Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 748333

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MAOI for long-term GAD and Depression?

Posted by Towervu2 on April 9, 2007, at 2:40:05

I've experienced GAD since I was a kid, and now as an adult (age 42) depression (fatigue, no motivation) seems to be the main problem. I've been on most of the anti-depressants, and even had ECT a year ago. I have a law degree, but never practiced, instead worked in child support for 7 years until I burntout bigtime. Now I'm told I also have adrenal fatigue. Anyone think an MAOI would help? Any other ideas? I take Cymbalta, Buspar, Klonopin, and trazadone. Thanks.

 

Re: I am taking a MAOI for GAD » Towervu2

Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 9, 2007, at 3:11:58

In reply to MAOI for long-term GAD and Depression?, posted by Towervu2 on April 9, 2007, at 2:40:05

Tower, I would advise you to ask your pdoc this week for the Emsam patch, which is a MAOI that will help with fatigue and depression. At 6 mg (lowest dose), is has no food restrictions, but you have to be careful with OTC drugs. You should almost immediately feel an energy boost. Around week 6-7, it kicks in for depression. Or maybe sooner. Everybody is different. For the anxiety, you may want to augment with Klonopin (2-4mg day).

If that does not work, then we will talk about Nardil and Parnate. Nardil is supposed to be the best for all kinds of anxiety. I am on my second week and will be able to tell you as I go. Keep in touch, Michael

sportscarvell@yahoo.com

 

Re: I am taking a MAOI for GAD

Posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2007, at 12:26:43

In reply to Re: I am taking a MAOI for GAD » Towervu2, posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 9, 2007, at 3:11:58

Ensam might be a very good med for you. Love Phillipa

 

Re: I am taking a MAOI for GAD

Posted by Towervu on April 9, 2007, at 16:23:12

In reply to Re: I am taking a MAOI for GAD, posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2007, at 12:26:43

Thanks you both for your suggestions. I really appreciate it. I will talk to my doctor. Previously he did say that Nardil or MAOI's can be great for anxiety too. Yes, let's keep in touch.

 

Re: MAOI for long-term GAD and Depression? » Towervu2

Posted by Johann on April 9, 2007, at 23:30:06

In reply to MAOI for long-term GAD and Depression?, posted by Towervu2 on April 9, 2007, at 2:40:05

I won't go into how many drugs I've taken for many years, but I deal with anxiety, depression, bipolar spectrum, and PTSD, and EMSAM has been the most helpful for me. And my anxiety has decreased.

Good luck,
Johann


> I've experienced GAD since I was a kid, and now as an adult (age 42) depression (fatigue, no motivation) seems to be the main problem. I've been on most of the anti-depressants, and even had ECT a year ago. I have a law degree, but never practiced, instead worked in child support for 7 years until I burntout bigtime. Now I'm told I also have adrenal fatigue. Anyone think an MAOI would help? Any other ideas? I take Cymbalta, Buspar, Klonopin, and trazadone. Thanks.

 

Re: What Emsam dose are you taking » Johann

Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 9, 2007, at 23:37:46

In reply to Re: MAOI for long-term GAD and Depression? » Towervu2, posted by Johann on April 9, 2007, at 23:30:06

And how did you feel on each dose? What made this one The One? Thanks, Michael

 

Re: What Emsam dose are you taking

Posted by Johann on April 10, 2007, at 0:39:22

In reply to Re: What Emsam dose are you taking » Johann, posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 9, 2007, at 23:37:46

Michael,

I generally felt a smooth increase with a little bump of insomnia for maybe a week or so.

This One has been the Best One So Far probably because it's the first MAOI I have taken. Biochemically it address all neurotransmitters and works in a different way from, say, SSRIs (intracellularly vs. intercellularly). As I mentioned, I still take other meds, but if I continue to do well with EMSAM, we will begin to subtract them incrementally. And then there's psychotherapy: one side can help the other (biochemistry) in a synergistic way.

Hope this helps,
Johann


> And how did you feel on each dose? What made this one The One? Thanks, Michael

 

What other meds? Thanks » Johann

Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 10, 2007, at 10:45:01

In reply to Re: What Emsam dose are you taking, posted by Johann on April 10, 2007, at 0:39:22

Let me know, if you dont mind sharing. Happy you are feeling better, Michael

 

Re: What other meds? Thanks » UgottaHaveHope

Posted by Johann on April 10, 2007, at 13:50:03

In reply to What other meds? Thanks » Johann, posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 10, 2007, at 10:45:01

Oh, the list goes on. Keep in mind that we've just kept adding medications, but reducing dosages, and have been hesitant to remove anything since I have progressively been getting better.

1200 mg Neurontin
750 mg lithium
400 mg Lamictal
1 mg Risperdal
.5 mg klonopin
12 mg EMSAM

It's likely that I don't need the Neurontin or Lamictal or Risperdal, and I'm hoping the EMSAM will help me get off the lithium, but since I have bipolar depressions, the EMSAM may not be enough for this.

That's about it--and enough.

And thanks for your supportive words.

Johann

 

Re: Holy cow, thats a heckuva combo » Johann

Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 10, 2007, at 14:16:57

In reply to Re: What other meds? Thanks » UgottaHaveHope, posted by Johann on April 10, 2007, at 13:50:03

Johanna: I hope my headline didnt come across the wrong way. Thats just a lot of other meds, which is perfectly fine if it works for you. The only thing tough for me to figure out in all of this is ... is the Emsam really helping you on its own or being boosted by one of those other meds? Thanks for sharing your combo, though. Please keep me updated with your progress. Michael

PS How do you afford all those meds?

 

Re: Holy cow, thats a heckuva combo » UgottaHaveHope

Posted by Johann on April 10, 2007, at 18:41:36

In reply to Re: Holy cow, thats a heckuva combo » Johann, posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 10, 2007, at 14:16:57

Told ya.

You're right: It is hard to know how the combinations are affecting me, but other people have had similar responses to EMSAM.

As to cost, they're expensive. Some are generic, like klonopin, lithium, and gabapentin (Neurontin), and the others cost $35 per prescription, except for the $150/month EMSAM! When he can, my psychi is good about writing me a script for more than I'll actually need in one month.

Being self-employed, with a $2000 deductible, I pay a lot, but as long as I can afford it, I feel I don't have any other choice. I'm not hospitalizing myself again, and I haven't felt seriously suicidal in months--maybe since the EMSAM.

Wishing you the best,
Johann (not Johanna)


> Johanna: I hope my headline didnt come across the wrong way. Thats just a lot of other meds, which is perfectly fine if it works for you. The only thing tough for me to figure out in all of this is ... is the Emsam really helping you on its own or being boosted by one of those other meds? Thanks for sharing your combo, though. Please keep me updated with your progress. Michael
>
> PS How do you afford all those meds?

 

Glad that multi combo is working 4 u (nm) » Johann

Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 11, 2007, at 4:22:19

In reply to Re: Holy cow, thats a heckuva combo » UgottaHaveHope, posted by Johann on April 10, 2007, at 18:41:36


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