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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Squiggles on February 28, 2007, at 7:09:30
In reply to Who here has experienced remission?, posted by mbluett on February 28, 2007, at 1:32:30
> Hi All,
>
> I interested to find out if any of you are in remission or would considered themselves 'cured' by medication?
>
> If so, please give details of your med or cocktail that led to your remission or ability to go off meds and not experience mental illness again.
>
> Thanks.Could you define remission? I think i experienced remission after 6 mo. of gradual decline in lithium dose (unintended - the counterfeit/bad batch episode), and recovered with the right stuff. But I don't know if i was just withdrawing and the thyroxine was a culptrit going relatively high-- then another brand led to mixed states -- i don't think so. I think i recovered, so i would say my major med-- lithium (along with Synthroid and K) has cured me.
Posted by notfred on February 28, 2007, at 8:25:36
In reply to Who here has experienced remission?, posted by mbluett on February 28, 2007, at 1:32:30
remission in DSM terms is 6 months without symptoms.
I have been in remission for most of the last 2 decades. doxipin then effexor+remeron and now Wellbrutrin have all worked. I credit as needed use of atavin as important in remaining in remission.
Posted by Squiggles on February 28, 2007, at 8:38:52
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission?, posted by notfred on February 28, 2007, at 8:25:36
> remission in DSM terms is 6 months without symptoms.
> I have been in remission for most of the last 2 decades. doxipin then effexor+remeron and now Wellbrutrin have all worked. I credit as needed use of atavin as important in remaining in remission.OK, I must have misunderstood "remission". What I had was "relapse"[?]. And recovery[?] upon reinstatement of the right brand of lithium. BTW, here is an interesting side effect: for a short time (7 days) i had to take CIPRO the antibiotic. I became very depressed and quite ill, but the lithium protected me from reported even worse depression on this Antibiotic, for anyone taking it- be careful.
What is your diagnosis? And I take it that doxipin, effexor, and remeron with Wellbutrin have worked for you. And Ativin- for anxiety?
Squiggles
Posted by notfred on February 28, 2007, at 9:26:22
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission?, posted by Squiggles on February 28, 2007, at 8:38:52
> OK, I must have misunderstood "remission". What I had was "relapse"[?]. And recovery[?] upon reinstatement of the right brand of lithium.Here is the DSM, 6 months free of symptoms is 296.36 and 3 months is 296.35
# Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent
* 296.36 In Full Remission
* 296.35 In Partial Remission
* 296.31 Mild
* 296.32 Moderate
* 296.33 Severe Without Psychotic Features
* 296.34 Severe With Psychotic Features
* 296.30 Unspecified>
> What is your diagnosis?
MDD, ADD and seizure disorder."And I take it that doxipin, effexor, and remeron with Wellbutrin have worked for you."
Full remission on each, about 10 yrs on Doxipin,
10 yrs on Effexor and presently about 4 yrs on the
Wellby. I have had a few breakthrough depressions
which either a dose adjustment fixed or a switch to a new med fixed.
" And Ativin- for anxiety?"If the stress/anxiety level passes what I can deal with through other coping means (most days) my depression will break through unless I take ativan.
Posted by Squiggles on February 28, 2007, at 9:35:51
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission?, posted by notfred on February 28, 2007, at 9:26:22
I'm happy to see your report, and very
unhappy that i don't see more of these
on the board.Squiggles
Posted by ronaldo on February 28, 2007, at 10:34:17
In reply to Who here has experienced remission?, posted by mbluett on February 28, 2007, at 1:32:30
Hi mbluett
According to the diagnosis in my file written by my pdoc at the time I have been in remission for about two years. I was taking 900 mg of Lithium and 5 mg of Zyprexa. I am weaning off the Z. Not sleeping too good but otherwise things are OK.
Steady on the 900 mg Lithium.ronaldo
> Hi All,
>
> I interested to find out if any of you are in remission or would considered themselves 'cured' by medication?
>
> If so, please give details of your med or cocktail that led to your remission or ability to go off meds and not experience mental illness again.
>
> Thanks.
Posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2007, at 11:29:23
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission?, posted by ronaldo on February 28, 2007, at 10:34:17
I haven't had a remission I keep getting worse? Am I the only one? Love Phillipa
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on February 28, 2007, at 11:46:34
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission? » ronaldo, posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2007, at 11:29:23
I know another babbler in remission, although I don't want to name them, without checking with them first, if you see what I mean!
People who go into remission tend not to post here - I guess they're too busy enjoying their lives!!
Personally, I don't think I've ever really been in remission. Perhaps for a day or two I can feel 'normal'. Oh well. I think I have dysemthia (or whatever its called)
Meri
Posted by mbluett on February 28, 2007, at 12:25:21
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission? » ronaldo, posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2007, at 11:29:23
> I haven't had a remission I keep getting worse? Am I the only one? Love Phillipa
Hi Phillipa. I have noticed that you have some other posts in this board along the same lines as this. You seem to be in a very negative space at present.
What is your diagnosis and what meds are you taking? Be aware of your thoughts and aim to replace them with positive. It is the least you can do for now.
You seem to have dispensed a lot of advice and encouragement to others. Maybe it's time to focus on your inner self. Help is available, just reach out.
One thing that I've learnt is that in depression, meds can only do so much, the rest is up to us. This not at all difficult. It is merely making a choice. A choice to move toward health by reprogramming ourselves not to view the world from a 'learned helplessness' perspective.
Best Wishes
Posted by polarbear206 on February 28, 2007, at 12:46:56
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission? » Phillipa, posted by mbluett on February 28, 2007, at 12:25:21
> > I haven't had a remission I keep getting worse? Am I the only one? Love Phillipa
>
> Hi Phillipa. I have noticed that you have some other posts in this board along the same lines as this. You seem to be in a very negative space at present.
>
> What is your diagnosis and what meds are you taking? Be aware of your thoughts and aim to replace them with positive. It is the least you can do for now.
>
> You seem to have dispensed a lot of advice and encouragement to others. Maybe it's time to focus on your inner self. Help is available, just reach out.
>
> One thing that I've learnt is that in depression, meds can only do so much, the rest is up to us. This not at all difficult. It is merely making a choice. A choice to move toward health by reprogramming ourselves not to view the world from a 'learned helplessness' perspective.
>
> Best Wishes
>
>I totally agree with the above poster. Phillipa, I don't want to hurt you, but you are not helping yourself to your potential. Your wasting your time clinging to this site 24-7. You want to help others, but are neglecting yourself. You have some deep seated problems with your past as I recall. It's time to step up to the plate and confront your fears head on. I think the reason you have difficulty with meds not helping you, is the fact that most of your problems stem from unresolved issues from your past.
Posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2007, at 12:49:06
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission?, posted by Meri-Tuuli on February 28, 2007, at 11:46:34
I do it just seems that the more positive I do the more bad happens right after. I have changed my attitude daily and then something slams me either physically or emotionally. Love Phillipa
Posted by dbc on February 28, 2007, at 13:20:22
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission? » Meri-Tuuli, posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2007, at 12:49:06
After years of trying drugs i've discovered the most simple base things work for me.
10mg x 3 Dexedrine daily
Xanax 1mg PRNDiagnosis? Well i've had alot and all of them have been not perfect. Depression, Agoraphobia, Panic Disorder, AD/HD-IA, Dysthymia and some doctor even said aspergers but im pretty certain he just confused the AD/HD for it.
Which of these are right and not right i cant say for sure except the panic disorder and agoraphobia. I mean you cant doubt panic attacks and not leaving your house for months at a time.
Posted by irishcatholic on February 28, 2007, at 14:44:13
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission?, posted by Squiggles on February 28, 2007, at 9:35:51
Prozac has gotten me to a pretty good place for 18 months now (with a Xanax at bedtime, and rarely during daytime as needed). It took a year of gradual improvement, it did not happen over a short period - maybe the meds were incidental to the process of recovery - I really don't know.
I'm wondering what is the next step though, and my (good,competent) pDoc has retired, so not sure what the future holds.
Good luck on your journey, and educate yourself as much as possible.
Posted by chiron on February 28, 2007, at 18:18:14
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission? » Phillipa, posted by mbluett on February 28, 2007, at 12:25:21
> Be aware of your thoughts and aim to replace them with positive.
> Maybe it's time to focus on your inner self. Help is available, just reach out.
