personally, I'd switch over to a higher dose of higher potency benzo(s) and taper at least one SSRI.
Posted by Phillipa on January 11, 2012, at 18:31:51
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts, posted by Christ_empowered on January 11, 2012, at 13:28:43
Seems the consenus is stop one of SSRI's that means toss the lexapro. I just posted a thread about soma as have a bottle of it prescribed for me and I wonder since it metabolizes into meprobamate and that and valium got ride of panic attacks in 20's if that might kill two birds with one stone. Help the back pain and also the anxiety? Phillipa
Posted by Beckett on January 11, 2012, at 20:48:36
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts » Christ_empowered, posted by Phillipa on January 11, 2012, at 18:31:51
Phillipa, I don't think Soma has much pain relief benefits. I believe it is used as a muscle relaxant primarily, and it has with a short half life. I guess check with your doc. Maybe a muscle relaxant is a good approach for managing your back pain.
Posted by Dinah on January 12, 2012, at 9:39:45
In reply to Re: Suicidal Thoughts, posted by Twinleaf on January 10, 2012, at 19:56:56
That's likely similar to my self injuring on Luvox.
I've always thought it was agitating at a very deep level.
For some people, of course. Other people don't have that problem. My current pdoc says he doesn't see SSRI's as an option for me.
Posted by phidippus on January 15, 2012, at 18:04:45
In reply to Can Years Of Benzo Use Cause Suicidal Thoughts?, posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2012, at 18:30:01
First use of benzos can cause suicidal ideation.
Eric
Posted by mogger on January 16, 2012, at 13:21:28
In reply to Re: Can Years Of Benzo Use Cause Suicidal Thoughts? » Phillipa, posted by phidippus on January 15, 2012, at 18:04:45
Phillipa,
I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with this. I wish I knew more about the chemistry of the meds to give more input. Hang in there as I know from reading all of your thoughtful posts that you are incredibly strong and will figure this bump in the road out,
Joseph
Posted by Phillipa on January 16, 2012, at 20:20:47
In reply to Re: Can Years Of Benzo Use Cause Suicidal Thoughts? » phidippus, posted by mogger on January 16, 2012, at 13:21:28
Joseph have been called strong before. Maybe it's stubbornish as refuse to not figure it out. My dilemma is it SSRI's or benzos? One of the two. That's for sure. I have been called a survivor many times in years gone past. Phillipa
Posted by mogger on January 16, 2012, at 23:32:28
In reply to Re: Can Years Of Benzo Use Cause Suicidal Thoughts? » mogger, posted by Phillipa on January 16, 2012, at 20:20:47
I am trying to come off my benzo (clonazepam) myself as I think it is causing me depression after many years. I wikipedia'd benzos and it says that one of the side effects of long term use is depression. I have been on zoloft for 17 years and my gut has always felt like it actually helps. I don't like the feeling my clonazepam is giving me anymore. Unfortunately it is so darn hard to get off it. Slowly but surely I am.
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