Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1039786

Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 32. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

May I have my depression back, please?

Posted by ChicagoKat on March 7, 2013, at 10:44:56

My depression has gone away, but it's been replaced by HIGH anxiety...I would much rather be depressed, I can handle that so much better. I am weaining off of both Neurontin and Elavil. The Neurontin b/c it just doesn't work anymore for anxiety, and Elavil b/c I've had lots of bad psych effects from it..it even made me psychotic, paranoia and hallucinations. All to be replaced my Miltown, whiich honestly barely has an effect on my damn depression. Oh, and starting Lexapro too b/c it has halped my anxiety in the past.

But I just *can't* follow the tapering plan my pdoc made for me yesterday. I've had to take a little extra Elavil already, and now I fear I'm gonna have to take more Neurontin too. I fear I may never get off of them both.

Maybe it's just too much for my system to withdraw 2 drugs at once. I'd most like to get off the Elavil first, so I can use my full dose of Lexapro.

I don't know; I don't think clearly when I feel like this...I HATE IT. Anxiety is worst f*ck*ng thing in the world.

Just wondered if any of you all had any thoughts or advice. And one more thing; benzos are out for me I'm way too tolerant and would need to use doses too high for them to help. :( Thanks,
Kat

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please? » ChicagoKat

Posted by Phillipa on March 7, 2013, at 12:01:26

In reply to May I have my depression back, please?, posted by ChicagoKat on March 7, 2013, at 10:44:56

If anxiety precedes depression maybe it means you are halfway home to wellness. Now this is a thought look at Gadchik she got off ad's and now just takes low dose klonopin and feels good. Phillipa

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please?

Posted by Hugh on March 7, 2013, at 13:28:15

In reply to May I have my depression back, please?, posted by ChicagoKat on March 7, 2013, at 10:44:56

I hesitate to recommend baclofen, because it's a potentially dangerous medicine, but it helped me tremendously, but only for a week. I had to stop taking it because it started to cause terrible insomnia. But I'm hypersensitive to many meds, so most people probably wouldn't have this problem with it. It's a muscle relaxant. I was taking it for muscle spasms in my lower back, and was very surprised when it wiped out my depression and anxiety. Baclofen acts on the GABA-B receptor. Benzos act on the GABA-A receptor. An interesting book about baclofen is The End of My Addiction by Olivier Ameisen. He's a cardiologist who was a serious alcoholic for years and had tried numerous antidepressants and benzos, and hadn't been helped by them. Then he started taking baclofen, and when he got to a high enough dose, it wiped out the anxiety that was driving him to drink. Baclofen causes somnolence in the beginning, and until this side effect goes away, driving should be avoided. And stopping it suddenly can cause seizures.

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please?

Posted by bleauberry on March 7, 2013, at 13:46:20

In reply to May I have my depression back, please?, posted by ChicagoKat on March 7, 2013, at 10:44:56

That sounds like some bad anxiety. Sorry! I felt horrid anxiety like that when I got off zyprexa, zoloft, parnate, depakote, and some others. I used some herbs to help calm things down...lemon balm, skullcap, valerian, passion flower...and they helped a lot. But the only thing really is time. Or, back up, restart, and wean off slower. I've done that several times too. And we never know for sure what our baseline will be, if the anxiety will totally go away, because every time we try a new med, and with the natural course of time, things are changed. They do not stay the same as they were.

Hang in there.

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please? » ChicagoKat

Posted by schleprock on March 7, 2013, at 14:08:08

In reply to May I have my depression back, please?, posted by ChicagoKat on March 7, 2013, at 10:44:56

Please don't tell me that you're still ingesting caffeine during this time.

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please?

Posted by Hugh on March 7, 2013, at 15:39:11

In reply to May I have my depression back, please?, posted by ChicagoKat on March 7, 2013, at 10:44:56

Neurofeedback can be very effective for anxiety. Elsa Baehr in Skokie and Joseph Barr in Northbrook are neurofeedback clinicians with good reputations.

http://www.neuroquest.net

http://www.bfnorth.com

Other Chicago area providers:

http://www.eegchicago.com

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please?

Posted by jono_in_adelaide on March 7, 2013, at 16:48:13

In reply to May I have my depression back, please?, posted by ChicagoKat on March 7, 2013, at 10:44:56

Phenobarbitone sodium might be an option, starting at 30mg tds and increasing as needed

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please? » Hugh

Posted by Phillipa on March 7, 2013, at 20:31:12

In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please?, posted by Hugh on March 7, 2013, at 13:28:15

Hugh I need to google this med as have bad back too. Is it similar to Soma? Phillipa

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please?

Posted by Hugh on March 8, 2013, at 11:25:28

In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » Hugh, posted by Phillipa on March 7, 2013, at 20:31:12

> Hugh I need to google this med as have bad back too. Is it similar to Soma? Phillipa

I don't know much about Soma, just that it's a muscle relaxant. From what I've read, baclofen is the only muscle relaxant that acts on the GABA-B receptor. I believe the only other drug that acts on the GABA-B receptor is GHB.

