Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 543986

Shown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?

Posted by Phillipa on August 19, 2005, at 18:44:49

I see my pdoc on Monday and I already know what she'll say. What drug would you like to try. Well over the past years I've been on all the SSRI's and SNRI's and none of them work. I don't know where you seem to find the med combos you do that work. So where should I start? Before menopause my anxiety was sky high. But now it seems that I can tolerate anything and don't feel a thing. How did you find your med regime. I'd like to have energy and feel good again. Thanks, Phillipa

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?

Posted by crazychickuk on August 19, 2005, at 18:49:23

In reply to Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?, posted by Phillipa on August 19, 2005, at 18:44:49

same here..

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?

Posted by crazychickuk on August 19, 2005, at 18:52:14

In reply to Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?, posted by crazychickuk on August 19, 2005, at 18:49:23

i suppose you got to just keep trying..

are you taking ostregen? (sorry spelling lol)

i feel kind of numb, and my brain feels likee it wants to switch off.. and when i should be laffing my head of i tend to be like o there yar then and when i should be sad i tend to want to laff ? wats that all about?

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?

Posted by willyee on August 19, 2005, at 19:20:26

In reply to Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?, posted by Phillipa on August 19, 2005, at 18:44:49

> I see my pdoc on Monday and I already know what she'll say. What drug would you like to try. Well over the past years I've been on all the SSRI's and SNRI's and none of them work. I don't know where you seem to find the med combos you do that work. So where should I start? Before menopause my anxiety was sky high. But now it seems that I can tolerate anything and don't feel a thing. How did you find your med regime. I'd like to have energy and feel good again. Thanks, Phillipa

Well u always have unconventional methods for treatment resistant,for example dexadrine raises all neuro chemicals and has been used for stubborn depression,uwould just add a sedative when stimulation gets to high.

Modfanil is a stimulant with dopamine,thats a possability.You also have liquid deprenly a reversable maoi without restrictions.

And if ur doc is really cooperative,u have the med chairman maoi was on,excuse the spelling its buprhrine or something,its an opiod.

U have been through conventinal meds,now its time to go outside the box,id try dexadrine first.good luck

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa

Posted by Ilene on August 19, 2005, at 19:36:39

In reply to Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?, posted by Phillipa on August 19, 2005, at 18:44:49

> I see my pdoc on Monday and I already know what she'll say. What drug would you like to try. Well over the past years I've been on all the SSRI's and SNRI's and none of them work. I don't know where you seem to find the med combos you do that work. So where should I start? Before menopause my anxiety was sky high. But now it seems that I can tolerate anything and don't feel a thing. How did you find your med regime. I'd like to have energy and feel good again. Thanks, Phillipa

I'm with you there. The docs just throw meds at me: "Well, this one didn't work, let's try this other one." One doc said, "There's no magic pill for you." I don't see her anymore.

I think Cymbalta is next on the list. Sigh.

I.

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Ilene

Posted by Phillipa on August 19, 2005, at 19:48:38

In reply to Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa, posted by Ilene on August 19, 2005, at 19:36:39

Ilene, Tried 60mg of cymbalta when it first came out and no change. Willyee is right there's got to be a med. Fondly, Phillipa

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa

Posted by TamaraJ on August 19, 2005, at 19:51:15

In reply to Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?, posted by Phillipa on August 19, 2005, at 18:44:49

Phillipa,

My heart goes out to you. I know how discouraging it can be to try treatment after treatment, with no positive effect. I don't know how you feel about trying a natural route, at least for a brief period to try to replenish and rebuild. You could use some L-Tyrosine (for norepiphedrine and dopamine), l-tryptophan (for serotoin) and some L-Glutamine (which helps stabilize blood sugar and improves mood, concentration and focus). I have found the book "The Diet Cure" a good reference. It deals with such issues as hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, blood sugar problems, etc. Maybe you could even go see a good naturopath for recommendations. I have just recently started using a supplement that combines DL-Phenylalanine, L-Glutamine, 5-HTP and some vitamins and minerals. I also am taking L-Tyrosine daily. It's too early to say if it will be effective, but I have noticed an increase in energy.

As far as meds go, although I have never used it, I have read at another site about people who have had very good results combining Lamictal (a mood stabilizer, which has some AD properties apparently) with a SSRI. So, that may be something to raise with your pdoc.

The other thing to think about is the effect that your menopause is having on your mood. Are you using, or have you considered estrogen replacement therapy or hormone replacement therapy? I read a post in the archives here at Babble about a women who, once she started taking estrogen, had a significant improvement in her depression (and anxiety, too, I believe). You can get bio-identical hormones these days, I think. I have just started with a new pdoc and, much to my surprise, he specializes in women's hormonal issues. He even runs a PMS clinic (lucky for me because I have wicked PMS in the past couple of years). Anyway, before he will even consider prescribing any meds for me, he is checking my hormones (he was particularly concerned because of the debilitating reaction I had to Depo last year).

I think you still have options, so try not to despair (easier said than done, I know). Who knows, perhaps a combo of pharmaceutical and natural will help you get back on your feet again.

My thoughts are with you.

