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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 9:00:52
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t » Phillipa, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 5:49:34
Very odd. I woke up at 7 am feeling fine ... no tiredness. I was able to take my meds no problem and I feel more alert with the Adderall on board. Now if only I could lose my suicidal thoughts, things would be fine.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 11:46:06
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t » ed_uk2010, posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 9:00:52
> Very odd. I woke up at 7 am feeling fine ... no tiredness. I was able to take my meds no problem and I feel more alert with the Adderall on board. Now if only I could lose my suicidal thoughts, things would be fine.
About the lithium (which you've now stopped). Has it ever helped you before? Just wondering whether you could try it again at 150mg per day.
Posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 12:36:15
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 11:46:06
> > Very odd. I woke up at 7 am feeling fine ... no tiredness. I was able to take my meds no problem and I feel more alert with the Adderall on board. Now if only I could lose my suicidal thoughts, things would be fine.
>
> About the lithium (which you've now stopped). Has it ever helped you before? Just wondering whether you could try it again at 150mg per day.
>
>Hi Ed, Lithium has never helped me in the past and I have been on it 3 times. I have never been on a low dose (150 mg) I have been on 300 mg, 600 mg, and 900 mg. It tends to turn me into a zombie and it makes me gain weight at a rapid pace. My GP and endocrinologist are really worried about my weight gain and they said I have to lose about 60 pounds! I could never lose that much if I am on Lithium.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 13:16:34
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t » ed_uk2010, posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 12:36:15
It seems to me that your med combination is in need of an overhaul. Not only is it causing you to gain weight, you are still very suicidal in spite of it.
If you were able to taper off nortriptyline, you might lose some weight. Do you think this would make you feel less suicidal? Due to your anorexia, any med which causes weight gain isn't likely to benefit you in the long term. What you really need is an effective combination of weight-neutral meds + a healthy diet with adequate nutrients and calories.
What are you taking right now except Parnate, nortriptyline and Nozinan?
xx
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 13:17:30
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t » Maxime, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 13:16:34
What are you taking right now except Parnate, nortriptyline and Nozinan? .....and Adderall, sorry.
Posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 14:42:30
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t » Maxime, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 13:16:34
> It seems to me that your med combination is in need of an overhaul. Not only is it causing you to gain weight, you are still very suicidal in spite of it.
>
> If you were able to taper off nortriptyline, you might lose some weight. Do you think this would make you feel less suicidal? Due to your anorexia, any med which causes weight gain isn't likely to benefit you in the long term. What you really need is an effective combination of weight-neutral meds + a healthy diet with adequate nutrients and calories.
>
> What are you taking right now except Parnate, nortriptyline and Nozinan?
>
> xxI take the following:
Adderall XR 30 mg
Clonazepam .5 mg
Trileptal 600 mg
Non psych meds:
Cytomel 25 mcg
Synthroid 100 mcg
Singulair 10 mg
Posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 14:50:04
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 13:17:30
I should that my life/home situation isn't very good and that if anyone had to deal with what I am right, they would be depressed as well. I live with my mum who has Alzheimers. It's very stressful. Also, I have been without a job since February 2009. I have tried SO HARD to get a job and I still haven't found one. I think that if I found a job that life would have more meaning for me. Right now I feel like a parasite on society. I have a lot of debt and no way to pay it off. I get Welfare but it's only enough to pay the minimum amount of the bill. I am under A LOT of stress. Oh, plus I am very unhappy where I live. I want to move to Calgary Alberta where I have a lot more friends and support.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 15:04:34
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t, posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 14:42:30
Oh Maxie, your situation at home sounds very difficult. It must be extremely hard to look after your mum when you're unwell yourself.
Have you had a thyroid function test recently? Just wondering whether you might need an adjustment to your thyroid hormone dosages. An inadequate dose could lead to weight gain.
The nortriptyline and Nozinan are the most likely culprits as far as the weight gain is concerned. Among the TCAs, desipramine is the least offensive in the weight department. I have a feeling that you've already tried desipramine but it didn't work out. Is that right?
> > It seems to me that your med combination is in need of an overhaul. Not only is it causing you to gain weight, you are still very suicidal in spite of it.
> >
> > If you were able to taper off nortriptyline, you might lose some weight. Do you think this would make you feel less suicidal? Due to your anorexia, any med which causes weight gain isn't likely to benefit you in the long term. What you really need is an effective combination of weight-neutral meds + a healthy diet with adequate nutrients and calories.
> >
> > What are you taking right now except Parnate, nortriptyline and Nozinan?
> >
> > xx
>
> I take the following:
> Adderall XR 30 mg
> Clonazepam .5 mg
> Trileptal 600 mg
> Non psych meds:
> Cytomel 25 mcg
> Synthroid 100 mcg
> Singulair 10 mg
Posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 15:27:20
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t » Maxime, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 15:04:34
Yes, I see my endocrinolist every 6 months because I have Hashimoto's disease. I had my thyroid tested in May. She was really upset about my weight gain. And I was pissed off at her because I told her I wasn't eating much and she said "well you are eating to be fat". I wanted to cry on the spot.
I tried Desipramine and made me hypo-manic. I have tried it twice now.
I think I will slowly wean myself off the Nozinan. I can't cut it out completly because then I will never sleep! But my body needs to learn how to sleep on its own!
At least the Trileptal is weight neutral and it really helps with my mood swings.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 16:24:37
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t » ed_uk2010, posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 15:27:20
>I tried Desipramine and made me hypo-manic.
Even at a low dose? Just wondering whether you might be very sensitive to it and a low dose could be sufficient.
Posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 17:26:51
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 16:24:37
> >I tried Desipramine and made me hypo-manic.
>
> Even at a low dose? Just wondering whether you might be very sensitive to it and a low dose could be sufficient.
