SSRIs

Question:

I have terrible physical symtpoms (feeling poisoned and just generally sick) every few days.  Docs say I’m healthy and it must be from anxiety and OCD. Buspar did nothing.   Prozac and Zoloft made me feel worse than ever. Valium helps a lot but some days it fails me (I take it daily anyway) and that’s why I need something better.   Suggestions?

Response:

Neurontin, maybe. Its not specific for OCD but from what you described and from my own experience a short trial (two or three weeks) of a medium dosage range 600 to 1800mg might determine if it would be helpful to you.  Also if the Valium is not operating up to par a couple of things you could try is oral GABA tablets to possibly restore somewhat the benificial Valium effect and also I believe some research ( I can’t recall the source) that niacinamide (not the nicotinic acid version of vit. b-3-Niacin) has a benzo receptor influence which might potentiate the valium somewhat hopefully to the point where you will get efficacious benifits from your Meds.(remember,amide form, commonaly in B-complex pills)  No guaranty that this will meet your needs but it is cheap and easy and safe to try. …Except for the Neurontin, its safer than most and easy to try but it aint cheap. If it works for you, if you’re a full responder then it is DEFINITELY worth it.  I can’t give you an opinion on clonipramine (Anafranil) but am leery of all heterocyclics. Luvox (fluvoxamine) can have a decent antidepressant and OCD effect but side effects could be a problem. It varies alot with each person so there is no way to know except to try. If your Doc has DX’d you OCD I doubt there would be any problem in getting a script for it. If I can think of anything else i’ll post it. Good Luck!    J.D.

Response:

How long were you on  Prozac and/or Zoloft?  The SSRIs are the drug of choice for OCD disorders.  If you gave either of them fewer than four weeks, you should try again. JM

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have terrible physical symtpoms (feeling poisoned and just generally sick) > every few days.  Docs say I’m healthy and it must be from anxiety and OCD. > Buspar did nothing.   Prozac and Zoloft made me feel worse than ever. > Valium helps a lot but some days it fails me (I take it daily anyway) and > that’s why I need something better.   Suggestions?

Response:

Question:

Hello Kathleen >This is my 4th day on Wellbutrin.

My condolences. >I took Prozac for several years

No wonder you sound all fucked up! > and I think it just began to *wear* off…….I understand >Wellbutrin can cause some agitation the first week? I am having >to keep my emotions in *check*.

Is that why you use so many asterisks? >I would like to hear from others on this medication for moral support.

Get off Wellbutrin and any other meds you’re on. Eric in North Carolina WARNING TO PARENTS: Jew-hating Austrian Nazi Peter "Guardian" Schrenk

Response:

Wellbutrins not even an SSRI you fuckin retard Scooter

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello Kathleen >This is my 4th day on Wellbutrin. > My condolences. >I took Prozac for several years > No wonder you sound all fucked up! > and I think it just began to *wear* off…….I understand >Wellbutrin can cause some agitation the first week? I am having >to keep my emotions in *check*. > Is that why you use so many asterisks? >I would like to hear from others on this medication for moral support. > Get off Wellbutrin and any other meds you’re on. > Eric in North Carolina > WARNING TO PARENTS: Jew-hating Austrian Nazi Peter "Guardian" Schrenk

Response:

Yes it is. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Wellbutrins not even an SSRI you fuckin retard > Scooter > Hello Kathleen > >This is my 4th day on Wellbutrin. > My condolences. > >I took Prozac for several years > No wonder you sound all fucked up! > > and I think it just began to *wear* off…….I understand > >Wellbutrin can cause some agitation the first week? I am having > >to keep my emotions in *check*. > Is that why you use so many asterisks? > >I would like to hear from others on this medication for moral support. > Get off Wellbutrin and any other meds you’re on. > Eric in North Carolina > WARNING TO PARENTS: Jew-hating Austrian Nazi Peter "Guardian" Schrenk

Response:

Hmm, wellbutrin is not an SSRI.  To quote the PRD on this: "Wellbutrin is an aminoketone class antidepressant, it is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or other known antidepressant agents." end

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Yes it is. > Wellbutrins not even an SSRI you fuckin retard > Scooter > > Hello Kathleen > > >This is my 4th day on Wellbutrin. > > My condolences. > > >I took Prozac for several years > > No wonder you sound all fucked up! > > > and I think it just began to *wear* off…….I understand > > >Wellbutrin can cause some agitation the first week? I am having > > >to keep my emotions in *check*. > > Is that why you use so many asterisks? > > >I would like to hear from others on this medication for moral support. > > Get off Wellbutrin and any other meds you’re on. > > Eric in North Carolina > > WARNING TO PARENTS: Jew-hating Austrian Nazi Peter "Guardian" Schrenk

Response:

> Yes it is.

– Hey shithead axe wielder, Wellbutrin is NOT an SSRI. Eric Eric’s Depression advice webpage http://hometown.aol.com/speedstrength/myhomepage/profile.html Steroids caused my depression…prednisone should be used conservatively Before you buy.

Response:

> Yes it is.

Wellbutrin is *not* an SSRI. Educate yourself. -aurora

Response:

I have no idea what this "PRD" you are quoting is.  My Physicians Desk Reference (2000) quite plainly states Wellbutrin is an SSRI. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hmm, wellbutrin is not an SSRI.  To quote the PRD on this: "Wellbutrin is an > aminoketone class antidepressant, it is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, > tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or other known > antidepressant agents." > end > Yes it is. > > Wellbutrins not even an SSRI you fuckin retard > > Scooter > > > Hello Kathleen > > > >This is my 4th day on Wellbutrin. > > > My condolences. > > > >I took Prozac for several years > > > No wonder you sound all fucked up! > > > > and I think it just began to *wear* off…….I understand > > > >Wellbutrin can cause some agitation the first week? I am having > > > >to keep my emotions in *check*. > > > Is that why you use so many asterisks? > > > >I would like to hear from others on this medication for moral > support. > > > Get off Wellbutrin and any other meds you’re on. > > > Eric in North Carolina > > > WARNING TO PARENTS: Jew-hating Austrian Nazi Peter "Guardian" Schrenk

Response:

> > Yes it is. > — Hey shithead axe wielder, Wellbutrin is NOT an SSRI.

Sure it is. > Eric’s Depression advice webpage > http://hometown.aol.com/speedstrength/myhomepage/profile.html > Steroids caused my depression…prednisone should be used conservatively

Steroids bulked up my muscular physique.

Response:

Unfortunately if you take a trip over to www.glaxowellcome.com the manufacturer of Wellbutrin clearly states that their product is NOT a SSRI.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have no idea what this "PRD" you are quoting is.  My Physicians > Desk Reference (2000) quite plainly states Wellbutrin is an SSRI. > Hmm, wellbutrin is not an SSRI.  To quote the PRD on this: "Wellbutrin is an > aminoketone class antidepressant, it is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, > tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or other known > antidepressant agents." > end > > Yes it is. > > > Wellbutrins not even an SSRI you fuckin retard > > > Scooter > > > > Hello Kathleen > > > > >This is my 4th day on Wellbutrin. > > > > My condolences. > > > > >I took Prozac for several years > > > > No wonder you sound all fucked up! > > > > > and I think it just began to *wear* off…….I understand > > > > >Wellbutrin can cause some agitation the first week? I am having > > > > >to keep my emotions in *check*. > > > > Is that why you use so many asterisks? > > > > >I would like to hear from others on this medication for moral > support. > > > > Get off Wellbutrin and any other meds you’re on. > > > > Eric in North Carolina > > > > WARNING TO PARENTS: Jew-hating Austrian Nazi Peter "Guardian" Schrenk troll.

Response:

Hmm, I guess the manufacturer doesn’t know what they’re making and the FDA just went insane and listed Wellbutrin as a non-SSRI.  Gee, what a wacky world. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Yes it is. > Wellbutrin is *not* an SSRI. Educate yourself. -aurora > You’re wrong.

Response:

> > > Yes it is. > — Hey shithead axe wielder, Wellbutrin is NOT an SSRI. > Actually, it is.

Of course it is.  LostboyinNC is probably a wannabee user.  

Response:

Hehe.  Is Galxo-Wellcome part of my conspiracy?  I must of hacked their web page on Wellbutrin.  My tentacles are far reaching.  Give it a look folks at http://www.glaxowellcome.com/pi/wellbusr.pdf , I did make it look all official and everything.  If anyone has any other web pages I can alter for my grand conspiracy, drop me a line. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hmm, I guess the manufacturer doesn’t know what they’re making and the FDA > just went insane and listed Wellbutrin as a non-SSRI.  Gee, what a wacky > world. > There you go again, Brian… On with your lies and deceptions.  Haven’t the > boys in white caught up with you yet?  You are a danger to society and you > need to be stopped. > > > > Yes it is. > > > Wellbutrin is *not* an SSRI. Educate yourself. -aurora > > You’re wrong.

Response:

> > > Yes it is. > — Hey shithead axe wielder, Wellbutrin is NOT an SSRI. > Sure it is.

NO ITS NOT dude…Wellbutrin is in a class all by itself. IT is not an SSRI..Wellbutrin does not even affect serotonin much…hardly at all. SSRI stands for "Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor." GET IT DIPSHIT? > Eric’s Depression advice webpage > http://hometown.aol.com/speedstrength/myhomepage/profile.html > Steroids caused my depression…prednisone should be used conservatively > Steroids bulked up my muscular physique.

I dont even need anabolics to bulk up pussyboy. I can get muscles without them, unlike you. Eric — Eric’s Depression advice webpage http://hometown.aol.com/speedstrength/myhomepage/profile.html Steroids caused my depression…prednisone should be used conservatively Before you buy.

Response:

> > > Yes it is. > > — Hey shithead axe wielder, Wellbutrin is NOT an SSRI. > Actually, it is. > Of course it is.  LostboyinNC is probably a wannabee user.

