Posted by Randy on June 7, 1999, at 15:32:13
In reply to Please help, posted by Susan on October 17, 1998, at 0:28:09
> About three years ago I began taking Desyrel after trying Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. At that time I was under a great deal of stress and symptoms included anxiety, agitation, and sleeplessness; however, the psychiatrist referred to it as a "vegetative depression" because I was most comfortable with isolating myself and doing absolutely nothing.
> The SSRIs didn't work at all and, in fact, increased the anxiety and caused tremors. To me, Desyrel was a miracle drug (even with hair loss). I felt better than I had in many years; focused, energized, productive, and happy. After about nine months, however, the old symptoms began creeping back; the fatigue, lack of energy, and disinterest in activities. I tried increasing the Desyrel, I tried adding Serazone, I tried Wellbutrin. Nothing worked. The Serazone and Wellbutrin produced dizziness and irritability and did nothing for the depression.
> A few months ago, I began taking Desyrel again but the symptoms have simply worsened with crying episodes for no apparent reason, isolation, and general inertia. My doctor recommended adding Synthroid, Ritilan, or Dexedrine but I have a history of cardiovascular disease and the cardiologist says that tricyclics, MAOIs, and stimulants are out of the question.
> Other medications include Zocor and Toprol XL. I also recently had hormone levels checked and estrogen is as it should be; however, to regulate irregular bleeding the gynecologist has prescribed Provera. I understand that hormone therapy can exacerbate depressive symptoms so I haven't yet begun taking it.
> I'm just about at the end of my rope and feeling a bit desperate. Any help you can offer would be much appreciated.
> Thanks.
>
I have taken several of the drugs you have tried. Trazadone which is deseryl caused me some addiction problems and some sleep problems. I have just started Serazone becasue of side effects of Prozac or Paxil. May I ask what dosage you were at on the serazone? It seems to be helping me even though it keeps me awake. I suggest that you try the hormones but start a regular excersize program. I know that thgis is very hard when you are depressed but I have found nothing including the drugs that I am on that help as much as that.Good luck. My heart goes out to you as I have suffered and continue to suffer.
Randy
poster:Randy
thread:904
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990601/msgs/7143.html