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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Racer on February 12, 2006, at 12:06:11
In reply to Lost all hope, posted by Maxime on February 11, 2006, at 20:44:38
There's not much I can say, except hang in, and lean on us and on me?
I know how frustrating it is, and I know you've been through the wringer lately. Lately? For the past year or so? I'm so sorry.
Provigil might be worth another try, how much did you take and for how long? I got the headaches for a while on it, but they did fade -- the first day I took it, I was laid out like you wouldn't believe, but within a month or so, while I still got a headache every afternoon, it was just a sense of tension -- as if I was wearing a too-tight swimming cap. But what it did do, after a couple of weeks, was boost the AD -- and it had that effect on its own, too. I could almost have used it as monotherapy. The bad news is that it didn't last, after about a year and a half, it left me MORE depressed. But, while it worked, it was a life saver -- literally. Maybe if you gave it another chance, it could help a bit, while you're waiting to find something that works better for long term?
Also, with all the stresses in your life, do you think that there's anything that can help with easing your practical situation? Maybe that could help you get to a better place. Therapy? Other social support? I don't know what Canada does, but I do know that there's no much down here. I can tell you, though, that having a therapist I trust and work well with is helping me -- and you know how hard it was for me to find her, and how bad things were with some of the people I'd seen before that. It also helps that I have a stable living situation. If that's an issue for you, on top of this, I can't imagine how you're surviving.
I'm so sorry, Maxie. Take good care of yourself, and I hope things improve soon.
Posted by TylerJ on February 12, 2006, at 12:26:58
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » ed_uk, posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 10:31:26
Maxine, can you please give me a list of the meds you've been on. I've had this crappy illness for 24 for years so I have tried virtually EVERYTHING even ECT! I'll tell you more about that in next post. Please hang in there, things will get better for you. One drug that worked very well for me was Remeron-it pulled me out of a very deep depression...I did gain 30 lbs on it but hey it worked - I'll take weight gain over drepression any day. Wishing you all the best!
Tyler
Posted by TJO on February 12, 2006, at 14:51:53
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » Maxime, posted by TylerJ on February 12, 2006, at 12:26:58
> Maxine, can you please give me a list of the meds you've been on. I've had this crappy illness for 24 for years so I have tried virtually EVERYTHING even ECT! I'll tell you more about that in next post. Please hang in there, things will get better for you. One drug that worked very well for me was Remeron-it pulled me out of a very deep depression...I did gain 30 lbs on it but hey it worked - I'll take weight gain over drepression any day. Wishing you all the best!
>
> TylerHi Maxime,
You know if you are "considering" ECT, you could try RTMS first, it is for lack of a better way to put it less "invasive". Also I am curious what you have, but you don't have to disclose if you don't want to. Wonder if you have bipolar like me.Tam
Posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 15:51:14
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » Maxime, posted by TylerJ on February 12, 2006, at 12:26:58
Let's see if I can remember them all:
Prozac
Luvox
Zoloft
Paxil
Wellbutrin
Effexor
Celexa
Lexapro
Desipramine
Anafranil
Surmontil
Pamelor
Parnate
Nardil
Marplan
Trazadone
Depakote
Lithium
Neurontin
Topomax
Tegretol
Lamictal
Zyprexa
Seroquel
Risperidone
Thorazine
Nozinan
Klonopin
Adderall
Ritalin
Dexedrine
CytomelThat's all I remember, but I know I am missing a bunch. Probably just as well, it makes me cringe to see how many meds I've tried. If I lived in the States, the list would probably be longer.
Maxime
Maxime
> Maxine, can you please give me a list of the meds you've been on. I've had this crappy illness for 24 for years so I have tried virtually EVERYTHING even ECT! I'll tell you more about that in next post. Please hang in there, things will get better for you. One drug that worked very well for me was Remeron-it pulled me out of a very deep depression...I did gain 30 lbs on it but hey it worked - I'll take weight gain over drepression any day. Wishing you all the best!