>Hum. I never tried a low dose. What would be considered a low dose? Would it be safe to take with Parnate?
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 17:55:14
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t, posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 17:26:51
> Hum. I never tried a low dose. What would be considered a low dose? Would it be safe to take with Parnate?
Desipramine is probably safer than nortriptyline(to combine with Parnate) because it is very selective for the NE transporter. Nortriptyline is a weak SRI.
Desipramine is not sedating and can be taken in the morning. I just checked the Health Canada database and the following tablet strengths are sold in Canada: 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg and 100mg. Given your previous reaction, I would suggest that you ask your doctor about the 10mg tablets. After reducing the stopping nortriptyline, you could start with 10mg desipramine in the morning and titrate carefully. Less than 100mg per day is considered to be quite low. Response to TCAs is variable so it can take a few weeks to find the best dose. If you went up to a high dose straight away, you might become agitated or hypomanic again. Hopefully, a low dose might be able to relieve your depression without destabilising your mood or causing weight gain. Desipramine might potentiate the Adderall - a reduced dose would be advisable, at least initially.
Posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 18:07:46
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 17:55:14
Thanks Ed, I appreciate all your info. My pdoc is away for two weeks but I will ask him to switch when he returns. I hope he will agree to letting me try this med again.
Thanks again!
Posted by Phillipa on August 8, 2010, at 19:51:01
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t » ed_uk2010, posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 18:07:46
Maxie why did your doc even give you lithium with Hashimotos? That's supposed to be a no no. Since hasimotos changes so frequently might want to get a level again Was it between l-2 as that is the latest recommended range for TSH and some labs still consider up to 5 normal. Go to Mary Shoman's website the thyroid expert. Phillipa
Posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 21:25:50
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t » Maxime, posted by Phillipa on August 8, 2010, at 19:51:01
> Maxie why did your doc even give you lithium with Hashimotos? That's supposed to be a no no. Since hasimotos changes so frequently might want to get a level again Was it between l-2 as that is the latest recommended range for TSH and some labs still consider up to 5 normal. Go to Mary Shoman's website the thyroid expert. Phillipa
You know Phillipa, I asked myself the same thing. I didn't think that I should be on Lithium because of the Hahismoto's but I didn't say anything at the because he knows that I have it. I love my pdoc but he is 88 years old and maybe he shouldn't be practising anymore. I can't get another PDOC because there is such a shortage where I live.
I think I will just post my questions here and get input from everyone. LOL! I laugh, but I really am in a bad situation. :-(
Posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 21:29:28
In reply to Re: Still feeling like sh*t, posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 17:26:51
I don't want to disappear from the board and worry anyone. But tomorrow I am going to call the Crisis Centre to see if I can stay there for a few days. They may decide that I need to be in the hospital. Either way, I won't have access to the internet.
I am feeling very scared and alone. I wish I could take all of you with me. Thanks for all the help you have given me. I truly appreciate it.
I'll be back. :)
Posted by Phillipa on August 8, 2010, at 21:34:31
In reply to FYI, posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 21:29:28
I thought you were feeling better now I'm confused? Before you're without access go to that site and see what it says and might be able to directly e-mail her also not sure. Phillipa
Posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 21:48:49
In reply to Re: FYI » Maxime, posted by Phillipa on August 8, 2010, at 21:34:31
I'm not feeling better. I am not really more depressed but I am very suicidal and I am tired of fighting those thoughts.
Posted by PartlyCloudy on August 9, 2010, at 11:39:41
In reply to FYI, posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 21:29:28
Take care and know that we'll be thinking of you. Thank you for staying safe, Maxime.
hugs
PartlyCloudy
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 9, 2010, at 14:47:33
In reply to Re: FYI » Phillipa, posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 21:48:49
I think you're doing the right thing by going to the crisis centre. I hope they can help you and I look forward to hearing from you when you come home.
Love Ed xx
Posted by Justherself54 on August 9, 2010, at 17:31:02
In reply to Re: FYI, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 9, 2010, at 14:47:33
Feel better soon ((hugs))
Posted by morgan miller on August 9, 2010, at 21:27:14
In reply to FYI, posted by Maxime on August 8, 2010, at 21:29:28
Good luck Maxime, if you go there, I hope you are in good hands.
I would try to do what you can to find another pdoc. I understand a good new one that takes insurance may be hard to find, but I would still make the effort, when you are up for it of course.
Take care,
Morgan
Posted by Maxime on August 10, 2010, at 9:31:33
In reply to Re: FYI, posted by morgan miller on August 9, 2010, at 21:27:14
Thanks everyone for your well wishes. There was no bed available for me last night, but there will be one tonight. I can stay up to one week at the Centre. It was stressful because I had to arrange care for my mum whilst I am gone. Why is everything so hard?
I keep looking at all my pills that are stashed in my drawer and I want to take them all. I know that they would kill me. I will need to keep busy today so that I don't do anything stupid.
On top of the depression and suicidal thoughts, I am sore ALL OVER. It's like I have the flu. I just want to stay in bed. Maybe I will do that. Just stay in bed until it's time to go. I don't know.
I would like to go to bed and never wake up. I wrote my suicide letter to my mom last night and my obituary. That can't be a good sign. :(
I'm scared.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 10, 2010, at 14:21:37
In reply to Re: FYI, posted by Maxime on August 10, 2010, at 9:31:33
You're doing the right thing by going to the centre. You need support Maxie. You need to be able to concentrate on getting yourself well, and not just on looking after your mum.
Will you be able to see a doctor regularly at the centre?
Posted by morgan miller on August 10, 2010, at 15:03:24
In reply to Re: FYI, posted by Maxime on August 10, 2010, at 9:31:33
Hang in there Maxime, things will get better.
Morgan
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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