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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mary-Teresa on November 16, 2001, at 6:30:55
Hi,I would appreciate any suggestions. I have tendancies toward obsessive rumination. Used to take clomapramine with a great success for it. My psdoc switched me to zoloft. Now after tinnitus that won't go away, I'm told its caused from elevated seratonin. I'm taking 3 mg of lorazepam, but its not holding me. I cant take any ssri, or effexor, and clomapramine made the ringing worst in Sept. Haven't tried it lately. I cant stop crying and panic attacks. Have been throwing up what little I do eat. This is a nightmare. Have been off work 12 weeks.
Posted by Katey on November 16, 2001, at 7:44:26
In reply to PLEASE HELP ME I FEEL SO HOPELESS, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 16, 2001, at 6:30:55
Alright hon, i feel for you, its a dark scary place when you land yourself in a hole like that. Can i suggest another type of AD? ones that dont target serotonin, but maybe dopamine or neurotonin. my doc just put me on welbutrin, which targets dopamine and norepinephrien. i'm not sure, dont quote me on this or take me to be god, but it might also help with your panic attacks. ive been researching so many meds lately that there a little confused in my head. i'm sure someone else will have some good advice for you too. take care of yourself hon, and remember that eventually...even though it may seem like forever...things do get better.
Katey
Posted by petey on November 16, 2001, at 8:39:38
In reply to Re: PLEASE HELP ME I FEEL SO HOPELESS, posted by Katey on November 16, 2001, at 7:44:26
> Alright hon, i feel for you, its a dark scary place when you land yourself in a hole like that. Can i suggest another type of AD? ones that dont target serotonin, but maybe dopamine or neurotonin. my doc just put me on welbutrin, which targets dopamine and norepinephrien. i'm not sure, dont quote me on this or take me to be god, but it might also help with your panic attacks. ive been researching so many meds lately that there a little confused in my head. i'm sure someone else will have some good advice for you too. take care of yourself hon, and remember that eventually...even though it may seem like forever...things do get better.
>
> KateyMary Teresa,
I am so sorry that you are suffering so much. I have a couple of suggestions for your tinnitus. My uncle suffered from it for years and his doctor asked how much coffee he drank. Although he didn't drink much ( 2 cups in the a.m. ), he's doctor suggested he cut it off completly. His tinnitus went away completly. Another suggestion I have, is to talk to your Napropath(sp.) about Ginkgo Biloba. I have heard that this really works to combat tinnitus. I'm not sure about dosages, so talk to your doctor about it. As far as the crying and panic, I really don't know what to say. I know, like me, you are withdrawing from Zoloft So maybe this is part of the withdraw. Please don't give up, things will get better.
Petey
Posted by Pamela Lynn on November 16, 2001, at 10:02:14
In reply to PLEASE HELP ME I FEEL SO HOPELESS, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 16, 2001, at 6:30:55
Please hang in there. I know, I know...you have probably heard all of that before!! I know (as many others here, I would assume) exactly what you are going through.
How about Zyprexa for those panic attacks (a low dose, I take it for my 'psychotic' eppisodes, it can be pretty sedating at high doses and it is very 'calming' for me in the doses I take for it).
Or how about Xanax spreak out through the day so it is not too sedating? That is what I take for my panic attacks...to keep them from ever starting, and it has worked thus far.I hope things get better for you, and soon!! PLEASE, if you need to talk, feel free to email me or post somemore threads here for support.
P.L.
> Hi,I would appreciate any suggestions. I have tendancies toward obsessive rumination. Used to take clomapramine with a great success for it. My psdoc switched me to zoloft. Now after tinnitus that won't go away, I'm told its caused from elevated seratonin. I'm taking 3 mg of lorazepam, but its not holding me. I cant take any ssri, or effexor, and clomapramine made the ringing worst in Sept. Haven't tried it lately. I cant stop crying and panic attacks. Have been throwing up what little I do eat. This is a nightmare. Have been off work 12 weeks.
Posted by Lorraine on November 16, 2001, at 10:52:19
In reply to PLEASE HELP ME I FEEL SO HOPELESS, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 16, 2001, at 6:30:55
I couldn't take Zoloft--caused stomach distress (in my case diahrea) and muscle tension. I hope you find something that works. I know it's tough. I'm in the same boat, but different meds of course.
