Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 634770

Shown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Help guys, I'm getting really bad....

Posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 19, 2006, at 10:42:32

ARghhh, I'm feeling really bad, I haven't got out of bed for the last few days. I just don't know what to do. I'm not taking any medication at the moment, and a couple of weeks ago I stopped St John's Wort to try other things. I wish I hadn't.

Oh jeeeze I just don't know what to do. I feel the mental health care system here in the UK is just soooo bad.

I'm supposed to be referred to a pdoc (on the NHS) but I mean, I probally won't see him for weeks. As for seeing my GP, well I will do, and see if I can be put down for some therapy or something. And maybe I can get some useful medication from him although he told me I wasn't suitable for antidepressants. Well, I'll see another one. But still -- GPs won't prescibe anything other than SSRIs/TCAs and similar. I've done those rounds before - well actually I haven't tried the TCAs, but well, I have issues with sleepiness on SSRIs let alone a TCA. Maybe nortrpialine (sp?) but er, I don't like the sound of the antichlorigenic whatnot sife effects. Although I had some sucess on reboxetine, so maybe a noradrenic med might be the way to go.

I guess my main problems are depression and panic issues. I think my depression might have some atypical features (I sleep alot and I have that 'mood reactivity' and I am extremely fearful of rejection of all sorts. I tend to eat more too). I am very unmotivated and it takes loads of energy to do anything. Any idea for some good med options? (I would love to try some stimulants!)

Remember that I live in the UK and getting something decent will be problematic from a GP. Jeeeeze, I mean theoir eyes would pop out if I suggested wellbutrin and an SSRI. Actually, I would only try a SSRI if they gave me some benzos to counter the start up anxiety AND something like a stim or provigil to counter the sleepiness, but well, I doubt they'd do that!!!

I'm very frustrated with the UK system at the moment. Why do UK GPs seem to think that SSRIs are the answer to everything? I mean, they're pretty rubbish to be on, let alone trying to withdraw from them. And they're not that effective anyway.

I would like to try moclobemide (and good for my atypical features) but well, I think that would be almost impossible to get from a GP. And I have to wait weeks to see a pdoc, if indeed, they let me.

At the moment, I'm virtually bed ridden. Luckily I don't have a job but well. ARGHHHH!!!!!

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » Meri-Tuuli

Posted by Crazy Horse on April 19, 2006, at 12:06:45

In reply to Help guys, I'm getting really bad...., posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 19, 2006, at 10:42:32

> ARghhh, I'm feeling really bad, I haven't got out of bed for the last few days. I just don't know what to do. I'm not taking any medication at the moment, and a couple of weeks ago I stopped St John's Wort to try other things. I wish I hadn't.
>
> Oh jeeeze I just don't know what to do. I feel the mental health care system here in the UK is just soooo bad.
>
> I'm supposed to be referred to a pdoc (on the NHS) but I mean, I probally won't see him for weeks. As for seeing my GP, well I will do, and see if I can be put down for some therapy or something. And maybe I can get some useful medication from him although he told me I wasn't suitable for antidepressants. Well, I'll see another one. But still -- GPs won't prescibe anything other than SSRIs/TCAs and similar. I've done those rounds before - well actually I haven't tried the TCAs, but well, I have issues with sleepiness on SSRIs let alone a TCA. Maybe nortrpialine (sp?) but er, I don't like the sound of the antichlorigenic whatnot sife effects. Although I had some sucess on reboxetine, so maybe a noradrenic med might be the way to go.
>
> I guess my main problems are depression and panic issues. I think my depression might have some atypical features (I sleep alot and I have that 'mood reactivity' and I am extremely fearful of rejection of all sorts. I tend to eat more too). I am very unmotivated and it takes loads of energy to do anything. Any idea for some good med options? (I would love to try some stimulants!)
>
> Remember that I live in the UK and getting something decent will be problematic from a GP. Jeeeeze, I mean theoir eyes would pop out if I suggested wellbutrin and an SSRI. Actually, I would only try a SSRI if they gave me some benzos to counter the start up anxiety AND something like a stim or provigil to counter the sleepiness, but well, I doubt they'd do that!!!
>
> I'm very frustrated with the UK system at the moment. Why do UK GPs seem to think that SSRIs are the answer to everything? I mean, they're pretty rubbish to be on, let alone trying to withdraw from them. And they're not that effective anyway.
>
> I would like to try moclobemide (and good for my atypical features) but well, I think that would be almost impossible to get from a GP. And I have to wait weeks to see a pdoc, if indeed, they let me.
>
> At the moment, I'm virtually bed ridden. Luckily I don't have a job but well. ARGHHHH!!!!!
>
>

Hi Meri-Tuuli,
Sorry you are feeling so bad. Have you ever tried an MAOI? (and everyone says, "oh geez,there he goes again") :) But i don't care, because i believe them to be the best AD's especially for those who don't respond well to the others. You say you'd love to try more stimulants. Parnate does have an amphetamine like effect...in 2.5 months it's changed my life from miserable to quite enjoyable!

