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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by schleprock on March 7, 2013, at 14:08:08
In reply to May I have my depression back, please?, posted by ChicagoKat on March 7, 2013, at 10:44:56
Please don't tell me that you're still ingesting caffeine during this time.
Posted by Hugh on March 7, 2013, at 15:39:11
In reply to May I have my depression back, please?, posted by ChicagoKat on March 7, 2013, at 10:44:56
Neurofeedback can be very effective for anxiety. Elsa Baehr in Skokie and Joseph Barr in Northbrook are neurofeedback clinicians with good reputations.
Other Chicago area providers:
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on March 7, 2013, at 16:48:13
In reply to May I have my depression back, please?, posted by ChicagoKat on March 7, 2013, at 10:44:56
Phenobarbitone sodium might be an option, starting at 30mg tds and increasing as needed
Posted by Phillipa on March 7, 2013, at 20:31:12
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please?, posted by Hugh on March 7, 2013, at 13:28:15
Hugh I need to google this med as have bad back too. Is it similar to Soma? Phillipa
Posted by Hugh on March 8, 2013, at 11:25:28
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » Hugh, posted by Phillipa on March 7, 2013, at 20:31:12
> Hugh I need to google this med as have bad back too. Is it similar to Soma? Phillipa
I don't know much about Soma, just that it's a muscle relaxant. From what I've read, baclofen is the only muscle relaxant that acts on the GABA-B receptor. I believe the only other drug that acts on the GABA-B receptor is GHB.
Posted by Phillipa on March 8, 2013, at 20:11:13
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please?, posted by Hugh on March 8, 2013, at 11:25:28
GHB? That's heavy duty isn't it? Phillipa
Posted by Hugh on March 8, 2013, at 23:02:44
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » Hugh, posted by Phillipa on March 8, 2013, at 20:11:13
> GHB? That's heavy duty isn't it? Phillipa
It's the best sleep aid ever developed. I've never tried it, but I'd love to. Ambien and the benzos increase the duration of sleep, but they're bad for sleep architecture. You're actually in a lighter stage of sleep on these drugs than you are on no drugs. GHB significantly increases the time spent in deep, stage 3 and stage 4 sleep. But it's difficult to get a prescription for it and it's very expensive.
Posted by Phillipa on March 9, 2013, at 20:22:02
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please?, posted by Hugh on March 8, 2013, at 23:02:44
Hugh isn't it referred to as the Date Rape Drug? Phillipa
Posted by Hugh on March 10, 2013, at 11:13:46
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » Hugh, posted by Phillipa on March 9, 2013, at 20:22:02
> Hugh isn't it referred to as the Date Rape Drug? Phillipa
That's why it's so difficult to get a prescription for it and why it's so expensive. It's too bad, since it's a drug that could benefit millions of people suffering from depression, insomnia and addictions. A drug far more worthy of the title Date Rape Drug is alcohol.
Posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 14:51:46
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » ChicagoKat, posted by schleprock on March 7, 2013, at 14:08:08
> Please don't tell me that you're still ingesting caffeine during this time.
My late response b/c anxiety makes me super-isolate....I haven't had any cofffee in years. But I drink a diet coke every morning. I know I should quit, but I just can't. I quit smoking at least.
Kat
Posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 14:52:55
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please?, posted by Hugh on March 7, 2013, at 15:39:11
> Neurofeedback can be very effective for anxiety. Elsa Baehr in Skokie and Joseph Barr in Northbrook are neurofeedback clinicians with good reputations.
>
> http://www.neuroquest.net
>
> http://www.bfnorth.com
>
> Other Chicago area providers:
>
> http://www.eegchicago.comThanks Hugh; I'll check the websites out
Kat
Posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 15:12:01
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please?, posted by jono_in_adelaide on March 7, 2013, at 16:48:13
> Phenobarbitone sodium might be an option, starting at 30mg tds and increasing as needed
>
>Pdoc and I are keeping Phenobarb as the last apple in the barrel b/c of it's addiction potential and tons of negative side effects. Right now we are testing the theory that though Lexapro has given up the ghost with me for depression, it still helps treat anxiety...b/c that was the case a year ago, when I tolerated Ritalin far, far better than I do now, and I just happened to be on Lexapro too. Sometimes the only clear sight is hindsight: it's taken months to see that my anxiety problems pretty much started cropping up after we had stopped the Lexapro b/c I didn't think it was doing anything for me.
So update: I am off of amitryptiline Yay!! No more hallucinations YAY!!!! No more sleep BOO!!! And I'm down to 600mg once a day on the gabapentin. Meanwhile, I'm alternatiing Miltown and Vistaril to try to keep the anxiety under control. I started Lexapro about 4 days ago, and I must say, I actually felt a little Serotonin goodness last night as I tried to sleep...I do hope it wasn't a hallucination!
