Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 803857

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Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime

Posted by kezia on January 2, 2008, at 21:07:40

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » kezia, posted by Maxime on January 2, 2008, at 20:57:53

>
> >
> > What about Abilify? I know it would require some special paperwork from your pdoc, but perhaps it would be worth pursuing.
> >
>
> It's not available in Canada. :(
>
> Maxime

I believe your doctor can prescribe it as a "Special Access Drug" which requires forms to be completed for Health Canada. When I was looking it up, I found a reference to someone else from Canada having had his/her doctor prescribe it in such a way.

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » kezia

Posted by Maxime on January 2, 2008, at 21:14:16

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime, posted by kezia on January 2, 2008, at 21:07:40

Hey, I appreciate the research!I know what you are referring to. It's really hard to get meds that way and it's not covered under our insurance and I heard it was an expensive med.

Maxime


 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » star008

Posted by Maxime on January 2, 2008, at 21:16:57

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime, posted by star008 on January 2, 2008, at 21:00:36

I have been on this dosage of Zoloft for ... 8 weeks. ??? I can't remember to be honest. I was on it while in the hospital and I was there for five weeks. It must be more than 8 weeks then. Argh, cognitive skills are worse than ever!

I would like to add Wellbutrin to the mix! :)

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime

Posted by Larry Hoover on January 2, 2008, at 22:18:14

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » kezia, posted by Maxime on January 2, 2008, at 21:14:16

> Hey, I appreciate the research!I know what you are referring to. It's really hard to get meds that way and it's not covered under our insurance and I heard it was an expensive med.
>
> Maxime

I believe the drug is free, under this program. At least, that is my recollection of the outcome of the application another Canadian did to obtain Abilify.

Lar

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime

Posted by star008 on January 2, 2008, at 22:25:53

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » star008, posted by Maxime on January 2, 2008, at 21:16:57

The Zoloft should have kicked in a while ago.. i hope the p-doc can find you something better.. it is so frustrating to wait to feel better..Wellbutrin might help but will they mix that with Zoloft??

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns

Posted by Justherself54 on January 2, 2008, at 23:21:06

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime, posted by star008 on January 2, 2008, at 22:25:53

> The Zoloft should have kicked in a while ago.. i hope the p-doc can find you something better.. it is so frustrating to wait to feel better..Wellbutrin might help but will they mix that with Zoloft??

I agree too..the Zoloft should have given you some benefit by now..how much longer does your pdoc want you to give it? If it hasn't done anything yet, maybe you've given it a fair enough trial..

 

Please be civil » jetsya

Posted by Deputy 10derHeart on January 3, 2008, at 12:30:33

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns, posted by jetsya on January 2, 2008, at 20:52:14

>The other night you were doing something stupid
>but you mostly ignored us all
>Listen for a change,

Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down.

If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil

Follow-ups regarding these issues should be directed to Admin and should of course be civil. Dr. Bob has oversight over deputy decisions, and he may choose a different action.

-- 10derHeart, acting as deputy for Dr. Bob

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime

Posted by Racer on January 3, 2008, at 14:50:41

In reply to Black coffee and meltdowns, posted by Maxime on January 2, 2008, at 18:52:12

Bleauberry had a good idea, about listing specific symptoms and rating them in order of priority. Depression is a very broad term, and doesn't always mean the same thing. Right now, for instance, "depression" for me means low interest, low energy, low (read: non-existent) motivation, and lowered mood, but without a lot of the anxiety, agitation, intense and immediate hopelessness, etc, that it usually brings me. (That's the effect of the EMSAM so far: I don't have the energy or motivation to be upset or even to think about how hopeless and meaningless my life is. Maybe it's just me, but I'm not thinking of this as "remission.") So, if I were to ask my doctor to adjust my medication right now, I'd ask about something that might improve energy, motivation, cognition, and sleep, since those are the specific symptoms that are bothering me most. (Well, those and constipation, but I think I've said enough about that already...)