Lorraine
> Hi,I would appreciate any suggestions. I have tendancies toward obsessive rumination. Used to take clomapramine with a great success for it. My psdoc switched me to zoloft. Now after tinnitus that won't go away, I'm told its caused from elevated seratonin. I'm taking 3 mg of lorazepam, but its not holding me. I cant take any ssri, or effexor, and clomapramine made the ringing worst in Sept. Haven't tried it lately. I cant stop crying and panic attacks. Have been throwing up what little I do eat. This is a nightmare. Have been off work 12 weeks.
Posted by Sleepy on November 16, 2001, at 14:37:32
In reply to PLEASE HELP ME I FEEL SO HOPELESS, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 16, 2001, at 6:30:55
> Hi,I would appreciate any suggestions. I have tendancies toward obsessive rumination. Used to take clomapramine with a great success for it. My psdoc switched me to zoloft. Now after tinnitus that won't go away, I'm told its caused from elevated seratonin. I'm taking 3 mg of lorazepam, but its not holding me. I cant take any ssri, or effexor, and clomapramine made the ringing worst in Sept. Haven't tried it lately. I cant stop crying and panic attacks. Have been throwing up what little I do eat. This is a nightmare. Have been off work 12 weeks.
**No suggestions, but just wanted to say that I can empathize with how you're feeling. Don't know if it helps any, but you're not alone. I'm barely hanging on some days, but posting here helps. All the best to you, Mary-Teresa. Just know that there are those of us out here who understand!
~Sleepy
Posted by Mary-Teresa on November 17, 2001, at 17:12:32
In reply to Re: PLEASE HELP ME I FEEL SO HOPELESS » Mary-Teresa, posted by Sleepy on November 16, 2001, at 14:37:32
> Thanks to you all. I really appreciated your words of support and encouragement.
Mary
Posted by Pamela Lynn on November 17, 2001, at 18:04:07
In reply to THANKS Katey, Petey, PamelaLynn, Lorraine, Sleepy, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 17, 2001, at 17:12:32
You are SO WELCOME hon.
You WILL get through this!!
P.L.
> > Thanks to you all. I really appreciated your words of support and encouragement.
> Mary
Posted by Katey on November 18, 2001, at 1:05:27
In reply to Re: THANKS Katey, Petey, PamelaLynn, Lorraine, Sleepy » Mary-Teresa, posted by Pamela Lynn on November 17, 2001, at 18:04:07
Anytime hon. i really think thats the underlying aim of this board- to have a group of people with similar experiences who can relate and support eachother when times get tough. you guys have done it a few times for me, and i'm eternally grateful.
Katey
Posted by petey on November 20, 2001, at 6:36:21
In reply to THANKS Katey, Petey, PamelaLynn, Lorraine, Sleepy, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 17, 2001, at 17:12:32
> > Thanks to you all. I really appreciated your words of support and encouragement.
> MaryI was just thinking about you this morning. How are you doing? Did you find anything to help you with the tinnitus? How about the anxiety and panic? I'm now 6 days off Zoloft. Still feel a bit foggy and have some anxiety. I am waking between 4 and 5:00 a.m. I'm wondering if this is withdrawl and will get better in time. Also, I seem to be getting REAL emotional. I'm hoping this is withdrawl and not a return of depression. Am SOOOOO tired. Keep in touch, i'd like to know how your doing. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck!! Petey
Posted by Mary-Teresa on November 21, 2001, at 9:06:19
In reply to Mary teresa- How you doing?, posted by petey on November 20, 2001, at 6:36:21
Hi Petey, I'm obsessing about the tinnitus. Its down to a pulsating wisper, but I can't stop panicing. My doc has me on 75 mg of clomapramine, but I'm not sure if the clomapramine makes the noise pulsate more. I don't want to eat, and to be honest I'm not doing very well. Did the ringing clear up for you? I think I need to be in the hospital, but am terrified they would give me something that would just make everything worse. Thanks for your prayers.Mary
Posted by petey on November 21, 2001, at 15:38:41
In reply to Re: Mary teresa- How you doing?, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 21, 2001, at 9:06:19
> Hi Petey, I'm obsessing about the tinnitus. Its down to a pulsating wisper, but I can't stop panicing. My doc has me on 75 mg of clomapramine, but I'm not sure if the clomapramine makes the noise pulsate more. I don't want to eat, and to be honest I'm not doing very well. Did the ringing clear up for you? I think I need to be in the hospital, but am terrified they would give me something that would just make everything worse. Thanks for your prayers.Mary
Dear Mary,