Thanks for everyone's input; I really appreciate it :)
Kat
p.s. The subject line is in jest. No Benzos for Kat :(
Posted by schleprock on March 11, 2013, at 18:27:22
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » schleprock, posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 14:51:46
> > Please don't tell me that you're still ingesting caffeine during this time.
>
> My late response b/c anxiety makes me super-isolate....I haven't had any cofffee in years. But I drink a diet coke every morning. I know I should quit, but I just can't. I quit smoking at least.
> KatI would switch to caffeine-free if I were you. Every reduction of a potential stressor helps. I had a bad experience with Dr. Pepper once.
Posted by Phillipa on March 11, 2013, at 21:27:56
In reply to Update: May I have my benzos back please?, posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 15:12:01
I'm seriously glad to see you posted!!!! Phillipa
Posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 23:37:20
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » ChicagoKat, posted by schleprock on March 11, 2013, at 18:27:22
I will switch to caffeine free diet coke the moment mcdonald's has it available cos I only like soda from the fountain
But I simply must know what your bad experience with DP was....so tell on....
Posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 23:41:48
In reply to Re: Update: May I have my benzos back please? » ChicagoKat, posted by Phillipa on March 11, 2013, at 21:27:56
> I'm seriously glad to see you posted!!!! Phillipa
And I'm filled with glee to see you posted on my post!!! (or is that 'to my post'?) Well, whatever....anyways, did you find any of my benzos Phillipa?
Kat
Posted by ChicagoKat on March 12, 2013, at 0:00:08
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » ChicagoKat, posted by schleprock on March 11, 2013, at 18:27:22
> > > Please don't tell me that you're still ingesting caffeine during this time.
> >
> > My late response b/c anxiety makes me super-isolate....I haven't had any cofffee in years. But I drink a diet coke every morning. I know I should quit, but I just can't. I quit smoking at least.
> > Kat
>
> I would switch to caffeine-free if I were you. Every reduction of a potential stressor helps. I had a bad experience with Dr. Pepper once.HEY!!!!!! Where are all my accolades for having stopped smoking??? What, wrong forum? In that case lemme bum one Schlep....
Posted by Phillipa on March 12, 2013, at 0:03:10
In reply to Re: May I have my Marlboros back, please? » schleprock, posted by ChicagoKat on March 12, 2013, at 0:00:08
Super congratulations on stopping smoking that is quite a feat!!!! Phillipa
Posted by ChicagoKat on March 12, 2013, at 13:45:19
In reply to Re: May I have my Marlboros back, please? » ChicagoKat, posted by Phillipa on March 12, 2013, at 0:03:10
> Super congratulations on stopping smoking that is quite a feat!!!! Phillipa
Thanks Phillipa! It was great, even if it only lasted one day....ahem
Posted by alexcanada on March 12, 2013, at 15:46:12
In reply to May I have my depression back, please?, posted by ChicagoKat on March 7, 2013, at 10:44:56
> My depression has gone away, but it's been replaced by HIGH anxiety...I would much rather be depressed, I can handle that so much better. I am weaining off of both Neurontin and Elavil. The Neurontin b/c it just doesn't work anymore for anxiety, and Elavil b/c I've had lots of bad psych effects from it..it even made me psychotic, paranoia and hallucinations. All to be replaced my Miltown, whiich honestly barely has an effect on my damn depression. Oh, and starting Lexapro too b/c it has halped my anxiety in the past.
>
> But I just *can't* follow the tapering plan my pdoc made for me yesterday. I've had to take a little extra Elavil already, and now I fear I'm gonna have to take more Neurontin too. I fear I may never get off of them both.
>
> Maybe it's just too much for my system to withdraw 2 drugs at once. I'd most like to get off the Elavil first, so I can use my full dose of Lexapro.
>
> I don't know; I don't think clearly when I feel like this...I HATE IT. Anxiety is worst f*ck*ng thing in the world.
>
> Just wondered if any of you all had any thoughts or advice. And one more thing; benzos are out for me I'm way too tolerant and would need to use doses too high for them to help. :( Thanks,
> KatI know from past experience that Neurontin/Gabapentin withdrawal can absolutely lead to very uncomfortable anxiety. Perhaps this might be part of it?
How has Neurontin effected you personally? I been back on a low dose for past two days but none yet today. In the short term it has allowed me to feel more at peace, bit more happiness, more positive mood but can cause me to feel less intelligent.
It also gives me red eyes and dark circles.
How has gabapentin helped you and does it generally last? for me it seems to build up tolerance but I used to use it with positive effect for over a year a few years ago.
Also have you ever considered Magnesium citrate? It is capable of knocking out anxiety in me as well as having some small temporary mood elevating seratonin effect. It can work quite rapidly. May cause some sleepiness.