Bupropion is a novel, non-tricyclic antidepressant with a primary pharmacological action of monoamine uptake inhibition. The drug resembles a psychostimulant in terms of its neurochemical and behavioural profiles in vivo, but it does not reliably produce stimulant-like effects in humans at clinically prescribed doses. Bupropion binds with modest selectivity to the dopamine transporter, but its behavioural effects have often been attributed to its inhibition of norepinephrine uptake. http://www.biopsychiatry.com/wellbutrin.htm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hehe.  Is Galxo-Wellcome part of my conspiracy?  I must of hacked their web > page on Wellbutrin.  My tentacles are far reaching.  Give it a look folks at > http://www.glaxowellcome.com/pi/wellbusr.pdf , I did make it look all > official and everything.  If anyone has any other web pages I can alter for > my grand conspiracy, drop me a line. > > Hmm, I guess the manufacturer doesn’t know what they’re making and the > FDA > > just went insane and listed Wellbutrin as a non-SSRI.  Gee, what a wacky > > world. > There you go again, Brian… On with your lies and deceptions. Haven’t > the > boys in white caught up with you yet?  You are a danger to society and you > need to be stopped. > > > > > Yes it is. > > > > Wellbutrin is *not* an SSRI. Educate yourself. -aurora > > > You’re wrong. > I wish all you mother fuckers would shutup

Before you buy.

Response:

Are you a moron, or are you an imbecile?  Because I always get those two mixed up. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is *not* an SSRI, or any other kind of reuptake inhibitor.  It’s chemically related to the stimulants diethylpropion and cathinone.  Its mechanism of action is not really understood, but it’s probably just a (very) weak stimulant. — ETF I don’t know just where I’m going But I’m gonna try for the kingdom

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have no idea what this "PRD" you are quoting is.  My Physicians > Desk Reference (2000) quite plainly states Wellbutrin is an SSRI. > Hmm, wellbutrin is not an SSRI.  To quote the PRD on this: "Wellbutrin is an > aminoketone class antidepressant, it is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, > tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or other known > antidepressant agents." > end > > Yes it is. > > > Wellbutrins not even an SSRI you fuckin retard > > > Scooter > > > > Hello Kathleen > > > > >This is my 4th day on Wellbutrin. > > > > My condolences. > > > > >I took Prozac for several years > > > > No wonder you sound all fucked up! > > > > > and I think it just began to *wear* off…….I understand > > > > >Wellbutrin can cause some agitation the first week? I am having > > > > >to keep my emotions in *check*. > > > > Is that why you use so many asterisks? > > > > >I would like to hear from others on this medication for moral > support. > > > > Get off Wellbutrin and any other meds you’re on. > > > > Eric in North Carolina > > > > WARNING TO PARENTS: Jew-hating Austrian Nazi Peter "Guardian" Schrenk troll.

Response:

What are you, *another* idiot?  Don’t pontificate when you have no idea what you’re talking about.  Wellbutrin (bupropion) is not an SSRI. — ETF I don’t know just where I’m going But I’m gonna try for the kingdom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Yes it is. > Wellbutrin is *not* an SSRI. Educate yourself. -aurora > You’re wrong.

Response:

 > You need help, dude. Perhaps he does, but you need a nervous system. — ETF I don’t know just where I’m going But I’m gonna try for the kingdom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hehe.  Is Galxo-Wellcome part of my conspiracy?  I must of hacked their web > page on Wellbutrin.  My tentacles are far reaching.  Give it a look folks at > http://www.glaxowellcome.com/pi/wellbusr.pdf , I did make it look all > official and everything.  If anyone has any other web pages I can alter for > my grand conspiracy, drop me a line. > You need help, dude. > > > Hmm, I guess the manufacturer doesn’t know what they’re making and the > FDA > > > just went insane and listed Wellbutrin as a non-SSRI.  Gee, what a wacky > > > world. > > There you go again, Brian… On with your lies and deceptions. Haven’t > the > > boys in white caught up with you yet?  You are a danger to society and you > > need to be stopped. > > > > > > Yes it is. > > > > > Wellbutrin is *not* an SSRI. Educate yourself. -aurora > > > > You’re wrong.

Response:

 > I hold a Masters in Pharmacology Sorry, I’ve got you beat in that department.  And if you think that bupropion is an SSRI, then your masters must have come from some dime-store community college. — ETF I don’t know just where I’m going But I’m gonna try for the kingdom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->  > You need help, dude. > Perhaps he does, but you need a nervous system. > Got one.  Perhpas you’d like some of mine seeing as how I hold a Masters in > Pharmacology? > — > ETF > I don’t know just where I’m going > But I’m gonna try for the kingdom > > > Hehe.  Is Galxo-Wellcome part of my conspiracy?  I must of hacked their > web > > > page on Wellbutrin.  My tentacles are far reaching.  Give it a look > folks at > > > http://www.glaxowellcome.com/pi/wellbusr.pdf , I did make it look all > > > official and everything.  If anyone has any other web pages I can alter > for > > > my grand conspiracy, drop me a line. > > You need help, dude. > > > > > Hmm, I guess the manufacturer doesn’t know what they’re making and > the > > > FDA > > > > > just went insane and listed Wellbutrin as a non-SSRI.  Gee, what a > wacky > > > > > world. > > > > There you go again, Brian… On with your lies and deceptions. > Haven’t > > > the > > > > boys in white caught up with you yet?  You are a danger to society and > you > > > > need to be stopped. > > > > > > > > Yes it is. > > > > > > > Wellbutrin is *not* an SSRI. Educate yourself. -aurora > > > > > > You’re wrong.

Response:

Actually, it’s not.  Not even close. — ETF I don’t know just where I’m going But I’m gonna try for the kingdom

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Yes it is. > — Hey shithead axe wielder, Wellbutrin is NOT an SSRI. > Actually, it is.

Response:

 > Exactly.  Wellbutrin IS an SSRI. Do you really have a master’s degree?  In what?  Basket weaving? Did you get your degree from 7-11 or something? Bupropion is not an SSRI.  It does not even vaguely resemble SSRIs, either chemically or pharmacologically.  You resemble an imbecile, however. — ETF (MIT trained neuropharmacologist and former scientist at a couple of R&D based drug companies). I don’t know just where I’m going But I’m gonna try for the kingdom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > > > Yes it is. > > > > — Hey shithead axe wielder, Wellbutrin is NOT an SSRI. > > > Actually, it is. > > Of course it is.  LostboyinNC is probably a wannabee user. > Bupropion is a novel, non-tricyclic antidepressant with a primary > pharmacological action of monoamine uptake inhibition. The drug resembles a > psychostimulant in terms of its neurochemical and behavioural profiles in vivo, > but it does not reliably produce stimulant-like effects in humans at clinically > prescribed doses. Bupropion binds with modest selectivity to the dopamine > transporter, but its behavioural effects have often been attributed to its > inhibition of norepinephrine uptake. > http://www.biopsychiatry.com/wellbutrin.htm > Exactly.  Wellbutrin IS an SSRI.

Response:

Oh, you’re Andrew — in other words, no master’s degree, no brain, no intelligence. — ETF I don’t know just where I’m going But I’m gonna try for the kingdom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Hehe.  Is Galxo-Wellcome part of my conspiracy?  I must of hacked > their web > > page on Wellbutrin.  My tentacles are far reaching.  Give it a look > folks at > > http://www.glaxowellcome.com/pi/wellbusr.pdf , I did make it look all > > official and everything.  If anyone has any other web pages I can > alter for > > my grand conspiracy, drop me a line. > > > > Hmm, I guess the manufacturer doesn’t know what they’re making > and the > > FDA > > > > just went insane and listed Wellbutrin as a non-SSRI.  Gee, what > a wacky > > > > world. > > > There you go again, Brian… On with your lies and deceptions. > Haven’t > > the > > > boys in white caught up with you yet?  You are a danger to society > and you > > > need to be stopped. > > > > > > > Yes it is. > > > > > > Wellbutrin is *not* an SSRI. Educate yourself. -aurora > > > > > You’re wrong. > > I wish all you mother fuckers would shutup > My my, smashing good commontary there, what?

Response:

> >  > I hold a Masters in Pharmacology > Sorry, I’ve got you beat in that department.  And if you think that > bupropion is an SSRI, then your masters must have come from some dime-store > I HAVE A MASTERS DEGREE FROM FILLMORE GODDAMIT YOU MOTHERFUCKER SHOW SOME > RESPECT YOU LITTLE BASTARD I DOUBT YOUR A DAY OVER 18 AND YOU THINK YOU KNOW > SOMETHING ASSHOLE IVE BEEN IN TWO WARS AND HAD TO SUCK PEOPLES COCK TO GET > WHERE I AM IN THE WORLD SHOW SOME RESPECT YOU LITTLE FUCKER

Don’t worry–everyone can tell by the way you write that you went to a really hot-shit school and got a degree so advanced it hasn’t been invented yet.   — Laughter is the true seriousness that destroys all false seriousness. –M.M. Bakhtin For those pesky pills that won’t give it up, check out the extraction page: http://members.home.net/harryworld/extraction.html

Response:

Sorry — I didn’t realize that this was cross-posted. — ETF I don’t know just where I’m going But I’m gonna try for the kingdom

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> OK, Eaton, the repetive messages about some Kathleen never been > mentioned in recent postings to ASDM, been received over and over and > over again! > Linda > Oh, you’re Andrew — in other words, no master’s degree, no brain, no > intelligence. > — > ETF > I don’t know just where I’m going > But I’m gonna try for the kingdom > > > > Hehe.  Is Galxo-Wellcome part of my conspiracy?  I must of > hacked > > > their web > > > > page on Wellbutrin.  My tentacles are far reaching.  Give it a > look > > > folks at > > > > http://www.glaxowellcome.com/pi/wellbusr.pdf , I did make it > look all > > > > official and everything.  If anyone has any other web pages I > can > > > alter for > > > > my grand conspiracy, drop me a line. > > > > > > Hmm, I guess the manufacturer doesn’t know what they’re > making > > > and the > > > > FDA > > > > > > just went insane and listed Wellbutrin as a non-SSRI.  Gee, > what > > > a wacky > > > > > > world. > > > > > There you go again, Brian… On with your lies and deceptions. > > > Haven’t > > > > the > > > > > boys in white caught up with you yet?  You are a danger to > society > > > and you > > > > > need to be stopped. > message > > > > > > > > > Yes it is. > > > > > > > > Wellbutrin is *not* an SSRI. Educate yourself. -aurora > > > > > > > You’re wrong. > > > > I wish all you mother fuckers would shutup > > My my, smashing good commontary there, what? > Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

You know, not once is there mention of medications being involved or even taken by this person? Empty and hollow… Yes she is a sick person…. But your claim to fame about SSRI’s being the cause is empty and hollow. john

Response:

>You know, not once is there mention of medications being >involved or even taken by this person?

She was being treated for depression for a couple of years. She was on Medicad. That means, she was fed massive dozes of Prozac and Zoloft. That’s why she threw her kid off the bridge. >Yes she is a sick person….