(Of course, in my case, I'm actually asking about giving up this medication trial. Adding to a medication which is causing problems without significant benefit doesn't make me jump for joy.)

Does that make sense to you?

Frankly, I wonder what patterns would result here if we all made such lists, and then compared the results of various medications. I'll bet there are enough of us that we'd learn something about what patterns of depression led to response to various medications... Something to think about.

If I had the motivation and/or energy, I might even start a thread on the subject...

 

Great idea » Racer

Posted by Sigismund on January 3, 2008, at 15:00:33

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime, posted by Racer on January 3, 2008, at 14:50:41

>I wonder what patterns would result here if we all made such lists, and then compared the results of various medications. I'll bet there are enough of us that we'd learn something about what patterns of depression led to response to various medications... Something to think about.

>If I had the motivation and/or energy, I might even start a thread on the subject...

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Racer

Posted by Maxime on January 3, 2008, at 16:35:25

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime, posted by Racer on January 3, 2008, at 14:50:41

Mine are:

-Low to no interest in anything
- Low mood ( a 2 on a scale of 1-10)
-No motivation or energy (makes me want to take Adderall again).
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- No hope and no self worth.

Actually it's hard to give a priority to one over the others. Right now I am very suicidal but I don't have the brain power to think of a way to do it, and I don't have the energy to do it.

Eeep!

Maxime

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns

Posted by Maxime on January 4, 2008, at 14:08:26

In reply to Black coffee and meltdowns, posted by Maxime on January 2, 2008, at 18:52:12

Thoughts for Monday appointment.

I think it's safe to assume that the Zoloft isn't going to work for me. The only thing I can of doing with the Zoloft is to reduce it and see I feel better.

I think I will ask to try Parnate again. That was the winner for me. Can't hurt to try it again.

Also, I don't think I will return to work next week full time. I am going to ask my pdoc about working only three days a week for the first month or so.

Ugh, I think I am getting a cold.

Maxime

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime

Posted by kezia on January 4, 2008, at 15:21:05

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns, posted by Maxime on January 4, 2008, at 14:08:26

> Thoughts for Monday appointment.
>
> I think it's safe to assume that the Zoloft isn't going to work for me. The only thing I can of doing with the Zoloft is to reduce it and see I feel better.
>
> I think I will ask to try Parnate again. That was the winner for me. Can't hurt to try it again.
>
> Also, I don't think I will return to work next week full time. I am going to ask my pdoc about working only three days a week for the first month or so.
>
> Ugh, I think I am getting a cold.
>
> Maxime

I think you are right about the Zoloft, and are wise to speak with your pdoc about stopping it. If Parnate has worked for you in the past, then perhaps it will help again.

I also think you are wise to start back to work part-time. If you are changing meds, next week probably isn't the best in terms of timing, but that is your call. My advice, based on my own experience, would be to take another few weeks (to allow for a washout of the Zoloft and the start of the Parnate), but if you and your pdoc feel that you can cope with the withdrawal while returning to work, then that's what you'll do.

I do have a suggestion which may be a bit out there. Have you ever considered trying estrogen to see if it helps your mood, etc.? I was reading an article about a women who suffered with mental illness for years and years in her teens and early 20s, being diagnosed as MDD first and later bipolar as well as PMDD (severe form of PMS). Despite treatment, she lived with suicidal thoughts constantly. She was put on birth control pills to see if it would even out her moods and help with the depression. That just made it worse (progestin can cause or exaccerbate depression in some women). Finally, she was able to be put on estrogen only (a bit unorthodox since unopposed estrogen has some risks) and did very well within a few weeks - no more depression, no more suicidal thoughts, no more mood swings . . . Also, for some reason, I was under the impression that restricting can affect your hormones and result in low estrogen (I could be wrong, though).

All that to say that some women are extremely to fluctuations in hormone levels and can do very well on hormone therapy, even if they are not perimenopausal or menopausal. We don't even have to use synthetic hormones anymore since there are bioidentical hormones that, although I am sure they have some risks, don't have the same risks as the synthetics.

