Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1012720

Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 45. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

New med advice? (sorry, long post!)

Posted by kagome on March 10, 2012, at 10:30:43

Hi all, I'm hoping to get some med-related help. I've posted a few times about starting Parnate, which I've been on for about three weeks. It's caused extreme hypersomnia (although the Wellbutrin I was taking before didn't help, thanks for the suggestion to drop that, SLS!) and more recently, crazy blood pressure changes. I have a blood pressure cuff from back in my EMT days and my BP has swung wildly between too low and too high. I'm not as worried about that (as much as I should be, probably!) as I feel that it's indicative of why it's so hard to even move. Real short bike rides (to my therapist's, the only place I can go right now) take forever, are beyond exhausting, and leave me feeling sore and sick.

Anyway, since I'm still not getting that much help from the Parnate besides possibly a tiny bit in the social anxiety arena, I'm thinking of letting it go. I know the tiredness eventually subsides but I've heard it could be another three weeks and that sounds miserable. I guess I just want to hear from people as to whether Parnate might be worth the current misery or if something else out there could work.

I have atypical major depression, including hypersomnia et al, although the inability to get out of bed used to be more psychological than physical before Parnate. I also have severe social anxiety, not wanting to leave the apartment for days (it doesn't help living in NY, if you leave you're space you're going to be talking to people!). I suppose my worst symptoms are extreme self-hatred, shame, and suicidal ideation. I'm in therapy as mentioned, which I know is important, but in my past major depressive episodes medication was vital to even getting to a place where I could work on myself - otherwise I feel like I'm just going in sad circles.

Anyway, for meds I've tried:
Luvox
Lexapro
Prozac
Paxil
elavil (all of which didn't work),
imipramine and zoloft (worked a little, esp. imipramine, but made me feel stupid which would be my absolute least favorite side effect),
Wellbutrin worked a little as an adjunct then pooped out
Effexor, which worked great then pooped out and
Lamictal, which worked great but literally made my teeth fall out and I had to d/c.

As an a-typical with social anxiety I know Parnate is supposed to be one of the best, but even my p-doc thinks it's not working. I'm interested in Viibryd but SSRI's haven't necessarily worked for me before. I would very much appreciate any and all advice.

Thanks, and sorry again for the super long post...

 

Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!) » kagome

Posted by Phillipa on March 10, 2012, at 12:25:48

In reply to New med advice? (sorry, long post!), posted by kagome on March 10, 2012, at 10:30:43

Have you thought of emsam? Some have done well with it? Phillipa

 

Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!) » kagome

Posted by SLS on March 10, 2012, at 14:47:34

In reply to New med advice? (sorry, long post!), posted by kagome on March 10, 2012, at 10:30:43

Just a few ideas for the augmentation of Parnate:

1. Abilify 2-5 mg/day
2. lithium 300-600 mg/day
3. Nortriptyline 75 mg/day

I am currently have success with the following treatment regime:

Parnate 80 mg
nortriptyline 150 mg
Lamictal 200 mg
Abilify 10 mg
lithium 300 mg
prazosin 6 mg

Prazosin is an interesting drug. It has made me respond much better to the other drugs I take. Prazosin is an old drug originally indicated for hypertension. It enters the brain readily and blocks NE alpha-1a/b/d receptors. It has recently been discovered to help in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I'm sure it will help some people with treatment resistant depression (TRD). I don't yet know what case profiles make the best candidates for prazosin augmentation. My first inclination is to guess that people who have a history of childhood physical abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect would be helped with prazosin, as these things can produce a form of developmental PTSD that is without the classic adult PTSD symptoms. Perhaps developmental PTSD drives depression. At this point, the PTSD is obfuscated by depression and rendered virtually invisible. These are nothing more than thoughts that I am playing with.