Just like you, John. Stop taking your meds. You’ll feel better. Regards, Eric WARNING TO PARENTS: Jew-hating Austrian Nazi Peter "Guardian" Schrenk

Response:

>You know, not once is there mention of medications being >involved or even taken by this person? > She was being treated for depression for a couple of years. > She was on Medicad. > That means, she was fed massive dozes of Prozac and Zoloft.

No it does not mean anything other than she was a depressed person. You and I do not KNOW for a fact she was or had been on meds before or when this happened. it is a assumption. nothing more > Just like you, John. Stop taking your meds. You’ll feel better.

Eric, I am not on any meds, again you assume…. John

Response:

PS. There is not one place in that post that states she was under a doctors care for any period of time for the treatment of depression. It does in fact bring up the point of post-pardum depression which is not what you implied with your state on her on going treatment. John

Response:

> You know, not once is there mention of medications being involved or even > taken by this person? > Empty and hollow… > Yes she is a sick person….

Her second home is in Upper Montclair.

Response:

> >You know, not once is there mention of medications being >involved or even taken by this person? > She was being treated for depression for a couple of years. > She was on Medicad. > That means, she was fed massive dozes of Prozac and Zoloft. > That’s why she threw her kid off the bridge.

Bullshit!  The kid cried too loudly. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> WARNING TO PARENTS: Jew-hating Austrian Nazi Peter "Guardian" Schrenk

Response:

> Regards, > Eric

– Hey prick…quit posing yourself off as me. Eric Eric’s Depression advice webpage http://hometown.aol.com/speedstrength/myhomepage/profile.html Steroids caused my depression…prednisone should be used conservatively Before you buy.

Response:

> What a fitting handle for a Prozakian. Have you murdered anyone yet?

Serial killers can go for years and years before they are ever found… ask the guys in the Bureau. >> She was being treated for depression for a couple of years. >> She was on Medicad. >> That means, she was fed massive dozes of Prozac and Zoloft.

OF COURSE! >> That’s why she threw her kid off the bridge. >Bullshit!  The kid cried too loudly.

Both of the above… first the Prozac then the crying… What else could a Prozakian mother do under the circumstances? Let the *FATHER* have the Child? No way! Besides… she had a date with some guy that night, so didn’t wanna be late… interesting story… > Next thing you’ll argue, the crazy bitch on Prozac hasn’t yet been > convicted of throwing her kid into Passaic river! "Innocent > until proven guilty" – except when you’re on SSRIs. > Eric

Eric, you are right as always. How are the hogs anyway? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> WARNING TO PARENTS: Jew-hating Austrian Nazi Peter "Guardian" Schrenk

Response:

Question:

Have any of you found that certain herbs alleviate yr symptoms, and also – found any herbs that worsen them?  (eg/ st john’s wort for depression has worked really well for a couple of friends.) Trying to find out if there are any natural routes I can take. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

>Have any of you found that certain herbs alleviate yr symptoms, and >also – found any herbs that worsen them?  (eg/ st john’s wort for >depression has worked really well for a couple of friends.) >Trying to find out if there are any natural routes I can take.

I’m certain that in the past some people in this NG have reported hypomania after taking St John’s Wort. So be careful. J Web page at http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/close/xhq10/mem.htm I’ve been Jay H, Canarybird, Empty Cage, Serin, Phoenix, even Crow. Let’s see if I can stick with this one for a while.

Response:

Hi, > Have any of you found that certain herbs alleviate yr symptoms, and > also – found any herbs that worsen them?  (eg/ st john’s wort for > depression has worked really well for a couple of friends.) > Trying to find out if there are any natural routes I can take.

 Any OTC preparation should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor as there can be potentially harmful interactions with one’s meds. SJW can trigger mania in certain people who have BP Disorder. I use Flaxseed oil and 5 HTP without any ill effects. If you need any info on herbal supplements plaese email me as I do have access to a lot of current and accurated medical information about them. Peace,– Lynda

Response:

ether: >Have any of you found that certain herbs alleviate yr symptoms, and >also – found any herbs that worsen them?  (eg/ st john’s wort for >depression has worked really well for a couple of friends.) >Trying to find out if there are any natural routes I can take.

SJW gave me panic attacks.   It was the worst thing I ever tried.  I have the same reaction to SSRIs–and AFAIK, SJW is  a form of an SSRI. I take a lot of OTC supplements–a whole page of them.  Some for bp and others for other problems. I tried each thing –one at a time–and with my pdoc and mdoc and chiro approval. HTH, Nancy

Response:

Question:

> My psychosis is starting to bother me more than usual and despite my dislike > of psychiatric medications I am giving serious consideration to going back > on anti-psychotics for a while.  My CPN has suggested Olanzapine as she > believes it to have less side effects and feels that it would better suit my > general medication intollerance. > I would appreciate any comments / experiences regarding Olanzapine.  Please > post replies to the newsgroups as I feel the information may be of interest > to others. > Thanks > Tony

Works really well for psychosis. Makes you tired if you take too much. Makes you Fat. Expect to gain around 30 pounds in a couple of months. I wish someone had told me this, cause I never would have taken it. Gained 40 pounds and can’t loose it, even now that I’m off of Olanzapine. Try Seroquel, makes you a little more tired, but doesn’t cause weight gain. SP

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> On the other hand since I started Seroquel, I’ve been having terrible > night > sweats. I’m on 2 other things so I don’t know which is causing it. > Seroquel > seems to sort of upset your tum. I’ve been having bad indigestion, (which > I > never had before) and (if you will pardon my mentioning this) diarrhea, > for > months. Once again I don’t know which med is causing this. I’d be > interested to know if you have any of these problems, so I can stop > wondering if I really have some fatal illness. If it’s just the meds I can > deal with that. > SP > You mentioned not so long ago that you were drinking a lot of wine. > This could be the problem. > Michelle

Actually I was drinking allot of Beer. But I lightened up allot on the drinking because it was making me feel bad. The strange thing is that I recently switched to Wine, because you can drink less of it and still get relaxed. And I noticed that when I drink at least 2 glasses of Red Wine, I don’t have the night sweats, or I’ll only have one just before I wake up. Before I discovered the wine trick I was waking up 5 to 7 times a night completely soaked. On the other hand I don’t really want to drink Wine every night. I cant really understand why this Wine thing would be. Maybe I could take those pills that have Wine extract. Seems theres something in Red wine that is good. SP

Response:

Everyone experiences different medications differently.  Olanzapine takes a long time to start working, I’ve heard, so you have to give it time.  Most psychiatrists will prescribe another, faster-working antipsychotic to cover for the lag. My reaction:  Olanzapine made me sleep 16 hours a day and re-activated my eating disorder immediately.  There was no question.  My shrink took me off it without protest. There are plenty of antipsychotics out there to try.  Don’t worry — you’ll find one that works with minimum side-effects. I have tried most of the antipsychotics in existence and can tolerate most of them quite well.  Now I take Seroquel, and believe it or not, Thorazine. JGr Before you buy.

Response:

My doctor has now prescribed me Seroquel and I am starting it tomorrow. From the huge amount of information that I have read about it I am confident that it will deal with my psychosis but at the same time not cause too many unpleasent side effects.  Some people have even experienced weight loss on Seroquel and boy am I hoping that I will to Tony – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Everyone experiences different medications differently.  Olanzapine > takes a long time to start working, I’ve heard, so you have to give it > time.  Most psychiatrists will prescribe another, faster-working > antipsychotic to cover for the lag. > My reaction:  Olanzapine made me sleep 16 hours a day and re-activated > my eating disorder immediately.  There was no question.  My shrink took > me off it without protest. > There are plenty of antipsychotics out there to try.  Don’t worry — > you’ll find one that works with minimum side-effects. > I have tried most of the antipsychotics in existence and can tolerate > most of them quite well.  Now I take Seroquel, and believe it or not, > Thorazine. > JGr > Before you buy.

Response:

> I have heard from some sources that Seroquel can actually cause weight loss > in some patients – I am hoping that I am one of them > Tony

 It didn’t really for me. At first I lost about 10 pounds, but then put it back on. At least now I’m not gaining any more. Zyprexa also had the strange side effect of keeping me from sweating, (ever!) or being bothered by heat. I was visiting a friend in Oklahoma, in summer, average temp of 100 degrees, and up. Several times we went out to her car which had been sitting in the sun for hours, and I happily climbed in and sat there while she stood outside waiting for it to air out. That was kind of nice. On the other hand since I started Seroquel, I’ve been having terrible night sweats. I’m on 2 other things so I don’t know which is causing it. Seroquel seems to sort of upset your tum. I’ve been having bad indigestion, (which I never had before) and (if you will pardon my mentioning this) diarrhea, for months. Once again I don’t know which med is causing this. I’d be interested to know if you have any of these problems, so I can stop wondering if I really have some fatal illness. If it’s just the meds I can deal with that. SP

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Everyone experiences different medications differently.  Olanzapine > takes a long time to start working, I’ve heard, so you have to give it > time.  Most psychiatrists will prescribe another, faster-working > antipsychotic to cover for the lag. > My reaction:  Olanzapine made me sleep 16 hours a day and re-activated > my eating disorder immediately.  There was no question.  My shrink took > me off it without protest. > There are plenty of antipsychotics out there to try.  Don’t worry — > you’ll find one that works with minimum side-effects. > I have tried most of the antipsychotics in existence and can tolerate > most of them quite well.  Now I take Seroquel, and believe it or not, > Thorazine. > JGr

Olanzapine worked for me the day after I first took it, when I was very psychotic. It also made me want to do NOTHING but sleep. And made me so complacent, that I could sit and stare at the floor or the inside of my blanket for HOURS, and not even care. It also made me so fat, some of my friends said I looked like a Bear. SP

Response:

Hi SP, Thanks for your input – it confirms what I have discovered.   After input from other ng users and research on the net I have reached the conclusion that Seroquel is the best bet.   I stopped taking sulpiride last year as I gained 3 stones in weight.   This was really frustrating as I had lost six stones in the previous 12 months and had achieved a weight that I was happy with.  Since stopping Sulpiride I still haven’t lost the excess weight so taking Olanzapine would really freak me out I have heard from some sources that Seroquel can actually cause weight loss in some patients – I am hoping that I am one of them The tiredness doesn’t worry me too much as my hypomania means that I don’t sleep more than a couple of hours each day unless I take 4 nitrazepam at night.  Seroquel could be the answer to my "prayers" – reduction of psychosis, weight loss and sleep !! Tony

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My psychosis is starting to bother me more than usual and despite my dislike > of psychiatric medications I am giving serious consideration to going back > on anti-psychotics for a while.  My CPN has suggested Olanzapine as she > believes it to have less side effects and feels that it would better suit my > general medication intollerance. > I would appreciate any comments / experiences regarding Olanzapine. Please > post replies to the newsgroups as I feel the information may be of interest > to others. > Thanks > Tony > Works really well for psychosis. Makes you tired if you take too much. > Makes you Fat. Expect to gain around 30 pounds in a couple of months. I > wish someone had told me this, cause I never would have taken it. Gained 40 > pounds and can’t loose it, even now that I’m off of Olanzapine. > Try Seroquel, makes you a little more tired, but doesn’t cause weight gain. > SP

Response:

> On the other hand since I started Seroquel, I’ve been having terrible night > sweats. I’m on 2 other things so I don’t know which is causing it. Seroquel > seems to sort of upset your tum. I’ve been having bad indigestion, (which I > never had before) and (if you will pardon my mentioning this) diarrhea, for > months. Once again I don’t know which med is causing this. I’d be > interested to know if you have any of these problems, so I can stop > wondering if I really have some fatal illness. If it’s just the meds I can > deal with that. > SP

You mentioned not so long ago that you were drinking a lot of wine. This could be the problem. Michelle

Response:

>I would appreciate any comments / experiences regarding Olanzapine.  Please >post replies to the newsgroups as I feel the information may be of interest >to others.

