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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 29, 2007, at 15:07:46
In reply to Re: startup of abilify + zoloft OR geodon withdraw, posted by linkadge on July 29, 2007, at 10:18:38
> I don't know about the statment that most people need 200mg of zoloft is true for everbody.
>
> I think that many people do well on 50mg.
>
> LinkadgeThat's reassuring. Usually I'm feeling all giddy to look up the monograph and chemical structure of my latest Rx. This time though I'm just so apathetic. Pills to take? okay.
I had my pdoc type out the instructions. how many days on this. how many days on that. what days to split pills what days to throw away my geodon. He was a sweetie and typed it and printed it in about 20pt font. Times New Roman, of course. I have it taped to my bathroom window.
I'm glad to know that I've got a chance to feel better on small dose of zoloft. I feel better already, but that might be because of the lack of geodon sedation (have cut my dose in half in 48 hours. yippee.
adios link
-Ll
Posted by linkadge on July 29, 2007, at 15:25:53
In reply to Re: startup of abilify + zoloft OR geodon withdraw » linkadge, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 29, 2007, at 15:07:46
Effective drug dose levels are highly individual. I was under the impression that 50mg was kind of a standard dose for depression anyway.
My mother knew a woman who took 50mg to start (she was bipolar) but had to back off to 25mg as it was too much!
Higher dose ranges are used often for OCD, and TRD.
Linkadge
Posted by cactus on July 30, 2007, at 0:14:22
In reply to Re: startup of abilify + zoloft OR geodon withdraw » linkadge, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 29, 2007, at 15:07:46
I just went up to 100mg of zoloft and I agree with everyone else, take it in the morning it's quite activating and it has been by far, the best ssri I have ever taken. I took one dose of 20mg of geodon with zoloft and slept for 14 hours, so I threw the geodon away, I don't like zombie meds and I'm starting to feel really good again. Good luck and don't be scared to use your klonopin at higher doses when you need to. I know a lot of people are scared of benzos but they have been wonder drugs to me and have saved my *ss on numerous occasions. Good Luck Lurpsie, oh and I think that the brain zaps are from the geodon withdrawal
Posted by linkadge on July 30, 2007, at 8:22:34
In reply to Re: startup of abilify + zoloft OR geodon withdraw » LlurpsieNoodle, posted by cactus on July 30, 2007, at 0:14:22
Yeah, I found the combination of just zoloft and klonazepam good.
Linkadge
Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 30, 2007, at 9:15:49
In reply to Re: startup of abilify + zoloft OR geodon withdraw, posted by linkadge on July 30, 2007, at 8:22:34
Sometimes I'm intimidated by the diversity of suggestions that I get from psychobabble, but from what I'm hearing from linkadge and cactus and others, the addition of zoloft to my combo will likely do me good. hopefully the klonopin and lamictal will help ease the mood swings that have been plaguing me much.
Another night of restless sleep. I give one more day and then contact pdoc about dose timing.
Thank you for your inspiration. I feel hopeful again.
-Ll
Posted by linkadge on July 30, 2007, at 16:35:43
In reply to Re: startup of abilify + zoloft OR geodon withdraw » linkadge, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 30, 2007, at 9:15:49
I agree. You can get a lot of different opinions on babble.
Nobody here knows for sure what will help you, we can only make suggestions.
Listening to what your own brain is telling you about certain meds may be your best asset.
Linkadge
Posted by cactus on July 31, 2007, at 23:42:58
In reply to Re: startup of abilify + zoloft OR geodon withdraw » linkadge, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 30, 2007, at 9:15:49
be sure and let us know how it goes!!!!!!!
Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 1, 2007, at 11:00:51
In reply to Re: startup of abilify + zoloft OR geodon withdraw » LlurpsieNoodle, posted by cactus on July 31, 2007, at 23:42:58
> be sure and let us know how it goes!!!!!!!
Okay, some bad insomnia and a lot of kicking and tossing and turning all night long.
daytime- MUCH better mood, don't worry not hypomanic !!
I have a lot more energy and have been applying for pt time work. Even shopping for new car, which is exhausting. APR. and I paid bills. ((((paying bills)))
Those are the behavioral/mood effects
side effects, (besides insomnia)
GI stuff. you know the drill
got a migraine
some tremors
clumsiness and dizziness
reduced suicidal and self-injury ideation. (what a relief. this was VERY bad last week)-Ll
Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 1, 2007, at 13:41:35
In reply to how it goes » cactus, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 1, 2007, at 11:00:51
> I have a lot more energy and have been applying for pt time work. Even shopping for new car, which is exhausting. APR. and I paid bills. ((((paying bills)))
>
> Those are the behavioral/mood effects
>
> side effects, (besides insomnia)
> GI stuff. you know the drill
> got a migraine
> some tremors
> clumsiness and dizziness
> reduced suicidal and self-injury ideation. (what a relief. this was VERY bad last week)
>
you know what?
