Posted by SLS on January 23, 2004, at 23:48:24
In reply to When do you decide to go to the hospital?, posted by socialdeviantjeff on January 23, 2004, at 22:47:11
Hi.
> I know this has been done before but I am having a hard time. I stopped Effexor and Tegretol (tapering down both).
What do you mean by saying that "this has been done before"? Done by you?
> I'm still on Perphenazine and starting Lamictal.
What's the game plan?
> I've been feeling like crap. I stopped the meds because of side effects.
There is often a cost versus benefit decision that must be made. Unfortunately, it might be a rough ride before you find an optimal treatment regime.
> Now I have side effects and withdrawals. Smoking more than twice as mich as usual. I get floored about the simplest smallest things. My mood changes on a dime. crying more. anxiety coming back.
Things might get worse before they get better, especially since it takes so long to titrate Lamictal to a therapeutic dosage. If you're lucky, you might see some preliminary improvements occurring at 50-75mg.
> Delusions and hallucenations worsening.
That's not cool.
Do you have psychotic depression? I know of someone who does very well with Wellbutrin, Neurontin, and Risperdal. She might have a bipolar thing going on with her. I guess that's why she is taking Neurontin.
I think you should speak to your doctor ASAP, and tell him that you have become seriously / severely depressed and are experiencing delusions and hallucinations. This is an urgent situation. I don't think perphenazine is particularly good for depression. It might be worth investigating Zyprexa or Risperdal for immediate relief and work from there. Probably Risperdal.
> Side effect-wise, I'm too tired to do anything at all. loads of cognitive and memory problems.
Those sound like symptoms of severe depression. I wouldn't place all the blame on the medication. The anxiety can certainly come from Effexor withdrawal.
> I feel like I'm constantly on the verge of doing something incredibly stupid, either to me, someone else, or something else. When these impulses come up, they are getting harder to fight, little by little.
If you were your own best friend, I bet you would do anything to convince your friend to get to the doctor IMMEDIATELY.
> Sooo.. I'm afraid of calling my pdoc.
Why?
> I don't think he'll listen.
I know it can be difficult to "impose" on your doctor. But I'm sure he would want you to call him/her.
> Just not sure what to do. At what point would it be good to consider admitting myself?
It sounds like you are getting close. If you are having suicidal or homicidal thoughts that are becoming overwhelming, you certainly need to speak to your doctor and let him help you decide what to do.
I wish you all the best.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:304860
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040122/msgs/304880.html