ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Headaches => Topic started by: Captain Deb on January 20, 2008, 12:48:43 pm
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OK so I finally caved! I'm back on the happy pills. The cheap ones. Generic Prozac. Been having unexplained crying fits for over a month, the criteria for clinical depression. Comes with the territory for chronic pain don't it? I went off them (Cymbalta) back in May because I lost my prescription drug coverage due to going over my $2000 non generic cap. Injectable Imitrex is expensive. $60 a headache! I'd love if you'd share your experience with the happy pills here. Are you on 'em and what kind? how long? side effects? do they seem to work for you?
I've never taked Prozac before and I've conjured up images of the "Prozac Zombie" in my mind--sort of a buzzed out housewife who cleans and cleans. Yikes!!!!! I need some reassurance here.
Capt Deb(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/Captdeb_photos/pirate2.gif)
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Hey Capt: I was on Prozac several years ago - I lost alot of weight, had increased energy, but didn't like the side effects that came on a few months later: sweating so much I couldn't wear makeup (didn't help that I live in South Fl.), & libido changes (not for the better), which was interfering with my then active sex life, so I went off them after about 6 months. Hhhmmmmmm, maybe I should go back on them? - I'm done with the hot flashes, my *%#& buddy left after the AN surgery......
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(I think I will skate around the potential "adult" content here)
So, I have always tended to stay away from the meds - its too easy to
get into a long term committment
There are herbals that work for me eg "St Johns Wort"
a side effect is that it thins the blood - not always good
but might be useful if you have an AN compression situation
They tend to calm rather than cure - seem to reduce the
ear noise a bit too.
Technically its not a med at all - no Doc can or would perscribe them
yet blind tests in W.Ger showed they bettered the state meds...
Final thought here - just the ongoing headaches might bring anyone down
equally if the whole OP/Change of life circumstances
are as yet unresolved then the cure maybe with
the psycological/support area ?
just a thought
best regards
Tony
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Okay, Capt Deb., a few months after my surgery my Mom passed away. I hadn't been feeling so great about life anyway, so that brought me further down. My GP perscribed Paxcil. It did absolutely nothing. I was having two many crying jags and couldn't get out of bed. She said I need to see a "shrink" to ge what she thought I might need. I went to see a shrink who perscribed Prozac, nothing, went to Zoloft for several months and a couple of others that seem to work for everyone else, but not me, nothing, I started seeing a therapist once a week, she talked to the shrink and together they finally decided on Cymbalta. I started out with 60 mg. I am now on 120 mg. and feel the most "normal" I have in my entire life. Plus, the pain from the fibramyalgia isn't as bad as it is without it. I will probably be "hooked" on it for the rest of my life. Days are sunnier and I get the rest I need. I don't have the highs and lows and if I need to cry I still can. Side affects? I can't go a day without it. My umm love life is better, hubby says thank you to the shrinkl all of the time. My weight is coming off slowly but surely and I wish it was a cure for my balance and dizziness problems. I was diagnosed with severe cronnic depression, post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety phobias (too many to list). I still have thoughts of suicide, but the difference now is that I'm not trying to carry them out. Now you know the "rest of the story."
Good luck,
Brendalu
Miss Sadie is gonna help you a lot, I think.
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Hi everybody,
I wanted to give my little speech about anti-depressants.... First of all, I am so glad we have them. My dad suffered terribly because they did not have these drugs available. My family does have a long history of depression. I used to feel a bit ashamed to have to take them. That was a long time ago. I have since learned that I cannot help having the brain chemistry that has a tendancy to become depressed. I have also learned that each time I tried to get off of them, the next time I became sick, it was for a longer time and it was a more intense depression.
So, I am happy to saythat I will never be off the medicine that I need. That is fine with me because for the ones that know, it is a horrible existance to be sick like that....
I take effexor HR 75mg. twice a day.
I also take buspar to correct the anxiety I get as a side effect of the effexor
I also take trazodone for sleep, another side effect
AND I feel great!!
Patti
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Thank you Patti! I know that my mom and grandmother probably both suffered from depression--granny drank it away and my mom was on lots of meds after a stroke at age 60--a heavy smoker and drinker for most of her life. I put that behind me in my 30's so I get to have a chance at a happy life, which neither of them had. My brother is a Vietnam Vet on disability from combat PTSD and is on "psych meds." If I'm not feeling better in a few months, the shrink it shall be! The one that prescribes the meds, too!