I take that back. I'm not feeling well at all. still having bad mood swings. thinking about diagnosing myself with agitated depression and asking my pdoc for more klonopin. I'm bored, restless, can't seem to find satisfaction in doing any activities, can't concentrate and am very anxious about? what?This is awful. and the dark thoughts return. that feeling of dread. I don't know whether I should talk to pdoc again or what. I see him in about 10 days. I have 2 t appts too. I know I can do this. but still. so hard :(
Posted by KayeBaby on August 1, 2007, at 14:16:45
In reply to AgiTaTeD DepreSsiOn, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 1, 2007, at 13:41:35
Hang in there.
Sounds like your mood is sputtering. Hopefully it will start to sputter in a good direction very soon.Peace,
Kaye
Posted by Phillipa on August 1, 2007, at 19:40:32
In reply to Re: AgiTaTeD DepreSsiOn » LlurpsieNoodle, posted by KayeBaby on August 1, 2007, at 14:16:45
Lurpsie sounds like you do better when busy as you've been for quite a while. And then you try and relax and can't? Is this kind of how it is? Love Phillipa
Posted by cactus on August 1, 2007, at 22:57:37
In reply to AgiTaTeD DepreSsiOn, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 1, 2007, at 13:41:35
hey lurpsie I know you've had mega med changes but why not try valium instead of klonopin, it's not depressing at all. Good luck and hang in there, I'm living with my sister and she is in crisis mode at the moment, she has got really bad cutting urges back and has finally agreed to see a pdoc tomorrow, I'm very happy about that, it's that darn family curse I tells ya. I have had bouts of agitated depression and psychotic depression but for now it's just anxiety depression. Bloody genetics, blah, my rant for the day. The zoloft is good and getting me stablised for now, no ssri has ever done that to me before and I only have lexapro to try.
Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 2, 2007, at 11:20:34
In reply to Re: AgiTaTeD DepreSsiOn » LlurpsieNoodle, posted by cactus on August 1, 2007, at 22:57:37
I fear that pdoc seems to have this attitude against short-acting benzos. Maybe he sees them as too short-term solutions when I may need to take a benzo for a while. Maybe he's worried that a short acting benzo will just cause my moods to swing even more.
I think I need to describe to him what happened the other day with the severe agitation. Tell him that I had to take extra klonopin and wait 40 minutes for it to kick in. Tell him that it ruined my day. I see him in about a week.
good suggestion though. And feel free to rant on my thread no matter what. I'm feeling better on the zoloft too. I am trying really hard...
-Ll
Posted by Phillipa on August 2, 2007, at 19:58:25
In reply to Re: AgiTaTeD DepreSsiOn » cactus, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 2, 2007, at 11:20:34
Valium has a longer half-life than klonopin and once a day dosing is possible as that's what I do. I think the life is 200 hours something like that. Klonopin made me feel sucicidal when I tried it and the pdoc immediatedly switched me back to the short acting xanax but the feeling immediatedly went away and I was fine. Love Phillipa
Posted by cactus on August 2, 2007, at 22:27:07
In reply to Re: AgiTaTeD DepreSsiOn » cactus, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 2, 2007, at 11:20:34
as phillipa said, valium has a much longer half life than klonopin. And taking a dose once a day should cover you for at least 24 hours, it's also better for sleep so if he agrees then take it at night and you should be fine the next day for anxiety. You can also take extra doses during the day if needed, but make sure you get the conversion right, good luck hon. I know I go on about valium but it really is a much better drug for me than klonopin ever was and it's not as confusing, has much lower ataxia symptoms and dosen't mess with your brain as much. Klonopin can be very depressing for some people and it might be impacting on your depression. I also found I could get really nasty on klonopin and very argumentive and was easily agitated. I know eveyone is different but see if he will let you try it.
Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 4, 2007, at 17:26:46
In reply to Re: AgiTaTeD DepreSsiOn » LlurpsieNoodle, posted by cactus on August 2, 2007, at 22:27:07
2 weeks ago I was taking
240mg geodon
.5mg klonopin
200mg provigil
300mg lamictalThen I had a crisis and we changed my meds
now I take
50mg zoloft
5mg abilify
1mg klonopin
200mg provigil
300mg lamictalThe only side effects I've had are insomnia, some agitation (read above re. agitated depression), drowsiness.
My suicidal and self-injurious thoughts are reduced and I am starting to see my way out of this mess called depression. I don't think I'll have to go to the hospital. Oh, my therapist has been very good too.
But I'm still really depressed, and have anxiety and feel very lethargic etc. It's just that it's no longer feeling so life threatening. Also, the mood swings are not so fast or so dangerous feeling.
-Ll
Posted by Phillipa on August 4, 2007, at 22:08:11
In reply to update on my new meds, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 4, 2007, at 17:26:46
Lurpsie fantastic. So the zoloft is a good med? Thinking of adding it or switching to it. Love Phillipa ps did you do all that wash today????
Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 4, 2007, at 23:19:41
In reply to Re: update on my new meds » LlurpsieNoodle, posted by Phillipa on August 4, 2007, at 22:08:11
> Lurpsie fantastic. So the zoloft is a good med? Thinking of adding it or switching to it. Love Phillipa ps did you do all that wash today????
finished the washing (I did the first half, h the second half) then put it all away. then we cleared out the bedroom from moving boxes and now it looks like a hotel room.
-Ll
p.s. zoloft is a good one. far fewer side effects starting up than cymbalta...
Posted by Phillipa on August 5, 2007, at 0:07:16
In reply to Re: update on my new meds » Phillipa, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 4, 2007, at 23:19:41
Lurpsie thanks as cymbalta couldn't tolerate second time felt like my head would explode. And now you can rent out the bedroom. Are you serving buttertarts for breakfast. I know you can start a bed and breakfast. Love Phillipa
Posted by jotom on August 7, 2007, at 14:40:11
In reply to startup of abilify + zoloft OR geodon withdrawal, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on July 28, 2007, at 15:07:04
I've found Geodon withdrawal to be a nightmare. The physical syptoms lasted 3 days (shaking, chills, intense panic/anxiety, fear, and dizzyness I couldn't get out of bed. It's been a week and 1/2 and I'm still suffering from the psychological withdrawal with panic, blind fear, etc. My doctor put me on 10mg of zyprexa and Klonapin. Today was my first day that I had moments of panic free thoughts. I hope tomorrow to have a few more. Has anybody had the symptom of panic lasting weeks or more after discontinuing? So, anyway, I don't think it's the flu. I've read too much over the last week about the withdrawal symptoms to believe otherwise. Hope this helps.
Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 7, 2007, at 18:03:14
In reply to Re: startup of abilify + zoloft OR geodon withdrawal, posted by jotom on August 7, 2007, at 14:40:11
Hi jotom,
I haven't completely gone off of the geodon yet. I think my final dose (from 60 to zero) is tonight or tomorrow night.I really feel like the abilify is doing a better job of keeping the crazy thoughts away than the geodon ever did.
Meanwhile adding the zoloft has helped SOOOOO much. I feel nearly antidepressed, and my T told me that this is the best he's ever seen me :)
I hope the klonopin works for you, if for no other purpose than to force you to take it a little easy on yourself.
I haven't had any panic attacks since starting my taper down. I take 1mg of klonopin a day (or less), so that probably keeps panic at bay.
take care,
-Ll
Posted by jotom on August 8, 2007, at 7:50:02
In reply to Re: startup of abilify + zoloft OR geodon withdraw » jotom, posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 7, 2007, at 18:03:14
Hi LlurpsieNoodle,
Thanks for your follow up. I've been on Zoloft for about 10 years and I think it's losing it's effect. I caution you, when going down to 0 on Geodon is when I had the problem. Granted, I went down too fast (my fault) but it wasn't too bad until I went from 40 to 0. I'll look into the Abilify. Good luck to you...let me know how it works out.
Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 8, 2007, at 15:05:40
In reply to Re: startup of abilify + zoloft OR geodon withdraw, posted by jotom on August 8, 2007, at 7:50:02
me and pdoc are keeping everything the same. I've got 5 drugs to take. "We are doing marvelous" and my next appt is in 5 weeks. I guess I convinced him that I'm not a suicide threat any more.
300mg lamictal in the am (bitter!)
5? 10? abilify. forgot how much.
.5-1 mg clonazepam
10? sonata
and my SAVIOUR 50 mg of ZOLOFT. I've got ENERGY! I FEEL HAPPY! I DON'T want to do bad things to the noodle.and my therapist is doing a good job too.
side effects- taking the zoloft at night keeps me up ALL night. saw the sun rise this am. must remember to take it in te morning.
zoloft hurts my stomach. been drinking kefir and ginger tea. an apple nearly killed me yesterday. antacids and an acid reducer.
too hyperhappy- I don't THINK so. but I'll watch out. family history of the big bipole. You'd think with all the mood stabilizers I'm on that I wouldn't drift towards hypomanic. I'll ask my T to watch out for that. I wonder if I would even notice?
-Ll
Posted by cactus on August 8, 2007, at 16:14:04
In reply to happy head, grumpy stomach (((zoloft))), posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 8, 2007, at 15:05:40
Hey lurpsie I've had a very upset tummy since I started taking Zoloft, no f*rting unless one is sitting over an open bowl, but it's getting much better now and I'm up to 100mg. And shock horror my pdoc took me off valium and put me back on rivotril(clonazepam) It's actually been amazing so I retract all my former clonazepam bashing because I'm not drinking anymore. Clonazepam and alcohol do not mix, where as a few drinks and valium was wonderful for me. PS don't anyone go do that ok, it's naughty.
Posted by Phillipa on August 8, 2007, at 21:16:10
In reply to happy head, grumpy stomach (((zoloft))), posted by LlurpsieNoodle on August 8, 2007, at 15:05:40
Lurpsie you wouldn't want to notice you'd be too busy spending money, having sex, calling people in the middle of the night might even become psychotic. So please be careful those family histories can rear their ugly heads. Love Phillipa
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