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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 58. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 0:09:46
I took 600 mg of nortriptyline about an hour ago. I don't feel any ill effects. How much is too much?
Maxime
Posted by stargazer2 on December 26, 2007, at 9:02:54
In reply to How much nortriptyline is too much?, posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 0:09:46
Maxime, Is this what your pdoc ordered for you? I was only taking a tiny dose (25-75) myself, but depends on your symptoms and diagnosis.
I just checked my drug handbook and it says that 150 is considered the max dose. It also says take entire dose at bedtime, which it seems like you did...how do you feel this AM? Hungover?
Also it is stated to monitor blood levels when on more than 100 daily. How many days have you been on this dose (or on it) and have you had your levels drawn?
Stargazer
Posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 13:03:54
In reply to Re: How much nortriptyline is too much?, posted by stargazer2 on December 26, 2007, at 9:02:54
No, my doctor didn't prescribe it. I started to take an OD and then stopped. Wondered if I should have gone to the hospital. But as it turns out, it had no effect on me.
Maxime
Posted by MidnightBlue on December 26, 2007, at 16:11:20
In reply to Re: How much nortriptyline is too much? » stargazer2, posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 13:03:54
Maxime,
We already talked about you going back into the hosptial. You should go now.
MB
Posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 17:25:59
In reply to Re: How much nortriptyline is too much? » Maxime, posted by MidnightBlue on December 26, 2007, at 16:11:20
> Maxime,
>
> We already talked about you going back into the hosptial. You should go now.
>
> MBI can't go now. It's my mum's 80th birthday tomorrow. I don't want to wreck her day.
Maxime
Posted by bleauberry on December 26, 2007, at 17:50:50
In reply to How much nortriptyline is too much?, posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 0:09:46
You should call your doctor immediately and tell him what you did and let him decide the next course of action. Whether the drug had any effect or not is beside the point. You took a potentially lethal dose.
Posted by Racer on December 26, 2007, at 18:32:03
In reply to Re: How much nortriptyline is too much? » MidnightBlue, posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 17:25:59
> >
>
> I can't go now. It's my mum's 80th birthday tomorrow. I don't want to wreck her day.
>
> MaximeSweetheart, you know that her birthday would be much better knowing that her beloved daughter was taking care of herself by checking back into the hospital, rather than finding that same beloved daughter had succumbed to her despair and taken that OD. It's so hard to be where you are, but you've been there before and know that you do manage to survive -- the fact that you have found yourself a job since the last time you got this bad shows that things don't always stay as bad as they are now.
On another note, have you ever tried bright light therapy? I sit under my "grow light" in the winter, and I think it does help. At least, I don't get to the same depths of misery as I know I used to in the winter. (Of course, that's not to say that the winter has no effect on me -- only that it's not nearly as bad as it was before the lamp.)
I'm so sorry, sweetheart, that you're feeling this bad again. Hang on, we'll hang on together, shall we?
xoxo
Posted by MidnightBlue on December 26, 2007, at 18:42:04
In reply to Re: How much nortriptyline is too much? » MidnightBlue, posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 17:25:59
Maxime,
Wouldn't it have wrecked her day if you had overdosed today?
MB
Posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 19:21:56
In reply to Re: How much nortriptyline is too much? » Maxime, posted by Racer on December 26, 2007, at 18:32:03
I don't know Racer. My mum was crying tonight saying she didn't understand why I wasn't getting any better. I felt so GUILTY. She shouldn't have to put up with this at her age.
I have never tried light therapy, but I would like to. I don't have the money to buy one now, but maybe some day. I don't have ANY money now because I am still waiting for my employment insurance money. ACK! It's so frustrating.
Yes, we can hang on together.
xxx
Maxie
>
> Sweetheart, you know that her birthday would be much better knowing that her beloved daughter was taking care of herself by checking back into the hospital, rather than finding that same beloved daughter had succumbed to her despair and taken that OD. It's so hard to be where you are, but you've been there before and know that you do manage to survive -- the fact that you have found yourself a job since the last time you got this bad shows that things don't always stay as bad as they are now.
>
> On another note, have you ever tried bright light therapy? I sit under my "grow light" in the winter, and I think it does help. At least, I don't get to the same depths of misery as I know I used to in the winter. (Of course, that's not to say that the winter has no effect on me -- only that it's not nearly as bad as it was before the lamp.)
>
> I'm so sorry, sweetheart, that you're feeling this bad again. Hang on, we'll hang on together, shall we?
>
> xoxo
Posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 19:22:56
In reply to Re: How much nortriptyline is too much? » Maxime, posted by MidnightBlue on December 26, 2007, at 18:42:04
> Maxime,
>
> Wouldn't it have wrecked her day if you had overdosed today?
>
> MBYes, but I didn't. I slept most of the day (thankfully). But I do see your point. I just can't go to the hospital. I would rather die.
Maxime
Posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 19:24:06
In reply to Re: How much nortriptyline is too much? » Maxime, posted by bleauberry on December 26, 2007, at 17:50:50
> You should call your doctor immediately and tell him what you did and let him decide the next course of action. Whether the drug had any effect or not is beside the point. You took a potentially lethal dose.
