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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Bob on March 19, 2008, at 12:23:52
Over the years of taking these medecines in a futile attempt to control my symptoms I seem to have developed a serious intolerance syndrome to many drugs. As far as I can tell it has to do with meds that provide energy through norepinephrine. Welbutrin and stimulants are prime offenders, but my condition has progressed to where it seems just about any med that involves activation causes weakness, shortness of breath, and tightness/pressure in my upper chest. This doesn't happen right when I take the meds, but when the drug blood levels and effects are waning, essentially like a mini-rebound or withdrawl.
My grave concern is what exactly is happening here and what I might be able to do about it. Isn't norepinephrine directly implicated in heart and breathing functions? Ironically, some of the best responses I've had mentally to meds have been the very ones that create these problems. They are the only meds that give me energy and motivation and without them I am left without any energy. This problem has led me to seek other solutions, such as Topomax, Lamictal, and even ECT, but all have produced harsh results.
Posted by Phillipa on March 19, 2008, at 12:36:11
In reply to Breathing Difficulties and Upper Chest Pressure, posted by Bob on March 19, 2008, at 12:23:52
I don't know but do know that chest pain at early morning hours and upped blood pressure even on downers like benzos is happening to me. Could it be heightened anxiety? Or do you not have anxiety. Hard to breath and back pain too. Same for you? Phillipa
Posted by Bob on March 20, 2008, at 11:46:57
In reply to Re: Breathing Difficulties and Upper Chest Pressure » Bob, posted by Phillipa on March 19, 2008, at 12:36:11
> I don't know but do know that chest pain at early morning hours and upped blood pressure even on downers like benzos is happening to me. Could it be heightened anxiety? Or do you not have anxiety. Hard to breath and back pain too. Same for you? Phillipa
I have anxiety sometimes, but this problem seems to be a reaction to activating drugs. It often follows any period of increased energy I get and seems to be as the drug is leaving my system. I've tried taking doses closer together or meds with longer half lives, but nothing seems to bring an improvement. Not a good thing considering that I need something for energy and motivation!
Posted by Phillipa on March 20, 2008, at 19:09:43
In reply to Re: Breathing Difficulties and Upper Chest Pressure » Phillipa, posted by Bob on March 20, 2008, at 11:46:57
Oh what is the med? Phillipa
Posted by Bob on March 21, 2008, at 13:49:07
In reply to Re: Breathing Difficulties and Upper Chest Pressure » Bob, posted by Phillipa on March 20, 2008, at 19:09:43
> Oh what is the med? Phillipa
Welbutrin is one of the worst, but I've also experienced this problem with stimulants, Cymbalta, Provigil, and others too. To be fair, I didn't have this problem 15 years ago when I first started this med odyssey. It's only been in the last 8 or so, with the last 4 or 5 being much more problematic.
Posted by Phillipa on March 21, 2008, at 19:47:10
In reply to Re: Breathing Difficulties and Upper Chest Pressure » Phillipa, posted by Bob on March 21, 2008, at 13:49:07
FWIW I have severe anxiety and wellbutrin l week on l50mg I appeared almost manic and ended up in the hospital. Those meds you mentioned are all kind of uppers arent they? Really sounds like panic but a doc should know. Phillipa
Posted by cumulative on March 27, 2008, at 18:44:39
In reply to Breathing Difficulties and Upper Chest Pressure, posted by Bob on March 19, 2008, at 12:23:52
You want to test this with a peak flow meter. I know how scary asthmatic symptoms can be, but it's not unlikely that anxiety is part, most, all. or contributing of/to the problem. Activating, epinephrine-promoting agents should actually bronchodilate.
Posted by bob on March 28, 2008, at 13:39:26
In reply to Re: Breathing Difficulties and Upper Chest Pressur, posted by cumulative on March 27, 2008, at 18:44:39
> You want to test this with a peak flow meter. I know how scary asthmatic symptoms can be, but it's not unlikely that anxiety is part, most, all. or contributing of/to the problem. Activating, epinephrine-promoting agents should actually bronchodilate.
Thanks for the advice. I think that the epinephrine type agents actually do bronchodilate, for a very short while, and then as the peak blood levels abate, I get a constriction and weakness. Somewhat distressing and uncomfortable.
This is the end of the thread.
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