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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Sarah T. on March 13, 2005, at 0:00:17
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » Sarah T., posted by KaraS on March 12, 2005, at 22:08:45
Hi Kara. If you stop the light box and the Doxepin at the same time, then you're changing two variables at once, and you won't know what's causing what. I just skimmed an article from the October 2002 issue of PSYCHIATRIC TIMES on seasonal affective disorder, SAD. According to the author, Raymond Lam, M.D., patients usually respond to light therapy within a week, but some patients require 2-4 weeks. He also said that some patients with bipolar disorder might switch to mania or hypomania. He cautioned that patients with Bipolar I should be on mood stabilizers if they use light therapy.
If you decide to resume Doxepin, and if, after a few days of being back on Doxepin but being away from light therapy, you find that you are still getting those skipped beats, then perhaps you could get the liquid doxepin and take less than 25 mg. Maybe you could try 22.5 or 20 mg and see whether those symptoms subside.
I hope you feel better tonight.
Posted by KaraS on March 13, 2005, at 1:15:07
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » KaraS, posted by Sarah T. on March 13, 2005, at 0:00:17
> Hi Kara. If you stop the light box and the Doxepin at the same time, then you're changing two variables at once, and you won't know what's causing what. I just skimmed an article from the October 2002 issue of PSYCHIATRIC TIMES on seasonal affective disorder, SAD. According to the author, Raymond Lam, M.D., patients usually respond to light therapy within a week, but some patients require 2-4 weeks. He also said that some patients with bipolar disorder might switch to mania or hypomania. He cautioned that patients with Bipolar I should be on mood stabilizers if they use light therapy.
>
> If you decide to resume Doxepin, and if, after a few days of being back on Doxepin but being away from light therapy, you find that you are still getting those skipped beats, then perhaps you could get the liquid doxepin and take less than 25 mg. Maybe you could try 22.5 or 20 mg and see whether those symptoms subside.
>
> I hope you feel better tonight.Hi Sarah,
I'll probably take the doxepin tonight so it should be easier to see what was doing what. I'm hoping that it's the lightbox but there's really no scientific information to back that up. Chances are that it's the doxepin. I hope I'm wrong but I'll know soon enough.I don't know for certain that I am bipolar. My pdoc thinks it's possible. If that is the case, then the irritability from the lightbox would make sense. At some point I'll probably try a mood stabilizer. Then I could try the lightbox again and see if there's any change in my effect from it.
If I want to try a lower dosage of doxepin, then I can open up the pills and estimate dosages. I have some empty capsules at home I could use for this. We'll see.
Thanks again for your input.
Kara
Posted by tealady on March 13, 2005, at 5:52:31
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » Sarah T., posted by KaraS on March 13, 2005, at 1:15:07
Hi Kara,
Hope you feel better soon.
As I mentioned in last post, I suspect the doxepin.
If you do experience the heartbeat irregularities again..try eating a couple of bananas and taking some magnesium as well. The magnesium helps the potassium get into the cells. Sorry to repeat..just a bit concerned and saying eat bananas doesn't quite make it sound like I am :-)
I only suspect potassium as I go low on most things from time to time, so I get to experience most things:-)
Whatever is causing it..hope you find it out soonGood luck, Jan
Posted by ed_uk on March 13, 2005, at 11:08:34
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » KaraS, posted by Sarah T. on March 12, 2005, at 19:55:54
Hi,
>I found out from the Holter monitor that I had sinus tachycardia, so it was a "normal" rhythm, just too darn fast.
I've had sinus tachycardia for the last two years! I'm on lofepramine, a TCA. Pulse is usually about 110 at rest.
Ed.
Posted by gardenergirl on March 13, 2005, at 13:18:52
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » gardenergirl, posted by KaraS on March 12, 2005, at 22:09:57
Hmmm, I can't remember exactly how long it took. Also, at first, if I didn't get up at 6:30, I would just use it whenever, sometimes as late as 10:30 a.m. or even in the afternoon. That was a very bad idea, and actually messed me up. So I suppose once I started using it regulary at 6:30 a.m., it probably took only about two weeks for full effect.
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on March 16, 2005, at 10:08:37
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » KaraS, posted by gardenergirl on March 13, 2005, at 13:18:52
Posted by ed_uk on March 16, 2005, at 15:24:57
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » KaraS, posted by gardenergirl on March 13, 2005, at 13:18:52
Hi gg!