Tamara

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?

Posted by Empathy on August 20, 2005, at 0:27:36

In reply to Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?, posted by Phillipa on August 19, 2005, at 18:44:49

What Willyee said... Have you tried Dexadrine? If not, ask for the NON time release stuff... easier to control... in my opinion.

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?

Posted by Emily Elizabeth on August 20, 2005, at 0:29:31

In reply to Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa, posted by TamaraJ on August 19, 2005, at 19:51:15

I also have treatment resistant depression. Here is what I currently take. We keep layering them on top of each other b/c everything seems to help a little, but not enough:

Lexapro
Neurontin
Desipramine
Ambien
Dexedrine
Lithium

It is a heck of a lot of meds and I am hoping to stop some of them, but it is too soon to do that. The Li seems to be working though. My pdoc is pretty sure that it will keep working, but it is hard to be completely hopeful after so many failures.

I've also tried Lamictal, but it didn't help me. Pdoc said that adding a little of an atypical antipsychotic can help even for folks w/o psychotic symptoms. I haven't had to try that one--yet.

Sorry no input on the menopause issue, I'm only 26...

I hope you can find something good to try. Any ideas about what you plan to suggest?

Best,
EE

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?

Posted by med_empowered on August 20, 2005, at 1:10:00

In reply to Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?, posted by Emily Elizabeth on August 20, 2005, at 0:29:31

hi! Sorry..I know how frustrating it can be. The dexedrine for depression is a good idea (your doc might want to try Ritalin first...I *despise* ritalin, but it seems to be the antidepressant stimulant add-on of choice). Unconventional medictions are a good idea too...one person mentioned Temgesic; it is a schedule II opiate, used alot of heroin withdrawal, but it seems helpful with some cases of depression...there is a potential for "addiction," but, as with most pain killers, most people just become "dependant", so if your doc decides its not effective, be sure to do a sloooooowww taper. Ultram would be another option...its not scheduled, so you'd have the benefit of not having to worry about calling in for refills. On the alternative side of things, there's 5-HTP and SAMe...both work for depression, and both seem to boost the actions of Prozac, though those kind of combos should be monitored by someone with experience. There are all kinds of therapy that people find helpful--if you live in a larger area, you might be able to find a psychiatrist who, GASP, also does talk-therapy with his/her clients. From what I understand, that kind of set-up can be extremely beneficial. Mood-stabilizers would be another good option...Lamictal stands out b/c of its anti-depressant properties, but I imagine some of the others could help as well. A friend of mine has a doctor who prescribes her Marinol, the THC pill, for her depression "issues" (he's a family friend). She loves it...reduced mood swings, less anger and rage, good appetite, reduced depression, less apathy, fewer sleep problems. She doesn't ever come across as stoned out of her mind or anything, so it seems like the cognitive effects are minimal. I really wish you the best of luck.

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?

Posted by mogger on August 20, 2005, at 2:23:03

In reply to Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?, posted by Phillipa on August 19, 2005, at 18:44:49

Hvae you tried an MAOI? They are so powerful and can work when all others haven't,
mogger

 

Re: H-O-P-E

Posted by DoYouKnowHim? on August 20, 2005, at 3:22:41

In reply to Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?, posted by mogger on August 20, 2005, at 2:23:03

The bad news is that AD's haven't helped so far. The good news is that new meds seem to be coming out every month.

You just have to hang in there and have faith that you will eventually be led to the right med. It took me 8 years.

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa

Posted by Racer on August 20, 2005, at 12:25:48

In reply to Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?, posted by Phillipa on August 19, 2005, at 18:44:49

You've tried all of two classes of ADs, from what you've written, how about those other classes? Things like Wellbutrin, Remeron, TCAs, and MAOIs? Have you tried any of them?

What about combinations? Have you tried combining medications to get a better response? What combinations have you tried, if any?

Have you had any positive response to any of the meds you've tried? If so, which med, what positive results? Anything help with, say, the anxiety, but not depression? Or depression, but not anxiety? What's the scoop there?

And are you taking anything for your post-menopausal symptoms that might interfere with your response to ADs?

My well-liked Dr CattleProd (he's such a nice, nice, nice guy -- somehow I love calling him "Dr CattleProd") is a big believer in non-AD regimens for treatment resistant depression. He's talked about things like Lithium, Lamictal, etc, for me if we can't find an AD combination that works.

You say that your pdoc asks you what you want to try next -- have you asked her what she would recommend? I have a really bad habit of "diagnosing" and "Rxing" myself -- walking in there thinking I have to tell the doctor what's wrong with me and what will "fix" it. Bad habit, although I know I come by it honestly. Last time I saw Dr CattleProd, I did my best to hold that back -- and I asked him what *he* would recommend. He said he'd add Lamictal, so I'm trying it. I trust him, which helps a lot, and I keep reminding myself that we pay him big bux for his knowledge and experience, so I may as well let him use it. It's hard for me -- control and security issues -- but I'm glad I managed to do that.

Anyway, I don't know what to suggest, Phillipa, because I don't know just what you've tried. I guess I'd suggest asking her what she thinks, with maybe a nudge towards combining medications to try for a better response.