You'd obviously have to find a pdoc who will prescribe maoi's. Also, Parnate reduces the appetite of many people, it has for me. I've lost 10 lbs. so far-i literally have to remind myself to eat. Before, I wanted to eat all the time like you do. Parnate is not perfect, and as with all meds doesn't work for everyone, but it's the best ad i've been on in 25 yrs. of this sucky illness. EMSAM, is also getting a lot of good reviews. Anyway, I really am sorry you are hurting. I will definitely pray for you if you don't mind. And i hope this helps give you a little hope...hang in there, you will get better!

Sincerely,

Monte

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad....

Posted by Phillipa on April 19, 2006, at 13:13:51

In reply to Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » Meri-Tuuli, posted by Crazy Horse on April 19, 2006, at 12:06:45

Hi Merri I didn't realize things were that bad. And the St John's wort did nothing? I don't know what to say but hopefully Ed will be here it's Wednesday and I think he usually works half day. Good luck Love Phillipa

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » Phillipa

Posted by milly on April 19, 2006, at 13:21:33

In reply to Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad...., posted by Phillipa on April 19, 2006, at 13:13:51

Hi Meri-Tuuli, we haven't spoken before but I'm in the UK too, it does all depend on your GP but keep badgering him (or get someone alonside who will as when your that bad theres no energy to fight your corner)
They were apparently amazing with me but i don't remember much about it particularly the time frame, I do remeber talking to a CPN on the phone and then seeing a psychiatrist within the week (2 days I think)
Try and get that referal though as I think GP's have a limited prescribing list and some things have to be started by a psychiatrist.
Thinking of you, it's a b*gger when you can't get the help you know you need
milly

 

oops sorry above to Meri-Tuuli (nm)

Posted by milly on April 19, 2006, at 13:22:59

In reply to Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » Phillipa, posted by milly on April 19, 2006, at 13:21:33

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad....

Posted by blueberry on April 19, 2006, at 15:29:11

In reply to Help guys, I'm getting really bad...., posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 19, 2006, at 10:42:32

How about restarting SJW? There is a web forum just for SJW users called sjwinfo.org. There are many reports of people there who experience poopout, but then got back the same good effects as the first time when they restarted again. Some people reported all they needed was a higher dose. Some people take breaks on purpose, even though they are painful, just to make sure the SJW keeps working long term. At least with SJW, you already know you respond well to it. With any other med, you are in uncharted waters with no idea if it will work or what side effects.

Anyway, I'm not sure why you stopped SJW, but it might be an idea to consider restarting it maybe?

I've been on many many meds. I must admit, the best of them all by a long shot was SJW. It pooped out on me too, not to where I was depressed, but I just got flat. In hindsight, I could have managed it better. I think I gave up on it too soon. I deeply regret that. Things have been downhill downhill downhill ever since.

My situation was more tricky though. I have tinnitus. SJW makes it very very loud. I was also taking prozac and zyprexa. They kept the tinnitus rather tame even with the SJW. What I didn't know at the time was that SJW was affecting the metabolism of zyprexa by increasing it 300%. So my dose was actually 15mg a day zyprexa when the pills were 5mg. Needless to say, when I stopped SJW I went through the same benzo-type withdrawals that you did, along with rapid antipyschotic withdrawals that was scary as hell.

I personally would start SJW again if it weren't for the severe start-up anxiety I get from it, and the very loud tinnitus. If I could manage those, I would be all set.

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » Phillipa

Posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 19, 2006, at 16:15:19

In reply to Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad...., posted by Phillipa on April 19, 2006, at 13:13:51

Thanks PJ, you're a star!