My own pdoc is considering putting me on estrogen (either Estrace, Estraderm or Estrdot [all transdermal patches] to see if it makes a difference in my mood and energy.

Anyway, I just thought I would put that out there. It may be worth pursuing.

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime

Posted by kezia on January 4, 2008, at 15:48:30

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns, posted by Maxime on January 4, 2008, at 14:08:26

Here's the link for the article I mentioned

http://www.hopeline.com/livewithdepression/gillian.asp

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime

Posted by MidnightBlue on January 4, 2008, at 15:50:44

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns, posted by Maxime on January 4, 2008, at 14:08:26

Maxime,

I think it is a very good idea not to try to go back to work full time just yet. Whatever you do don't stop the Seroquel. Did I spell that right? It does seem to be helping some.

Take care and BE HONEST with the Pdoc about how you are really doing.

MB

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime

Posted by Phoenix1 on January 4, 2008, at 16:06:47

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns, posted by Maxime on January 4, 2008, at 14:08:26

Hi Maxime,

Looks like you're well organized for your appointment. I agree with your feelings on the Zoloft.

Parnate sounds like a good bet if it worked before. Just a thought, have you ever tried moclobemide? It worked for me for a while. I know it isn't supposed to be as "powerful" as the old MAOI's, but the mechanism is similar, and if you haven't tried it before, it would be something new.

Lastly, I think you're absolutely on the right track with going back to work part time only until you are feeling better. After I was in inpatient treatment, I went right back to work, and spent 2-3 absolutely miserable weeks waiting to start Nardil, and feeling like crap. If you can avoid going back full time until you're in a better place mentally, It's a great decision. I support you on that one.

Again, I really hope your pdoc appointment goes well on Monday. Please let us know.

Phoenix1

> Thoughts for Monday appointment.
>
> I think it's safe to assume that the Zoloft isn't going to work for me. The only thing I can of doing with the Zoloft is to reduce it and see I feel better.
>
> I think I will ask to try Parnate again. That was the winner for me. Can't hurt to try it again.
>
> Also, I don't think I will return to work next week full time. I am going to ask my pdoc about working only three days a week for the first month or so.
>
> Ugh, I think I am getting a cold.
>
> Maxime

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » kezia

Posted by Maxime on January 4, 2008, at 16:09:18

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime, posted by kezia on January 4, 2008, at 15:21:05

Hi

Estrogen. There might be something to that. I don't get my period anymore unless I am on the pill. It something I will look into. I know that I do get more suicidal before my period.

Thanks for the link.

Maxime


 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » MidnightBlue

Posted by Maxime on January 4, 2008, at 16:10:47

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime, posted by MidnightBlue on January 4, 2008, at 15:50:44

Yes, the Seroquel helps. As much as I want to go off it, I won't.

I am always honest with my pdoc. I trust him.

Maxime

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Phoenix1

Posted by Maxime on January 4, 2008, at 19:48:15

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Maxime, posted by Phoenix1 on January 4, 2008, at 16:06:47

Thanks for the support, especially regarding work.

I tried moclobemide and it didn't do a thing for me.

Parnate worked, but I am worried that the generic formula will not work as well. I don't know why I am worried about it, I just am. :) Parnate gave me my life back in 2002. I want to feel that good again.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Maxime


> Hi Maxime,
>
> Looks like you're well organized for your appointment. I agree with your feelings on the Zoloft.
>
> Parnate sounds like a good bet if it worked before. Just a thought, have you ever tried moclobemide? It worked for me for a while. I know it isn't supposed to be as "powerful" as the old MAOI's, but the mechanism is similar, and if you haven't tried it before, it would be something new.
>
> Lastly, I think you're absolutely on the right track with going back to work part time only until you are feeling better. After I was in inpatient treatment, I went right back to work, and spent 2-3 absolutely miserable weeks waiting to start Nardil, and feeling like crap. If you can avoid going back full time until you're in a better place mentally, It's a great decision. I support you on that one.
>
> Again, I really hope your pdoc appointment goes well on Monday. Please let us know.
>
> Phoenix1
>
> > Thoughts for Monday appointment.
> >
> > I think it's safe to assume that the Zoloft isn't going to work for me. The only thing I can of doing with the Zoloft is to reduce it and see I feel better.
> >
> > I think I will ask to try Parnate again. That was the winner for me. Can't hurt to try it again.
> >
> > Also, I don't think I will return to work next week full time. I am going to ask my pdoc about working only three days a week for the first month or so.
> >
> > Ugh, I think I am getting a cold.
> >
> > Maxime
>
>