Good luck.

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa

Posted by ed_uk on August 20, 2005, at 14:03:56

In reply to Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?, posted by Phillipa on August 19, 2005, at 18:44:49

Dear PJ,

There's so much you haven't tried! You can't say ADs don't work for you :-)

love Ed xx

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Racer

Posted by Phillipa on August 20, 2005, at 16:38:59

In reply to Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa, posted by Racer on August 20, 2005, at 12:25:48

Racer, I was on wellbutrin for a week and ended up in the hospital. The doctor thought I was manic. And I was put on remeron l5mg for sleep along with xanax and chloral hydrate. The remeron didn't make me tired like so many others say it does for them.

In the past before menopause xanax, valium worked well for anxiety. But now all they do is make me tired not just relaxed. So I believe my chemistry has changed. Fondly, Phillipa

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » ed_uk

Posted by Phillipa on August 20, 2005, at 16:42:09

In reply to Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa, posted by ed_uk on August 20, 2005, at 14:03:56

I know Ed but would you believe it if I said I'm scared? And I don't know where everybody has found a pdoc who will add a little bit of this and a little of that. So far none of mine will. Oh, they'll give you an antianxiety med and an Ad but that's it. Fondly, Phillipa

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa

Posted by ed_uk on August 20, 2005, at 16:56:42

In reply to Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » ed_uk, posted by Phillipa on August 20, 2005, at 16:42:09

Dear PJ,

If you start a new med, you'll get lots of support here :-)

Ed xx

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa

Posted by Racer on August 21, 2005, at 11:12:17

In reply to Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Racer, posted by Phillipa on August 20, 2005, at 16:38:59

>And I was put on remeron l5mg for sleep along with xanax and chloral hydrate. The remeron didn't make me tired like so many others say it does for them.

The only effect I noticed on Remeron was RAGE! I am generally a talkative-but-quiet type, and have only raised my voice about three times in the time my husband has known me -- each time with overwhelming provacation and each time with a great deal of regret afterwards. (Never at my husband, by the way.) On Remeron, though, he was afraid of me. I was afraid of me. I even told him to stay away from me, physically -- no hugs, no coming close to soothe me -- because I had so little control over myself I was afraid I'd hit him! NOT a good drug for me, huh?

Just goes to show, we all react differently. Wellbutrin, for example, is my very best friend, of everything I'm taking now.

Forgive me for breaking into your conversation with Ed, but:

>>I know Ed but would you believe it if I said I'm scared? And I don't know where everybody has found a pdoc who will add a little bit of this and a little of that. So far none of mine will. Oh, they'll give you an antianxiety med and an Ad but that's it. Fondly, Phillipa

I can absolutely understand your fear, because I've had it myself. I'm terrified by the idea of trying something new, because I've had such bad experiences in the past. And you know what? Feeling able to trust Dr CattleProd to any degree has made such a difference to me in that regard: when he prescribes something new, I know that I can call his office if there's a problem -- and get a response! Not only that, but a response that is relevant to the problem! (NOT something that happened with Dr EyeCandy...) I can't stress enough how important it is to have a pdoc you feel comfortable with.

Now, where in the country are you? What area, nearest major city maybe? Maybe someone here can suggest a doctor they've had good experiences with who you can call for a local referral?

Ed's right, too, that you'll get a lot of support here. I have used that in the past, when I needed to post daily asking for help staying with something that scared me. I've also had some wonderful people from the board call and email me daily with support and cheerleading and general hand-holding. It really does help a lot. If they'll do it for me, they'll certainly do it for you.

Good luck, Phillipa. And remember my mantra when trying new drugs: "If it's nasty, I can stop taking it..."

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » ed_uk

Posted by Phillipa on August 21, 2005, at 18:40:32

In reply to Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa, posted by ed_uk on August 20, 2005, at 16:56:42

Aw you guys are wonderful and I do exchange E-mails with a lot of posters. I live at the Beach in NC USA and I'm already traveling 2 hours to see the pdoc I see. She did so much for my daughter-in-law that's why I picked her and my Son even saw her to treat his PTSD he never treated after he lost his eyesight in Desert Storm. And since we may be moving for my husband to find work it's very important that I be able to handle the stress. Racer you're an abundance of information. How come I haven't Babbled to excange E-mails with you yet. If you feel the inclination and have time give me a short Babble and we can okay. And Ed of course I haven't forgotten my first Babble Buddy. Fondly, Phillipa

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa

Posted by ed_uk on August 22, 2005, at 16:00:00

In reply to Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » ed_uk, posted by Phillipa on August 21, 2005, at 18:40:32

Aww, was I the first?

Love Ed xx

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa

Posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2005, at 19:43:45

In reply to Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » ed_uk, posted by Phillipa on August 21, 2005, at 18:40:32

The very first! Kisses and Hugs Love PJ O

 

Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?

Posted by ExcellentCamper on January 21, 2006, at 4:54:48

In reply to Re: Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me? » Phillipa, posted by TamaraJ on August 19, 2005, at 19:51:15


Hi Tamara,

Where do you get the supplement you take?

Will


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