- Scott

 

Lou's response-dhthkalz » kagome

Posted by Lou Pilder on March 10, 2012, at 16:17:40

In reply to New med advice? (sorry, long post!), posted by kagome on March 10, 2012, at 10:30:43

> Hi all, I'm hoping to get some med-related help. I've posted a few times about starting Parnate, which I've been on for about three weeks. It's caused extreme hypersomnia (although the Wellbutrin I was taking before didn't help, thanks for the suggestion to drop that, SLS!) and more recently, crazy blood pressure changes. I have a blood pressure cuff from back in my EMT days and my BP has swung wildly between too low and too high. I'm not as worried about that (as much as I should be, probably!) as I feel that it's indicative of why it's so hard to even move. Real short bike rides (to my therapist's, the only place I can go right now) take forever, are beyond exhausting, and leave me feeling sore and sick.
>
> Anyway, since I'm still not getting that much help from the Parnate besides possibly a tiny bit in the social anxiety arena, I'm thinking of letting it go. I know the tiredness eventually subsides but I've heard it could be another three weeks and that sounds miserable. I guess I just want to hear from people as to whether Parnate might be worth the current misery or if something else out there could work.
>
> I have atypical major depression, including hypersomnia et al, although the inability to get out of bed used to be more psychological than physical before Parnate. I also have severe social anxiety, not wanting to leave the apartment for days (it doesn't help living in NY, if you leave you're space you're going to be talking to people!). I suppose my worst symptoms are extreme self-hatred, shame, and suicidal ideation. I'm in therapy as mentioned, which I know is important, but in my past major depressive episodes medication was vital to even getting to a place where I could work on myself - otherwise I feel like I'm just going in sad circles.
>
> Anyway, for meds I've tried:
> Luvox
> Lexapro
> Prozac
> Paxil
> elavil (all of which didn't work),
> imipramine and zoloft (worked a little, esp. imipramine, but made me feel stupid which would be my absolute least favorite side effect),
> Wellbutrin worked a little as an adjunct then pooped out
> Effexor, which worked great then pooped out and
> Lamictal, which worked great but literally made my teeth fall out and I had to d/c.
>
> As an a-typical with social anxiety I know Parnate is supposed to be one of the best, but even my p-doc thinks it's not working. I'm interested in Viibryd but SSRI's haven't necessarily worked for me before. I would very much appreciate any and all advice.
>
> Thanks, and sorry again for the super long post...

kagome,
You wrote,[...I'm hoping to get some med-related help...I would very much appreciate any and all advice...].
The advice that I could give you is to let you know of the consequences that these drugs could have upon a person. Then you could have my educational contribution along with contributions here from posters offering suggestion that the drugs they take help them or could help you.
But be advised that taking these drugs together could cause death. Here are some combinations taken here that I will warn you about so that you could have more information to make a more informed decision as to take these drugs in combonation or not.
Let's look at [Parnate with Nortriptyline]
These two together could cause convulsions, coma and death.
Let's now look at [Parnate with Abilify]
These two could cause CNS depression and respiratory depression couuld cause death.
Let's now look at [lithium and prazosin]
These two together could cause blood presssure problems
Let's now look at [lithium amd abilify]
These two together could cause an increase in neurotoxicity. That could mean various severe issues.
Let's now look at [nortriptyline and abilify]
These two togeter could cause Tardive Dyskinesia, psychosis,hallucinations,seizures, memory loss and more.
Let's now look at [parnate and lamictal]
These two together could cause respiratory depression ...also [nortriptyline and lamictal] and [lithium with parnate] and [lamictal with abilify] also with [lithium and lamicatal.
Let's now look at [lithium with nortriptyline]
These two together could cause serotonone syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome which could lead to death.
Now let's look at [prazosin and nortriptyline and parnate]
These could cause blood pressure problems.
Since death is a potential consequence to the taker of the drugs in combination, could you have more dialog here with me so that there could be a more informed body of educational material for you to make a more-informed decision as to if you do or do not want to take these drugs?
Here is a link that has the stats of death from abilify. Then what about the combinations?
http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/abilify/death
Lou

 

Re: Lou's response-dhaweihgzofpsyn

Posted by Lou Pilder on March 10, 2012, at 16:30:09

In reply to Lou's response-dhthkalz » kagome, posted by Lou Pilder on March 10, 2012, at 16:17:40

