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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dima on September 3, 2010, at 9:38:24
In reply to Re: I feel horrible » Phillipa, posted by floatingbridge on September 2, 2010, at 22:18:33
I'm not feeling better yet. It takes an enormous effort to motivate myself to exercise. And I'm not very hopeful about exercise making me feel better because I was already working out every other day when the depression hit and knocked me off my feet.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on September 3, 2010, at 10:14:49
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 2, 2010, at 18:57:49
>Is it important to not take Seroquel?
No no, I just thought it might be contributing to your daytime tiredness. If you still need it for sleep, keep taking it for now.
How has lithium affected your energy?
Posted by morgan miller on September 3, 2010, at 10:37:32
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 3, 2010, at 9:38:24
> I'm not feeling better yet. It takes an enormous effort to motivate myself to exercise. And I'm not very hopeful about exercise making me feel better because I was already working out every other day when the depression hit and knocked me off my feet.
Yeah, exercise won't help you until your mind is functioning better.
I know I've brought up the use of supplements before, but I really think some supplements along with medications could possibly help you feel better. Things like Cordyceps, Schisandra, and Fish Oil, can all help your mind and body function better and give you more energy. I think we should all be taking fish oil since it can improve brain function and help medications work better. What do you think about this?
Morgan
Posted by floatingbridge on September 3, 2010, at 11:57:07
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 3, 2010, at 9:38:24
> I'm not feeling better yet. It takes an enormous effort to motivate myself to exercise. And I'm not very hopeful about exercise making me feel better because I was already working out every other day when the depression hit and knocked me off my feet.
I wasn't planning your recovery party yet, but you do sound a bit improved. That's
what I meant.Exercise assists recovery; it doesn't cure depression. It's part of self-care for
depression, an activity to continue when
you're in remission. Some speak of
exercise as a cure-all or prophylactic for depression, and this is untrue, and furthermore, unhelpful. Some people may feel they aren't exercising hard enough or in 'right' way. That can lead to
frustration, self-blame, guilt, etc.Dealing with depression is multifaceted. That's why there is so much advice. Find what works for you. You will. You are.
Best to you. You're a fighter.
Posted by Dima on September 3, 2010, at 13:20:35
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by floatingbridge on September 3, 2010, at 11:57:07
I don't think the Lithium has affected my energy.
I did take fish oil for at least six months, in the middle of which I became more depressed. And I spent tons of money on supplements back when I felt better. I don't have the money to keep buying them.
I literally do almost nothing every day. One simple phone call might be all I do for a day, and I always put everything off. My motivation and energy are virtually nonexistant. I've tried to occupy my time with something other than TV, and it all just stresses me out and makes me really want to go back to doing nothing. Help!
Posted by ed_uk2010 on September 3, 2010, at 15:04:07
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 3, 2010, at 13:20:35
> I don't think the Lithium has affected my energy.
That's good. It's just that some experimentation is often needed to find the best dose. Did you ever try 150mg twice a day?
>I did take fish oil for at least six months, in the middle of which I became more depressed.
OK, well you don't *need* to take fish oil as a supplement. Intead, you can benefit from a diet with regular portions of oily fish.
>I literally do almost nothing every day.
I've been like that at times. It's really hard to get out of. The best way is probably to arrange to do something where you have to be in a certain place at a certain time eg. a temporary job, voluntary work etc.
Try to look on the bright side about having to stay on 50mg clomipramine for the next three weeks. For starters, it might be helpful for your depression in spite of the low dose - it's quite a potent med. Secondly, staying on a low dose for a few weeks allows your body to adapt to the drug. This means that you shouldn't experience many side effects if/when you do have to increase up to a high dose.
Posted by Phillipa on September 3, 2010, at 19:52:29
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by ed_uk2010 on September 3, 2010, at 15:04:07
Dima what about walking a bit more daily? Phillipa
Posted by Dima on September 4, 2010, at 14:13:40
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Phillipa on September 3, 2010, at 19:52:29
Last night I had a really bad headache and nausea, and I don't usually have either of those, so maybe it was side effects of Anafranil. I've also had dry mouth in the morning.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on September 4, 2010, at 14:35:20
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 4, 2010, at 14:13:40
> Last night I had a really bad headache and nausea, and I don't usually have either of those, so maybe it was side effects of Anafranil. I've also had dry mouth in the morning.
Ok, well perhaps it's best that you're staying at 50mg for now. Take some Tylenol for your headache.
Posted by floatingbridge on September 4, 2010, at 15:19:49
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by ed_uk2010 on September 4, 2010, at 14:35:20
>
> Ok, well perhaps it's best that you're staying at 50mg for now. Take some Tylenol for your headache.
>Not on an empty stomach...? But, yes, tylenol might help with general discomfort, too.
Dima, what did you like to do before this episode? Maybe some (or one activity?) you can gently resume. You may feel awful or maybe just disconnected from the activity, but over time you'll recover more connection. Nothing too
challenging or difficult. Go for comfort
because you need to be kind and gentle to yourself. Life will makes it own demands.For example, my first and very worst episode: nothing. I couldn't watch t.v., movies, listen to music, write, craft, read, exercise. My husband had to 'walk' me around the block because I could barely stand. I could, however, go into my backyard (which was treed and green), lie on my back or sit and watch the leaves move and listen to the birds. I'd feel the breeze, the sun-- all non-threatening and soothing. I was also able to take baths and float around the warm bay (when my husband walked me to the beach).