Posted by schleprock on March 12, 2013, at 18:29:36
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » schleprock, posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 23:37:20
> I will switch to caffeine free diet coke the moment mcdonald's has it available cos I only like soda from the fountain
>
> But I simply must know what your bad experience with DP was....so tell on....I had my second prolonged episode of GAD following consumption of a can of Dr. Pepper (the most caffeinated of soft drinks at the time)in 1996, four years after the cup of coffee that permanently turned me into a basket case. I had to learn the hard way. I've pretty much given up soft drinks over the last few years so I don't have to learn the hard way about the dangers of having too many sugary drinks.
You could always have a Sprite/7-Up instead. Maybe stay off chocolate for a while.
Posted by Phillipa on March 12, 2013, at 19:04:36
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » ChicagoKat, posted by schleprock on March 12, 2013, at 18:29:36
A Starbuck's iced coffee caused the worst panic I'd had in years. Don't touch coffee now. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on March 12, 2013, at 20:55:10
In reply to Re: May I have my Marlboros back, please? » Phillipa, posted by ChicagoKat on March 12, 2013, at 13:45:19
Kat only one day? Drats!!! Phillipa
Posted by ChicagoKat on March 18, 2013, at 16:37:57
In reply to Neurontin/Gabapentin » ChicagoKat, posted by alexcanada on March 12, 2013, at 15:46:12
Hi Alex,
Sorry for the delayed response. I am coming off of a 4-day long panic attack :P
I appreciate your response. I believe it is absolutely possible gabapentin withdrawal could be contributing to my high anxiety. It used to work great for my anxiety but I built up tolerance very rapidly, over the course of a couple months. My dose was as high as 1200mg tid in January. I'm down to 600mg/day which doesn't touch my anxiety, and I'm supposed to go off of it on Thursday. But I'd rather go back up on it; it would be worth asking my pdoc what he thinks.
I also appreciate the advice about the mag. I did try some yesterday, but it did not seem to have much, if any, of an effect. But it can't hurt to try again; the worst it could do is give me the trots.
Glad you are feeling a little better, but I am sorry if gabapentin affects your cognition. Sometimes it seems as though everything has a trade-off, doesn't it?
Thanks again,
Kat> > My depression has gone away, but it's been replaced by HIGH anxiety...I would much rather be depressed, I can handle that so much better. I am weaining off of both Neurontin and Elavil. The Neurontin b/c it just doesn't work anymore for anxiety, and Elavil b/c I've had lots of bad psych effects from it..it even made me psychotic, paranoia and hallucinations. All to be replaced my Miltown, whiich honestly barely has an effect on my damn depression. Oh, and starting Lexapro too b/c it has halped my anxiety in the past.
> >
> > But I just *can't* follow the tapering plan my pdoc made for me yesterday. I've had to take a little extra Elavil already, and now I fear I'm gonna have to take more Neurontin too. I fear I may never get off of them both.
> >
> > Maybe it's just too much for my system to withdraw 2 drugs at once. I'd most like to get off the Elavil first, so I can use my full dose of Lexapro.
> >
> > I don't know; I don't think clearly when I feel like this...I HATE IT. Anxiety is worst f*ck*ng thing in the world.
> >
> > Just wondered if any of you all had any thoughts or advice. And one more thing; benzos are out for me I'm way too tolerant and would need to use doses too high for them to help. :( Thanks,
> > Kat
>
> I know from past experience that Neurontin/Gabapentin withdrawal can absolutely lead to very uncomfortable anxiety. Perhaps this might be part of it?
>
> How has Neurontin effected you personally? I been back on a low dose for past two days but none yet today. In the short term it has allowed me to feel more at peace, bit more happiness, more positive mood but can cause me to feel less intelligent.
>
> It also gives me red eyes and dark circles.
>
> How has gabapentin helped you and does it generally last? for me it seems to build up tolerance but I used to use it with positive effect for over a year a few years ago.
>
> Also have you ever considered Magnesium citrate? It is capable of knocking out anxiety in me as well as having some small temporary mood elevating seratonin effect. It can work quite rapidly. May cause some sleepiness.
Posted by ChicagoKat on March 18, 2013, at 16:40:56
In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » ChicagoKat, posted by schleprock on March 12, 2013, at 18:29:36
> > I will switch to caffeine free diet coke the moment mcdonald's has it available cos I only like soda from the fountain
> >
> > But I simply must know what your bad experience with DP was....so tell on....
>
> I had my second prolonged episode of GAD following consumption of a can of Dr. Pepper (the most caffeinated of soft drinks at the time)in 1996, four years after the cup of coffee that permanently turned me into a basket case. I had to learn the hard way. I've pretty much given up soft drinks over the last few years so I don't have to learn the hard way about the dangers of having too many sugary drinks.
>
> You could always have a Sprite/7-Up instead. Maybe stay off chocolate for a while.Schlep, thanks for the advice. My anxiety got so bad over the weekend that I DID give up my diet coke. You know it's bad with me if I do that. But I have been eating chocolate ice cream in a misguided effort to soothe myself. I will ask hubby to get non-chocolate in the future.
Kat
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