> > Hi all, I'm hoping to get some med-related help. I've posted a few times about starting Parnate, which I've been on for about three weeks. It's caused extreme hypersomnia (although the Wellbutrin I was taking before didn't help, thanks for the suggestion to drop that, SLS!) and more recently, crazy blood pressure changes. I have a blood pressure cuff from back in my EMT days and my BP has swung wildly between too low and too high. I'm not as worried about that (as much as I should be, probably!) as I feel that it's indicative of why it's so hard to even move. Real short bike rides (to my therapist's, the only place I can go right now) take forever, are beyond exhausting, and leave me feeling sore and sick.
> >
> > Anyway, since I'm still not getting that much help from the Parnate besides possibly a tiny bit in the social anxiety arena, I'm thinking of letting it go. I know the tiredness eventually subsides but I've heard it could be another three weeks and that sounds miserable. I guess I just want to hear from people as to whether Parnate might be worth the current misery or if something else out there could work.
> >
> > I have atypical major depression, including hypersomnia et al, although the inability to get out of bed used to be more psychological than physical before Parnate. I also have severe social anxiety, not wanting to leave the apartment for days (it doesn't help living in NY, if you leave you're space you're going to be talking to people!). I suppose my worst symptoms are extreme self-hatred, shame, and suicidal ideation. I'm in therapy as mentioned, which I know is important, but in my past major depressive episodes medication was vital to even getting to a place where I could work on myself - otherwise I feel like I'm just going in sad circles.
> >
> > Anyway, for meds I've tried:
> > Luvox
> > Lexapro
> > Prozac
> > Paxil
> > elavil (all of which didn't work),
> > imipramine and zoloft (worked a little, esp. imipramine, but made me feel stupid which would be my absolute least favorite side effect),
> > Wellbutrin worked a little as an adjunct then pooped out
> > Effexor, which worked great then pooped out and
> > Lamictal, which worked great but literally made my teeth fall out and I had to d/c.
> >
> > As an a-typical with social anxiety I know Parnate is supposed to be one of the best, but even my p-doc thinks it's not working. I'm interested in Viibryd but SSRI's haven't necessarily worked for me before. I would very much appreciate any and all advice.
> >
> > Thanks, and sorry again for the super long post...
>
> kagome,
> You wrote,[...I'm hoping to get some med-related help...I would very much appreciate any and all advice...].
> The advice that I could give you is to let you know of the consequences that these drugs could have upon a person. Then you could have my educational contribution along with contributions here from posters offering suggestion that the drugs they take help them or could help you.
> But be advised that taking these drugs together could cause death. Here are some combinations taken here that I will warn you about so that you could have more information to make a more informed decision as to take these drugs in combonation or not.
> Let's look at [Parnate with Nortriptyline]
> These two together could cause convulsions, coma and death.
> Let's now look at [Parnate with Abilify]
> These two could cause CNS depression and respiratory depression couuld cause death.
> Let's now look at [lithium and prazosin]
> These two together could cause blood presssure problems
> Let's now look at [lithium amd abilify]
> These two together could cause an increase in neurotoxicity. That could mean various severe issues.
> Let's now look at [nortriptyline and abilify]
> These two togeter could cause Tardive Dyskinesia, psychosis,hallucinations,seizures, memory loss and more.
> Let's now look at [parnate and lamictal]
> These two together could cause respiratory depression ...also [nortriptyline and lamictal] and [lithium with parnate] and [lamictal with abilify] also with [lithium and lamicatal.
> Let's now look at [lithium with nortriptyline]
> These two together could cause serotonone syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome which could lead to death.
> Now let's look at [prazosin and nortriptyline and parnate]
> These could cause blood pressure problems.
> Since death is a potential consequence to the taker of the drugs in combination, could you have more dialog here with me so that there could be a more informed body of educational material for you to make a more-informed decision as to if you do or do not want to take these drugs?
> Here is a link that has the stats of death from abilify. Then what about the combinations?
> http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/abilify/death
> Lou

kagome,
Here are some more links to the stats on death from other drugs.
http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/lamictal/death
http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/lithium/death
http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/parnate/death/
http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/nortriptyline/death
http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/prazosin/death
Lou

 

Lou's response-dhaweihgzofpsyn-Li

Posted by Lou Pilder on March 10, 2012, at 16:43:23

In reply to Re: Lou's response-dhaweihgzofpsyn, posted by Lou Pilder on March 10, 2012, at 16:30:09

