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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JACJ on November 24, 2004, at 15:38:39
I just found this board and wanted to post my story. I will give the short version. I also have some questions which I hope someone can answer. IN June of 2001 I was put on Wellbutrin and that is when the horror started. I was put on this med b/c of depression and I felt I should be on something. Well, of course the docs handed it out like a lollipop and that is when my world fell apart.
I got suicidal and self mutilated myself and ended up in the hospital multiple times. I then went onto Prozac. I was on 13 meds in 2 years and 10 months. I am so upset and angry cause there is no way I should have been subjected to this. Saw three P Doc's and they drugged me to death. Almost literally.
The two worst drugs I was on was Benzos (ativan) and AP's ( geodon, zyprexa and seroquel) It wasn't till this past spring the doc's realized I had a allergic reaction to Psychotropic drugs and that these were mainly side effects. What scares me is that I could have gotten Tardive Dyskinesia and I am afraid it still might show up. From what I researched the chance now is nil.
I came off the drugs way too fast and had and still have withdrawal symptoms. It has been almost 8 months but I am getting better day by day and thank God that this nightmare is over. That is the short version of the story. I have no trust for the medical commmmunity and it has left me very scared and maybe someday I will get over this but right now this is how I feel.
1. Will I get TD at this point or will it show up?
2. Since these drugs change your brain chemistry will my brain go back to the way it was before I went on the drugs?
3. Has anyone had withdrawal effects long after you have comme off the drugs?
4. I am afraid to take anything b/c I read where other drugs can cause dystonia/TD. Which drugs should I stay away from?
I think this is enough questions for now. Thank you for reading and I look forward to your posts.
JACJ
Posted by King Vultan on November 25, 2004, at 0:16:38
In reply to I am new and need some advice. My Story, posted by JACJ on November 24, 2004, at 15:38:39
>
> 1. Will I get TD at this point or will it show up?
>I think it's highly doubtful.
> 2. Since these drugs change your brain chemistry will my brain go back to the way it was before I went on the drugs?
>I think that's probably impossible to answer, but FWIW, when I go off antidepressants, I seem to wind up in pretty much the same state of mind after a while, which is one not remarkably different from the one I had before I started taking ADs over ten years ago.
> 3. Has anyone had withdrawal effects long after you have comme off the drugs?
>I've had some minor withdrawal effects linger on for a few months. Obviously, there will be some individual variation in the timeframe involved.
> 4. I am afraid to take anything b/c I read where other drugs can cause dystonia/TD. Which drugs should I stay away from?
>The only drugs I'm aware of that are noted for causing TD and other EPSEs (extrapyramidal side effects) are ones that blockade the dopamine D2 receptor. This would include all of the antipsychotic drugs, as well as a few other drugs from other classes such as the antidepressant amoxapine. However, the atypical antipsychotics, such as what you took, are much less likely to cause these types of effects than the older, conventional psychotic drugs.
I don't know if you have still have symptoms of depression, but if you have not availed yourself of it already, talk therapy can be just as effective as drug therapy. You also don't have to put up with drug side effects, which I believe is a huge plus.
Todd
Posted by JACJ on November 25, 2004, at 6:59:57
In reply to Re: I am new and need some advice. My Story, posted by King Vultan on November 25, 2004, at 0:16:38
Hi Todd,
Thanks for the post. When you say it is highly doubtful for TD to show up now is that a NO? I just wish I could really get some confirmation on this. I read in some literature where it can show up mnay months afterward?? Could this be anymore vague? I know most of the time Withdrawl Emergent Dyskinesia goes away.I am very glad not to be putting up with the side effects but one w/d effect I still have is fear. It isn't alot but still there. I worry about Td alot cause I know several people who have it and just feel for them.
Todd, if I drink alcohol again will this have any effect on my brain since being on psychotropic drugs? I will not drink until I am a year off the drugs to let my CNS heal. Todd, any research you can give me about TD?
Thanks,
J
Posted by Sebastian on November 25, 2004, at 20:39:26
In reply to I am new and need some advice. My Story, posted by JACJ on November 24, 2004, at 15:38:39
welbutrin is a stimulant, like amphetamine, it causes anxiety, panic, rapid thought, lots of nervous energy, sort of like a boat load of caffine. The effects all go away when you stop meds, you only have memories. The farther you get away from the med the less it affects you. Most meds only stay in your system for a week or two, that is half life. I take wellbutrin with zyprexa which is a sedative, the 2 side-effects cancle each other. I could never take the wellbutrin with out the other, zyprexa by it self just makes me tired all the time. Honestly the most trublesome of the side-effects for me were when I read about them in the literature. I worried and immagined the worst of every thing till I realized I was only worried. Especialy about TD, I thought I had it and my life was over. Eventualy you will realize that meds are the same as drugs or alcohol, which is sort of what they are. New better forms of medication. Illegal drugs and alcohol are what they used in the old days for medicine, they still do in some countries.
Sebastian
Posted by King Vultan on November 25, 2004, at 20:59:27
In reply to Re: I am new and need some advice. My Story, posted by JACJ on November 25, 2004, at 6:59:57
> Hi Todd,
> Thanks for the post. When you say it is highly doubtful for TD to show up now is that a NO? I just wish I could really get some confirmation on this. I read in some literature where it can show up mnay months afterward?? Could this be anymore vague? I know most of the time Withdrawl Emergent Dyskinesia goes away.
>
> I am very glad not to be putting up with the side effects but one w/d effect I still have is fear. It isn't alot but still there. I worry about Td alot cause I know several people who have it and just feel for them.
>
> Todd, if I drink alcohol again will this have any effect on my brain since being on psychotropic drugs? I will not drink until I am a year off the drugs to let my CNS heal. Todd, any research you can give me about TD?
>
> Thanks,
> J
Well, as they say, there are no certainties in life other than death and taxes. I can't say you definitely won't get TD, but I think it's highly unlikely. As for the alcohol issue, I'm afraid I have nothing concrete to offer, and if you are not comfortable with the idea of drinking right now, whatever the reason, I think it would be highly irresponsible of me to criticize that decision. I think you are correct that you do seem to be in a fearful state, and I would suggest attempting in some way to lower your anxiety levels. Having experienced extremely high anxiety levels in the past myself, I know how difficult this can be. As I suggested in my other post, it may be worthwhile to avail yourself of some kind of therapy. A trained professional may be able to give you some insights into coping with your anxiety that might not occur to you on your own, and which may prove to be immensely helpful.Todd
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