No, I will not call my doctor or tell him what I did. I am a rapid metabolizer of meds ... the amount I took didn't touch me.
Maxime
Posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 19:45:52
In reply to Re: How much nortriptyline is too much? » bleauberry, posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 19:24:06
I took another 600 mg. I want something to happen.
Maxime
Posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 21:14:41
In reply to Re: How much nortriptyline is too much?, posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 19:45:52
Posted by Phoenix1 on December 26, 2007, at 22:51:59
In reply to and another 600 mg (nm), posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 21:14:41
Maxime,
A number of people have expressed their concern over what you are doing to yourself. It would be a huge loss to PB if you were no longer here. You have helped me a lot (when I posted under another name). At this point there isn't anything any of us can do to stop you, but think about your mother, your friends (on PB, etc.), and think of the pain that your actions would cause. I guarantee you that your mother would rather have you unwell, then have to make your funeral arrangements. That's not somethng any parent should have to do.
I know you don't like the hospital, but even YOU admitted that the last stay was somewhat helpful. You were proud of coming off of clonazepam. It's not a failure to go back to the hospital. Accept whatever help is available, and don't let them treat you any differently because of the "maybe BPD" thing. Suicidal depression is a medical emergency, all personality disorders aside. Please, please go to the hospital.
Worried sleepless,
Phoenix1
Posted by Phoenix1 on December 26, 2007, at 22:54:42
In reply to and another 600 mg (nm), posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 21:14:41
Posted by yxibow on December 27, 2007, at 0:49:31
In reply to and another 600 mg (nm), posted by Maxime on December 26, 2007, at 21:14:41
Maxime -- TCA exposure can leave you in the ICU, cause seizures, and worst of all is a anticholinergic which causes all sorts of really really awful things that I don't think you want to do and I wont go further into
People who want to kill themselves just want to get rid of their problems. But it doesn't end there, it becomes the problems of their relations.
If you cannot control yourself and put the jar down, call 999 (UK) or 911 if you are in the US.
They will probably determine if you need activated charcoal and other drugs on the way to the hospital.
Posted by Maxime on December 27, 2007, at 22:02:00
In reply to Its not a good way to go and think of your mother » Maxime, posted by yxibow on December 27, 2007, at 0:49:31
Posted by MidnightBlue on December 27, 2007, at 23:31:33
In reply to No hospital (nm), posted by Maxime on December 27, 2007, at 22:02:00
Maxime,
Thank God you are alive! What happened? Why didn't you go to the hospital?
MidnightBlue
Posted by stargazer2 on December 28, 2007, at 7:31:03
In reply to No hospital (nm), posted by Maxime on December 27, 2007, at 22:02:00
Maxime, do you have other ways of keeping safe? Taking large doses of TCA's will only cause you more difficulties in the long run. Please consider other options to get you beyond the current mood state.
I swear by trying to become more physical despite feeling so depressed...if you can just set very small goals for yourself you may be able to get beyond the immediate crisis.
Are you in touch with anyone like a therapist? You have been suicidal many times before, correct? Was there anything that helped you at all?
Has seroquel helped any? I once used it for suicidal thinking and it reversed those for me.
Is taking the large dose of TCA's a way to feel better or a way to feel worse? You may not be feeling anything but it could be doing damage to you.
Any better today? Are you taking any of your precribed meds or just the TCA?
I don't blame you for wanting to stay away from the hospital but you are not able to stay safe right now without supervision. Can anyone fill in for this type of observation for you?
Sorry so many questions, I just want you to get to a place that you can tolerate, for now.
Stargazer (thinking of you and your struggles and hoping you can find a way to stay safe.)
Posted by Phoenix1 on December 28, 2007, at 8:34:55
In reply to No hospital (nm), posted by Maxime on December 27, 2007, at 22:02:00
Maxime,
I'm very relieved to see you post again. Please don't do that again. If the hospital is so bad, ask your pdoc if he can get you into a lower level type facility. In my province, they are called CRESST houses. (Community Residential Short Stay Treatment)
It's not like being in a hospital, but your meds are more carefully monitored, and you are under close supervision of a pdoc. Even a one week stay did very good things for me. Did I enjoy it? Of course not. But in retrospect, I _needed_ it, but was not in the right frame of mind to realize it until I was somewhat coerced into going. It was the right thing for me, maybe it would be the right thing for you too. Think about it, please.
Phoenix1.
Posted by Maxime on December 28, 2007, at 12:09:54
In reply to Re: No hospital/Other options?, posted by stargazer2 on December 28, 2007, at 7:31:03
There are crisis centers that I could go to. I've never been to one so I don't know what it is like. I would prefer the hospital really, because I would like to try adding Wellbutrin to my current cocktail of Zoloft and Seroquel.
It's my birthday on Sunday, and I would want to die before then. Well, I don't really want to die. Just disappear for a while.
I am taking my meds. I was taking the TCA in attempt to screw up my heart and die. But I didn't take enough. I don't think I have enough to kill myself.
Thanks for caring.