 

Re: Black coffee and meltdowns

Posted by elanor roosevelt on January 4, 2008, at 21:52:32

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns » Phoenix1, posted by Maxime on January 4, 2008, at 19:48:15

good luck maxime

hope the parnate works well for you

hang in there

 

Adding Wellbutrin

Posted by Maxime on January 7, 2008, at 18:11:43

In reply to Re: Black coffee and meltdowns, posted by elanor roosevelt on January 4, 2008, at 21:52:32

I saw my pdoc today and we have added 200 mg of Wellbutrin SR. Time will tell.

Maxime

 

Re: Adding Wellbutrin » Maxime

Posted by MidnightBlue on January 7, 2008, at 18:27:20

In reply to Adding Wellbutrin, posted by Maxime on January 7, 2008, at 18:11:43

You added the Wellbutrin to the Zoloft and Seroquel? I hope you are starting out at 100mg a day and not the full 200.

MB

 

Re: Adding Wellbutrin » MidnightBlue

Posted by Maxime on January 7, 2008, at 18:41:31

In reply to Re: Adding Wellbutrin » Maxime, posted by MidnightBlue on January 7, 2008, at 18:27:20

> You added the Wellbutrin to the Zoloft and Seroquel? I hope you are starting out at 100mg a day and not the full 200.
>
> MB

Yes, I am starting at 100 mg. I am not changing any other meds because we don't want to change more than one thing at time. If the Wellbutrin works, then we will try to lower the Zoloft.

I am a little nervous since Wellbutrin has made me psychotic twice. But I am hoping the Seroquel will keep the voices away.

Maxime

 

Re: Adding Wellbutrin » Maxime

Posted by Phoenix1 on January 7, 2008, at 18:57:29

In reply to Re: Adding Wellbutrin » MidnightBlue, posted by Maxime on January 7, 2008, at 18:41:31

> > You added the Wellbutrin to the Zoloft and Seroquel? I hope you are starting out at 100mg a day and not the full 200.
> >
> > MB
>
> Yes, I am starting at 100 mg. I am not changing any other meds because we don't want to change more than one thing at time. If the Wellbutrin works, then we will try to lower the Zoloft.
>
> I am a little nervous since Wellbutrin has made me psychotic twice. But I am hoping the Seroquel will keep the voices away.
>
> Maxime

Hi Maxime,

Good luck with the new med. Just take it in the AM as you probably know as it messed with my sleep quite a bit. What did the pdoc say about Parnate? What did he say about sleep?

Phoenix1

 

Re: Adding Wellbutrin » Phoenix1

Posted by Maxime on January 7, 2008, at 20:20:24

In reply to Re: Adding Wellbutrin » Maxime, posted by Phoenix1 on January 7, 2008, at 18:57:29

>
> Hi Maxime,
>
> Good luck with the new med. Just take it in the AM as you probably know as it messed with my sleep quite a bit. What did the pdoc say about Parnate? What did he say about sleep?
>
> Phoenix1

Yup, I will take it in the morning.

I didn't mention the Parnate this time. I will wait.

He is going to try and find something that will help me sleep and call it in to the pharmacy.

Thanks Phoenix :)

Maxime

 

Re: Adding Wellbutrin » Maxime

Posted by Phillipa on January 7, 2008, at 21:24:00

In reply to Re: Adding Wellbutrin » Phoenix1, posted by Maxime on January 7, 2008, at 20:20:24

Maxie that sounds great. Good things are coming your way. Phillipa


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