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EMDR/Meds

Posted by Susan on December 4, 1998, at 12:43:27

Toby, your response to my questions regarding EMDR were very helpful. Thank you. I am waiting for the list to arrive and have a few more questions before pursuing that method of treatment. I feel that most of my symptoms (crying, lack of appetite, ruminations about past offenses, procrastination, anxiety, etc.) could possibly be eliminated if I could get "good sleep" (by good I mean more than 4-5 hours.) I am doubting my present diagnosis of "bipolar cyclothymia" because of my research on the illness. Is it possible to have cyclothymia and not have irritable moods, impulsivity, talkativeness, creativity or racing thoughts, expressed anger, inflated self-esteem, etc.? Could my wonderful family and friends think that I am the most loving, patient, even tempered, giving person they know if I truly had a bipolar disorder ? I am aware that the previous question smacks of an inflated self esteem but those are the facts and I know that my religious faith keeps me steady in spite of this illness and the credit goes to God. Four years ago I sought treatment for unexplained physical symptoms and was given Xanax for stress and two years ago was diagnosed with major depression. I was given hope that "this soon would pass." Against the advice of many Christians I took antidepressant medication (zoloft 200mg, Sinequan 10mg, and Xanax .50mg for one year until it stopped helping, a short trial of up to 30mg Remeron which worked GREAT but made my hands swell and gave an incredible craving for sweets, and for the last year Effexor XR 150-225mg and Xanax .5mg for sleep and/or .25 for anxiety.) I am still suffering from chronic insomnia (waking up many times and usually 4am with headache.) It seems to me that it is the insomnia that causes the fatigue and resulting unable to cope feelings. Sleep problems have been present since childhood and have caused headaches and crying. I am in my late 50’s and would like some relief but question whether starting a mood stabilizer (Dr. said wait a couple of months), trying EMDR, continuing present medications, trying different or more medications or discontinuing all and going back to trusting God alone is the best answer. Two years ago I was convinced that my Dr. was a gift from God and wanted to "educate" others about mood disorders. But now that time has passed and the same symptoms persist I question the wisdom of my decision in regard to medication. Could Xanax be causing the continuing depression and could Effexor XR be causing the insomnia and a vicious cycle? I am in a position in which my experience can influence many on the issue of mental illness/treatment and I do not want to give a harmful example. Because of my incomplete recovery I am questioning my own decisions and suffering in silence. Please help.


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Psycho-Babble Medication | Framed

poster:Susan thread:1467
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19981201/msgs/1467.html