Maxime
Posted by Maxime on December 28, 2007, at 12:12:49
In reply to Re: No hospital » Maxime, posted by MidnightBlue on December 27, 2007, at 23:31:33
> Maxime,
>
> Thank God you are alive! What happened? Why didn't you go to the hospital?
>
> MidnightBlueI didn't want to go to the hospital. I wants the meds to mess up my heart so I would die. But I don't have enough to kill me.
I haven't taken anything I shouldn't since Wednesday night. I feel bad that I ended up sleeping through my mom's birthday. *hangs head in shame*
I will just keep plodding along as best I can.
Thanks MB, you are a kind person.
xxx
Maxime
Posted by Maxime on December 28, 2007, at 12:15:20
In reply to Re: No hospital » Maxime, posted by Phoenix1 on December 28, 2007, at 8:34:55
> Maxime,
>
> I'm very relieved to see you post again. Please don't do that again. If the hospital is so bad, ask your pdoc if he can get you into a lower level type facility. In my province, they are called CRESST houses. (Community Residential Short Stay Treatment)
>
> It's not like being in a hospital, but your meds are more carefully monitored, and you are under close supervision of a pdoc. Even a one week stay did very good things for me. Did I enjoy it? Of course not. But in retrospect, I _needed_ it, but was not in the right frame of mind to realize it until I was somewhat coerced into going. It was the right thing for me, maybe it would be the right thing for you too. Think about it, please.
>
> Phoenix1.Hi
The only place I could go would be a crisis center. And I really don't want to go. I need my meds changed or something. Sigh. Those CRESST houses sound like a great idea.
Argh, I don't know what to do!
Maxime
Posted by Phoenix1 on December 28, 2007, at 12:39:36
In reply to Re: No hospital » Phoenix1, posted by Maxime on December 28, 2007, at 12:15:20
> > Maxime,
> >
> > I'm very relieved to see you post again. Please don't do that again. If the hospital is so bad, ask your pdoc if he can get you into a lower level type facility. In my province, they are called CRESST houses. (Community Residential Short Stay Treatment)
> >
> > It's not like being in a hospital, but your meds are more carefully monitored, and you are under close supervision of a pdoc. Even a one week stay did very good things for me. Did I enjoy it? Of course not. But in retrospect, I _needed_ it, but was not in the right frame of mind to realize it until I was somewhat coerced into going. It was the right thing for me, maybe it would be the right thing for you too. Think about it, please.
> >
> > Phoenix1.
>
> Hi
>
> The only place I could go would be a crisis center. And I really don't want to go. I need my meds changed or something. Sigh. Those CRESST houses sound like a great idea.
>
> Argh, I don't know what to do!
>
> MaximeMaxime,
Please talk to your pdoc about what's going on. If you don't trust him, then talk to your GP, or the emergency room or a crisis centre. Find out if there is a non-hospital psychiatric facility available in your area if you are dead set about not doing the hospital thing. You would need a psych admit to get in though so you would still have to see your pdoc, or go to the hospital initially.
I worry that you aren't managing well by yourself, and you seem to be refusing/not seeking help that is available. What is your biggest concern about returning to the hospital or talking to your pdoc about what's been going on?
Phoenix1
Posted by stargazer2 on December 28, 2007, at 13:51:45
In reply to Re: No hospital/Other options? » stargazer2, posted by Maxime on December 28, 2007, at 12:09:54
Maxime, I am glad you don't want to die and just want to disappear for awhile. That is very different and I think many of us have been in that same spot, since depression makes us invisible with our thoughts and it is a common thought to just want to dissappear.
Please don't take any more meds in excess to create another predicament to face. That would really add insult to injury.
Is there anything we can do for you to help you survive this state? Just ask and I'm sure those of us that can help you will try and offer you something. There's alot of smart people here who I'm sure can come up with many suggestions.
Just yesterday I read an article that sounded a bit odd but when you are facing really tough decisions anything should be tried no matter how silly or frivolous it sounds. I can't find the article right now but it suggested that rapid reading of stories and doing crossword puzzles and mind puzzles can help with mood. I will try and locate this today.
All I'm suggesting is that there are alot more solutions than just medications. For myself, I started by getting a second opinion from a local pdoc, then I found a top researcher to discuss my lack of improvement over many years (not much help), I then saw an endocrinologist and went on Synthroid and found this group of docs are highly skilled in resistent depression. Not enough pdocs make the referral though. Most recently, I called my OB/GYN and asked to start the estrogen patch. The estrogen has helped alot so I started thinking that perhaps my estrogen was never in a normal range and perhaps contributed to life long depression. Your estrogen level could be way off from your eating disorder, which I think you mentioned you have.
Most pdocs are not making some needed referrals so we have to suggest it or go on our own. Did they do any of this testing in the hospital?
Have you had a good medical workup including endocrine and gynecological blood work? Who knows but this could contribute to a resistent depression.
Do any of these things sound like contributors to your overall mental status. I'm just trying to get you to look at other things besides psych meds since I am proof that other factors could be playing in role in your situation.
Believe me it helps to think of alternative solutions especially when meds have failed over and over. The brain is part of the problem but many other causes can be playing a role in a mood disorder.
Stargazer
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