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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Frustratedmama on May 5, 2009, at 18:27:58
I am writing to vent and to ask for some support. I am having an awful day! The anxiety, depression, and worthlessness is so bad today! I am currently taking Vyvanse for ADHD and Lunesta to help with sleep. I am also taking Zyrtec (for allergies). Unfortunately, Alavert and Benadryl did not work for me. I have tried so many things and nothing is working (most recently Lexapro made it worse). I am desparate for advice or just some help. Anyone?
Posted by Phillipa on May 5, 2009, at 19:06:37
In reply to Having a REALLY BAD DAY!, posted by Frustratedmama on May 5, 2009, at 18:27:58
I sure can offer you support. Now what's your diagnosis addhd? Depression, Anxiety? Love Phillipa
Posted by Frustratedmama on May 5, 2009, at 19:16:20
In reply to Re: Having a REALLY BAD DAY! » Frustratedmama, posted by Phillipa on May 5, 2009, at 19:06:37
Diagnosis is ADHD and Mood Disorder (not bi-polar but not typical depression either)
I have an irritable depression (not considered a mixed state but high energy irritability)
I have tried LOTS of things and some have worked in the past....
Those that have helped include the SSRI's (which all eventually pooped out and haven't worked at all lately), Lamictal (which had bad side effects) and Effexor. Adderall (and now Vyvanse) helps with focus and attention. Librium helps a little (not enough though and I get more depressed the next day). I can't tolerate any of the antipsychotics (even the newer ones- they make me feel more psychotic!). The "mood stabilizers" don't do anything really and side effects were unbearable... I am feeling so bad right now! Really giving up! Pdoc hasn't called back- very frustrating! I have also tried beta blockers, barbituates, Fish oil, vitamins, homeopathic, Reiki, exercise (when I was motivated), etc. I am so desparate! Next step looks like ECT but from what I am reading here doesnt sound like it will work! AGH
I also tried Nortriptyline, and Parnate- didn't work..... I think (just my crazy theory) that anything that touches dopamine makes me worse (could this be true?) If so what is it I need? Thanks for listening- I really needed a response! I appreciate your support
Posted by Phillipa on May 5, 2009, at 20:49:23
In reply to Re: Having a REALLY BAD DAY!, posted by Frustratedmama on May 5, 2009, at 19:16:20
Dopamine seems to be a hot topic here. Hoping your pdoc calls back soon with an answer for you that helps. Love Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on May 5, 2009, at 22:00:29
In reply to Re: Having a REALLY BAD DAY!, posted by Frustratedmama on May 5, 2009, at 19:16:20
how did the effexor work? I'm liking pristiq. Also, librium did not help my anxiety. Klonipin at low doses (1mg daily) smooths me out. I don't feel it or the anxiety. I also have ADHD innatentive and take 40 mg. of dexedrine (spansules), which doesn't sound like it would help your anxiety--but I hear that it works with less side effects.
Good luck, and hang in there!
Candace
Posted by Garnet71 on May 5, 2009, at 22:25:37
In reply to Having a REALLY BAD DAY!, posted by Frustratedmama on May 5, 2009, at 18:27:58
It sounds like you need some xanax or ativan until you get your situation worked out!!!
The only thing that came to mind when I read your post is that maybe you should try switching doctors? (doesn't seem like the natural thing to do w/this doctor knowing your med history and all-but it was the only strong thought I had).
But you didn't say why you quit taking Effexor. ?
Posted by Garnet71 on May 5, 2009, at 22:34:49
In reply to Having a REALLY BAD DAY!, posted by Frustratedmama on May 5, 2009, at 18:27:58
Did you by any chance ever have a prior drug or alcohol problem?
...you do sound like a good Klonipin candidate...quite a few people here take it w/success, much like Floatingbridge's story.
Why did you switch from Adderall to Vyvanse; how did adderall make you feel comparied w/vyvanse? I've never tried vyvanse and am curious.