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » milly

Posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 19, 2006, at 16:29:37

In reply to Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » Phillipa, posted by milly on April 19, 2006, at 13:21:33

Thanks for your advice milly. Well, unfortuately, I got referred to a pdoc the first time, and they just deferred me back to my GP. However, my GP luckily enough thinks my case is severe enough (or something like that) to see a pdoc properly so he's fighting for my case even though they deferred me back. He seems to think that he has the power to get me to one. If that actually happens will shall see. But it takes time apparently. Its awful. Who knows when I'll get seem.

Do you mind me asking what you suffer from, and which part of the UK are in? I know it differs from region to region. Also I get the impression that if you had something like bipolar, or schziophrenia you would get seen alot sooner. I'm just plain old unipolar depression I'm afraid!!! Even friends I know who have overdosed and ended up in hospital, don't get to see a pdoc. Just a CPN. Its shocking really.

Thanks for the support milly.

Kind regards

Meri

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » blueberry

Posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 19, 2006, at 16:37:58

In reply to Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad...., posted by blueberry on April 19, 2006, at 15:29:11

Hey blueberry!

Well, thanks so much for the advice. I'm aware of that SJW forum. It just cruise by it sometimes, but I find it difficult to read and follow compared to the minialist pbabble approach!

Anyway I stopped the SJW because I wanted to try some other things, like tyrosine, 5-HTP, ginkgo. I didn't what to combine the two well, 5-htp and SJW have the potential for sertonin syndrome? Anyway. Plus I didn't actually think it was helping that much, but boy was I wrong. Really wrong. I was only taking one 300mg tab a day anyway!! I tried a period of 900mg but dropped it down. Not too sure why. I'm terribly afraid of mixing things and the packet only said ONE tab a day.

Kind regards

Meri

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » Meri-Tuuli

Posted by Phillipa on April 19, 2006, at 18:47:14

In reply to Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » blueberry, posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 19, 2006, at 16:37:58

Merri looks like Ed didn't make it to the board today . Did you babblemail him like you were going to? Love Phillipa

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » Meri-Tuuli

Posted by blueberry on April 19, 2006, at 20:34:02

In reply to Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » blueberry, posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 19, 2006, at 16:37:58

I sure wish you weren't feeling so bad. If it helps, I feel like absolute crud too.

Some people say they get a little benefit from sjw in a month or 6 weeks, but not that much, until they stop and realize it was doing more than they thought. And people say that it really takes a good 3 months to kick in. And that along the way there will be short periods of sinking where you feel like it isn't working or is stopped working. From longtime users, the advice seems to be...keep taking it and hang in there it gets better.

Higher doses are ok. They have used doses up to 2700mg, which is 9 300mg a day. Most people seem to end up in the 900mg to 1200mg range.

You can mix it with other things. Ginkgo biloba goes good with it. Gotu kola and sjw. Passionflower and sjw. I have read books where they combine 5htp and sjw. Also 5htp with tyrosine and sjw. It all depends on your particular kind of depression. Serotonin syndrome might be a risk with 5htp and sjw, but just know the early signs.

But since it was helping in the first place, maybe just a little higher dose and longer time? To get a higher dose, you could add in another brand that has a 150mg or 300mg option on top of what you were taking.

Just some thoughts. If you are in really bad shape, medications are probably wiser, at least for a while. But if you think you can hang in there, maybe sjw is worth another look.

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » Meri-Tuuli

Posted by milly on April 20, 2006, at 10:40:54

In reply to Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » milly, posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 19, 2006, at 16:29:37

> Thanks for your advice milly. Well, unfortuately, I got referred to a pdoc the first time, and they just deferred me back to my GP. However, my GP luckily enough thinks my case is severe enough (or something like that) to see a pdoc properly so he's fighting for my case even though they deferred me back. He seems to think that he has the power to get me to one. If that actually happens will shall see. But it takes time apparently. Its awful. Who knows when I'll get seem.

**Oh I'm so sorry that is awful but at least your GP seems on your side, will you have to see the same psychiatrist who refered you back to your GP or will it be another one?
>
> Do you mind me asking what you suffer from, and which part of the UK are in?

**I don't mind at all, I was refered with severe depression (thought to be reactive to a situation I was in at the time) very suicidal, delusional and paranoid, however since being under the psychiatrist they keep trying to say bipolar but no firm diagnosis yet. have suffered with depression on and off (mainly on!) for 10ish years. I'm in Kent what about you?