My problem was mostly with hearing music! Talk about going nuts! In the hospital , they put me Risperdal for it. It really didn't help, it just made me paranoid and I couldn't remember a thing. After finding this site, I learned that SSRI's could cause this. I have to say that since I cut the dose ( and now finally off ) the Zoloft, that things have gotten much better with the music. I've been having alot of trouble from withdrawal. Flu-like symptoms, ear pain ,sleep disturbances, fatigue and some anxiety. As far as the music goes, it's not all the way gone yet, but it is much better. Mornings are the worst! I'll hear a song that my father used to sing. Music from like the 40's and 50's! It's very strange. I'll hear a song on the T.V. or radio and it gets stuck in my head until something else occupies my time! I never had any of these symptoms in my life until after my experience with Paxil. I surely hope things get better for you. I know it seems hopeless, but we've got to stay strong! About going into the hospital, I have to say that was the worst experince of my life. If that is what you decide to do, just remember you can refuse any medication that you are not comfortable with. That is your right. If you are feeling that going into the hospital is your only option left, then do it. They may be able to help you. Did you try the Ginko Biloba? It's worth a shot. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you. Take care and good luck!!!!!
Petey
Posted by Mary-Teresa on November 22, 2001, at 17:37:16
In reply to Re: Mary teresa- How you doing?, posted by petey on November 21, 2001, at 15:38:41
How much were you on? Did it reduce the anxiety? What do you mean you were paranoid. Could you still function. Did it leave any perm problems like ticks, motor system problems. She really scared me with this one out of the blue.
Mary
Posted by petey on November 23, 2001, at 22:06:48
In reply to Petey- Today my family doc suggested Risperdal, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 22, 2001, at 17:37:16
> How much were you on? Did it reduce the anxiety? What do you mean you were paranoid. Could you still function. Did it leave any perm problems like ticks, motor system problems. She really scared me with this one out of the blue.
> MaryMary,
I don't want to scare you, because maybe Risperdal will help you. Since you asked, I will tell you that drug was not for me. The entire time I was on it, I felt like a zombie. After my pdoc put me on it, I just got REAL paranoid. I was extremly confused. By this I mean, I would get paranoid to be left alone. When I was in the outpatient program at the hospital, I would have to have somebody with me AT ALL TIMES! Same thing if I went to the grocery store, mall,etc. If I wasn't with someone every second, I'd start to freak out! It was SOOO strange! Also, I would get real paranoid about real strange things. For example, I would look at my kitchen cabinet, and think I saw a face in it! It would really scare me. No, I really wasn't functioning very well when i was on this drug. It really changed my personality quite a bit. I know that these things were caused by the Risperdal, because as soon as I went off it, all those symptoms went away. No, it did not help my anxiety. I had a very high level of anxiety while on this drug. I started out on 1mg., then my doctor increased it to 4mg. because of the music and because I wasn't sleeping very well. To be honest, it really didn't help with the sleeping either. I still woke up about 5 or 6 times a night. As far as tics or any other invoulantary movements, I never had any problems with that except that people started to notice that I smacked my lips and my tongue seemed to move around alot! The music thing started to get better when I started to decrease the Zoloft. The Risperdal didn't help with that at all. On the other hand , my best friend is on 1mg. of Risperdal per day. She claims it helps her alot! It has helped her immensely with her anxiety. She has tried to go off it a couple of times, but gets too emotional and her anxiety increases quite a bit. It also helps her to sleep. She is on quite a few meds., but she says Risperdal is what helps her the most!!!! So, I really don't know what to tell you. It works wonders for some people and others, like myself, have a horrible experience with it. I wish I could be of more help, but it's your choice whether to try it or not. What I would like to know is. why does your doctor want to prescribe this particular drug? What symptoms does he/she think it will help?If it's for the tinnitus, I would think twice before I'd go on such a powerful drug. Please let me know, I'm really curiuos. Take care and if there is anything else I can help you with, please let me know. God bless,
Petey
Posted by Mary-Teresa on November 24, 2001, at 7:15:59
In reply to Petey- Today my family doc suggested Risperdal, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 22, 2001, at 17:37:16
> Hi Petey, thanks for replying. I think she is recommending it because I tend to have obsessive ruminating thoughts (OCD tendancy). That used to be helped by clomapramine big time, but now the clomapramine elevates the ringing. The good news is that the noise level has seriously dropped. Its now just a little pulsating wisper. Still very anxious. I think risperdal is a bit of a big step for anxiety though. So I turned down the idea. Hope to see a pscharatrist soon that I can be comfortable with. I really appreciate your advice and experience with this drug. How are you making out with the music. Thats a form of tinnitus too- hearing music. You ears are trying to figure out what the sound is and convert it to something familar. I would love to give you my e-mail address, but I don't know how to do that without posting it here. Let me know if you know a way.