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) was one of the first atypical antipsychotics to see use for schizophrenia and bipolar. It is certainly a vast improvement over the old style APs. But…a big but…it can be powerfully sedating, many people have unpleasant EPS with it (should abate over time), it is a SERIOUS offender in the weight gain categories, and although it is less likely to cause tardive dyskinesia than the old APs, it still carries a risk for bipolars. Preliminary studies show that bipolars are more prone to TD than schizophrenics. I would ask the doctor his opinion of Seroquel or one of the other second generation atypical APs. No drug is totally free of risk (even our beloved Mother Mary :-p), but many people on these groups are having a very positive experience with Seroquel, and it seems to have a far more benign side effect profile than Zyprexa.

Response:

> I would appreciate any comments / experiences regarding Olanzapine.  Please > post replies to the newsgroups as I feel the information may be of interest > to others. > Thanks > Tony

– There are a few who have been prescibed this for anxiety / depression, will have to swing over to alt.support.depression.medication or cross post the question again as they are also a helpful group, just watch out for the Scientologists over there who are shopping for converts. Crazy Lou http://www.grizzadam.com/ Before you buy.

Response:

Lynda, Thanks for all the info – your hard disk must be overflowing   I’ve done my research now (helped most valuably by members of the groups) and decided that Seroquel is the drug for me to try – less chance of weight gain and a good user tolerance experience. Tony

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi Tony, > I take Zyprexa on ans as needed bais for dysphoria and it works well. It > also has AD effects, too. > My psychosis is starting to bother me more than usual and despite my dislike > of psychiatric medications I am giving serious consideration to going back > on anti-psychotics for a while.  My CPN has suggested Olanzapine as she > believes it to have less side effects and feels that it would better suit my > general medication intollerance. > I would appreciate any comments / experiences regarding Olanzapine. Please > post replies to the newsgroups as I feel the information may be of interest > to others. > ZYPREXA (Olanzapine) http://www.public.usit.net/quester/zyp.html > Zyprexa is an "atypical" antipsychotic with potent 5-H2 antagonism, > dopamine D1/D2 antagonism, and anticholinergic activity. Zyprexa belongs > to the thienobenzodiazepine class, and it has a profile of activity very > similar to Clozapine. Clinical trials document Zyprexa’s efficacy in > reducing both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. With > respect to extrapyramidal symptoms and elevation of prolactin levels, > the adverse-event profile of Zyprexa may be more favorable than those of > conventional antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol. > Pharmacodynamics: It has been proposed that Zyprexa’s antipsychotic > activity is mediated through a combination of dopamine and serotonin > type 2 (5HT2) antagonism. Antagonism at receptors other than dopamine > and 5HT2 with similar receptor affinities may explain some of the other > therapeutic and side effects of Zyprexa. Zpyrexa’s antagonism of > histamine H1 receptors may explain the somnolence observed with this > drug. Zyprexa’s antagonism of adrengegic alpha1 recetpors may explain > the orthostataic hypotension observed with this drug. > Pharmacokinetics: The half-life of Zyprexa is 21 to 54 hours (mean of 30 > hours). Steady state plasma levels are attained withing 5-7 days. > Zyprexa is well absorbed and reaches peak concentrations in > approximately 6 hours following an oral dose. Direct glucuronidation and > cytochrome P450 mediated oxidaton are the primary metabolic pathways for > Zyprexa. Although Zyprexa clearance is about 40% higher in smokers than > in nonsmokers, dosage modifications are not routinely recommended. > Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse events associated with > Zyprexa are: somnolence (26%), and dizziness (11%) and weight gain (6%). > In clinical trials, patients gained an average of 6 to 12 pounds. > Another adverse effect observed was clinically significant ALT (SGPT) > elevations (3 times, or greater, than the upper limit of the normal > range) in 2% of patients. Other commonly observed adverse events were > constipation, postural hypertension, and akathesia. > Dosage: Zyprexa should be administered on a once-a-day schedule without > regard to meals, usually geginning with 5 to 10mg initially, before bed. > The target dose is 10mg/day, within several days. The drug is being > marketed as having a therapeutic starting dose without a need for > titration in most patients. > Comments: Zyprexa is a very interesting new antipsychotic, with great > potential. If preliminary studies hold true, it appears that it might be > as effective as Clozapine, but without the potentially fatal side effect > of agranulocytosis, and, therefore, without the need for expensive and > troublesome weekly blood monitoring. > The above is for educational purposes only. If you have futher questions > about this medication, or other prescription medications, please consult > your physician. > Return to Meteorite’s Home Page– > http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/13fbf6.htm > INDIANAPOLIS, IN — October 28, 1999 — Eli Lilly and Company announced > today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an > approvable letter for the company’s antipsychotic medication Zyprexa

Question:

2:00 am friday. Last dose of any meds monday am at hospital. pdocs screwed up bad, fucked up detox in hospital, didn’t let me know what they were doing, I was pissed & scared. ME/I voluntarily cut depakote since they denied 4 days dose (staggered) in ten days in hosp. THEY cut wellbutrin. They increased seroquel, added ativan 2x daily, hit me up with haldol & unknowns. when I left they didn’t return my supply of meds I had voluntarily surrendered. no taper-down plan. major sleep disturbances. I’m sick. When I hit the sleep barrier I’m afraid of ghosts(?!!?) and awaken. I sleep 2/3 hours per session…5/6 hours daily. I’m hypomanic but tired. Pdoc is perfectly willing to accept my discomfort (not the one in hosp., but original). Even asked my girlfriend for some of her rx tranks, but re-thought…bad idea. Valerian doesn’t work… nor does warm milk. I’m just bitching. It won’t kill me. But I’m afraid they may have fucked me up permanently. This is worse than quitting drinking. Jim

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > 2:00 am friday. Last dose of any meds monday am at hospital. pdocs screwed up > bad, fucked up detox in hospital, didn’t let me know what they were doing, I > was pissed & scared. ME/I voluntarily cut depakote since they denied 4 days > dose (staggered) in ten days in hosp. THEY cut wellbutrin. They increased > seroquel, added ativan 2x daily, hit me up with haldol & unknowns. > when I left they didn’t return my supply of meds I had voluntarily surrendered. > no taper-down plan. > major sleep disturbances. I’m sick. When I hit the sleep barrier I’m afraid of > ghosts(?!!?) and awaken. I sleep 2/3 hours per session…5/6 hours daily. I’m > hypomanic but tired. > Pdoc is perfectly willing to accept my discomfort (not the one in hosp., but > original). Even asked my girlfriend for some of her rx tranks, but > re-thought…bad idea. > Valerian doesn’t work… nor does warm milk. > I’m just bitching. > It won’t kill me. > But I’m afraid they may have fucked me up permanently. > This is worse than quitting drinking. > Jim

Hi Jim: I think the Haldol and some of the other older major tanqs. are just plain nasty…and I think should ONLY be saved for SHORT term..VERY end of the line use. Even then….there are some better newer ones, even seroquel, but can often be found to be helpful in kower doses, without many adverse effects. In fact, though, i stand by the mood stabalizers and adjustment of dose with a small dose of an antidepressant and benzodiazepine. I want to give you a bit of comfort..because I went through a nasty hospitalization being put on Melaril, along with a 100mg dose of Elavil and lithium. Of course, my pdoc was near his retirement, and I don’t think he had heard of any of the psych meds invented after the dawn of civilization. Thats why I always encourage people to "fire" their pdocs if they are ignoring your pain over and over again. I was in an "emotional straightjacket". The strange thing was..I exhibited no "psychotic" behaviour. I left the hospital feeling about 100 times worse then when I got there..and man..that IS bad. So, my Dad was good enough to really help me….he searched around the city for me (I was still too "Whacked"), and got me in with a fairly well know, and compasioante pdoc. While I was coming down off the other stuff (thankfully, the new doc "tappered" me)..I was SURE the stuff had messed my head up SOME way!! Some kind of brain damage!! But..the new pdoc didn’t let me live in misery….he started out with a VERY small dose of a benzo. Now..we are working primarily with three meds….Effexor XR…a regular benzo schedule, and now into mood stabalizers, starting with Depakote. I still have some distance to go….but I HONESTLY never thought I would have the strength I have now (which is not REALLY alot) back then. My mind is sharp again…am still trying to fix a bit of this "depersonaliztion" with a med adjustment..and my anxiety feels like it was this buring fire that was claimed by a nice summer rainshower. My pdoc also mentioned that there was NO need for me to be on the meds I was in the hospital. He figures that since I didn’t have a drug plan, they just threw the cheapest drugs they could find at me. I can’t give you a 100 percent correct answer, as I don’t know about this regarding myself either, but I DON’T think you have to worry about any permanent brain damage. I would think you would get more damage from alcohol use. Please email if you wish to talk more!! Just IMHO..etc.. Best Luck.. James MacLachlan — "I’ve used up all my sick days…so I’m calling in dead!" -Anon "I’d like to know where shareholders get their power from?? I am wondering where the hell the word "shareholder" is in the American Consitution?" "Let us pause for a moment to recover from the sad news this week that Dan Quayle will not be running for President next year. Potatoe lovers all over America are feeling a sense of loss and I can only say that with Quayle out of the running, all we have to look forward to now is the day when we get to hear more than a sound bite from George W. Bush and realize he’s even dumber than Quayle. There is a reason you have not heard Bush Jr. speak on television for any length of time. The media knows he’s as dense as oatmeal and because they have been so busy touting him as "the front runner" to actually put him on to speak for ten minutes would reveal how not on top of things they really are." Micheal Moore, "The AWFUL Truth"