I do hope you get some help-you do sound really frustrated....it will get better :-)
Hang in there
Posted by sopia42 on May 6, 2009, at 10:34:40
In reply to Re: Having a REALLY BAD DAY!, posted by floatingbridge on May 5, 2009, at 22:00:29
When did you stop taking Effexor? Effexor withdrawals could be one of the problems. Withdrawals from Effexor are very serious and should be supervised by a physician. Oddly enough, withdrawals from this psychotropic can cause psychotic events.
I tried unsupervised cessation on my own and I experienced serious audio hallucinations, depression, stomach problems, visual problems, vertigo, the list is long.I agree with the suggestion to get a second opinion. If you're like me it's hard to try to find a different doctor.
I pray you well in this situation. Keep charging and I know you will find something to ease your discomfort.
Keep in touch with us. We will always support you.
Posted by ceres on May 6, 2009, at 13:49:04
In reply to Having a REALLY BAD DAY!, posted by Frustratedmama on May 5, 2009, at 18:27:58
Sorry that you're having such a terrible time.
I wonder if the stimulant & allergy drugs could be worsening your mood. Both would really aggravate things for me.
I know you said that mood stabilizers didn't work for you. I wonder if revisiting one, going up very slowly, taking time for side effects to dissipate, might be helpful for the agitation.
Posted by Frustratedmama on May 6, 2009, at 19:28:35
In reply to Re: REALLY BAD DAY! - Stimulants + Antihistamines » Frustratedmama, posted by ceres on May 6, 2009, at 13:49:04
Thank you all for your responses!!!!! I will keep reading so please keep posting! First I will try to answer some questions to help you all understand where I am at and what has been going on with me..... OK 1st) I went off the Effexor years ago (like 6 years or more) due to "poop out"! It worked for a while (6 months or so)..... I switched from Adderall to Vyvanse about a year ago to help elongate the effects (which it does do for me; however, takes longer in the AM to kick in- often forget my phone in AM)
.... I just started taking the Zyrtec because I couldn't tolerate the post nasal drip (and so far its the only thing that has worked - we tried flonase, benadryl, alavert, muccinex, and claritin. So unfortunately, I think I need the zyrtec in order to deal with the post nasal drip- I wont even go there as its gross but try to imagine it.....
Ok, as far as drug problems- no. I did drink in college- sometimes too much- but it wasnt a frequent thing so I would say I have on occasion had too much to drink but not an alcohol problem (and its been 15 years since then). Ok- lastly, I did get a second opinion (but that new doc cant take new clients so it was just a one time thing). new doc recommended seroquel (but I can NOT take the other anti-psychotics without feeling like I am drugged up). She also recommended trying CYmbalta (which Sounds like a more sedating pristiq- hense the reason I asked about pristiq as I can not afford to be sedated) and/or another med prazosin (like clonidine I guess- which is recommended for ADHD but I couldn't take due to side effects).... So, I am not sure second opinion really helped...
Ok as far as the suggestions here that I have read I agree that I need something new and that maybe I need to stop stimulants but I do need something for ADHD to function so I am open to suggestions (please). I have never tried klonopin- sounds like i might be a candidate though- xanax left me loopy- valium and librium work a little without any side effects- just not strong enough..... so is klonopin like a middle of the road med between valium and xanax? If so, that might be just what the doctor should order....I am losing hope so I hope something will work soon- I am afraid of ECT especially since the response isn't guaranteed! Mood stabilizers all were ineffective with the exception of lamictal which eventually stopped working and caused intoleratble side effects (and since hasn't worked again)..... ARGH!This is also the worst depression I have ever had (it has been bad before- just never this LONG LASTING (9 months with NO RELEIF AND GETTING WORSE EACH MINUTE!)