> > > Hi all, I'm hoping to get some med-related help. I've posted a few times about starting Parnate, which I've been on for about three weeks. It's caused extreme hypersomnia (although the Wellbutrin I was taking before didn't help, thanks for the suggestion to drop that, SLS!) and more recently, crazy blood pressure changes. I have a blood pressure cuff from back in my EMT days and my BP has swung wildly between too low and too high. I'm not as worried about that (as much as I should be, probably!) as I feel that it's indicative of why it's so hard to even move. Real short bike rides (to my therapist's, the only place I can go right now) take forever, are beyond exhausting, and leave me feeling sore and sick.
> > >
> > > Anyway, since I'm still not getting that much help from the Parnate besides possibly a tiny bit in the social anxiety arena, I'm thinking of letting it go. I know the tiredness eventually subsides but I've heard it could be another three weeks and that sounds miserable. I guess I just want to hear from people as to whether Parnate might be worth the current misery or if something else out there could work.
> > >
> > > I have atypical major depression, including hypersomnia et al, although the inability to get out of bed used to be more psychological than physical before Parnate. I also have severe social anxiety, not wanting to leave the apartment for days (it doesn't help living in NY, if you leave you're space you're going to be talking to people!). I suppose my worst symptoms are extreme self-hatred, shame, and suicidal ideation. I'm in therapy as mentioned, which I know is important, but in my past major depressive episodes medication was vital to even getting to a place where I could work on myself - otherwise I feel like I'm just going in sad circles.
> > >
> > > Anyway, for meds I've tried:
> > > Luvox
> > > Lexapro
> > > Prozac
> > > Paxil
> > > elavil (all of which didn't work),
> > > imipramine and zoloft (worked a little, esp. imipramine, but made me feel stupid which would be my absolute least favorite side effect),
> > > Wellbutrin worked a little as an adjunct then pooped out
> > > Effexor, which worked great then pooped out and
> > > Lamictal, which worked great but literally made my teeth fall out and I had to d/c.
> > >
> > > As an a-typical with social anxiety I know Parnate is supposed to be one of the best, but even my p-doc thinks it's not working. I'm interested in Viibryd but SSRI's haven't necessarily worked for me before. I would very much appreciate any and all advice.
> > >
> > > Thanks, and sorry again for the super long post...
> >
> > kagome,
> > You wrote,[...I'm hoping to get some med-related help...I would very much appreciate any and all advice...].
> > The advice that I could give you is to let you know of the consequences that these drugs could have upon a person. Then you could have my educational contribution along with contributions here from posters offering suggestion that the drugs they take help them or could help you.
> > But be advised that taking these drugs together could cause death. Here are some combinations taken here that I will warn you about so that you could have more information to make a more informed decision as to take these drugs in combonation or not.
> > Let's look at [Parnate with Nortriptyline]
> > These two together could cause convulsions, coma and death.
> > Let's now look at [Parnate with Abilify]
> > These two could cause CNS depression and respiratory depression couuld cause death.
> > Let's now look at [lithium and prazosin]
> > These two together could cause blood presssure problems
> > Let's now look at [lithium amd abilify]
> > These two together could cause an increase in neurotoxicity. That could mean various severe issues.
> > Let's now look at [nortriptyline and abilify]
> > These two togeter could cause Tardive Dyskinesia, psychosis,hallucinations,seizures, memory loss and more.
> > Let's now look at [parnate and lamictal]
> > These two together could cause respiratory depression ...also [nortriptyline and lamictal] and [lithium with parnate] and [lamictal with abilify] also with [lithium and lamicatal.
> > Let's now look at [lithium with nortriptyline]
> > These two together could cause serotonone syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome which could lead to death.
> > Now let's look at [prazosin and nortriptyline and parnate]
> > These could cause blood pressure problems.
> > Since death is a potential consequence to the taker of the drugs in combination, could you have more dialog here with me so that there could be a more informed body of educational material for you to make a more-informed decision as to if you do or do not want to take these drugs?
> > Here is a link that has the stats of death from abilify. Then what about the combinations?
> > http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/abilify/death
> > Lou
>
> kagome,
> Here are some more links to the stats on death from other drugs.
> http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/lamictal/death
> http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/lithium/death
> http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/parnate/death/
> http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/nortriptyline/death
> http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/prazosin/death
> Lou

Friends,
Here is the link for lithium causing death
Lou
http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/lithium+carbonate/death

 

Re: Lou's response-dhthkalz » Lou Pilder

Posted by Beckett on March 10, 2012, at 18:56:38

In reply to Lou's response-dhthkalz » kagome, posted by Lou Pilder on March 10, 2012, at 16:17:40

> Here is a link that has the stats of death from abilify. Then what about the combinations?
> http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/abilify/death

Lou, this link doesn't make sense to me. Are they including the death of other people in the person taking Abilify's life? See the following from the site:

Death is also known as: Death Of Child, Death Of Companion, Death Of Friend, Death Of Parent, Death Of
Relative, Death Of Sibling, Death Of Spouse, Death Sudden, Sudden Death.