>>I know it differs from region to region. Also I get the impression that if you had something like bipolar, or schziophrenia you would get seen alot sooner. I'm just plain old unipolar depression I'm afraid!!! Even friends I know who have overdosed and ended up in hospital, don't get to see a pdoc. Just a CPN. Its shocking really.

**thats awful
>
> Thanks for the support milly.

**no problem babblemail me if you want to anytime
milly

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » milly

Posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 20, 2006, at 12:00:46

In reply to Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » Meri-Tuuli, posted by milly on April 20, 2006, at 10:40:54

Thanks for your kind reply milly!!

Anyway I got a letter this morning saying that I got an appointment!!! On a week on friday. Phew! Although, not sure exactly *what* the outcome will be, but hey. I have a barrage of questions to ask. Anyway I'm hopeful that this appointment will be a step in the right direction.

Kind regards

Meri

Oh I'm in nottingham.

 

I GOT AN APPT WITH A PDOC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 20, 2006, at 12:09:09

In reply to Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » Meri-Tuuli, posted by milly on April 20, 2006, at 10:40:54

Yay! I'm so relied. I see him a week on Friday.

I hope something good will happen as a result of this appointment......

I'm rather afraid that he will put me on medication, thats fine, but well, I'd rather not. I guess it depends on the medication......and what it is exactly.....and I want to seem compliant... and er, the pdoc will be able to prescribe meds that my GP can't.

Thanks folks!

Meri

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » Meri-Tuuli

Posted by Phillipa on April 20, 2006, at 12:22:24

In reply to Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad.... » milly, posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 20, 2006, at 12:00:46

Congratulations I know how many months you have been waiting to see a pdoc. Yeah Merri the GP did it for you.!!!!!!Love Phillipa

 

Re: I GOT AN APPT WITH A PDOC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Tom Twilight on April 20, 2006, at 14:03:41

In reply to I GOT AN APPT WITH A PDOC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 20, 2006, at 12:09:09

Hey Meri

I'm sorry your in such a bad way
I'm feeling less than Stella myself at the moment.

Hope things work out with the Pdoc anyway
Hopefully they'll be more clued up than your GP

Wish I had more to offer..........

 

Re: I GOT AN APPT WITH A PDOC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » Meri-Tuuli

Posted by gardenergirl on April 20, 2006, at 14:25:15

In reply to I GOT AN APPT WITH A PDOC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 20, 2006, at 12:09:09

Glad you're able to get in quickly. I hope it leads to you feeling better very soon.

Take care,

gg

 

Re: I GOT AN APPT WITH A PDOC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Caedmon on April 22, 2006, at 14:15:18

In reply to Re: I GOT AN APPT WITH A PDOC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! » Meri-Tuuli, posted by gardenergirl on April 20, 2006, at 14:25:15

I am happy to hear it! Keep us posted, what the pdoc thinks to give you.

- C

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad....

Posted by blueberry_muffin on January 15, 2007, at 9:21:44

In reply to Help guys, I'm getting really bad...., posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 19, 2006, at 10:42:32

Your going through withdrawl. I went through that, and it prolonged my suffering and I felt sick, weak, confused, my mental health symptoms were far worse.
You can't be your own psychiatrist. You need to go to yours immediately and tell him what you've been on and that you've stopped taking it.
You can never stop taking a pill immediatly, you have to be weaned off it. Immediate stop of some anti-psychotics can cause death. You've been on an anti-depressant, but you can still get phsycially and mentally sick. As you know, your experiencing that right now.
If you ask someone you know to come with you, and calmy say whats been going on, I don't think you'll be hospitalized. If you don't trust your current doctor, I suggest getting another one. Either way, you need immediate help. Even if it's from a psychiatrist you don't like.

 

Re: Help guys, I'm getting really bad....

Posted by blueberry_muffin on January 15, 2007, at 9:32:13

In reply to Help guys, I'm getting really bad...., posted by Meri-Tuuli on April 19, 2006, at 10:42:32

If your doctor won't take you now, I suggest taking someone with you to the emergency room and calmy explain your not so sick you have to be hospitalized, but your going through withdrawl from various medications and you need help.
If you don't get this taken care of right away, you may get so bad off you'll end up in the hospital or your suffering will be so far worse going into the hospital will be the best thing for you.
If your psychiatrist can't see you in more than a month, you can get a mental health advocate. I had one, and she helped me more than you can know, because of the advocate I had better help than what I had before I had an advocate.


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