So I started small. I had to.
I hope the above example was somewhat helpful. You probably find different activities work for you.My dbt coach would have me do things
like walk barefoot in sand or run my hands through the sand--stuff to experience nano-seconds of awareness. Anything for a timeout from misery. Then slowly the nano-seconds dilate.(DBT is dialectic behavioral therapy. Some good coping skills.)
Do you have a therapist or someone?
Posted by ed_uk2010 on September 4, 2010, at 16:53:06
In reply to Re: I feel horrible » ed_uk2010, posted by floatingbridge on September 4, 2010, at 15:19:49
>Not on an empty stomach...? But, yes, tylenol might help with general discomfort, too.
You can take acetaminophen on an empty stomach or a full stomach. It should not cause gastric distress or irritation. 650mg every four hours can be useful for headaches. I'm sure the headache will pass soon.
Posted by Dima on September 4, 2010, at 16:59:55
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by ed_uk2010 on September 4, 2010, at 14:35:20
When will I feel better? This is unbearable. Time is taking forever, it's torture. How long does Anafranil take to work?
Posted by floatingbridge on September 4, 2010, at 23:14:59
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by ed_uk2010 on September 4, 2010, at 16:53:06
Ed, I might be thinking of motrin-type stuff.
Posted by floatingbridge on September 4, 2010, at 23:18:05
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 4, 2010, at 16:59:55
> When will I feel better? This is unbearable. Time is taking forever, it's torture. How long does Anafranil take to work?
Dima, when do you see your doc again and adjust your meds?
Posted by ed_uk2010 on September 5, 2010, at 5:33:52
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 4, 2010, at 16:59:55
>When will I feel better? This is unbearable. Time is taking forever, it's torture. How long does Anafranil take to work?
Anafranil normally works within a few weeks (at an adequate dose). I'm really sorry that you're still feeling so bad. Any chance you could bring your pdoc appointment forward?
Posted by ed_uk2010 on September 5, 2010, at 5:34:18
In reply to Re: I feel horrible » ed_uk2010, posted by floatingbridge on September 4, 2010, at 23:14:59
> Ed, I might be thinking of motrin-type stuff.
I thought so :)
Posted by ed_uk2010 on September 5, 2010, at 5:37:23
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 4, 2010, at 14:13:40
> Last night I had a really bad headache and nausea, and I don't usually have either of those, so maybe it was side effects of Anafranil. I've also had dry mouth in the morning.
Do you still have these symptoms or have they passed?
Posted by Dima on September 5, 2010, at 9:52:20
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by ed_uk2010 on September 5, 2010, at 5:37:23
My appointment is on the 20th. I don't have the headache or nausea anymore but still have occasional dry mouth. Also, my ear really hurt when I laid on it last night, which has happened before. I don't know if that's the Anafranil or zero carb or what.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on September 5, 2010, at 12:25:48
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 5, 2010, at 9:52:20
>I don't have the headache or nausea anymore but still have occasional dry mouth.
I think some dry mouth is to be expected on Anafranil.
>Also, my ear really hurt when I laid on it last night, which has happened before. I don't know if that's the Anafranil or zero carb or what.
I don't know, do you have any symptoms of infection? It does not sound like a side effect.
Posted by Dima on September 9, 2010, at 14:49:58
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 5, 2010, at 9:52:20
Tonight after I take the medicine, it will have been two weeks. I still feel horrible and no better than when I started.
Posted by morgan miller on September 10, 2010, at 0:04:29
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 9, 2010, at 14:49:58
> Tonight after I take the medicine, it will have been two weeks. I still feel horrible and no better than when I started.
Damn, that's not good. Sorry to hear you haven't noticed an improvement yet. I'm sure Ed will weigh in soon. I think you should still stick it out and tweak the dose some. Hopefully you will get a response soon.
Morgan
Posted by ed_uk2010 on September 10, 2010, at 14:46:04
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 9, 2010, at 14:49:58
> Tonight after I take the medicine, it will have been two weeks. I still feel horrible and no better than when I started.
I'm sorry to hear that Dima. Still, you're only on a low dose and there is plenty of room for it to be increased (side effects permitting).
Over the last few days, have you noticed any side effects?
Posted by Dima on September 10, 2010, at 18:09:42
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by ed_uk2010 on September 10, 2010, at 14:46:04
No side effects that I've noticed.
Posted by Phillipa on September 10, 2010, at 19:34:15
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 10, 2010, at 18:09:42
Dima that's great no side effects. Phillipa
Posted by ed_uk2010 on September 11, 2010, at 8:00:31
In reply to Re: I feel horrible, posted by Dima on September 10, 2010, at 18:09:42
> No side effects that I've noticed.
Excellent. You'll probably have to increase the dose so it's good that you're not having any problems. Not too long until you see the doctor now.
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