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please? » Hugh

Posted by Phillipa on March 8, 2013, at 20:11:13

In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please?, posted by Hugh on March 8, 2013, at 11:25:28

GHB? That's heavy duty isn't it? Phillipa

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please?

Posted by Hugh on March 8, 2013, at 23:02:44

In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » Hugh, posted by Phillipa on March 8, 2013, at 20:11:13

> GHB? That's heavy duty isn't it? Phillipa

It's the best sleep aid ever developed. I've never tried it, but I'd love to. Ambien and the benzos increase the duration of sleep, but they're bad for sleep architecture. You're actually in a lighter stage of sleep on these drugs than you are on no drugs. GHB significantly increases the time spent in deep, stage 3 and stage 4 sleep. But it's difficult to get a prescription for it and it's very expensive.

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please? » Hugh

Posted by Phillipa on March 9, 2013, at 20:22:02

In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please?, posted by Hugh on March 8, 2013, at 23:02:44

Hugh isn't it referred to as the Date Rape Drug? Phillipa

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please?

Posted by Hugh on March 10, 2013, at 11:13:46

In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » Hugh, posted by Phillipa on March 9, 2013, at 20:22:02

> Hugh isn't it referred to as the Date Rape Drug? Phillipa

That's why it's so difficult to get a prescription for it and why it's so expensive. It's too bad, since it's a drug that could benefit millions of people suffering from depression, insomnia and addictions. A drug far more worthy of the title Date Rape Drug is alcohol.

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please? » schleprock

Posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 14:51:46

In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » ChicagoKat, posted by schleprock on March 7, 2013, at 14:08:08

> Please don't tell me that you're still ingesting caffeine during this time.

My late response b/c anxiety makes me super-isolate....I haven't had any cofffee in years. But I drink a diet coke every morning. I know I should quit, but I just can't. I quit smoking at least.
Kat

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please? » Hugh

Posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 14:52:55

In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please?, posted by Hugh on March 7, 2013, at 15:39:11

> Neurofeedback can be very effective for anxiety. Elsa Baehr in Skokie and Joseph Barr in Northbrook are neurofeedback clinicians with good reputations.
>
> http://www.neuroquest.net
>
> http://www.bfnorth.com
>
> Other Chicago area providers:
>
> http://www.eegchicago.com

Thanks Hugh; I'll check the websites out
Kat

 

Update: May I have my benzos back please?

Posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 15:12:01

In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please?, posted by jono_in_adelaide on March 7, 2013, at 16:48:13

> Phenobarbitone sodium might be an option, starting at 30mg tds and increasing as needed
>
>

Pdoc and I are keeping Phenobarb as the last apple in the barrel b/c of it's addiction potential and tons of negative side effects. Right now we are testing the theory that though Lexapro has given up the ghost with me for depression, it still helps treat anxiety...b/c that was the case a year ago, when I tolerated Ritalin far, far better than I do now, and I just happened to be on Lexapro too. Sometimes the only clear sight is hindsight: it's taken months to see that my anxiety problems pretty much started cropping up after we had stopped the Lexapro b/c I didn't think it was doing anything for me.

So update: I am off of amitryptiline Yay!! No more hallucinations YAY!!!! No more sleep BOO!!! And I'm down to 600mg once a day on the gabapentin. Meanwhile, I'm alternatiing Miltown and Vistaril to try to keep the anxiety under control. I started Lexapro about 4 days ago, and I must say, I actually felt a little Serotonin goodness last night as I tried to sleep...I do hope it wasn't a hallucination!

Thanks for everyone's input; I really appreciate it :)
Kat
p.s. The subject line is in jest. No Benzos for Kat :(

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please? » ChicagoKat

Posted by schleprock on March 11, 2013, at 18:27:22

In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » schleprock, posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 14:51:46

> > Please don't tell me that you're still ingesting caffeine during this time.
>
> My late response b/c anxiety makes me super-isolate....I haven't had any cofffee in years. But I drink a diet coke every morning. I know I should quit, but I just can't. I quit smoking at least.
> Kat

I would switch to caffeine-free if I were you. Every reduction of a potential stressor helps. I had a bad experience with Dr. Pepper once.

 

Re: Update: May I have my benzos back please? » ChicagoKat

Posted by Phillipa on March 11, 2013, at 21:27:56

In reply to Update: May I have my benzos back please?, posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 15:12:01

I'm seriously glad to see you posted!!!! Phillipa

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please? » schleprock

Posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 23:37:20

In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » ChicagoKat, posted by schleprock on March 11, 2013, at 18:27:22

I will switch to caffeine free diet coke the moment mcdonald's has it available cos I only like soda from the fountain

But I simply must know what your bad experience with DP was....so tell on....