Response:

i hope that you get better=bruce

Response:

James… The Effexor SR just depressed me more, Depakote held me in its channel, but tended to depress and I liked seroquel too much for it to be good for me….liked that it  knocked me out, looked forward to doses. Fired 6 pdocs in past 5 years. They have accused me of being unable to bond with ‘em. Jim "Mama mama here comes Doctor Dark…his hoom slim-a-slammin his hooves kickin sparks…" Don Van Vliet (aka Captain Beefheart) "Doctor Dark" from "Lick Off My Decals Baby"

Response:

Sounds like you are having a rough time, but at least you are not being incarcerated against your will.  I am betting you would rather be miserable at home than in the dungeon.  Hang-in there.  Hopefully you will find something to make your situation tolerable.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->This is worse than quitting drinking. >Jim

Response:

Pdoc can’t replaces these meds?  Sounds like you need something to take the edge off, Jim.  Also sounds like you’re aware and watching yourself as you go through the motions of it.  Don’t lose touch.   Linda Briteyes – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > 2:00 am friday. Last dose of any meds monday am at hospital. pdocs screwed up > bad, fucked up detox in hospital, didn’t let me know what they were doing, I > was pissed & scared. ME/I voluntarily cut depakote since they denied 4 days > dose (staggered) in ten days in hosp. THEY cut wellbutrin. They increased > seroquel, added ativan 2x daily, hit me up with haldol & unknowns. > when I left they didn’t return my supply of meds I had voluntarily surrendered. > no taper-down plan. > major sleep disturbances. I’m sick. When I hit the sleep barrier I’m afraid of > ghosts(?!!?) and awaken. I sleep 2/3 hours per session…5/6 hours daily. I’m > hypomanic but tired. > Pdoc is perfectly willing to accept my discomfort (not the one in hosp., but > original). Even asked my girlfriend for some of her rx tranks, but > re-thought…bad idea. > Valerian doesn’t work… nor does warm milk. > I’m just bitching. > It won’t kill me. > But I’m afraid they may have fucked me up permanently. > This is worse than quitting drinking. > Jim

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > James… > The Effexor SR just depressed me more, Depakote held me in its channel, but > tended to depress and I liked seroquel too much for it to be good for > me….liked that it  knocked me out, looked forward to doses. > Fired 6 pdocs in past 5 years. They have accused me of being unable to bond > with ‘em. > Jim > "Mama mama here comes Doctor Dark…his hoom slim-a-slammin his hooves kickin > sparks…" > Don Van Vliet (aka Captain Beefheart) > "Doctor Dark" from "Lick Off My Decals Baby"

This is pretty much my situation (minus the Seroquel..YET..maybe?!?!) The Effexor XR seemed to work for a week or two..but I think that was just because it was simply "changing" some of the N.T. levels…and when it set in..no emotion…LOTS of sadness…and LOTS of "numbness". Depakote is pretty much the same..it kep’t me mildly level, but also a lingering depression followed. BOTH of these KILLED my sex drive…and I DO MEAN KILL!! I am looking at a possible change to a VERY mild dose of one of the newer anti-psychotics. I have to be careful, though..as I will be starting a new job, and don’t want this stuff messing me up. I have been off Effexor XR for about two days now, and actually feel like I am coming back to life. Wish I had answers my friend… James — "I’ve used up all my sick days…so I’m calling in dead!" -Anon "I’d like to know where shareholders get their power from?? I am wondering where the hell the word "shareholder" is in the American Consitution?" "Let us pause for a moment to recover from the sad news this week that Dan Quayle will not be running for President next year. Potatoe lovers all over America are feeling a sense of loss and I can only say that with Quayle out of the running, all we have to look forward to now is the day when we get to hear more than a sound bite from George W. Bush and realize he’s even dumber than Quayle. There is a reason you have not heard Bush Jr. speak on television for any length of time. The media knows he’s as dense as oatmeal and because they have been so busy touting him as "the front runner" to actually put him on to speak for ten minutes would reveal how not on top of things they really are." Micheal Moore, "The AWFUL Truth"

Response:

It occurred to me the other night that advanced "augmentation" of psymeds can cause chaotic (scientific defintion) results, i.e… SSRIs plus serum norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors plus mood stabilizer plus antipsychotic equals "Who Goes There? (oops, Carpenter "Thing" reference again) shape-shifting mutant emotion storm. I finally got a moderate amount of sleep using antihistamines and Melatonin…maybe just placebo affex but perception is everything. My surmise is that the Depakote straight 6mg per kg body weight formula used on me was far too much. Good luck with the new job. Jim "Must the breathing pay for those who breathe in and don’t breathe out? There’d be no game brother, if no one’d play…" Don Van Vliet (aka Captain Beefheart) "Petrified Forest" from "Lick Off My Decals Baby"

Response:

Question:

Hi Clay, Welcome to ASDM > I should start out by saying that i’ve been depressed for almost 10 years > now and suicidal for about 5. Until today i had never sought treatment or > help. Today the doctor prescribed Fluoxetine, which i’m guessing is a form > of prozac.

Yes…it is the generic form. > Having never taken meds in my life i am kind of scared. > Will this drug change me?

No… > Will it make me a happier person?

Not really…It will enable you to cope more effectively with issues in your life. > Does anyone have any advice for me? Because i’m willing to listen.  

Here are some med links that may be helpful. Please email me anytime. Peace, http://www.rxlist.com http://pharmacology.miningco.com/library/weekly/bl970710.htm http://www.virtualdrugstore.com/druglist.html http://www.pharminfo.com/drugdb/db_mnu.html http://www.nami.org/update/medlist.htm You can do MedLine searches from here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/medline.html This is a good general purpose Web search engine: http://www.dogpile.com

Response:

go with the flow on it all,ok? meds take a bit of time to work as your body adjusts to them. support goes with it. here you get the support, not to mention allot of entertainment too! you’re in! if a med dose needs to be adjusted your doc will do it. just remember that you can and should feel good about yourself and speak the truth. that is all for now.write anytime.   bruce

Response:

Prozac worked really good for me. Just be careful if you start to feel angry or aggressive. You might need a stabilizer (if you are Bi-Polar). I wish you luck.     Ralph – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hello all, >I should start out by saying that i’ve been depressed for almost 10 >years now and suicidal for about 5. >Until today i had never sought treatment or help. >Today the doctor prescribed Fluoxetine, which i’m guessing is a form of >prozac. >Having never taken meds in my life i am kind of scared. >Will this drug change me? >Will it make me a happier person? >Does anyone have any advice for me? Because i’m willing to listen.   >Thanks, >Clay >Art is long, life short; judgment difficult, opportunity transient.- >Goethe >Book vii. Chap. ix

Response:

Hello all, I should start out by saying that i’ve been depressed for almost 10 years now and suicidal for about 5. Until today i had never sought treatment or help. Today the doctor prescribed Fluoxetine, which i’m guessing is a form of prozac. Having never taken meds in my life i am kind of scared. Will this drug change me? Will it make me a happier person? Does anyone have any advice for me? Because i’m willing to listen.   Thanks, Clay Art is long, life short; judgment difficult, opportunity transient.- Goethe Book vii. Chap. ix

Response:

Question:

Kerri I’m not bi-polar my wife is.  (yes it’s true all you others!!! )  I’ve managed to hang around here for over a year initially to learn what I could about how to cope with our situation and later because there are a lot of nice people here and … well frankly .. I think of a lot of people here as good friends now.     The first step is to get a diagnosis.   After that it is important to both be convinced about the diagnosis.  If you find some things on the newsgroup that remind you of your husband print them out and read them to him at some time he is ready to listen.  From my experience that is not always <g>   As for your questions I’ll try to answer them below – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I am new here, and have spent many weeks educating my self on MD from >all your comments. I really appreciate everything you all go through. >I have been an observer of my husbands illness for 13 years.  We have >had so many terrible money problems and behavior issues. I have >finally been able to understand them from the comments I’ve read in >this group and on other web sites.   >I need some advice on how to help my husband.  He has finally accepted >that he has a problem. Almost everyone in his family is on some sort of >anti-depressent and his father committed suicide.  His Family Doc put >him on Zoloft and it made a huge difference in how he handled problems, >but didn’t help the manic episodes and had some not so nice side >affects.  Now I am trying to get him to go to a Psychiatrist and he is >balking.  I told him he needs to have his meds evaluated.   >Here’s my questions: >1.  I’ve made an appt at a University med center (A good hospital). >    He is supposed to meet with a resident then overseen by a PD.   >    Is this wise?  Should we go with a more experienced PD?   >    I want this to be a positive experience for him.

Take it when you’ve got it.   No matter what a doctor may or may not be good.   Who  knows, this resident may become a world authority. Just make sure that before you go work out details of what has happened in the last 13 years >2.  If he doesn’t show up for his appt (like he did today), should I >    go and talk to the PD initially?  Is that appropriate?

It’s probably not much value really – explain to him that going will help both of you deal with the problems >3.  Are there any other spouses out there that have been down this >    road and can share their experience?

Yes.  E-mail me.  Others have heard the storys and are bored with it >My husband is a sweet, kind, generous man and I  am so lucky to have >him in my life.  His MD has made his personality what it is, but I hate >to seem him suffer… and the kids and I as a result. We have had such >serious money problems (still do) and he is always gone (trying to fix >the money problems he created).  He goes for days without sleep to the >point he stumbles around and is confused.  He recently ended his >business in order to be home with us more, but now he is very depressed >and doesn’t know what his role is.  I can support our family so I asked >him to take some time off and get healthy.  It’s not working too well. >He feels I am trying to control him too much (I am in a sense, as I’m >trying to set boundries to keep us on a budget).  He needs me to be his >consciense, but I can’t figure out how to do that without being a nag >(which isn’t my nature). I guess I just need to be more patient.