>
> Tyler
Posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 15:58:06
In reply to I ain't got much, but I'll lend you some of mine » Maxime, posted by Racer on February 12, 2006, at 12:06:11
Thanks Racer, that is very sweet of you.
I really could use a good therapist. Money is a problem though. My pdoc does therapy with me, but I would like a woman's touch. My pdoc doesn't understand eating disorders.
There aren't that many resources to tap into here. I saw that a hospital was offering sessions on how to overcome depression (CBT based) and it was $500 for the 12 group sessions. I just don't have the money.
Thanks again.
Maxime
> There's not much I can say, except hang in, and lean on us and on me?
>
> I know how frustrating it is, and I know you've been through the wringer lately. Lately? For the past year or so? I'm so sorry.
>
> Provigil might be worth another try, how much did you take and for how long? I got the headaches for a while on it, but they did fade -- the first day I took it, I was laid out like you wouldn't believe, but within a month or so, while I still got a headache every afternoon, it was just a sense of tension -- as if I was wearing a too-tight swimming cap. But what it did do, after a couple of weeks, was boost the AD -- and it had that effect on its own, too. I could almost have used it as monotherapy. The bad news is that it didn't last, after about a year and a half, it left me MORE depressed. But, while it worked, it was a life saver -- literally. Maybe if you gave it another chance, it could help a bit, while you're waiting to find something that works better for long term?
>
> Also, with all the stresses in your life, do you think that there's anything that can help with easing your practical situation? Maybe that could help you get to a better place. Therapy? Other social support? I don't know what Canada does, but I do know that there's no much down here. I can tell you, though, that having a therapist I trust and work well with is helping me -- and you know how hard it was for me to find her, and how bad things were with some of the people I'd seen before that. It also helps that I have a stable living situation. If that's an issue for you, on top of this, I can't imagine how you're surviving.
>
> I'm so sorry, Maxie. Take good care of yourself, and I hope things improve soon.
Posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 16:03:51
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by TJO on February 12, 2006, at 14:51:53
> Hi Maxime,
> You know if you are "considering" ECT, you could try RTMS first, it is for lack of a better way to put it less "invasive". Also I am curious what you have, but you don't have to disclose if you don't want to. Wonder if you have bipolar like me.
>
> TamHi. I have been diagnosed with unipolar depression and bipolar depression *roll eyes*. I think it's because some meds have made me manic, but I have never had a hypomanic or manic episode on its own. I'm 37 and I have suffered since my teens, but I only sought treatment in my late 20's.
RTMS is available in Canada really. I know there are test studies going on. I really don't think I would ever consent to ECT ... I was just feeling really desperate when I wrote that. I did try to become part of a DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) study though. It's invasive, but shows a lot of promise.
Maxime
Posted by ed_uk on February 12, 2006, at 16:07:15
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » TylerJ, posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 15:51:14
Hi Maxie
Has Cymbalta been approved in Canada yet? I don't think it has but I'm not sure. I imagine it will be available soon. Would you like to try it?
Love Ed xx
Posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 16:49:36
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » Maxime, posted by ed_uk on February 12, 2006, at 16:07:15
> Hi Maxie
>
> Has Cymbalta been approved in Canada yet? I don't think it has but I'm not sure. I imagine it will be available soon. Would you like to try it?
>
> Love Ed xxIt was suppose to be available last June, but I don't think it ever came out. I would be willing to try it, although the weight gain has me nervous. I should check and see if it's available.
Love, Maxie
Posted by Racer on February 12, 2006, at 16:51:58
In reply to Re: I ain't got much, but I'll lend you some of mine » Racer, posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 15:58:06
How about trying to track down a non-profit in your area that does therapy? I know we have them around here -- I've dealt with two over the past few years, the agency from [notoriously warm climate], and the good place where we've had marriage counseling -- and I do know that it's harder than it should be to find them, but I would think that most urban areas would have *something* like that.