Posted by Frustratedmama on May 6, 2009, at 19:52:09
In reply to Re: Having a REALLY BAD DAY!, posted by floatingbridge on May 5, 2009, at 22:00:29
> I'm liking pristiq... Klonipin at low doses (1mg daily) smooths me out....take 40 mg. of dexedrine (spansules),
Candace,
Are you taking Pristiq, dexedrine, and Klonipin? Is that all you are taking? If so, how is it working? Sounds like meds I could tolerate so I am actually thinking MAYBE there is hope for me as this is a combination I haven't tried (yet I too took dexedrine before and have had succes in the past with Effexor, Valium, and Librium, so Maybe this would work for me)I just wanted to see if these are the only meds you are taking? Just curious- I know we are all different but- I am willing to try anything if it has any chance of working and this is a combination I haven't tried that actually seems to make sense!
Posted by floatingbridge on May 6, 2009, at 21:37:28
In reply to Re: Candace, posted by Frustratedmama on May 6, 2009, at 19:52:09
Hi, yes, that's pretty much what I am taking. I take 1.5mg klonopin daily and have .5 xanax as an emergency med. which I do not like to take--benzos in general i am very wary of.... But I just had to feel better. I take the klonopin on schedule, not on an as need basis. I turned a corner with the dexedrine--made me feel what I imagine normal might be. And I think the pristiq is working for me, though it was slow to show. Now in perspective, this regime is new, from late Feb to early March. I was on wellburtin, librium, deplin, lexapro, prozac, abilify, serqueol (sp?), tradzedone (I'm just looking back at this last year's med journal). I also have two sleep aides, Sonata (which I favor) and Lunesta. I take the sonata a few times a week (at least).
Before I started treatment for ADHD this Feb I was in bad shape: depression, anxiety, SOCIAL PHOBIA. When my pdoc prescribed dexedrine I was shocked, but so far so good....I don't take my health for granted. Wish me luck as I do you.
keep us posted--you'll find a combination that will work.
Candace
> > I'm liking pristiq... Klonipin at low doses (1mg daily) smooths me out....take 40 mg. of dexedrine (spansules),
>
> Candace,
> Are you taking Pristiq, dexedrine, and Klonipin? Is that all you are taking? If so, how is it working? Sounds like meds I could tolerate so I am actually thinking MAYBE there is hope for me as this is a combination I haven't tried (yet I too took dexedrine before and have had succes in the past with Effexor, Valium, and Librium, so Maybe this would work for me)I just wanted to see if these are the only meds you are taking? Just curious- I know we are all different but- I am willing to try anything if it has any chance of working and this is a combination I haven't tried that actually seems to make sense!
>
>
>
Posted by Frustratedmama on May 6, 2009, at 22:37:48
In reply to Re: Candace, posted by floatingbridge on May 6, 2009, at 21:37:28
Thanks Candace! I am happy you found something that works! I will be sure to keep you posted! I am praying I can find some relief too (I could care less about me but my child deserves a good mother as she is a wonderful person).
Posted by floatingbridge on May 7, 2009, at 22:19:31
In reply to Re: Candace, posted by Frustratedmama on May 6, 2009, at 22:37:48
> Thanks Candace! I am happy you found something that works! I will be sure to keep you posted! I am praying I can find some relief too (I could care less about me but my child deserves a good mother as she is a wonderful person).
>I have a child, too--sets the stakes pretty high.
speedy relief to you,
Candace
Posted by desolationrower on May 13, 2009, at 12:54:20
In reply to Re: Candace, posted by Frustratedmama on May 6, 2009, at 22:37:48
guanfacine, nortriptaline, maybe an anticonvulsant
-d/r
Posted by Frustratedmama on May 13, 2009, at 19:33:20
In reply to try, posted by desolationrower on May 13, 2009, at 12:54:20
d/r: I haven't tried Tenex yet- but good idea. Anticonvulsants haven't worked or I am too senisitve to side effects (unfortunately). The only one I tolerated at all was Lamictal for a while then side effects were too much. I tried one of the TCA's not sure if it was nortriptyline but whatever it was it caused such severe dry mouth I had 6 cavities in 2 months. I will look into it though. Buspar isn't proving to be at all effective yet.
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