Did you start topiramate?
Ed.
Posted by KaraS on March 16, 2005, at 19:35:58
In reply to Kara, how are you doing? (nm), posted by gardenergirl on March 16, 2005, at 10:08:37
Hi gg,
Thanks so much for asking and for your response above. I'm doing about the same. I was definitely using the lightbox too much. I haven't used it at all in a few days and I'm less irritable. I'm still having what feels like irregular heartbeats occasionally. I have a regular doctor's appointment on Monday so we'll see what s/he has to say. Chances are I'll be off of the doxepin soon. I should probably go off of it now but I'd rather take the risk than go back to that overwhelming anxiety.
How are you doing? Have you started the topomax?
K
Posted by gardenergirl on March 16, 2005, at 22:17:25
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » gardenergirl, posted by ed_uk on March 16, 2005, at 15:24:57
Yes, I started 25 mg last Thursday. I will go to 50 mg tomorrow. Hmmm, I guess that means (according to the package) that I should take 25 in the a.m. and 25 at night. Thanks for the reminder!
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on March 16, 2005, at 22:20:18
In reply to Re: Kara, how are you doing? » gardenergirl, posted by KaraS on March 16, 2005, at 19:35:58
I did start the topamax. I haven't noticed a huge effect yet. Although I think maybe that when I eat a lot now, I feel full and a bit sick to my stomach. And I don't wake up starving for breakfast. So I can see how weight loss can happen with this. But I still get low blood sugar if I don't eat. So regardless of my appetite, I just need to eat better.
Oh yeah, and exercise. But if it helps with bingeing and does not have problematic SE's it will be worth it.
Glad your irritability is better. Hope your doc helps with the heartbeat thing. I've had that occasionally. It's not comfortable.
gg
Posted by KaraS on March 17, 2005, at 8:46:37
In reply to Re: Kara, how are you doing? » KaraS, posted by gardenergirl on March 16, 2005, at 22:20:18
> I did start the topamax. I haven't noticed a huge effect yet. Although I think maybe that when I eat a lot now, I feel full and a bit sick to my stomach. And I don't wake up starving for breakfast. So I can see how weight loss can happen with this. But I still get low blood sugar if I don't eat. So regardless of my appetite, I just need to eat better.
>
> Oh yeah, and exercise. But if it helps with bingeing and does not have problematic SE's it will be worth it.
>
> Glad your irritability is better. Hope your doc helps with the heartbeat thing. I've had that occasionally. It's not comfortable.
>
> gg
The Topomax sounds promising so far. Have you ever supplemented with chromium? It helps to even out blood sugar levels. If you haven't tried that yet and you're interested, don't get the picolinate form. There are health concerns with that one. See if you can find the polynicotinate or chelated version.K
Posted by ed_uk on March 17, 2005, at 15:43:14
In reply to Topamax » ed_uk, posted by gardenergirl on March 16, 2005, at 22:17:25
Hi gg!
I hope you'll do well on a nice low dose and won't have any cognitive issues :-)
Best regards,
Ed.
Posted by gardenergirl on March 18, 2005, at 14:43:40
In reply to Re: Kara, how are you doing? » gardenergirl, posted by KaraS on March 17, 2005, at 8:46:37
You know, I bought some at the same time I bought the milk thistle. I've actually been getting some blood sugar spikes when I eat too much chocolate. It goes to about 140 and I get terribly fatigued. I also get low at times, too. So I put off trying the chromium. I'm trying to limit my chocolate intake, but I've been doing some "self-soothing" with it lately, so it's not easy. But yes, I think that's a good suggestion. THanks for reminding me.
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on March 18, 2005, at 14:44:45
In reply to Re: Topamax » gardenergirl, posted by ed_uk on March 17, 2005, at 15:43:14
Posted by Larry Hoover on March 26, 2005, at 12:06:51
In reply to Can a lightbox cause this?, posted by KaraS on March 11, 2005, at 16:05:28
> I've been using a lightbox steadily for about 3 weeks now. I haven't seen any benefit yet but I'm recently experiencing some symptoms and I wonder if the lightbox could be responsible. I'm experiencing a fluttering feeling in my chest - like maybe my heart is skipping a beat now and then. Very scary. It could just be anxiety or from the doxepin (even though I'm only taking 25 mg.). The other thing I'm experiencing is irritability. I have been quite depressed lately but not nearly as irritable as I am now. Is there a chance that either of these things might be caused by the lightbox? Could I be using it too much? I'm using it about an hour a day, sometimes a little more.
