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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Colleen D. on June 6, 2005, at 19:45:13
in the past few months. After a suicide attempt last fall he was prescribed Paxil and Xanax by Doc A, which he refused to continue taking after a few days. Next I got him to go the urgent care and Doc B there prescribed Remeron for him. Today Doc C said he should never have been given the Remeron and has put him on Lexapro. My head is spinning. He's described to each of them his problems/symptoms which indicate MDD and Panic. Are all these viable drugs for the dx? Why would Remeron not be a good choice for someone 67 with no major health problems who has lost 50 lbs. in the last six months. I actually thought using Remeron for him was a good idea since it affects the brain chemistry so dramatically and can help with weight gain. Any ideas? These doc are driving me crazy!
Thanks,
Colleen
Posted by Maxime on June 6, 2005, at 20:22:02
In reply to My dad's medication has been switched 3 times..., posted by Colleen D. on June 6, 2005, at 19:45:13
Hi.
You should ask a pharmacist if no one here can give you answer.
Were you there for the appointment? You should have asked if you were.
I hope your dad finds some relief soon ... and you too.
Maxime
> in the past few months. After a suicide attempt last fall he was prescribed Paxil and Xanax by Doc A, which he refused to continue taking after a few days. Next I got him to go the urgent care and Doc B there prescribed Remeron for him. Today Doc C said he should never have been given the Remeron and has put him on Lexapro. My head is spinning. He's described to each of them his problems/symptoms which indicate MDD and Panic. Are all these viable drugs for the dx? Why would Remeron not be a good choice for someone 67 with no major health problems who has lost 50 lbs. in the last six months. I actually thought using Remeron for him was a good idea since it affects the brain chemistry so dramatically and can help with weight gain. Any ideas? These doc are driving me crazy!
>
> Thanks,
> Colleen
Posted by Maxime on June 6, 2005, at 20:30:08
In reply to Re: My dad's medication has been switched 3 times. » Colleen D., posted by Maxime on June 6, 2005, at 20:22:02
I know the report is about pediatric MDD but I also other articles stating that it wasn't effective.
Maxime
http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/esum/2004/20415SE5_011_Mirtazapine%20MO%20ReviewFIN.pdf
Executive Summary
The data presented in this supplement do not support the efficacy of Remeron in the
treatment of pediatric MDD. Some of the safety findings may be different from what
occurred in adult studies and might need to be noted in the labeling.
Posted by Maxime on June 6, 2005, at 20:34:43
In reply to Re: My dad's medication has been switched 3 times. » Colleen D., posted by Maxime on June 6, 2005, at 20:22:02
General Comments
To date I have taken 18 different medications over the last 5 years. Meclizine, Xanax, Valium (2mg), Valium (5mg), Klonopin, Pamelor, Tofranil, Zoloft, Remeron, Paxil, Effexor, Busbar, Dyazide, Phenergan, Serc, Elavil, Ativan, and Serzone. I can't recommend any of them to help MDD symptoms. Ativan and Serzone have helped with anxiety and depression.
Since developing MDD, my first grandchild was born. I was never able to rock her as an infant. I can't play many of the games I could with my own children. If I so much as try to push her on a swing, I get so sick I have to lie down. I get so frustrated. I want to walk into the church for my daughter's wedding without worrying about making a spectacle of myself as I so often do. I would love to be able to play the piano again. I dream of having a clear head, being self-confident, productive and relaxed.
Most of all, I pray for strength and courage for all MDD sufferers until a cure can be found.
Posted by linkadge on June 6, 2005, at 21:30:50
In reply to Re: One woman's comments, posted by Maxime on June 6, 2005, at 20:34:43
I have heard that remeron was more effective than paxil in geriactric depression.
I would personally give the remeron a try.
Older people can have a terrable time with akathesia, and insomnia.
If possable I would try 7.5-15 mg of remeron and 10mg of lexapro in the morning. There is good evidence to support fast onset of action with SSRI remeron combination.
Linkadge
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on June 7, 2005, at 10:35:08
In reply to Re: One woman's comments, posted by linkadge on June 6, 2005, at 21:30:50
Any of these treatments seem reasonable, but it doesn't make sense to bounce around until you know if what you are doing is working. Usually you need 3-8 weeks to know if something is working. Your dad needs to see someone who knows what s/he is doing. And it needs to be the same person each time so that they are familiar w/ what is going on w/ your dad. Also, it is best to see a psychiatrist rather than a general practitioner. GPs can get in over their heads fast. Also, does your dad see a therapist? That could be really helpful AND s/he could help him figure out if what the MD is doing is helping.
Best,
EE
Posted by Maxime on June 9, 2005, at 16:43:57
In reply to he needs a good pdoc, posted by Emily Elizabeth on June 7, 2005, at 10:35:08
Colleen how is your dad doing? Have you decided what course of action you are going to take? He is lucky to have such a caring daughter. You must be his advocate!!!
Hugs,
Maxime
Posted by Colleen D. on June 9, 2005, at 22:24:19
In reply to Re: Colleen?, posted by Maxime on June 9, 2005, at 16:43:57
Thanks for such a nice comment and asking about my dad. He's doing better, but not as well as I'd like him to be...but I know these meds can take some time. He cancelled an appt. with his new GP after a complete physical which was to go over all the test results. My mom has rescheduled it and I hope he goes. I'm sure if they found anything really abnormal they would have called and talked to him. My mom says she thinks the Lexapro is making a difference. He worked on cleaning up his desk for a good part of the day one day which is so much better than having him in bed all the time.
:-) Colleen
Posted by Maxime on June 11, 2005, at 15:36:28
In reply to Re: Colleen? » Maxime, posted by Colleen D. on June 9, 2005, at 22:24:19
Hi. That is great about the Lexapro. It worked very quickly. I hope there is nothing serious wrong. It could be something as simple as his cholesterol being too high. Don't worry yet.
Keep us posted if you can.
Hugs,
Maxime> Thanks for such a nice comment and asking about my dad. He's doing better, but not as well as I'd like him to be...but I know these meds can take some time. He cancelled an appt. with his new GP after a complete physical which was to go over all the test results. My mom has rescheduled it and I hope he goes. I'm sure if they found anything really abnormal they would have called and talked to him. My mom says she thinks the Lexapro is making a difference. He worked on cleaning up his desk for a good part of the day one day which is so much better than having him in bed all the time.
>
> :-) Colleen
Posted by Colleen D. on June 12, 2005, at 11:53:15
In reply to Re: Colleen?, posted by Maxime on June 11, 2005, at 15:36:28
His test results revealed blood in his stool and I'm trying remain optimistic about its cause. He's seeing the doctor tomorrow and we'll get more info then. He had surgery for a stomach ulcer years ago. Maybe he's got that problem again.
Again, thanks!
Colleen
Posted by Maxime on June 13, 2005, at 1:47:21
In reply to Dad's test results... » Maxime, posted by Colleen D. on June 12, 2005, at 11:53:15
> His test results revealed blood in his stool and I'm trying remain optimistic about its cause. He's seeing the doctor tomorrow and we'll get more info then. He had surgery for a stomach ulcer years ago. Maybe he's got that problem again.
>
> Again, thanks!
>
> ColleenOh, good luck! It's so hard when our parents age. :-(
Maxine
This is the end of the thread.
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