The worst part is that you have to work so hard to find those resources just when you're least able to muster the energy. If you can, though, Maxie, I think it's the best for you long term. And I agree -- a woman for therapy. I truly do not think I could get anywhere with a man, no matter how nice, or how competant. I just don't feel safe enough, ever, so I only look at women. I am sure you've looked at resources around you, how have you done it? Maybe somene here can suggest a method of searching for therapy with a sliding scale that you haven't thought of yet? It's worth a try.
Best luck, Maxie
Posted by TylerJ on February 12, 2006, at 16:59:44
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » TylerJ, posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 15:51:14
I didn't see Remeron-it's a great AD and another new drug I did well on w/ Remeron was Cymbalta an snri and a very clean drug. if you try remeron and are concerned about weight gain ask your pdoc for some Topamax it really does help prevent weight gain. And remeron is great for sleep you take it it at night and an our later your sleeping like a baby. Please don't be hopeless-you will get well! God Bless You.
Here is a list of meds I've failed on:
wellbutrinXanax
anafrinil
effexor
Luvox
nardil
marplan
inderal
serzone
Trazadone
take care of yourself and I don't know if you believe in God, I do and I will be praying for you. Tyler
Posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 17:55:45
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by TylerJ on February 12, 2006, at 16:59:44
Thanks, you are a sweetie. I did try Remeron and couldn't get past the sedation. Topomax makes me psychotic. Cymbalta isn't available yet in Canada, even though it was suppose to be this summer.
I appreciate your prayers.
Maxime
> I didn't see Remeron-it's a great AD and another new drug I did well on w/ Remeron was Cymbalta an snri and a very clean drug. if you try remeron and are concerned about weight gain ask your pdoc for some Topamax it really does help prevent weight gain. And remeron is great for sleep you take it it at night and an our later your sleeping like a baby. Please don't be hopeless-you will get well! God Bless You.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Here is a list of meds I've failed on:
>
>
> wellbutrin
>
> Xanax
>
> anafrinil
>
> effexor
>
> Luvox
>
> nardil
>
> marplan
>
> inderal
>
> serzone
>
> Trazadone
>
> take care of yourself and I don't know if you believe in God, I do and I will be praying for you. Tyler
Posted by TJO on February 12, 2006, at 18:28:26
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » TJO, posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 16:03:51
> > Hi Maxime,
> > You know if you are "considering" ECT, you could try RTMS first, it is for lack of a better way to put it less "invasive". Also I am curious what you have, but you don't have to disclose if you don't want to. Wonder if you have bipolar like me.
> >
> > Tam
>
> Hi. I have been diagnosed with unipolar depression and bipolar depression *roll eyes*. I think it's because some meds have made me manic, but I have never had a hypomanic or manic episode on its own. I'm 37 and I have suffered since my teens, but I only sought treatment in my late 20's.
>
> RTMS is available in Canada really. I know there are test studies going on. I really don't think I would ever consent to ECT ... I was just feeling really desperate when I wrote that. I did try to become part of a DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) study though. It's invasive, but shows a lot of promise.
>
> MaximeHi Maxime,
Another thought - is RU-486 available in Canada? Here they are trying it out to use on depression and possibly bipolar too.
Thought I'd share with you my dx-I'm bipolar and get into a psychotic depression without meds. With meds I am pretty much ok. I take Wellbutrin 300mg
Abilify 30mg
Neurontin 1200mg
Seroquel 800mg
Ive been on this combo for about 2 months and it seems to be working well for me. I dont think I saw Abilify on your list of drugs-for me it works as an antidepressant and seems to give a little bit of a lift to my mood. I'm 38 so am your age....became sick around 23-25 years old or so.Tam
Posted by TJO on February 12, 2006, at 18:28:31
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » TJO, posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 16:03:51
> > Hi Maxime,
> > You know if you are "considering" ECT, you could try RTMS first, it is for lack of a better way to put it less "invasive". Also I am curious what you have, but you don't have to disclose if you don't want to. Wonder if you have bipolar like me.
> >
> > Tam
>
> Hi. I have been diagnosed with unipolar depression and bipolar depression *roll eyes*. I think it's because some meds have made me manic, but I have never had a hypomanic or manic episode on its own. I'm 37 and I have suffered since my teens, but I only sought treatment in my late 20's.
