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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Bryn B on July 9, 2012, at 19:23:30
I started seeing a new pdoc last week. He added on 300 mg of lithium (my first time taking it) to my 20 mg of lexapro. I'm finally out of a horrible depressive episode, but I'm still very lethargic & have no energy.
I'm not working (due to last episode), don't have insurance and have spent a lot of $ and energy on doctors. I don't know how I feel (definitively) about new doc, but he was highly recommended by someone in the field, so I'm going to give it some time. I've gone to therapy in the past, but truthfully did not like it or find it helpful, so I certainly don't want to spend $ on it now.
So my mood is now ok, but I'm really anxious just thinking about how much money everything has been costing, whether or not I'm seeing the "right" doc, which meds I'm taking, possible side effects, and the possibility that I'll have to be on meds for the rest of my life. (I found out during a washout last year that I couldn't be off meds.)
Anyone else feel overwhelmed by everything?? The whole process?? Ive been dealing with this for years. It consumes me. I wish I didn't need meds. I'm exhausted and confused...
Posted by sleepygirl2 on July 9, 2012, at 21:08:08
In reply to Confused..., posted by Bryn B on July 9, 2012, at 19:23:30
Yes, I feel overwhelmed.
I want off meds. I'm afraid of what the withdrawal effects will be, and I don't like the assumption that I "need" them. I don't like what they are doing to my body.
But, I need to function. I think it would be more of a challenge without them. It sucks.
I hope this trial goes well for you.
Posted by gadchik on July 10, 2012, at 8:07:06
In reply to Re: Confused... » Bryn B, posted by sleepygirl2 on July 9, 2012, at 21:08:08
Me too,overwhelmed. I remember when I had my first major depression/anxiety thing.I started to research all the options,sought counseling,but came out of it before I had to start meds.I was so relieved not to have to get on the merry go round.But then,a few yrs later,I went into a very bad episode,had to get on the ride.Did cbt,meds,pdoc all that.I stay confused about whether I should be on meds,do I need more counseling,etc?I did taper off zoloft and remeron,I couldnt tolerate the weight gain. Ive tried and tried to taper off this little klonopin pill.Im terrified of withdrawal.I have no insurance either,yet make too much money for any programs to lower cost.
Posted by Phillipa on July 10, 2012, at 9:58:11
In reply to Re: Confused..., posted by gadchik on July 10, 2012, at 8:07:06
Besides all this which I too have been going through. Add nothing works and now spitting out fresh blood nightly no matter what doing. I'm terrified what I would do to seriously just need a med and it works. Anyway I'm a downer. Sorry but living with fear of bleeding and pain and no taste gets to you have time. P
Posted by Bryn B on July 10, 2012, at 13:29:13
In reply to Re: Confused... » Bryn B, posted by sleepygirl2 on July 9, 2012, at 21:08:08
it's crazy. I've been dealing w/ this in one way or another since my teens (I'm 38 now). it's amazing how quickly we forget about those horrible episodes when we're back in remission. I guess I need to remind myself of the cycle (as if I could forget!).sleepy, yes--if meds mean functioning, then it's a necessity.
I've come to that conclusion, too.
Posted by Bryn B on July 10, 2012, at 13:35:59
In reply to Re: Confused..., posted by gadchik on July 10, 2012, at 8:07:06
klonopin is a tough one! IMO, benzos are one of the worst meds/drugs to taper off of! it seems like you're keeping the dose low, which is good. I went through many trials trying to come off of benzos (klonopin and others) and finally did last year.
Posted by gadchik on July 10, 2012, at 15:36:48
In reply to Re: Confused... » gadchik, posted by Bryn B on July 10, 2012, at 13:35:59
I did make the decision,early on,that I would keep the dose low,and only once per day.At the time,I felt so awful,anxious,couldnt breathe.I took that first klonopin,and the relief was astonishing to me.I knew I would stay on it,as long as necessary,no matter the consequences.
This is the end of the thread.
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