Click on these and it gives a breakdown in each category. I find this very confusing.


 

Re: Lou's response-dhthkalz » Lou Pilder

Posted by SLS on March 10, 2012, at 20:35:01

In reply to Lou's response-dhthkalz » kagome, posted by Lou Pilder on March 10, 2012, at 16:17:40

Have you yet taken the time to evaluate the risks versus benefits ratio of attempting to scare everyone into not to take psychotropic drugs? People often die from a lack of treatment of their mental illness. Which causes more deaths - the treatment of depression or the lack of treatment of depression?


- Scott

 

Re: Lou's response-dhthkalz » Lou Pilder

Posted by SLS on March 10, 2012, at 20:47:42

In reply to Lou's response-dhthkalz » kagome, posted by Lou Pilder on March 10, 2012, at 16:17:40

I am currently have success with the following treatment regime:

Parnate 80 mg
nortriptyline 150 mg
Lamictal 200 mg
Abilify 10 mg
lithium 300 mg
prazosin 6 mg

Why am I not dead yet?

How much longer do I have to live?


- Scott


> But be advised that taking these drugs together could cause death. Here are some combinations taken here that I will warn you about so that you could have more information to make a more informed decision as to take these drugs in combonation or not.
> Let's look at [Parnate with Nortriptyline]
> These two together could cause convulsions, coma and death.
> Let's now look at [Parnate with Abilify]
> These two could cause CNS depression and respiratory depression couuld cause death.
> Let's now look at [lithium and prazosin]
> These two together could cause blood presssure problems
> Let's now look at [lithium amd abilify]
> These two together could cause an increase in neurotoxicity. That could mean various severe issues.
> Let's now look at [nortriptyline and abilify]
> These two togeter could cause Tardive Dyskinesia, psychosis,hallucinations,seizures, memory loss and more.
> Let's now look at [parnate and lamictal]
> These two together could cause respiratory depression ...also [nortriptyline and lamictal] and [lithium with parnate] and [lamictal with abilify] also with [lithium and lamicatal.
> Let's now look at [lithium with nortriptyline]
> These two together could cause serotonone syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome which could lead to death.
> Now let's look at [prazosin and nortriptyline and parnate]
> These could cause blood pressure problems.
> Since death is a potential consequence to the taker of the drugs in combination, could you have more dialog here with me so that there could be a more informed body of educational material for you to make a more-informed decision as to if you do or do not want to take these drugs?
> Here is a link that has the stats of death from abilify. Then what about the combinations?
> http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/abilify/death
> Lou

 

Re: Lou's response-dhthkalz » Lou Pilder

Posted by SLS on March 10, 2012, at 20:50:35

In reply to Lou's response-dhthkalz » kagome, posted by Lou Pilder on March 10, 2012, at 16:17:40

Hi Lou.

What psychotropic drugs have you tried in the past?


- Scott

 

Re: Lou's response-dhaweihgzofpsyn-Li

Posted by kagome on March 11, 2012, at 0:39:32

In reply to Lou's response-dhaweihgzofpsyn-Li, posted by Lou Pilder on March 10, 2012, at 16:43:23

*Trigger Warning*

> > > Since death is a potential consequence to the taker of the drugs in combination, could you have more dialog here with me so that there could be a more informed body of educational material for you to make a more-informed decision as to if you do or do not want to take these drugs?

Hi Lou,
I really do appreciate your concern, but suicide from major depression is actually the eighth leading cause of death in the United States.(http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/805459-overview)
That means more people die of suicide than any med combination. Personally, although I feel like suicide is the most selfish thing a person can do, the pain of living can be so intense that if I owned a gun or some similar fast and easy way of checking out I would have been gone a long time ago.