>
> RTMS is available in Canada really. I know there are test studies going on. I really don't think I would ever consent to ECT ... I was just feeling really desperate when I wrote that. I did try to become part of a DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) study though. It's invasive, but shows a lot of promise.
>
> MaximeHi Maxime,
Another thought - is RU-486 available in Canada? Here they are trying it out to use on depression and possibly bipolar too.
Thought I'd share with you my dx-I'm bipolar and get into a psychotic depression without meds. With meds I am pretty much ok. I take Wellbutrin 300mg
Abilify 30mg
Neurontin 1200mg
Seroquel 800mg
Ive been on this combo for about 2 months and it seems to be working well for me. I dont think I saw Abilify on your list of drugs-for me it works as an antidepressant and seems to give a little bit of a lift to my mood. I'm 38 so am your age....became sick around 23-25 years old or so.Tam
Posted by TylerJ on February 12, 2006, at 22:38:00
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » TylerJ, posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 17:55:45
How long were you on Remeron? because it does cause drowsiness for the first month, sometimes 2 mos, then it's gone. So it might be worth giving it another try. Another good one that you can feel positive results from at 7-10 days is Mirapex, it will make you a little drowsy for 2-3 weeks. Let me know if you're interested in vitamins/and other supplements they can be very helpful also. If you do try Remeron again and can't tolerate the drowsiness try taking caffiene pills (Vivarin). You hang in there, you are going to get well and please stay in touch to let me know how your doing. God bless you.
Sincerely, Tyler
Posted by Maxime on February 13, 2006, at 11:25:31
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by TJO on February 12, 2006, at 18:28:26
What is RU-486?
Abilify isn't available in Canada. :-( I was on Wellbutrin twice and both times it made me psychotic.
I'm glad you found a cocktail that work for you!
Maxime
>
> Hi Maxime,
> Another thought - is RU-486 available in Canada? Here they are trying it out to use on depression and possibly bipolar too.
> Thought I'd share with you my dx-I'm bipolar and get into a psychotic depression without meds. With meds I am pretty much ok. I take Wellbutrin 300mg
> Abilify 30mg
> Neurontin 1200mg
> Seroquel 800mg
> Ive been on this combo for about 2 months and it seems to be working well for me. I dont think I saw Abilify on your list of drugs-for me it works as an antidepressant and seems to give a little bit of a lift to my mood. I'm 38 so am your age....became sick around 23-25 years old or so.
>
> Tam
Posted by TJO on February 13, 2006, at 15:32:52
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » TJO, posted by Maxime on February 13, 2006, at 11:25:31
> What is RU-486?
RU-486 is the "abortion pill". It is used here on a trial basis for treatment of depression, psychotic depression, and I think also for bipolar depression. It is given each day for 7 days in a row. Hopefully it works! I don't know its availablity in Canada.
Tam
Posted by deniseuk on February 14, 2006, at 9:02:17
In reply to Lost all hope, posted by Maxime on February 11, 2006, at 20:44:38
Hi Maxine,
Don't give up, we're all plugging away.
Just to say that I tried ECT, mindyou I only had two treatments of it and it was unilateral and it wasn't that scary really.
So don't completely discount ECT, I'm not.
Denise
Posted by 4WD on February 14, 2006, at 12:39:29
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » James K, posted by Maxime on February 12, 2006, at 10:22:53
> I wish the lactating was a joke. But I have naturally high prolactic levels and antipsychotics push it over the edge and I lactate.
>
> I've been on close to 50 different psych meds.
>
> Thanks for your support.
>
> MaximeMaxime,
Parlodel (bromocriptine) can stop lactaction and also can have an AD effect.
Marsha
>
>
> > > I'm almost ready to consent to ECT ... well, not really.
> > >
> > > But I do know that I can't live like this.