> One thing that I've learnt is that in depression, meds can only do so much, the rest is up to us. This not at all difficult. It is merely making a choice. A choice to move toward health by reprogramming ourselves not to view the world from a 'learned helplessness' perspective.
This kind of judgemental preaching always pisses me off. Good for you that you can CHOOSE your THOUGHTS and make yourself better. Have you ever thought that your reality, your brain, your genetics, your psyche, are not the same as everyone else's? Can someone with Alzeimers think themselves better? Sorry, I'll stop now. Just please don't assume your experience is the key for everyone else.
Posted by bassman on February 28, 2007, at 20:18:37
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission? » mbluett, posted by chiron on February 28, 2007, at 18:18:14
I agree-the "a nice walk around the block will make things all better" approach works for some people, I guess. But if depression and anxiety are truely organically based, it's like asking someone to will a broken leg back to normal. And there are levels of anxiety/depression from a "bad day" to a "constant nightmare"-and you never know which the person is experiencing.
Posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2007, at 20:19:54
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission? » Phillipa, posted by mbluett on February 28, 2007, at 12:25:21
I agree but my thyroid is so messed up now my moods are going from crying to not being able to move to not being able to sit still. And I don't like the dreams lately about death. Love Phllipa
Posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2007, at 20:29:05
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission?, posted by polarbear206 on February 28, 2007, at 12:46:56
Polarbear I am aware of that but so far none of the therapists I've seen and am seeing will deal with the past just want to go forward. Advise of go out to the store everything will be better. I remember from one of your posts that your are a nurse I was certified nationally in psych and lost that due to this illness and I treasured it more than you'll ever know. Not mad at you at this illness. Love Phillipa
Posted by stargazer on February 28, 2007, at 20:48:42
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission? » mbluett, posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2007, at 20:19:54
Phillipa, Who is your primary physician, the psychiatirst or the endocrinologist?
You have to tell whoever is the primary physician that you cannot live like this anymore. If it means you have to be hospitalized then that's what may have to happen in order to get things under better control. You have proven that for whatever reason, the doctors have not been able to help you very much. You may need other experts to consult on your case (hospital) if you have had no change in your condition for however long it has been.
I've said this to you before, I feel the thyroid thing is controlling your situation and needs to be regulated first, but for some reason this has not been adequately done. Doing this as an outpatient has not been the answer.
I know myself and when I reach a point where I am as fed up as you sound, I would have to take some drastic action to get results.
Even trying meds that your afraid of would give you a better chance than doing nothing except going round and round on how badly you are doing. We never get better unless we try something new and if you are so fearful of trying any new meds, it kind of tells the doctors that you don't want their help. That is how they think when a patient rejects what they offer. The only other option is exploring your fears through psychotherapy.
It is very frustrating for all of us to understand your situation but only you can decide what steps to take. Meds may or may not be the only answer.
Be well...Stargazer
Posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2007, at 21:39:39
In reply to Phillipa, posted by stargazer on February 28, 2007, at 20:48:42
Stargazer the thyroid has gone from hypo to hyper and now at the high end of normal actually depending on the lab it is now hypo again at 5. It needs to to a l-2 and it has been suggested by my neice who also has thyroid disorder that T3 is also very important and that synthroid does not address this but cytomel does and works very quickly too. I see the endo next week and that is what my suggestion will be as he does also use cytomel. My husband is running off the pertinent info to bring with us. If he refuses to acknowledge it there is an internist the Charge Nurse in the ER goes to who was the one to finally regulate her thyroid as she had seen all the endos around here and hated them all. She recommended this internist highly. Things take time to get regulated. Thyroid is blood work every six weeks and changes based on the bloodwork made then. Then the wait again. I'm very frustrated. I think anyone would be at this point. So I'm also calling the infectious control doc who treated my lymes disease chronic as no one knows when it was contracted it showed up on a blood test from a pdoc down here when he heard I'd had a tic on me. And then found out it was chronic probably from when I lived in Connecticut. Love Phillipa ps I spent a lot of time in the woods there and it was old. Lived most of the time here at the beach.
Posted by mbluett on February 28, 2007, at 23:07:37
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission? » mbluett, posted by chiron on February 28, 2007, at 18:18:14
> > Be aware of your thoughts and aim to replace them with positive.