I agree that everyone needs to make a very informed decision of the pros and cons of med therapy. I personally have explored many pros and cons and as one can guess by seeing my relative unconcern about health related aspects that I am at a very desperate point, where either a medication works or I find another way out (of the world, if I have to make myself painfully clear). Once I am in a safer non-suicidal place I have every intention of finding non-medication ways of maintaining mental health. Until then, though, I'm going to do what I can to survive, which for now necessarily includes medication. Please respect my decision from now on. Thank you again, though, for your concern.

 

Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!)

Posted by kagome on March 11, 2012, at 0:59:00

In reply to Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!) » kagome, posted by SLS on March 10, 2012, at 14:47:34

Hey Scott,

Sorry I forgot to mention that I did go on Abilify, on your recommendation actually. Even though it's probably too early to actually tell, it seems to already be helping. But it is just an adjunct, right? As in not meant to work alone? Regardless, I just started on 2mg daily, for almost a week now.

I'm wondering if you have some good arguments for continuing Parnate, because as of right now I think I'm stopping. So basically I'm hoping to find another frontline anti-depressant.

I'm somewhat interested in Lithium, but I've never been diagnosed as bipolar. You wrote something at one point that was fascinating about a new way of differentiating bipolar disorder - and I do have atypical depression that hasn't responded to several medications and has pooped out on others - but it seems strange to never have any manic episodes or even times of irritability/agitation that weren't directly related to meds. So I'm on the fence, but I am really open to experimentation since things are relatively desperate right now.

I'll definitely look more into Prazosin. Do you feel like it's helped mood-wise, bad memory-wise, sleep-wise,etc? As I mentioned before I'm an abuse survivor so it's definitely something to think about, I just have doubts about a blood pressure med doing much for the suicidal depression that is most troubling right now.

Thanks again for all your help!

 

Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!)

Posted by kagome on March 11, 2012, at 1:04:54

In reply to Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!) » kagome, posted by Phillipa on March 10, 2012, at 12:25:48

> Have you thought of emsam? Some have done well with it? Phillipa

Yeah, I've taken so much there's a lot I foget about - one is selegiline, which I hear doesn't pass the blood-brain barrier well (and did absolutely nothing) and I couldn't afford the ensam patch (insurance won't cover). Thanks though!

 

Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!) » kagome

Posted by SLS on March 11, 2012, at 6:15:57

In reply to Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!), posted by kagome on March 11, 2012, at 0:59:00

> I'm somewhat interested in Lithium, but I've never been diagnosed as bipolar.

Low dose lithium (300 - 600 mg) has long been used as an adjunct to antidepressants in unipolar depression. An old trick is to add lithium to Parnate.


THE BIPOLAR SPECTRUM

BIPOLAR I: Both mania and major depression

BIPOLAR II: Major depression and hypomania

BIPOLAR III: Cyclothymia. Mild depression and hypomania

BIPOLAR IV: Depression and usually no mania. Mania may be triggered by some
antidepressants.

BIPOLAR V: Depression and no mania. Some blood relatives have had mania

BIPOLAR VI: Mania and no depression


The following description is a form of bipolar disorder that is due to be included in the new DSM V.

"Bipolar V involves patients who only experience depressive symptoms as a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, but have a family history of bipolar disorder. The knowledge of bipolar disorder existing in family history would suggest starting depression treatment with a mood-stabilizer or an antipsychotic that treats depression. Because of the family history, if a patient was started on an antidepressant it could easily act as the trigger for developing bipolar because it produced manic symptoms (type IV). In family studies, the link between genetics and mental disorder has been proven to be strong. Patients should remember that genetics doesn't doom them to developing a disorder, there must be a trigger."

> I'll definitely look more into Prazosin. Do you feel like it's helped mood-wise

Yes. :-)

> bad memory-wise

Yes. :-)

> sleep-wise

Yes. :-)

> etc?

Yes. :-)

My sleep is better, but still somewhat disturbed, presumably as a result of my taking Parnate.

> As I mentioned before I'm an abuse survivor so it's definitely something to think about, I just have doubts about a blood pressure med doing much for the suicidal depression that is most troubling right now.