> > >
> > > Maxime
> >
> > ---I'm so sorry to hear things are not working. Please keep trying and convince your medical team (to whatever extent you have one) to keep trying. I don't know if ECT is actually an option for you, and I know it has come back into acceptance as a treatment for extreme resistant treatment, but I have never seen a positive outcome (in limited experience, I admit). My only point is to not do something so drastic until it is absolutely clear that you've tried all other options and have to do it.
> >
> > The lactating part sounds like a joke, but unfortunately, I've hung around here long enough to realize that these things do happen.
> >
> > Please keep posting, even though I have little of the extreme scientific knowledge of some here, we can all offer support.
> >
> > James K
>
>
Posted by TylerJ on February 14, 2006, at 13:50:20
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by 4WD on February 14, 2006, at 12:39:29
Hey, just checking in to see how you are doing..please read my previous post and let me know how long you were on Remeron, cause the drowsiness will go away ,and it will pull you out of the deepest depression (it did for me anyway) and worked well for me for 5 years. God bless you!
I Care,
Tyler
Posted by TylerJ on February 14, 2006, at 16:12:13
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » 4WD, posted by TylerJ on February 14, 2006, at 13:50:20
> Hey, just checking in to see how you are doing..please read my previous post and let me know how long you were on Remeron, cause the drowsiness will go away ,and it will pull you out of the deepest depression (it did for me anyway) and worked well for me for 5 years. God bless you!
>
> I Care,
>
> TylerOops ment for this to be for you....sorry about that.
Posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:30:57
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » Maxime, posted by TylerJ on February 12, 2006, at 22:38:00
I wasn't on it very long. But to honest, I wouldn't want to take it again because of the weight gain. I am anorexic and weight gain is not do-able for me. It's sad, I know, but that's the way things are.
I already take a multitude of vitamins and minerals and fish oil.
I'll keep you posted. When I see my pdoc next week I am going to ask him to start the Mirapex.
Maxime
> How long were you on Remeron? because it does cause drowsiness for the first month, sometimes 2 mos, then it's gone. So it might be worth giving it another try. Another good one that you can feel positive results from at 7-10 days is Mirapex, it will make you a little drowsy for 2-3 weeks. Let me know if you're interested in vitamins/and other supplements they can be very helpful also. If you do try Remeron again and can't tolerate the drowsiness try taking caffiene pills (Vivarin). You hang in there, you are going to get well and please stay in touch to let me know how your doing. God bless you.
>
> Sincerely, Tyler
>
>
Posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:32:12
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by TJO on February 13, 2006, at 15:32:52
I'll have to look into that. Thank you.
Maxime
> > What is RU-486?
>
> RU-486 is the "abortion pill". It is used here on a trial basis for treatment of depression, psychotic depression, and I think also for bipolar depression. It is given each day for 7 days in a row. Hopefully it works! I don't know its availablity in Canada.
>
> Tam
Posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:33:19
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by deniseuk on February 14, 2006, at 9:02:17
Why did you only have 2 treatments? That's not many.
Maxime
> Hi Maxine,
>
> Don't give up, we're all plugging away.
>
> Just to say that I tried ECT, mindyou I only had two treatments of it and it was unilateral and it wasn't that scary really.
>
> So don't completely discount ECT, I'm not.
>
>
> Denise
Posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:34:49
In reply to Re: Lost all hope, posted by 4WD on February 14, 2006, at 12:39:29
Hi Marsha
Do you know what dosage one would need to take?
Maxime
>
> Maxime,
>
> Parlodel (bromocriptine) can stop lactaction and also can have an AD effect.
>
> Marsha
Posted by Maxime on February 14, 2006, at 19:36:23
In reply to Re: Lost all hope » 4WD, posted by TylerJ on February 14, 2006, at 13:50:20
Yes, I read it and responded. I am doing the same ... poorly. It's clear that the Prozac isn't doing its job.
Thanks for caring.
Maxime
> Hey, just checking in to see how you are doing..please read my previous post and let me know how long you were on Remeron, cause the drowsiness will go away ,and it will pull you out of the deepest depression (it did for me anyway) and worked well for me for 5 years. God bless you!
>
> I Care,
>
> Tyler
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