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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by dmlvt on July 11, 2006, at 16:30:36
One month after I stopped drinking, I finally convinced my pdoc that things were getting worse rather than better and that I needed to see him. He was waiting for an increased Cymablta dosage/reduced Wellbutrin dosage to resolve things, but that change was three weeks ago with no good effects.
In the interim, I felt I'd gotten worse, with both depression and anxiety issues, the latter of which was new for me. I guess my e-mail yesterday finally sounded desperate enough to get me into his office today.
The pdoc thinks this is mostly due to a job/career change a few months ago and that I simply haven't adapted fully to the changes in my life. I thought he was going to boot me out of the office telling me I'd just be fine, when things have been getting worse.
Just before we were done, he went back to the issue of anxiety. He suggested and then gave me a script for Ativan (lorazepam). I took .5mg sub-lingually and within 15 minutes felt the best I've felt in weeks. I feel a bit fuzzy and sedated, but I found that I smiled spontaneously when talking to a co-worker shortly after I took the med. It's been quite a while since I'd had an unforced smile.
So, now I have to worry about all the issues related to benzos and we didn't discuss how long I'd take it. I'm supposed to take it "as needed", with anywhere from 1-3mg per day. I can tell already that I don't want to be taking this drug when I'm running though.
But, right this minute, I'm as calm and relaxed and happy as I've been in quite a while. We'll see what my wife thinks when I arrive home from work.
dmlvt
Posted by tootercat on July 11, 2006, at 17:15:57
In reply to Nearly instantaneous relief, posted by dmlvt on July 11, 2006, at 16:30:36
Hey there. I understand your worries about "issues" related to benzos. I need to take Lorazepam (ativan) as needed for sleep when due to hormonal issues I sometimes wake up and can't go back to sleep. (hubby snores and most times I sleep thru) I will usually take one (1mg) the very next night and maybe one additional night as well. I try to do "natural" the third night cause I can see how easy it would be to get hooked on this "Mr. Sandman" in pill form. LOL I don't think I could function on even as little as .5 during the day(but then I'm a liteweight)
I have been sober for 16+ years and have to be very aware of my use of mind altering substances even though they are prescribed.
I just started using lexapro yesterday for what may be another bout of depression. Not sure if it is chemical imbalance in brain or the hormonal thing I mentioned before. Doc and I are hoping to determine if it's one or both. He said he chose lexapro because it was one of the easier ones to get on and come off of. (unlike my arch enemy Paxil)
I wish you hope and success in your journey for serenity and balance in your life with all the changes you're going thru. Hang in there and remember a problem is only half as bad if you share it.
Hugs,
Tooter
Posted by bassman on July 11, 2006, at 17:45:30
In reply to Re: Nearly instantaneous relief, posted by tootercat on July 11, 2006, at 17:15:57
Uh-oh...the old benzo worries. I won't get into a rant, but let me express my opinion and that of the more rational docs I've run into-get well first, worry about dependence later. If it is of any comfort to you, I've withdrawan from Ativan, Xanax, and Klonopin-and Ativan was almost a joke. I tapered (quite quickly, BTW) and never felt so much as a tiny WD discomfort. Many people think Ativan is the easier benzo to withdraw from, and that certainly has been my experience. Unfortunately for me, Ativan also has no effect on me medicinally. :>}
Posted by Phillipa on July 11, 2006, at 20:06:11
In reply to Re: Nearly instantaneous relief, posted by bassman on July 11, 2006, at 17:45:30
Same here. As the anxiety goes down you will just naturally take less. Love Phillipa
Posted by dmlvt on July 12, 2006, at 7:22:58
In reply to Re: Nearly instantaneous relief, posted by bassman on July 11, 2006, at 17:45:30
Bassman, thanks for your thoughts. I certainly agree that getting things better comes first. The pdoc didn't seem too concerned about dependence when I discussed it with him. He also talked about the long term safety of the benzodiazepines and how well they work for most people, especially compared to the hit or miss results people get with ADs.
So, I'll use it as needed and no more, hopefully with no issues. I only used one .5mg dose yesterday after I got it and one so far this morning.
dmlvt
Posted by bassman on July 12, 2006, at 7:33:58
In reply to Re: Nearly instantaneous relief » bassman, posted by dmlvt on July 12, 2006, at 7:22:58
You're most welcome. Sounds like you are on a good path! Sounds like you have a rational doc; good sign. I hope things work out really well for you.
bassman
This is the end of the thread.
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