![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Kindofblue on January 29, 2003, at 11:23:32
Dear Forum Members - I'm under medical care with a diagnosis of severe depression that is characterized with anxiety, panic and paranoia. I've tried Effexor, Welbutrin, Serzone, and Prozac -- none of these have eased my symptoms. Is it usual to have to try so many different drugs to find one that works. If you have symptoms similar to mine, what drug has worked for you and how long did it take to "kick-in". Regards to all - Chris
Posted by Jumpy on January 29, 2003, at 11:44:22
In reply to Tried many drugs, none seem to work, posted by Kindofblue on January 29, 2003, at 11:23:32
Consider Nardil. Jumpy
Posted by viridis on January 29, 2003, at 14:02:56
In reply to Tried many drugs, none seem to work, posted by Kindofblue on January 29, 2003, at 11:23:32
Are you seeing a regular doctor (GP) or a psychiatrist? If the former, I strongly recommend that you see a psychiatrist, preferably one who specializes in anxiety disorders.
The strong anxiety/panic component to your depression is just like what I experienced for years, and SSRIs (like Prozac) and the SNRI Wellbutrin made the anxiety worse. The key for me was stabilization with benzodiazepines (Klonopin, Xanax; there are many others). These can be a tremendous help, and can provide a baseline from which other meds can then be cautiously added.
Unfortunately, doctors (GPs especially) can be reluctant to prescribe benzos due to irrational fears about "addiction" etc. (very rarely a problem for anxiety patients). So instead, they try various antidepressants that can make the situation worse, and tell you just wait a few weeks and see if they help. This can be a very long and painful process, whereas benzos can ease the problem almost immediately, and allow trials with other drugs that by themselves might be very hard on someone with severe anxiety.
You might discuss this with your doctor, and again, if you're not seeing a psychiatrist I strongly recommend that you do.
Posted by Creaky_Neurons on January 29, 2003, at 17:44:26
In reply to Tried many drugs, none seem to work, posted by Kindofblue on January 29, 2003, at 11:23:32
I might head towards amitriptyline. it's an old drug but is relaxing, anti-anxiety, and really good at depression.
i've had those electric depressions - they really BITE. stimulating AD's seem like they make it worse.
I might also try seroquel or zyprexa.
Kindofblue, go directly to the chill-out counter on this, order up huge slabs of relaxation and feeling safe about the world.
do not fear the opiates...
all this stuff that drives us crazy, paranoid, suicidal? it's just not worth it.
Posted by JohnL on January 29, 2003, at 17:55:32
In reply to Tried many drugs, none seem to work, posted by Kindofblue on January 29, 2003, at 11:23:32
Zyprexa! Why? Because it is likely to do wonders for your symptoms. Not guaranteed, but likely. And if it does, you will know it in a week or less.
Posted by jumpy on January 29, 2003, at 19:03:05
In reply to Re: Tried many drugs, none seem to work, posted by JohnL on January 29, 2003, at 17:55:32
> Zyprexa! Why? Because it is likely to do wonders for your symptoms. Not guaranteed, but likely. And if it does, you will know it in a week or less.
Hey John,
Have you had any problems with EP symptoms, tardive dyskinesia or diabetes associated with zyprexa?
Thanks
Jumpy
Posted by worrier on January 29, 2003, at 19:10:04
In reply to Re: Tried many drugs, none seem to work, posted by JohnL on January 29, 2003, at 17:55:32
If it is any comfort, I think your experience with many drugs, none seem to help is the rule rather than the exception. I can only echo the reply by viridis....the SSRIs and wellbutrin really exacerbated my symptoms..to the point I very nearly "jumped out of my basket" as they say. Benzos have been my saving grace. No drug is for everyone, but if your anxiety,panic,etc are really extreme benzos can at least get you to a place where you can think again, regroup and ponder your options. I can't stress enough the importance of finding a psychiatrist that really understands anxiety/panic. Don't rely on your GP, that's what got me in so much trouble. It's a good idea to find a competent GP though that will work with you and your pdoc. After a long search, I've finally found one and it makes treatment alot easier. My old GP was opposed to everything my pdoc suggested. Well, as usual I've rambled on too long. Hang in there and know you aren't alone. All the best, worrier.
Posted by falconman on January 29, 2003, at 19:44:56
In reply to Tried many drugs, none seem to work, posted by Kindofblue on January 29, 2003, at 11:23:32
Anxiety/panic is the main symptom of my depression, or maybe anxiety/panic are causing me to feel depressed but anyway, after experimenting with several antidepressants which all turned my panick into sheer terror and extreme agitation, I finally stumbled across Klonopin (benzo tranquillizer)and managed to convince my pdoc to try me on it. Although I'm trying to come off it now, looking back it probably saved my life and and put a halt to me losing the plot completely. read what Viridis said again , Its great advice. Hope you find some relief, take care
Posted by jay on January 29, 2003, at 22:47:24
In reply to Re: Tried many drugs, none seem to work, posted by Creaky_Neurons on January 29, 2003, at 17:44:26
Yes...*avoid* the crazziness! I think going on a 'news diet', avoid the media and that craziness, and put your mind on a 'vacation' for awhile.(It gets you away from the 'stimulation' of all the idiotic things in the mad, mad world.) In fact, I'd say avoiding news and current events for a good chunk of time until you are MUCH better is the way to go. Focus inside yourself....reach for some..heck ANY..peace you can find there. Treat yourself *good*, too..very, very important. I don't know how much this advice will help...and it may seem corney, but I think it is very important.Best wishes...
Jay
Posted by cubbybear on January 30, 2003, at 1:29:53
In reply to Tried many drugs, none seem to work, posted by Kindofblue on January 29, 2003, at 11:23:32
Dear Kindofblue,
I'm presently in the same boat (although I have many moments where I feel it's a sinking ship). Have severe depression with anxiety. I'm presently living in Thailand--you can scan the board for my name and get most of the story that way. The options are somewhat limited here. The one drug that DID work for my depression/anxiety for 18 years was MAOI Parnate, which is not available here. So I've gone round in circles with Remeron, Zoloft, and presently Moclobemide (not available in the U.S) which after about a month, doesn't seem to help at all. A trip back to the U.S. for the Parnate will probably be in order.
But back to your original question--many, many people who have posted on this board have been through several anti-depressants and we're all going through hell on earth. Good luck. Keep in touch with me if you like.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.