>
> Thanks,
> KaraAn hour a day is too much. Sorry I was late in joining this thread, but late is better than never.
Irritability is one of the direct feedback signs I use to indicate to myself that I have used my light too much. I don't have a clock over my light, and I don't really pay attention sometimes to how long it's been on. Irritability (and headache) are my signs I've overdone it.
Lar
Posted by KaraS on March 26, 2005, at 15:56:23
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » KaraS, posted by Larry Hoover on March 26, 2005, at 12:06:51
> > I've been using a lightbox steadily for about 3 weeks now. I haven't seen any benefit yet but I'm recently experiencing some symptoms and I wonder if the lightbox could be responsible. I'm experiencing a fluttering feeling in my chest - like maybe my heart is skipping a beat now and then. Very scary. It could just be anxiety or from the doxepin (even though I'm only taking 25 mg.). The other thing I'm experiencing is irritability. I have been quite depressed lately but not nearly as irritable as I am now. Is there a chance that either of these things might be caused by the lightbox? Could I be using it too much? I'm using it about an hour a day, sometimes a little more.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Kara
>
> An hour a day is too much. Sorry I was late in joining this thread, but late is better than never.
>
> Irritability is one of the direct feedback signs I use to indicate to myself that I have used my light too much. I don't have a clock over my light, and I don't really pay attention sometimes to how long it's been on. Irritability (and headache) are my signs I've overdone it.
>
> Lar
Thanks. I am less irritable now that I'm not using it for that long. I've only used it a couple of mornings recently and for 30 minutes max.K
Posted by KaraS on April 10, 2005, at 17:35:41
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » KaraS, posted by Larry Hoover on March 26, 2005, at 12:06:51
> > I've been using a lightbox steadily for about 3 weeks now. I haven't seen any benefit yet but I'm recently experiencing some symptoms and I wonder if the lightbox could be responsible. I'm experiencing a fluttering feeling in my chest - like maybe my heart is skipping a beat now and then. Very scary. It could just be anxiety or from the doxepin (even though I'm only taking 25 mg.). The other thing I'm experiencing is irritability. I have been quite depressed lately but not nearly as irritable as I am now. Is there a chance that either of these things might be caused by the lightbox? Could I be using it too much? I'm using it about an hour a day, sometimes a little more.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Kara
>
> An hour a day is too much. Sorry I was late in joining this thread, but late is better than never.
>
> Irritability is one of the direct feedback signs I use to indicate to myself that I have used my light too much. I don't have a clock over my light, and I don't really pay attention sometimes to how long it's been on. Irritability (and headache) are my signs I've overdone it.
>
> Lar
>
Lar,FYI, I've stopped getting the palpitations. They stopped a week or two after I stopped using the light box. Coincidence? I think not.
K
Posted by Green Willow on April 10, 2005, at 20:27:15
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » Larry Hoover, posted by KaraS on April 10, 2005, at 17:35:41
Wow, that is interesting! Are you still taking some doxipin? Green Willow>
> FYI, I've stopped getting the palpitations. They stopped a week or two after I stopped using the light box. Coincidence? I think not.
>
> K
>
>
Posted by Larry Hoover on April 10, 2005, at 22:06:46
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » Larry Hoover, posted by KaraS on April 10, 2005, at 17:35:41
> FYI, I've stopped getting the palpitations. They stopped a week or two after I stopped using the light box. Coincidence? I think not.
>
> KFrom your first description, it sounded related, but for the life of me, I can't think of a mechanism for it.
Lar
Posted by KaraS on April 11, 2005, at 1:05:31
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this?, posted by Green Willow on April 10, 2005, at 20:27:15
Yes, I'm still taking the doxepin - but without palpitations.
> Wow, that is interesting! Are you still taking some doxipin? Green Willow
>
> >
> > FYI, I've stopped getting the palpitations. They stopped a week or two after I stopped using the light box. Coincidence? I think not.
> >
> > K
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by KaraS on April 11, 2005, at 1:07:26
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » KaraS, posted by Larry Hoover on April 10, 2005, at 22:06:46
> > FYI, I've stopped getting the palpitations. They stopped a week or two after I stopped using the light box. Coincidence? I think not.