Prazosin is not a blood pressure medication. It is a chemical compound with blood pressure lowering properties. It also has other properties, including reducing PTSD symptoms, especially sleep disturbances and nightmares. It also seems to help with daytime anxiety and depression.

I almost didn't try prazosin because I thought my doctor was reaching for sh_t. I didn't believe that it would help, but I didn't think it would hurt. So, I let my doctor take his shot.

Prazosin blocks all three types of norepinephrine receptors: NE alpha-1a/b/d receptors.

Prazosin readily enters the brain.

Prazosin might block the NE alpha-1b receptors found in areas of the brain known to be hyperactive in depression. This is just a theory of mine. One site that I am interested in is the subgenual anterior cingulate Brodmanns Area 25.

After being on prazosin for awhile, I do not experience dizziness, despite being on Parnate.

Prazosin can produce fatigue, weakness, and lethargy early in treatment. These things disappeared within two weeks.

------------------------------------

In an effort to gather more evidence for my theory to relate to you, I just found this:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18704022

"In positron emission tomography studies, the metabolic activity was elevated in this region in the depressed relative to the remitted phases of the same MDD subjects, and effective antidepressant treatment was associated with a reduction in sgACC activity"

I think prazosin might act to "quiet" this elevated metabolic activity in the sgACC (subgenual anterior cingulate cortex).

------------------------------------


- Scott

 

Re: Lou's response-dhaweihgzofpsyn-Li » Lou Pilder

Posted by Toph on March 12, 2012, at 15:19:03

In reply to Lou's response-dhaweihgzofpsyn-Li, posted by Lou Pilder on March 10, 2012, at 16:43:23

>
> Friends,
> Here is the link for lithium causing death
> Lou
> http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/lithium+carbonate/death

Approximately 0.1% of Americans take lithium. That's roughly 3,131,000 people. According to Lou's site 14 people on average die from lithium annually. I tried to figure a percentage but my calculator can't handle that small a percentage. It is essentially mortality rate of zero.

 

Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!) » kagome

Posted by sigismund on March 12, 2012, at 19:15:38

In reply to Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!), posted by kagome on March 11, 2012, at 0:59:00

>Do you feel like it's helped mood-wise,

It feels calming to me next day.


>bad memory-wise,

No problem with that.


>sleep-wise,etc?

Helpful for sleep. It has diminished the startle response when I wake in the night.


>As I mentioned before I'm an abuse survivor so it's definitely something to think about, I just have doubts about a blood pressure med doing much for the suicidal depression that is most troubling right now.

It is surprisingly psychoactive, but I don't know about suicidal depression.


You did not say how you slept before starting Parnate. How did you sleep?

 

Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!)

Posted by sigismund on March 12, 2012, at 19:17:52

In reply to Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!) » kagome, posted by sigismund on March 12, 2012, at 19:15:38

Actually, the way prazosin feels to me next day is a little similar to the calm I felt from agomelatine when it was working at the beginning.

 

Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!) » sigismund

Posted by SLS on March 12, 2012, at 19:42:52

In reply to Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!), posted by sigismund on March 12, 2012, at 19:17:52

> Actually, the way prazosin feels to me next day is a little similar to the calm I felt from agomelatine when it was working at the beginning.

That's very encouraging.


- Scott

 

@toph

Posted by JohnLA on March 12, 2012, at 23:50:14

In reply to Re: Lou's response-dhaweihgzofpsyn-Li » Lou Pilder, posted by Toph on March 12, 2012, at 15:19:03

<Approximately 0.1% of Americans take lithium. That's roughly 3,131,000 people. According to Lou's site 14 people on average die from lithium annually. I tried to figure a percentage but my calculator can't handle that small a percentage. It is essentially mortality rate of zero.>

toph; i used to teach math. percentages and decimals always were the hardest for the kids to understand and compute. 1% of americans is 3,131,000. .1% is 3,331.

1% as a decimal is 0.01. as a fraction it's 1/100. so, 0.1% as a decimal would be 0.001 and as a fraction it would be 1/1000.

sorry for the math lesson. i'm thinking you meant 1% of americans are on lithium?

curious if i'm right! :)

 

To Lou Pilder

Posted by Oioioi123 on March 13, 2012, at 13:47:26

In reply to Lou's response-dhthkalz » kagome, posted by Lou Pilder on March 10, 2012, at 16:17:40

You are ignorant and educated, people do not want to hear your psychotic scare tactics, please keep your disrespectful posts to yourself. Many people have warned you and are sick and tired of your crazy rants, if I was the board owner I would have banned you a long time ago and many others would agree

 

Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!)