Basically you are damned if you do, damned if you dont.  Remember you have to have a life too. >Thanks for any advice you can share.  I tried to keep this short (sorry)

Tony ynoT

Response:

I’ve tried but I can’t ignore this advice. Praying is admirable but unfortunately for a lot of people it does nothing.  You are as much entitled to your opinion as everyone else here but to post that the first thing you do is go to a church – really!    and to say "generally the problem gets worse" by taking drugs.    You are treading on very dangerous grounds in that comment. Would you might providing the proof in what you say.   It is my experience that medication actually works for a wide variety of people – the general task is to find the "right" medication – after some stability is reached cognative therapy etc. tends to work better as well.   Have you ever tried to reason with a manic person steve? Ever had to nurse a depressed person who wants to die any way they can?  Perhaps you think talking to them will cure it all without any other assistance – what happens  after you cure manic depression?  you going to cure the cancer patients, diabetics – people missing limbs?   If you are going to answer people give an objective view – it helps everyone. Tony ynoT – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Are you active socially? >Have friends noticed a abrupt shift in your husband? Or was it a gradual >thing that took its toll? > I would suggest first going to some spiritual guidance.. I expect that that >has been out of your life.. even if most churches today aren’t what they are >supposed to be. > Alternately, I would suggest a cognitive behavior therapist who might help >him handle the turmoil he is perceiving in his life..  frustration can cause >serious problems such as you state your husband is having. Preists are >cheaper… and they won’t turn you away if they have any common decency. You >need not go there for anything other than help. >My opinion is that the last thing you want to do is to begin taking drugs to >"fix" his problem… generally the problem only becomes worse. Sometimes, >much worse. >Thanks for any advice you can share.  I tried to keep this short (sorry)

Response:

Are you active socially? Have friends noticed a abrupt shift in your husband? Or was it a gradual thing that took its toll?  I would suggest first going to some spiritual guidance.. I expect that that has been out of your life.. even if most churches today aren’t what they are supposed to be.  Alternately, I would suggest a cognitive behavior therapist who might help him handle the turmoil he is perceiving in his life..  frustration can cause serious problems such as you state your husband is having. Preists are cheaper… and they won’t turn you away if they have any common decency. You need not go there for anything other than help. My opinion is that the last thing you want to do is to begin taking drugs to "fix" his problem… generally the problem only becomes worse. Sometimes, much worse. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Thanks for any advice you can share.  I tried to keep this short (sorry)

Response:

I’m in the same boat as you. The only thing I can suggest is making sure you’re both seeing how his problems (money, personality, etc.) are affecting you, and how he would like you to respond.  You must also find out how he’s viewing the situation _before_ MD is considered.  (In other words, what of what he does/decisions he makes comes from the MD or from him?)  If that can be established as a reference point, you can start to try and smooth over the rough edges brought about by MD. I’d encourage you to make getting him better meds a HIGH priority.  Until he can work toward becoming more stable, there’s very little you can do for him, and very little you can expect him to do (like, "Be reliable.").  My best friend is MD, and I’ve learned that, when he’s going through a phase, there’s nothing I can do to help him other than work with him through the phase.  To expect him to rationally analyze how we relate and how MD affects our relationship is impossible.  AFTER and only after the phase has passed can we discuss it, learn from it, and work on a way to avoid it from recurring. I’ve been looking to chat with other BPSOs here.  Feel free to e-mail me anytime.  There’s more where the stuff above came from, but a) it’s 1:25am, b) I have to be at work at 9:00am, and c) my contacts are drying out. <sigh> <grin>

[snip] – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I need some advice on how to help my husband.  He has finally accepted > that he has a problem. Almost everyone in his family is on some sort of > anti-depressent and his father committed suicide.  His Family Doc put > him on Zoloft and it made a huge difference in how he handled problems, > but didn’t help the manic episodes and had some not so nice side > affects.  Now I am trying to get him to go to a Psychiatrist and he is > balking.  I told him he needs to have his meds evaluated.

Response:

your husband is fortunate to have such a caring spouse. am not a lesbian but, i want to marry you – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I am new here, and have spent many weeks educating my self on MD from >all your comments. I really appreciate everything you all go through. >I have been an observer of my husbands illness for 13 years.  We have >had so many terrible money problems and behavior issues. I have >finally been able to understand them from the comments I’ve read in >this group and on other web sites.   >I need some advice on how to help my husband.  He has finally accepted >that he has a problem. Almost everyone in his family is on some sort of >anti-depressent and his father committed suicide.  His Family Doc put >him on Zoloft and it made a huge difference in how he handled problems, >but didn’t help the manic episodes and had some not so nice side >affects.  Now I am trying to get him to go to a Psychiatrist and he is >balking.  I told him he needs to have his meds evaluated.   >Here’s my questions: >1.  I’ve made an appt at a University med center (A good hospital). >    He is supposed to meet with a resident then overseen by a PD.   >    Is this wise?  Should we go with a more experienced PD?   >    I want this to be a positive experience for him. >2.  If he doesn’t show up for his appt (like he did today), should I >    go and talk to the PD initially?  Is that appropriate? >3.  Are there any other spouses out there that have been down this >    road and can share their experience? >My husband is a sweet, kind, generous man and I  am so lucky to have >him in my life.  His MD has made his personality what it is, but I hate >to seem him suffer… and the kids and I as a result. We have had such >serious money problems (still do) and he is always gone (trying to fix >the money problems he created).  He goes for days without sleep to the >point he stumbles around and is confused.  He recently ended his >business in order to be home with us more, but now he is very depressed >and doesn’t know what his role is.  I can support our family so I asked >him to take some time off and get healthy.  It’s not working too well. >He feels I am trying to control him too much (I am in a sense, as I’m >trying to set boundries to keep us on a budget).  He needs me to be his >consciense, but I can’t figure out how to do that without being a nag >(which isn’t my nature). I guess I just need to be more patient. >Thanks for any advice you can share.  I tried to keep this short (sorry) >– >Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com >Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

Hi Kerri, Welcome to ASDM. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am new here, and have spent many weeks educating my self on MD from all > your comments. I really appreciate everything you all go through. I have > been an observer of my husbands illness for 13 years.  We have had so many > terrible money problems and behavior issues. I have finally been able to > understand them from the comments I’ve read in this group and on other web > sites. > I need some advice on how to help my husband.  He has finally accepted > that he has a problem. Almost everyone in his family is on some sort of > anti-depressent and his father committed suicide.  His Family Doc put him > on Zoloft and it made a huge difference in how he handled problems, but > didn’t help the manic episodes and had some not so nice side affects.  Now > I am trying to get him to go to a Psychiatrist and he is balking.  I told > him he needs to have his meds evaluated. > Here’s my questions: > 1.  I’ve made an appt at a University med center (A good hospital). He is > supposed to meet with a resident then overseen by a PD. Is this wise? > Should we go with a more experienced PD?

IMO, I would consult with a pdoc who is experienced in treating BP illness. >     I want this to be a positive experience for him. 2.  If he doesn’t > show up for his appt (like he did today), should I go and talk to the PD > initially?  Is that appropriate?

Only with your husband’s consent. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> 3.  Are there any other spouses out there that have been down this road > and can share their experience? > My husband is a sweet, kind, generous man and I  am so lucky to have him > in my life.  His MD has made his personality what it is, but I hate to > seem him suffer… and the kids and I as a result. We have had such > serious money problems (still do) and he is always gone (trying to fix the > money problems he created).  He goes for days without sleep to the point > he stumbles around and is confused.  He recently ended his business in > order to be home with us more, but now he is very depressed and doesn’t > know what his role is.  I can support our family so I asked him to take > some time off and get healthy.  It’s not working too well. He feels I am > trying to control him too much (I am in a sense, as I’m trying to set > boundries to keep us on a budget).  He needs me to be his consciense, but > I can’t figure out how to do that without being a nag (which isn’t my > nature). I guess I just need to be more patient. > Thanks for any advice you can share.  I tried to keep this short (sorry)

