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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by garyeng on August 5, 2007, at 17:45:29
Does anyone know if removal of the adrenal glands would get rid of anxiety. I know you would have to be on hormone replacement therapy for life.
I have failed every SSRI medication due to the terrible side effects. My life is so terrible with the all day long anxiety I have. Xanax barely works for me anymore. I take 2-3mg/day plus Klonopin 1mg twice a day and a beta blocker for the rapid heart race. All antidepressants make me sick. Was just wondering about the adrenal glands as they are responsible for the terrible anxiety I have.
Or, is there any way to surpress them. I'm currently being tested for Pheocryocytoma, which is a tumor or cyst on the adrenal glands. I have suffered my entire life from anxiety, but never like it has been in the past 8 mos. I could always functions and had spuratic anxiety that a xanax would take care of. Now it's all day, every day. I shake inside like a leaf even with the xanax and my beta blocker doesn't seem to keep my heart rate down.
Thanks in advance....Gary gary1rn@yahoo.com
Posted by Guy on August 6, 2007, at 9:09:53
In reply to Question re: Anxiety and Adrenal Glands, posted by garyeng on August 5, 2007, at 17:45:29
Gary, I'm no expert, but seem to remember that having the adrenal glands removed will not quell anxiety, unless there is something wrong with your endrocrinology. (Otherwise, a lot of people would be lining up for the operation!) Generalized anxiety and panic are thought to be psychiatric problems caused by negative thinking and misdirected emotions. Having said that,I suggest you go to your GP so he/she can check you out or refer you to an endocrinologist. I, too, am "allergic" to almost all anti-depressants. However, I seem to be having some success with a high dose (45 mg) Remeron. It is an a-typical AD that seems to have quite a unique mechanism of action. Maybe others on the board can offer you more suggestions. Someone like Larry Hoover would definitely be able to answer your question about adrenal glands. Why not send out a call to him? He might be watching the board, or you could try sending him a babble-mail.
Posted by Larry Hoover on August 6, 2007, at 10:03:19
In reply to Question re: Anxiety and Adrenal Glands, posted by garyeng on August 5, 2007, at 17:45:29
> Does anyone know if removal of the adrenal glands would get rid of anxiety. I know you would have to be on hormone replacement therapy for life.
>
> I have failed every SSRI medication due to the terrible side effects. My life is so terrible with the all day long anxiety I have. Xanax barely works for me anymore. I take 2-3mg/day plus Klonopin 1mg twice a day and a beta blocker for the rapid heart race. All antidepressants make me sick. Was just wondering about the adrenal glands as they are responsible for the terrible anxiety I have.
>
> Or, is there any way to surpress them.Clonidine is used to suppress adrenal function. But first, it's important to rule out organic disease.
> I'm currently being tested for Pheocryocytoma, which is a tumor or cyst on the adrenal glands.
In case you want to do an Internet search, you'll need the proper spelling. It's a pheochromocytoma. Here's the wiki link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheochromocytoma
> I have suffered my entire life from anxiety, but never like it has been in the past 8 mos. I could always functions and had spuratic anxiety that a xanax would take care of. Now it's all day, every day. I shake inside like a leaf even with the xanax and my beta blocker doesn't seem to keep my heart rate down.
Actually, you do sound like you might have a pheo. I applaud your doctors for considering it, as many go undiagnosed until autopsy.
The testing for pheo is usually simple: 24-hour urine collection to discover adrenal hormone output, and imaging of the adrenal medulla. The treatment, though, is very specialized, as the surgery itself can cause sudden huge release of hormones that can be fatal. So, if you have a pheo, you will need to find an experienced specialist for the adrenalectomy surgery.
Often, only one adrenal gland is affected, and you can live a full life with the remaining one.
> Thanks in advance....Gary gary1rn@yahoo.com
You should have the results of the pheo tests soon. Please let us know how you make out.
Lar
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