>
> > Maybe it's time to focus on your inner self. Help is available, just reach out.
>
> > One thing that I've learnt is that in depression, meds can only do so much, the rest is up to us. This not at all difficult. It is merely making a choice. A choice to move toward health by reprogramming ourselves not to view the world from a 'learned helplessness' perspective.
>
> This kind of judgemental preaching always pisses me off. Good for you that you can CHOOSE your THOUGHTS and make yourself better. Have you ever thought that your reality, your brain, your genetics, your psyche, are not the same as everyone else's? Can someone with Alzeimers think themselves better? Sorry, I'll stop now. Just please don't assume your experience is the key for everyone else.
Listen carefully my dear friend. I am merely offering an alternative. I am no mental health dictator. It is very easy to externalize your problems, by attacking me. Attack is merely a call for help from a fearful mindset. If don't take responsility for yourself...a being of free will and immense creative power, then NO ONE in this universe will.By the way, if you missed my diagnosis and med regimen, I shall repeat it. I am Bipolar with anxiety and insomnia. I use Effexor XR, Lamictal and Remeron.
The meds provide me with a foundation, the energy and optimism to seek out other parts of the mental health puzzle.
We are all on this board to encourage and assist one another. People have overcome tumours and cancers by mere thought alone. If you cannot see the love or intention of my post, then I'm sure will discover this joy in another lifetime when you're ready.
Reserve your hate for the manufactured enemies of the state. They will appreciate your attitude far more.
Posted by mbluett on February 28, 2007, at 23:18:46
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission?, posted by mbluett on February 28, 2007, at 23:07:37
Can we continue on the subject of remission? Our discussion seems to have become a counselling session.
WHO HERE HAS EXPERIENCED REMISSION OR CURE FROM MENTAL ILLNESS THROUGH PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY?? REMISSION IS DEFINED AS BEING FREE OF ALL SYMPTOMS FOR 6 MONTHS OR MORE.
I AM TRYING TO ASCERTAIN IF THERE ARE CERTAIN COMMON MEDS THAT PROVIDE MORE ROBUST ACTION FOR THE BASIC MENTAL HEALTH AILMENTS. EXAMPLES WOULD BE EFFEXOR FOR DEPRESSION AND LAMICTAL FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER.....
Posted by stargazer on March 1, 2007, at 8:50:18
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission?, posted by mbluett on February 28, 2007, at 23:18:46
MY DEPRESSION HISTORY:
1985: Psychotherapy for depression/dysthymia
1987: Per my request, referred to a psychiatrist for medication.
1987-1989: Nardil, depression in remission X 2 years. Minimal disruption in life while on Nardil, eventually it stopped working.1991-1993: Marplan effectively put depression back into remission. Drug was discontinued by manufacturor in 1994 and I Relapsed.
1994-1995: Trials of Zoloft, Effexor, Pamelor, Parnate, Lithium, Prozac, Buspar, Ritalin, a few others, none very successful. Lots of SE's and physical and psych symptoms.
1995-1999: Prozac, Paxil, Wellbitrin, with and without augmentation strategies, all marginal results. Depressed but functional, able to work, sort of.
1999 to 2005: Celexa alone, with Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Adderall in varying combinations.
Celexa 40, Wellbutrin 150 and Adderall-XR 20 was the best combination for a few years, relapsed in 2/05. These 6 years were OK, I was functional but not without constant med adjustments and ongoing symptoms of depression. Not considered a true remission.2005-2007: Lamictal added to Celexa mix, retrial of Marplan, Cymbalta, Seroquel, Risperdal, lots of physical symptoms, had several falls, worked up for MS. Meds were determined to be the casue of the falling, especially Lamictal.
Currently on Emsam. Unable to work, planning to apply for disability, too many years spent looking for an answer and losing hope in ever finding another drug to work as effectively as Nardil and Marplan did. Just had a second opinion for medication suggestions. Not as positive as I would have hoped, left without feeling that his recommendations (transcranial stim (?), Abilify, Depakote) would work.
I know my situation is more resistent than many but it is all I know. I am now of the belief that the doctors really know very little about medication strategies for severe, chronic depression.