Here are some links for you Kerri: Peace, Support associations accessible on the Internet: The National Depressive and Manic-Depression Association (NDMDA). NDMDA sponsors support groups for manic-depressives and for their families. Our local chapter, the Boulder DMDA, as well as all other DMDA support groups across the country are listed, as well as general information links on manic depression: http://www.ndmda.org/ The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). NAMI offers free seminars for family members in the US and Canada. This organization is geared towards helping the families of the mentally ill. There is a local chapter which meets in Boulder on a regular basis that has a tendency to focus on parents of schizophrenics, but the NAMI charter is broader than that and they welcome families of bipolar patients. http://www.nami.org/family/index.html On-line support for significant others of bipolar patients. There is an online support group for the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have BP: http://www.bpso.org Guidelines for the conservative treatment of Bipolar Disorder ______ The Expert Consensus Guidelines for Treatment of Bipolar Disorder. Expert Knowledge Systems publishes "The Expert Consensus Guidelines for Treatment of Bipolar Disorder." This group is "a knowledge-transfer company dedicated to bringing expert intelligence to bear on critical decision making for government, industry, and the individual. Among its services, EKS creates, validates, and communicates practical clinical guidelines for the improvement of health and the prevention and effective treatment of illness." EKS is led by a distinguished panel of MD’s. The guidelines — written for non-professionals.  The first document published by EKS is "Expert Consensus Treatment Guidelines for Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families." It is relatively non-technical and aimed at non-medical professionals who are attempting to educated themselves about the disorder. This handout is readable, excellent, and comprehensive: Expert Consensus Treatment Guidelines for Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families. (4/17/97) http://www.psychguides.com/eks_bphe.htm The guidelines –written for psychiatrists.  The group also publishes a second, more technical publication, written for psychiatrists. If you want to get into the psychiatric protocol for how medications are selected among the mainstream/conservative choices — the "treatment selection algorithm" — this will help you understand why psychiatrists make the choices they make. The three mood stabilizers recommended are lithium, Depakote and Tegretol. The Expert Consensus Guideline Series: Treatment of Bipolar Disorder. (4/17/97) http://www.psychguides.com/eks_bpgl.htm ______ Less conservative treatments for bipolar disorder ______ More recent treatments for bipolar disorder.  Some bipolar patients do not respond well to the three medication mood stabilizing stand-bys (Lithium, Depakote, and Tegretol). This next article is written for psychiatrists, and discusses the use of two new anti-convulsants, Neurontin and Lamictal. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages in using Lithium in treating bipolar disorder, and the use of anti-convulsants (that probably includes all mood stabilizers except for lithium: Depakote, Tegretol, and the newer anti-convulsants Neurontin and Lamictal) in the treatment of bipopolar disorder. Current Treatments in Bipolar Disorder. (1998) http://www.cme-reviews.com/supplements.html The use of several drugs in combination for treatment of bipolar disorder.  Some psychiatrists prefer using only a few medications in treatment, whereas others prefer the use of many medications in combination. In the following article, also written for psychiatrists, the rationale for using several drugs in combination in refractory (treatment-resistant) bipolar illness is explained: The Role of Complex Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Refractory Bipolar Illness. (undated) http://www.cme-reviews.com/CNS598_post.html/ ______ Medication resources ______ Dr. Ivan’s web page.  For general information about drug treatment for mood disorders, Ivan Goldberg, M.D. provides a great starting point. Dr. Goldberg is a psychiatrist and clinical psychopharmacologist in private practice in New York City. He was formerly on the staff of the National Institute of Mental Health and the Departments of Psychiatry of the Columbia- Presbyterian Medical Center, and Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons.  On his web page he covers topics such as * Determine if your psychiatrist is truly an expert in psychopharmacology * Foods to avoid when you take an MAO inhibitor * Weight gain from SSRIs * Strategies for the treatment of individuals with Bipolar Disorder * Anticonvulsants as mood stabilizers * Why new drugs behave differently when prescribed than when tested * A guide to psychiatric drug information on the Web Dr. Ivan’s Depression Central — Internet’s central clearing house for information on mood disorders http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.bipolar.html The "gold standard:"  medications for bipolar disorder.  This next article focuses on the most conservative mood-stabilizing drugs lithium, Depakote (valproate), and carbamazepine, the most commonly used medications in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Treatment Options in Bipolar Disorder: Mood Stabilizers. (7/16/97) http://www.medscape.com/Medscape/psychiatry/journal/1997/v02.n07/mh3206. bowden/m h3206.bowden.html Specific information about the 3 main drugs used to treat bipolar disorder. These links discuss each of the 3 major mood stabilizers, Lithium, Depakote, and Tegretol, individually: * (Lithium) http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lithium.htm * (Depakote) http://www.mediconsult.com/depression/shareware/manic/depa.html * (Tegretol) http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-t01.html Alternatives to lithium.  Some bipolar patients experience inadequate or no relief of symptoms with standard lithium therapy.  This article talks about alternatives to standard lithium therapy , such as psychotropics, antidepressants, and newer anticonvulsants. Choosing the Appropriate Therapy for Bipolar Disorder. (8/19/97) http://www.medscape.com/Medscape/psychiatry/journal/1997/v02.n08/mh3214. bowden/m h3214.bowden.html The newer anticonvulsants.  Here are links for some of the newer mood stabilizers, Neurontin (Gabapentin), Lamictal (Lamotrigine) Topamax (topiramate), and Verapamil: * (Neurontin) http://psycom.net/depression.central.gabapentin.html * (Lamictal) http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.lamotrigine.html * (Topamax) http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.topiramate.html * (Verapamil) http://uhs.bsd.uchicago.edu/dr-bob/tips/split/Verapamil-for-mania.html Preventing relapses:  Which medications work?  The following article, sponsored by the National Institute of Mental … read more »

Response:

I am new here, and have spent many weeks educating my self on MD from all your comments. I really appreciate everything you all go through. I have been an observer of my husbands illness for 13 years.  We have had so many terrible money problems and behavior issues. I have finally been able to understand them from the comments I’ve read in this group and on other web sites.   I need some advice on how to help my husband.  He has finally accepted that he has a problem. Almost everyone in his family is on some sort of anti-depressent and his father committed suicide.  His Family Doc put him on Zoloft and it made a huge difference in how he handled problems, but didn’t help the manic episodes and had some not so nice side affects.  Now I am trying to get him to go to a Psychiatrist and he is balking.  I told him he needs to have his meds evaluated.   Here’s my questions: 1.  I’ve made an appt at a University med center (A good hospital).     He is supposed to meet with a resident then overseen by a PD.       Is this wise?  Should we go with a more experienced PD?       I want this to be a positive experience for him. 2.  If he doesn’t show up for his appt (like he did today), should I     go and talk to the PD initially?  Is that appropriate? 3.  Are there any other spouses out there that have been down this     road and can share their experience? My husband is a sweet, kind, generous man and I  am so lucky to have him in my life.  His MD has made his personality what it is, but I hate to seem him suffer… and the kids and I as a result. We have had such serious money problems (still do) and he is always gone (trying to fix the money problems he created).  He goes for days without sleep to the point he stumbles around and is confused.  He recently ended his business in order to be home with us more, but now he is very depressed and doesn’t know what his role is.  I can support our family so I asked him to take some time off and get healthy.  It’s not working too well. He feels I am trying to control him too much (I am in a sense, as I’m trying to set boundries to keep us on a budget).  He needs me to be his consciense, but I can’t figure out how to do that without being a nag (which isn’t my nature). I guess I just need to be more patient. Thanks for any advice you can share.  I tried to keep this short (sorry) — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

Question:

Hi Lynda, >1. Effective >2. Ineffective (breakthrough manias, hypomanias, depressions) >3. Inconvenient (adverse side effects) which resulted in termination of >a specific medication

All of the above in varying degrees unfortunately. >Have any of you changed pdocs because of the above occurrances?

Add #2 and #3 to the fact that my first pdoc was an asshole who only cared about his insurance payment and refused to listen  to anyone, including my wife…….yep, I did, after a few visits. Pdoc since then has been fine. I use him mostly for meds, and my therp handles my day to day dementedness<g>. >Finally, wht is the length of time you have been officially diagnosed as >having BP illness?

Just over a year, "Officially", though it was suspected for over a years time before that as well. And I’ve ALWAYS known I was cuckoo!!<G> P/H/L BPBoy "He’s slightly schizophrenic/Me and me and me agree/And you are gonna pay/For what you did to me" -D.Mustaine

Response:

I was diagnosed with BP in Feb 93 although another pdoc gave me tri-cyclics in 88 for depression. Took those for about a year or so. After 93, lithium and SSRIs mostly. The treatment has been somewhat effective for the the last two or so years; I’m not dead yet, and have actually held a job for two years straight, though starting a new one soon. Chloimiprimine (is that it?) gave me tremors and lithium gut trouble and the SSRIs not much of anything. The only pdoc change was from the first one ten years ago to the one after a hospital visit in 93. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am asking this question, and appreciate your answers, because it > appears several members have had less than ideal interactions with their > search for the  "right" medication combo and the appropriate  pdoc/therp > with whom a trusting relationship could be established. > Since your diagnosis, has your treatment and mangement of BP illness > been: > 1. Effective > 2. Ineffective (breakthrough manias, hypomanias, depressions) > 3. Inconvenient (adverse side effects) which resulted in termination of > a specific medication > Have any of you changed pdocs because of the above occurrances? > Finally, wht is the length of time you have been officially diagnosed as > having BP illness? > For me I have been fortunate. My pdoc is trustworthy, caring, and > accessible. > I have had to change meds frequently since i have been plgued with > severed depressions. I also have URC which proves to be a challenge to > treat <sigh>. > I have been officially DX or nearly 2 years but have had > BP  illness since my teens (my pdoc agrees with my assessment per the > historical information I have given him). > Peace,

Response:

>1. Effective

   Variable, but at worst negligent. >2. Ineffective (breakthrough manias, hypomanias, depressions)

    breathrough mania, hypomanias, mostly depressions. >3. Inconvenient (adverse side effects) which resulted in termination of a

specific medication. >Stopped for side effects: Paxil, Serzone, Neurontin, Depakote,

   Tegretol, Haldol, Mellaril, Thorazine, Trilafon. Wellbutrin,     Buspirone, Desipermine, caffeine, alcohol (but cheat a little)     That is it?  I loves klonopin the wonder drug. >Have any of you changed pdocs because of the above occurrances?

  I have had more Pdocs than a dog has fleas, most government   employees, where there is not a lot of choices >Finally, wht is the length of time you have been officially diagnosed as

having BP illness? Officially since late 1976, however the symptoms and treatment began in late 1968.  Because of the delay in correct diagnosis, 8 years was spent on that "ship of fools"  Vernon (kates secret lover) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Peace,

Response:

>I am asking this question, and appreciate your answers, because it >appears several members have had less than ideal interactions with their >search for the  "right" medication combo and the appropriate  pdoc/therp >with whom a trusting relationship could be established. >Since your diagnosis, has your treatment and mangement of BP illness >been: >1. Effective >2. Ineffective (breakthrough manias, hypomanias, depressions) >3. Inconvenient (adverse side effects) which resulted in termination of >a specific medication

Well, I can answer 1, 2, and 3!  Right now, the treatment is apparently effective, although just in the last week or so I have been having some very mild twinges of hypomania, but certainly nothing approaching a full-blown episode.  For six months following my diagnosis, I was on a medication combo that harnessed my mania but did nothing at all for depression.  One of the medications (Depakote) had very adverse side effects, and I stopped taking it. >Have any of you changed pdocs because of the above occurrances?

Nope.  I trust my pdoc; he was willing to keep trying different combos until we finally hit on the right one.  Plus, I can get into see him quickly in an emergency, he returns phone calls, and most importantly, he listens to me. I also see an excellent clinical psychologist for therapy.  She pegged me as bipolar before she knew of my diagnosis.  Without the support of both of these people, I don’t believe I would have survived my last suicidal depression. >Finally, wht is the length of time you have been officially diagnosed as >having BP illness?

I could have written the paragraph below.   >I have been officially DX or nearly 2 years but have had >BP  illness since my teens (my pdoc agrees with my assessment per the >historical information I have given him).

Linda

Response:

> I am asking this question, and appreciate your answers, because it > appears several members have had less than ideal interactions with their > search for the  "right" medication combo and the appropriate  pdoc/therp > with whom a trusting relationship could be established. > Since your diagnosis, has your treatment and mangement of BP illness > been: > 1. Effective > 2. Ineffective (breakthrough manias, hypomanias, depressions) > 3. Inconvenient (adverse side effects) which resulted in termination of > a specific medication

My treatment (IMHO) has been fairly effective. While there have been a few hypos and a few depressions, I have not gone REALLY high or stayed low for more than a few days straight. My pdocs treatment OTOH was both #2 and #3, which is why I quit it. > Have any of you changed pdocs because of the above occurrances?

Just quit using the one I had – Unfortunately, he’s my only choice in this area My therp was good, but can’t prescribe. > Finally, wht is the length of time you have been officially diagnosed as > having BP illness?