 

Re: Update: May I have my benzos back please? » Phillipa

Posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 23:41:48

In reply to Re: Update: May I have my benzos back please? » ChicagoKat, posted by Phillipa on March 11, 2013, at 21:27:56

> I'm seriously glad to see you posted!!!! Phillipa

And I'm filled with glee to see you posted on my post!!! (or is that 'to my post'?) Well, whatever....anyways, did you find any of my benzos Phillipa?
Kat

 

Re: May I have my Marlboros back, please? » schleprock

Posted by ChicagoKat on March 12, 2013, at 0:00:08

In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » ChicagoKat, posted by schleprock on March 11, 2013, at 18:27:22

> > > Please don't tell me that you're still ingesting caffeine during this time.
> >
> > My late response b/c anxiety makes me super-isolate....I haven't had any cofffee in years. But I drink a diet coke every morning. I know I should quit, but I just can't. I quit smoking at least.
> > Kat
>
> I would switch to caffeine-free if I were you. Every reduction of a potential stressor helps. I had a bad experience with Dr. Pepper once.

HEY!!!!!! Where are all my accolades for having stopped smoking??? What, wrong forum? In that case lemme bum one Schlep....

 

Re: May I have my Marlboros back, please? » ChicagoKat

Posted by Phillipa on March 12, 2013, at 0:03:10

In reply to Re: May I have my Marlboros back, please? » schleprock, posted by ChicagoKat on March 12, 2013, at 0:00:08

Super congratulations on stopping smoking that is quite a feat!!!! Phillipa

 

Re: May I have my Marlboros back, please? » Phillipa

Posted by ChicagoKat on March 12, 2013, at 13:45:19

In reply to Re: May I have my Marlboros back, please? » ChicagoKat, posted by Phillipa on March 12, 2013, at 0:03:10

> Super congratulations on stopping smoking that is quite a feat!!!! Phillipa

Thanks Phillipa! It was great, even if it only lasted one day....ahem

 

Neurontin/Gabapentin » ChicagoKat

Posted by alexcanada on March 12, 2013, at 15:46:12

In reply to May I have my depression back, please?, posted by ChicagoKat on March 7, 2013, at 10:44:56

> My depression has gone away, but it's been replaced by HIGH anxiety...I would much rather be depressed, I can handle that so much better. I am weaining off of both Neurontin and Elavil. The Neurontin b/c it just doesn't work anymore for anxiety, and Elavil b/c I've had lots of bad psych effects from it..it even made me psychotic, paranoia and hallucinations. All to be replaced my Miltown, whiich honestly barely has an effect on my damn depression. Oh, and starting Lexapro too b/c it has halped my anxiety in the past.
>
> But I just *can't* follow the tapering plan my pdoc made for me yesterday. I've had to take a little extra Elavil already, and now I fear I'm gonna have to take more Neurontin too. I fear I may never get off of them both.
>
> Maybe it's just too much for my system to withdraw 2 drugs at once. I'd most like to get off the Elavil first, so I can use my full dose of Lexapro.
>
> I don't know; I don't think clearly when I feel like this...I HATE IT. Anxiety is worst f*ck*ng thing in the world.
>
> Just wondered if any of you all had any thoughts or advice. And one more thing; benzos are out for me I'm way too tolerant and would need to use doses too high for them to help. :( Thanks,
> Kat

I know from past experience that Neurontin/Gabapentin withdrawal can absolutely lead to very uncomfortable anxiety. Perhaps this might be part of it?

How has Neurontin effected you personally? I been back on a low dose for past two days but none yet today. In the short term it has allowed me to feel more at peace, bit more happiness, more positive mood but can cause me to feel less intelligent.

It also gives me red eyes and dark circles.

How has gabapentin helped you and does it generally last? for me it seems to build up tolerance but I used to use it with positive effect for over a year a few years ago.

Also have you ever considered Magnesium citrate? It is capable of knocking out anxiety in me as well as having some small temporary mood elevating seratonin effect. It can work quite rapidly. May cause some sleepiness.

 

Re: May I have my depression back, please? » ChicagoKat

Posted by schleprock on March 12, 2013, at 18:29:36

In reply to Re: May I have my depression back, please? » schleprock, posted by ChicagoKat on March 11, 2013, at 23:37:20

> I will switch to caffeine free diet coke the moment mcdonald's has it available cos I only like soda from the fountain
>
> But I simply must know what your bad experience with DP was....so tell on....

I had my second prolonged episode of GAD following consumption of a can of Dr. Pepper (the most caffeinated of soft drinks at the time)in 1996, four years after the cup of coffee that permanently turned me into a basket case. I had to learn the hard way. I've pretty much given up soft drinks over the last few years so I don't have to learn the hard way about the dangers of having too many sugary drinks.

You could always have a Sprite/7-Up instead. Maybe stay off chocolate for a while.


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