Sorry for my long windedness, this may not be what you were looking for but it may help. My recommendations are Prozac and Celexa as starting points for mild depression, MAO's for other types.
Stargazer
Posted by notfred on March 1, 2007, at 9:50:21
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission?, posted by mbluett on February 28, 2007, at 23:18:46
>
> WHO HERE HAS EXPERIENCED REMISSION OR CURE FROM MENTAL ILLNESS THROUGH PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY?? REMISSION IS DEFINED AS BEING FREE OF ALL SYMPTOMS FOR 6 MONTHS OR MORE.There are no cures for primary MI.
>
> I AM TRYING TO ASCERTAIN IF THERE ARE CERTAIN COMMON MEDS THAT PROVIDE MORE ROBUST ACTION FOR THE BASIC MENTAL HEALTH AILMENTS. EXAMPLES WOULD BE EFFEXOR FOR DEPRESSION AND LAMICTAL FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER.....Highly varies, subject to personal varation. I was going to post a list, but all that will do is bring forth peoples bad experiences to counter my
good experiences.It seems every time I post here about being in remission I get hate mail.
I find this site has more people who do well on meds while at the same time having enough posts about bad experiences to give a reasonable sample:
Posted by mbluett on March 1, 2007, at 10:19:58
In reply to Re: Who here has experienced remission?, posted by stargazer on March 1, 2007, at 8:50:18
> MY DEPRESSION HISTORY:
>
> 1985: Psychotherapy for depression/dysthymia
> 1987: Per my request, referred to a psychiatrist for medication.
> 1987-1989: Nardil, depression in remission X 2 years. Minimal disruption in life while on Nardil, eventually it stopped working.
>
> 1991-1993: Marplan effectively put depression back into remission. Drug was discontinued by manufacturor in 1994 and I Relapsed.
>
> 1994-1995: Trials of Zoloft, Effexor, Pamelor, Parnate, Lithium, Prozac, Buspar, Ritalin, a few others, none very successful. Lots of SE's and physical and psych symptoms.
>
> 1995-1999: Prozac, Paxil, Wellbitrin, with and without augmentation strategies, all marginal results. Depressed but functional, able to work, sort of.
>
> 1999 to 2005: Celexa alone, with Wellbutrin, Neurontin and Adderall in varying combinations.
> Celexa 40, Wellbutrin 150 and Adderall-XR 20 was the best combination for a few years, relapsed in 2/05. These 6 years were OK, I was functional but not without constant med adjustments and ongoing symptoms of depression. Not considered a true remission.
>
> 2005-2007: Lamictal added to Celexa mix, retrial of Marplan, Cymbalta, Seroquel, Risperdal, lots of physical symptoms, had several falls, worked up for MS. Meds were determined to be the casue of the falling, especially Lamictal.
>
> Currently on Emsam. Unable to work, planning to apply for disability, too many years spent looking for an answer and losing hope in ever finding another drug to work as effectively as Nardil and Marplan did. Just had a second opinion for medication suggestions. Not as positive as I would have hoped, left without feeling that his recommendations (transcranial stim (?), Abilify, Depakote) would work.
>
> I know my situation is more resistent than many but it is all I know. I am now of the belief that the doctors really know very little about medication strategies for severe, chronic depression.
>
> Sorry for my long windedness, this may not be what you were looking for but it may help. My recommendations are Prozac and Celexa as starting points for mild depression, MAO's for other types.
>
> StargazerThank you very much for your comprehensive response. Those type of replies are exactly what I'm looking for.
Maybe it would be worth retrying one of the MAOI's!?
All the best.
Posted by cgd092 on March 3, 2007, at 18:52:55
In reply to Who here has experienced remission?, posted by mbluett on February 28, 2007, at 1:32:30
I go into remission all the time. Then I have an "episode" again. My goal is to get longer times between "episodes." My episodes are high anxiety with lots of classic clinical depression symptoms. Due to medication and therapy my "episodes" can last as short as a week before it fades out. Ooh, I hate them. They are so painful. My therapist says, "Anxiety is much more painful than depression." Anxiety sucks. I'm in an episode right now! I kind of brought it on myself by doing something I knew is "bad" and would precipitate a panic attack.
This is the end of the thread.
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