A little less than a year – avoided pdocs like the plague and therefore avoided the diagnosis <g>. > For me I have been fortunate. My pdoc is trustworthy, caring, and > accessible. > I have had to change meds frequently since i have been plgued with > severed depressions. I also have URC which proves to be a challenge to > treat <sigh>. > I have been officially DX or nearly 2 years but have had > BP  illness since my teens (my pdoc agrees with my assessment per the > historical information I have given him). > Peace,

Tigger

Response:

I’m hoping you feel better today then your last post about the bipolar site we all had such – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Oh Lynda… I could write a book….  I’ll really try to make it short. > Since your diagnosis, has your treatment and mangement of BP illness > been: > 1. Effective – As far as a bandaid effect, yes my treatment has been effective.  When >         I first started this roller coaster ride, the goal was to bring me > down, reel >         me in.  That’s happened.  Drug Merry-Go Round, Therapy, all the "by the > book" >         Things.  My life still is not my own. > 2. Ineffective (breakthrough manias, hypomanias, depressions) – I’ve had them all. >         Breakthrough Linda.  Uh huh. > 3. Inconvenient (adverse side effects) which resulted in termination of a specific > medication – Oh yeah.  Even had one wonderful pdoc that damn near killed me with an >         overdose of Li.  One of them had me committed because I simply > "cried."  Note >         To myself:  NEVER cry in front of a pdoc again. > Have any of you changed pdocs because of the above occurrances? >         Absolutely.  Five within as many years.  One died, one took his place >         temporarily, one took her place, one gave up, committed me, and made me > leave >         and thank God for the new one. > Finally, wht is the length of time you have been officially diagnosed as > having BP illness? >         Five years > I hop this is what you were looking for.  I tried to keep it short. > Hugs, > Linda > (Briteyes)

Response:

> Since your diagnosis, has your treatment and mangement of BP illness > been: > 1. Effective

I have been seeing my current Pdoc, Therapist, and NP for too short of a time to pass judgment.  Looks like treatment will be effective, sooner or later. > 2. Ineffective (breakthrough manias, hypomanias, depressions)

Currently ineffective by my own choice.  Was on meds when I started with current treatment group and realized I had to take a chance and go off meds for them to properly diagnose me.  Turns out I was right. > 3. Inconvenient (adverse side effects) which resulted in termination of > a specific medication.  

So far I have terminated 3 meds due to reallllly bad side effects (reallllly bad is worse than adverse <G>). > Have any of you changed pdocs because of the above occurrances?

My first therapist was, how shall I say, a quack? > Finally, wht is the length of time you have been officially diagnosed as > having BP illness?

Over 3 years.  The first 2-1/2 years were a waste of time and have resulted in a lot of problems with my applications for SSD and SSI.  My current therapist and I have concluded that my first signs of BP were in childhood. Mike

Response:

lol… Thank you Lisa.  I did get a bit weirded out over it.  I was disgusted too.  I’m much better now. lol Linda (Briteyes) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m hoping you feel better today then your last post about the bipolar site we all had such > Oh Lynda… I could write a book….  I’ll really try to make it short. > > Since your diagnosis, has your treatment and mangement of BP illness > > been: > > 1. Effective – As far as a bandaid effect, yes my treatment has been effective.  When >         I first started this roller coaster ride, the goal was to bring me > down, reel >         me in.  That’s happened.  Drug Merry-Go Round, Therapy, all the "by the > book" >         Things.  My life still is not my own. > > 2. Ineffective (breakthrough manias, hypomanias, depressions) – I’ve had them all. >         Breakthrough Linda.  Uh huh. > > 3. Inconvenient (adverse side effects) which resulted in termination of a specific > > medication – Oh yeah.  Even had one wonderful pdoc that damn near killed me with an >         overdose of Li.  One of them had me committed because I simply > "cried."  Note >         To myself:  NEVER cry in front of a pdoc again. > > Have any of you changed pdocs because of the above occurrances? >         Absolutely.  Five within as many years.  One died, one took his place >         temporarily, one took her place, one gave up, committed me, and made me > leave >         and thank God for the new one. > > Finally, wht is the length of time you have been officially diagnosed as > > having BP illness? >         Five years > I hop this is what you were looking for.  I tried to keep it short. > Hugs, > Linda > (Briteyes)

Response:

Hi , I was Diagnosed with Bipolar II 5 months ago . I have changed PDocs twice . First I was put on Wellbutrin which had the opposite effect and put me in a depression so deep I was having Psychotic symptoms and they had to put me on Risperadol . They figured this out and put me on Zoloft which had no effect on me so they kept increasing it. For weeks I had no relief . Finally they opted for Lithium with Prozac . Prozac made me hyper and gave me insomnia . They switched me to the newest drug on the market , Which I had an allergic reaction to . So they opted for just Lithium . The only effect that was adverse with Lithium was that they did not tell me drinking coffee with it would give me Tremors . So now I drink decaf. So far I have broken through the Lithium twice with Depressive episodes so they keep increasing my Lithium . My current Pdoc is Okay but my Therapist ditched me and stopped returning my phone calls without explaination . I was taking Atavan but they cut me off for fear of my becoming addicted to it . I have OCD and severe anxiety attacks . I have been hospitalised once which is where I was diagnosed Bipolar II . While in the Hospital my insurance company decided not to pay for me to stay simply because I needed to be stablised , They deemed me not suicidal enough . So they put me in Partial which they would only pay for 4 days . They said sorry , Thats the breaks.  I had checked myself into the hospital to start with because I had been planning on Killing myself .I had even written my letters to my loved ones , I ended up going for help because I knew I would do it if I didnt get help . My overall experience with the medical proffession  has not been good concerning my Bipolar I still want to die on a regular basis and my experience has been that they care about the damn money more than whether I get well or not . Sorry if that sounds negative its simply the closest to the truth of how I feel about my treatment . I feel like Im being kept in Limbo . Not enough to off myself and not enough to feel well either. Thats basically been my experience in a nutshell . I have been lucky at least I had Insurance the first time .  I am currently going through a depressive episode so please forgive my bitter , down attitude . Tab

Question:

My pdoc told me today that all SSRI’s affect men and women sexually. — Kimber "Recognize your emotional style and make it work for you."

Response:

I have been on numeruous meds for over twenty years,, yes some do decrease the sexual urges,, others cause me and others to not be able to climax,,,,,, I currently utilize a natural alternative,NOT VIAGRA,   yOHIMBE, it is a native plant bark extract and can help some men with their labido,,,,,,,,try it. it can be found at most health food store and vitamin shops,,,,,,,, Good luck and Let Love Happen,,,,,,,,,Glen

Response:

I think that the question of whether or not a woman wants it depends on the man she is with. <grin> Thanks for the input, Charles. Haven – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Have some of you have had side effects of a personal nature with your meds? >My understanding is that it’s quite normal. It’s kind of personal, I know, >but my SO has had a decreased sexual appetite and  we are curious about the >duration and extent. >Depression also can put him into a nonfunctional state. >At what point do we consult the doc? >I thought on average, the ladies wanted it less.

Response:

> decreased sexual appetite and  we are curious about the duration and > extent. At what point do we consult the doc? While he isn’t totally > out of the loop, he hasn’t been his usual randy self, and it kinda > bugs us. He is on Zoloft, by the way. > Thanks a bunch, Haven

   Hi Haven! I have been on Zoloft in varying dosages (currently 200mg daily) for about 3 years or so and have experienced less sex drive problems with Zoloft than other antidepressants I have tried.  Many antidepressants The pharmaceutical companies list decreased sex drive as a possible side effect in the literature (disclaimer) they publish. Decreased sex drive is a possible side effect listed in Zoloft publications. You may want to eliminate any other medical conditions which maybe urologist, or your regular MD for his opinion and referral to other specialist. Make sure there is nothing else going on medically which may impede sex drive aside from the antidepressant, and deal with those kind of problems first. The duration and and the extent of the condition is problematic and will vary in individual circumstance. What you consider normal sex drive, someone else may consider over sexed,  as an example. The level of individual sexual activity  represents an extremely broad spectrum of personal behavior, sense of morality, and a host of other factors. that route you better get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids. There is also dirty magazines, they have been known to stimulate. Personally, I don’t buy the magazines to look at the degrading pictures of large breasted women,  I buy the magazines for their editorial sexy interviews. Stay well and good luck regards, dan emmett

Response:

He is semi back to normal. Though not as aggressive in his desire, he is able to perform quite nicely.  Big sigh of relief from the both of us. Thanks everyone for the replies. Means so much. Haven

You might want to have your husband try wellbutrin or serzone. As these meds seem to have little effect on libido. Wellbutrin might even inhance it a little. Mike

Response:

You might want to have your husband try wellbutrin or serzone. As these meds seem to have little effect on libido. Wellbutrin might even inhance it a little. Mike  

Response:

>Prozac did nothing to affect my libido. What it did do was make the process of ejaculation >long and drawn out and far more plearsurable than it had ever been before. >Keith Hardwick

uuuuuuu  hmmm uh… wow.  Prozac huh?  uh….whoa… nice.  I think women would like their men to have this.  I know this one would.   O  ooo   Cindy          O

Response:

>Prozac did nothing to affect my libido. What it did do was make the process of ejaculation >long and drawn out and far more plearsurable than it had ever been before. >Keith Hardwick

I ‘ve had the same experience since I’ve been on Prozac and Wellbutrin… Neither I, nor any of my partners have had any complaints about this particular side effect… Having fun when my brain allows it….  D

Response:

hmmm I’m on wellbutrin…but…..jee not fair….guess it don’t work for women.  Should though….just to be fair and all. —   O  ooo   Cindy          O – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Prozac did nothing to affect my libido. What it did do was make the process >of ejaculation >long and drawn out and far more plearsurable than it had ever been before. >Keith Hardwick >I ‘ve had the same experience since I’ve been on Prozac and Wellbutrin… >Neither I, nor any of my partners have had any complaints about this >particular side effect… >Having fun when my brain allows it….  D

Response:

))>same here, took a year though. then I went manic. ))> ))>

))>>I’m an oddball, but Prozac initialy squished my libedo, but with determination, ))>>and constant "practice" my libedo came back.  for some people it *can* be ))>done. Libido refers to one’s desire for sex, not ability to perform or climax. I don’t see how one can practice desire. Prozac did nothing to affect my libido. What it did do was make the process of ejaculation long and drawn out and far more plearsurable than it had ever been before. Keith Hardwick  

Response:

Jake, I had no such problems when I took Tegretol.  Good luck to you with it.! (Why is David Woodard’s Tigger signature line popping into my head right now?  "bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy, fun, fun, fun, fun, FUN!!!" <grin>) – Jo