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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ramsea on October 26, 2003, at 1:26:56
In addition to bipolar (though my pdoc is maintaining it is part of my condition) I have severe social anxiety difficulties, with fear of people not improving upon knowing them better. That is, I like dealing with strangers much, much better than anyone I come to know even a little.
My prospects have signifcantly lowered since I lost my grip on this lifelong problem. I had developed coping mechanisms and I do think that uncontrolled, misdiagnosed bipolar worsened my social phobias signifcantly, as so much went wrong (which proper medicines could have held in check, thus allowing me to keep using rusty but adequate coping defenses). In any case, the die has been cast, and I am a social outcast.
Now that my mood is improving, I want to rejoin the human race. But due to medicine sensitivities and terrible reactions to antidepressants and benzodiazepines the standard medicines for social phobias/panic attacks/anxiety are not applicable to me. Also I can't handle buspar, it made me feel unreal. And my doctors won't prescribe gabapentin.
Does anyone have any ideas on this? I am on 800 mg. lithium (slow release). It seems funny to me that if my only presenting symptoms were social anxiety disorder, which I most certainly do have, I would be given treatment for that specifically, but because of bipolar I am not thought to need specific treatment for the many intense social phobias, and other phobias, that mar my days. Oh yeah--I use CBT already, journaling, affirmations, meditation and Buddhist psychotherapy, and have tried alternative treatments such as group therapies, acupunture, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, biofeedback devices, hypnotherapy, nutrition, fish oils. Art and music therapies. And co-counseling and peer counseling.
ANy thoughts brilliant people???? Do you think if my bipolar condition gets under control (we are still seeking the right level) that this anxiety/panic riproar will cease on its own?????
Posted by Daniel J. on October 26, 2003, at 7:47:49
In reply to panic anxiety and no medicine for it, posted by ramsea on October 26, 2003, at 1:26:56
Have you tried Zoloft in 75 to 100 mg dose?
Posted by ramsea on October 26, 2003, at 11:56:51
In reply to Re: panic anxiety and no medicine for it, posted by Daniel J. on October 26, 2003, at 7:47:49
Prozac, Paxil, Serzone, Wellbutrin, Celxa and Lexapro all sent me manic and contributed to either emergency treatment in hospital or actual several months stays on psych wards. So no one will prescribe antidepressants to me. Any other ideas? Do you suffer form SP? It's a great handicap in our over-social world.
Posted by Robert Fairburn on October 26, 2003, at 13:31:46
In reply to panic anxiety and no medicine for it, posted by ramsea on October 26, 2003, at 1:26:56
You should speak to Ace our current nardil fan
Have you tried a MAOI drug, it does work for a lot of people when nothing else works.
My other thought is that you should have a very serious blood/urine test. I dont mean the usual rubbish tests that pdocs get you to have, but rather the full extensive tests that some labs can do these days. Im going through this process at the moment and its amazing what the can found about you these days
regards Robert
Posted by Liligoth on October 26, 2003, at 20:56:57
In reply to panic anxiety and no medicine for it, posted by ramsea on October 26, 2003, at 1:26:56
hi Ramsea,
I can relate to your problem. I think a beta-blocker would do the trick eg propanolol (I think that's spelled correctly). They stop you feeling all those adrenalin induced nasties that make up a panic attack or even anxiety. They work verrrry well! Also, you are not doomed to a life of isolation my friend; plenty of people suffer from this & understand & you are never too old to learn a few new tricks!
Good luck!
Posted by ramsea on October 27, 2003, at 4:06:36
In reply to Re: panic anxiety and no medicine for it, posted by Robert Fairburn on October 26, 2003, at 13:31:46
Thanks Robert, it's a sound idea. I do need a total physical, I am desperate for the whole works. Will use some of my agitation to agitate for this.
Posted by ramsea on October 27, 2003, at 4:09:49
In reply to Re: panic anxiety and no medicine for it » ramsea, posted by Liligoth on October 26, 2003, at 20:56:57
Another sound idea. Thanks Liligoth. It might help in those moments which really do the head in. The really bad anticipatory anxiety--like relatives coming to visit. Or an appointment. etc. I'm sorry you know so much about it, for your sake, but it's good not to be totally on my own planet. peace.
Posted by Robert Fairburn on October 27, 2003, at 9:27:25
In reply to Re: panic anxiety and no medicine for it » Robert Fairburn, posted by ramsea on October 27, 2003, at 4:06:36
Please do for your sake
I would test for the following
GABA
SEROTONIN
CATCHOLMINES
40 AMINO ACID TEST
SHORT CHAIN POLYPEPTIDE TEST ( LEAKY GUT)
GUT FERMENTATION
FOOD ALLERGY TEST
HISTAMINE LEVELS
MINERAL LEVELS ( HAIR SAMPLE TEST)
CORTISOL/DHEA LEVELS
MOA LEVELS
VITAMIN LEVELSIts not going to be cheap but if you want an answer you need to test
regards Robert
> Thanks Robert, it's a sound idea. I do need a total physical, I am desperate for the whole works. Will use some of my agitation to agitate for this.
Posted by ann33 on October 27, 2003, at 17:14:37
In reply to Re: panic anxiety and no medicine for it, posted by Robert Fairburn on October 27, 2003, at 9:27:25
Hi Robert
> SEROTONIN
I advise chocolate and sun, too. :))
Have any company already synthesize serotonin or dopamine to put in the market?
by the way, robert : i will give a look in the question for chemist...
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