Posted by kagome on March 13, 2012, at 15:08:29

In reply to Re: New med advice? (sorry, long post!) » kagome, posted by sigismund on March 12, 2012, at 19:15:38


> You did not say how you slept before starting Parnate. How did you sleep?

Well to be honest I probably slept as much before as I did after, but before it was more like, "I cannot get out of bed and face another day." Then I just laid in bed and basically bored myself back to sleep for about 10-12 hours a day. But once I got up I would be up until late at night. After Parnate, I still sleep in but also get bone-weary and blood-tired (as they say) every early afternoon - usually only a few hours after being up - and I would nap until evening. That was probably more information than you were looking for, but thanks for asking!

Actually, surprisingly enough I seem to be doing a little better. I'm not sure if it's the Parnate, which I started titrating down because my blood pressure skyrocketed and stayed there, or the Abilify I started, but I'm guessing the latter or maybe a little of both. Now that Parnate seems to be working at least a little I have to figure out whether it's worth the side effects...

Anyway, thanks for your response!

 

Re: @toph » JohnLA

Posted by Toph on March 13, 2012, at 15:20:18

In reply to @toph, posted by JohnLA on March 12, 2012, at 23:50:14

> sorry for the math lesson. i'm thinking you meant 1% of americans are on lithium?
>
> curious if i'm right! :)

"Approximately 0.1% of the US population is undergoing lithium treatment for psychiatric problems." -Medscape

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/242772-overview#a0199

The US Census bureau puts the US population at about 313,000,000.

I hope I did the rest of the math right John.

 

Lou's response- » JohnLA

Posted by Lou Pilder on March 13, 2012, at 16:44:11

In reply to @toph, posted by JohnLA on March 12, 2012, at 23:50:14

Friends,
The site, ehealthme, is a site that collects stats and catalogs them accordingly.
Some confusion can result when death is the criteria looked at as a result from taking a drug.
Now in the case of lithium, one way to see a better understanding of death by lithium is to use the suicide attempt feature. You see, the compilation of stats are from [reported} events which I intend to clarify here unless the rule of three applies.
Lou
here is a link to the suicide attempt feature of ehealthme. This could clarif y some things here
http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/lithium+carbonate/suicide+attempt

 

Re: Lou's response-

Posted by Oioioi123 on March 13, 2012, at 16:50:03

In reply to Lou's response- » JohnLA, posted by Lou Pilder on March 13, 2012, at 16:44:11

You are ridiculous and your posts make no sense at all. All this info your posting is a bunch of BS. Why don't you just stop


> Friends,
> The site, ehealthme, is a site that collects stats and catalogs them accordingly.
> Some confusion can result when death is the criteria looked at as a result from taking a drug.
> Now in the case of lithium, one way to see a better understanding of death by lithium is to use the suicide attempt feature. You see, the compilation of stats are from [reported} events which I intend to clarify here unless the rule of three applies.
> Lou
> here is a link to the suicide attempt feature of ehealthme. This could clarif y some things here
> http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/lithium+carbonate/suicide+attempt

 

Lou's response-death/Lithium/ehealthme

Posted by Lou Pilder on March 13, 2012, at 16:50:28

In reply to Lou's response- » JohnLA, posted by Lou Pilder on March 13, 2012, at 16:44:11

> Friends,
> The site, ehealthme, is a site that collects stats and catalogs them accordingly.
> Some confusion can result when death is the criteria looked at as a result from taking a drug.
> Now in the case of lithium, one way to see a better understanding of death by lithium is to use the suicide attempt feature. You see, the compilation of stats are from [reported} events which I intend to clarify here unless the rule of three applies.
> Lou
> here is a link to the suicide attempt feature of ehealthme. This could clarif y some things here
> http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/lithium+carbonate/suicide+attempt

Friends,
Now let us look at the stats for those that take lithium and were sucessful at killing themselves. Then we could see more about the number of deaths in relation to taking lithium
Lou
http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/lithium+carbonate/suicide+completed.


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