Mary.
Posted by petey on November 24, 2001, at 9:55:45
In reply to Re: Petey- Risperdal, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 24, 2001, at 7:15:59
> > Hi Petey, thanks for replying. I think she is recommending it because I tend to have obsessive ruminating thoughts (OCD tendancy). That used to be helped by clomapramine big time, but now the clomapramine elevates the ringing. The good news is that the noise level has seriously dropped. Its now just a little pulsating wisper. Still very anxious. I think risperdal is a bit of a big step for anxiety though. So I turned down the idea. Hope to see a pscharatrist soon that I can be comfortable with. I really appreciate your advice and experience with this drug. How are you making out with the music. Thats a form of tinnitus too- hearing music. You ears are trying to figure out what the sound is and convert it to something familar. I would love to give you my e-mail address, but I don't know how to do that without posting it here. Let me know if you know a way.
> Mary.Mary,
I'm not sure how to do the e-mail thing either. Maybe someone on this site could help us out with that? The music is alot better. This morning I have "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" stuck in my head! At least it's an upbeat song!!!!! It's much quieter than it used to be, but still aggrevating! I'm glad the ringing has toned down! That's great! Anxiety is a tough thing to live with, though. What other meds. are you on? I'm going to be out of town, so don't think I forgot about you if I don't get back to you right away!Take care and God bless!!!!
Posted by henryO on November 25, 2001, at 2:44:59
In reply to Petey- Today my family doc suggested Risperdal, posted by Mary-Teresa on November 22, 2001, at 17:37:16
Risperdal is not something to fear. All these drugs effect each of us so differently, there is no telling what it may do for you. For my depression it was a God send. I won't go into it here but you can see other posts I've left. It may have side effects which you do not like and as such is not for you, but it may be an asset. The only way to find out with any of these meds is to give them a shot. Their effects are so different from one person to another. Good luck.
Posted by Noa on December 1, 2001, at 14:13:08
In reply to Risperdal, posted by henryO on November 25, 2001, at 2:44:59
Just wanted to report that last night I saw a good friend whom I hadn't seen in a couple of months and he is doing amazingly well since starting risperidone! His obsessive ruminations are gone! He seems happy and calm. What a difference. Only drawback is he's put on some weight. However, he looks wonderful--really healthy. There have been other times over the years when he has put on similar amounts of weight for other reasons, and that looks very different. This doesn't detract from his looks at all. Yes, he's got a bit of a double chin and a paunch now, but he is still working out regularly and looks strong and healthy and energetic and happy. The real proof is that he isn't all that bothered about the weight thing.
This is someone who has suffered for years, on and off, with depression and OCD, and paralysis from the torment of making choices and then undoing them and redoing them and undoing them over and over again, constantly worrying that he is doing the wrong thing, etc. And the risperdal is the first medication ever that has really addressed the core symptom.
Posted by Shelley on December 2, 2001, at 10:36:22
In reply to Re: Risperdal, posted by Noa on December 1, 2001, at 14:13:08
Good to hear your friend was helped by risperdal.
I suffer from severe obsessive rumination and take celexa which is only somewhat effective. My doctor says risperdal can help but is against my taking it since I have suffered in the past from tardive dyskinesia and other severe neurological problems after being on a small dosage of a neuroleptic. Is your friend concerned about this risk?
This is the end of the thread.
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