Capt Deb(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/Captdeb_photos/emoticon___pirate_by_anya1916.gif)
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Capt Deb,
I have taken Prozac in 1990, shortly after a birth of my first child. It became available in the US in 1988 and should have been offered to me after my first surgery. I was also in chronic pain and there is nothing you should take when you are pregnant. In fact, I had one big headache for 5 months during my first pregnancy and when I was 17 weeks pregant, I underwent an MRI. That's enough to be depressed about!
Prozac was the best thing that happened to me because it literally saved my life. I entertained the thoughts of suicide. Head and neck transplant? I wanted to chop it all off, so that I would not be in chronic pain! The drug changed my thoughts and I started fighting those headaches instead of feeling down and helpless. Unfortunately, it also made me very sleepy so I had to get off it but whatever it taught me, stayed with me. I should add that sleepiness is a side effect of many pain drugs. I tried many of them but could not stay awake. Even OTC allergy meds knock me out even if I am standing or moving! My neurologist at that time felt that my original tumor was so big and so compressed and rotated my brainstem that my sleepiness was from that. It seems to be only me, though. If I ever need anything, I will probably try St. John's Wort first in the hopes that it will not make me sleepy.
Good luck with Prozac! It did not make me say or do inappropriate things, like laugh uncotrollably, etc. I loved the experience and really needed it regardless of how sleepy it made me feel.
Eve
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Sorry I must still be med-happy
I missed this one completely
OK many of the prozac type meds work on the
central nervous system (hence the libido changes ?)
Anyway another change may well be in the balance area
(which links with the CNS function)
So if you already have balance issues - it may not be such
a good idea - if things get worse talk to the Doc
Best Regards
Tony
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I finally went and seen our psychologist where I work in Dec as we get 3 free vists a year so I did all 3 in Dec. I am NF2 plus have other non AN related stressors and it has been really getting to me lately. He thought an antidepressant would help so saw my dr and was put on Prozac. I found Prozac made me jittery. I stopped and started a couple times to make sure that was the drug doing it. I am now on Celexa the last couple weeks and have had no problem plus feel I am doing better. I knew I needed them but just hadn't pushed for any earlier.
I still wish this was all a bad dream and I will wake up and be normal again. Actually since this has been going on since 2001, I almost have forgot what normal felt like.
Cheryl R
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I thought about this one in to answer Cheryl
but extend to all NF2s that maybe out there
Basically with`2 - as I have discovered/experianced
However bad the OP/the changes/the recovery
There is always the ongoing fear/threat of the future
I read somewhere that 50% of all diagnosed suffer from
depression - so it really is a "Human" condition ?
In terms of psycological support - it might be helpful
if the support really understands the issues
(for instance I had a new bump a month back
- worried sick, until it dawned on me that a perfectly
formed blister ......was not life threatening)
Its just so easy to panic ?
I was thinking that support services that are linked
to a NF2 specialist clinic might be worth a look
The other more general point is :
I know of a number of NF2s stateside in their 70s
They still have lives
they still love - and are loved
Best regards
Tony
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Tony,
I think you have one of the best attitudes out there! Thank you for your positive outlook. You are right, there are people out here with NF2s and other losses, that seem to live life to the fullest and never miss a beat.
There is help out there, if you look for it and hopefully, someday everyone can be half as positive as you are! On another note; how are you doing since your surgery? Are you smiling yet?
Happy thoughts,
Brenda
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Well Thank You - more or a smirk than a smile
- but moving a face that was still for three years
is still going some !
One unexpected bonus - I can now use a drinking straw
(before my lips simply did not meet to seal properly)
Theres more to this reconstruction than you might think !
best regards
tony
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There's nothing wrong with getting help from antidepressants if they can help. It's not an easy thing accepting the fact that you need them at first, and it took me a while to admit it too, but after I did, I tell so many people that they just need to get over it too and get the help, they will be so glad they did! I have also tried many different things and ended up with cymbalta. I am now at 90 mg daily and feeling better than I did without it! I don't let things bother me like they used to. I still get anxious at times and a little bothered at times, but am trying to deal with that and will see about upping the dose. Brenda, I was told the highest dose was 90mg, unless I am mistaken. I go back in a couple of months and I'll talk to the doctor about it then. I used to have to take something at night to fall asleep but haven't since I've been on the cymbalta. I think the 3 things that have helped me come to this point in my life (besides my husband and kids) are the cymbalta, chocolate and my puppies!