> >
> > K
>
> From your first description, it sounded related, but for the life of me, I can't think of a mechanism for it.
>
> Lar
>Well then maybe it is a coincidence... but I've also taken doxepin earlier in my life for many years at a time at this same dosage without a problem. I guess I'll never know for certain.
K
Posted by tealady on April 11, 2005, at 5:00:10
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » Larry Hoover, posted by KaraS on March 26, 2005, at 15:56:23
> > > I've been using a lightbox steadily for about 3 weeks now. I haven't seen any benefit yet but I'm recently experiencing some symptoms and I wonder if the lightbox could be responsible. I'm experiencing a fluttering feeling in my chest - like maybe my heart is skipping a beat now and then. Very scary. It could just be anxiety or from the doxepin (even though I'm only taking 25 mg.). The other thing I'm experiencing is irritability. I have been quite depressed lately but not nearly as irritable as I am now. Is there a chance that either of these things might be caused by the lightbox? Could I be using it too much? I'm using it about an hour a day, sometimes a little more.
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Kara
> >
> > An hour a day is too much. Sorry I was late in joining this thread, but late is better than never.
> >
> > Irritability is one of the direct feedback signs I use to indicate to myself that I have used my light too much. I don't have a clock over my light, and I don't really pay attention sometimes to how long it's been on. Irritability (and headache) are my signs I've overdone it.
> >
> > Lar
>
>
> Thanks. I am less irritable now that I'm not using it for that long. I've only used it a couple of mornings recently and for 30 minutes max.
>
> K
>
Hi Kara,
Glad you worked that out! Any idea of what a lightbox supposed to change? (I gather its not VitD?, so is it melantonin or MSH? ..I've no idea)
Also when do you take your T4..taking it b4 bed can promote sleep and make it easier to get up in the morning..or taking part of it. (well some have found)
Jan
Posted by KaraS on April 11, 2005, at 22:32:34
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » KaraS, posted by tealady on April 11, 2005, at 5:00:10
> > > > I've been using a lightbox steadily for about 3 weeks now. I haven't seen any benefit yet but I'm recently experiencing some symptoms and I wonder if the lightbox could be responsible. I'm experiencing a fluttering feeling in my chest - like maybe my heart is skipping a beat now and then. Very scary. It could just be anxiety or from the doxepin (even though I'm only taking 25 mg.). The other thing I'm experiencing is irritability. I have been quite depressed lately but not nearly as irritable as I am now. Is there a chance that either of these things might be caused by the lightbox? Could I be using it too much? I'm using it about an hour a day, sometimes a little more.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks,
> > > > Kara
> > >
> > > An hour a day is too much. Sorry I was late in joining this thread, but late is better than never.
> > >
> > > Irritability is one of the direct feedback signs I use to indicate to myself that I have used my light too much. I don't have a clock over my light, and I don't really pay attention sometimes to how long it's been on. Irritability (and headache) are my signs I've overdone it.
> > >
> > > Lar
> >
> >
> > Thanks. I am less irritable now that I'm not using it for that long. I've only used it a couple of mornings recently and for 30 minutes max.
> >
> > K
> >
> Hi Kara,
> Glad you worked that out! Any idea of what a lightbox supposed to change? (I gather its not VitD?, so is it melantonin or MSH? ..I've no idea)
> Also when do you take your T4..taking it b4 bed can promote sleep and make it easier to get up in the morning..or taking part of it. (well some have found)
> Jan
>
>Hi,
All I know about the lightboxes is that they work with vitamin D and serotonin. I don't know exactly how or why excessive use of it might cause the palpitations.
That's interesting about taking the T4 at bedtime. I've never heard of that. I thought that most people took it first thing in the morning. It's certainly worth a try taking it at night. Anything to help me get up in the morning!
K
Posted by Green Willow on April 12, 2005, at 12:32:23
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » KaraS, posted by tealady on April 11, 2005, at 5:00:10
> >
> Glad you worked that out! Any idea of what a lightbox supposed to change? (I gather its not VitD?, so is it melantonin or MSH? ..I've no idea)> Jan
>It is my understanding that the lightbox in the morning shuts off melatonin and turns on seratonin.
Green Willow
Posted by tealady on April 13, 2005, at 4:10:24
In reply to Re: Can a lightbox cause this? » tealady, posted by Green Willow on April 12, 2005, at 12:32:23
This is the end of the thread.
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