~Karen
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I'm so grateful for the happy pills. I've been on them a yr. I was so stressed before and on the verge of tears all the time. I couldn't sleep, concentrate and I ached all over. I still have the odd battle with anxiety but I too have something for that if I need it. At least now I can honestly say I do not care how long I have to be on them I'm so happy my benifts cover the cost.
There are worst things than admitting you need antidepressants.
Anne Marie
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My biggest hurdle was admitting I needed them too. I had always thought they were for weak people who can't handle life. Boy, was I wrong. I tried to stick it out for a few months after my surgery, but everything kept piling up - I was stuck in the house with the little ones because I couldn't drive, I couldn't see, I couldn't hear, I was dizzy...all the usuals. Plus we live in a new neighborhood, so I basically had no neighbors. We just moved here 6 months prior to my surgery, so all my friends and family are far away. I felt like a total shut in, which is hard for someone who is normally pretty social. But then I didn't want to be social because I was so self conscious about my face and would get frustrated about not hearing anything anyone said anyway. It was a vicious cycle. I felt like I was taking my frustrations out on my family so that's when I knew something needed to be done.
My doctor made me feel a lot better about it - telling me I was not crazy or weak and that this was a totally normal reaction to an abnormal situation. He put me on Effexor and it has made a huge difference. I was afraid it would change who I was or my personality, but it hasn't. It just helps me not make mountains out of molehills so I can deal with them like a "normal" person again. Our plan is to stay on them for a year and then see if I need to keep taking them. Hopefully by then, I'll be back in Virginia and closer to my family and that should help matters.
I could kick myself for being so judgemental about them in the first place. Could have saved me a little sanity if I'd started taking them sooner. Oh well - live and learn.
Lori
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Karen,
I see a therapist and a "shrink manager". She manages my meds and has decided I have a very strong tolerance when it comes to meds. The normal dosages just don't work. My scripts are filled for 21 days at a time, so instead of paying one $50 copay, I pay one and then the last week in the month I pay another. She gives me samples whenever she has them. I also take Stratterra at 120 mg. I'm just not normal. The Straterra keeps me awake. Normal meds for narcolepsy (sp) make my migraines worse and I wasn't ready to deal with that. The Cymbalta also helps with the fibromalagia (sp). Not a good speeling day for me today. I get blood work done every 90 days to make sure I am not doing any damage or any over loads on anything. I hope this helps to explain.................
Brenda
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Brenda,
I don't see the therapist any longer. I did talk to one a couple of times, but she decided I didn't need to see her and could just see someone to manage the meds. She just makes sure everything is ok and writes me a scrip for the cymbalta for 3 mos. For this I pay $20. What a freakin rip off. Basically, I could do all this on the phone but insurance makes me go there and pay the copay. My copay for the cymbalta is also $20, so basically for $40 every 3 mos, or $160 a year, I'm on Cymbalta probably for quite some time because it keeps me centered and through all the things that come my way, helps me cope and not get too stressed or over anxious and flip out on everyone or get miserable, etc. Insurance is such a racket. I'm lucky that right now, mine isn't as high as some others. If I have meds left over that I don't use any more because I've stopped them but get so many ahead of time, I'll give them to someone else I personally know who isn't as lucky with their plans as I am but takes the same meds. Drugs and doctors costs are way too high these days. I hope you continue to get help from meds you are taking!
~Karen
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Lori,
I'm on the sames med's as you. Effexor has been a life saver for me, and I've had no side effects what so ever. I've never thought one way or another about antidepressants before. My girlfriend's sister-in-law has a few issues with stress management and her Dr actually prescribed antidepressants, but she's to afraid to go on them. If taking med's is going to improve your quality of life I say go for it.
Anne Marie
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Karen,
Wow your copays are great! For Cymbalta mine is $50. My shrink manager spends at least a half hour with me every three weeks (that is a $50 co-pay, it went to $75, but she refused to raise it.) I see the therapist once a month now, where I was seeing her once a week and sometimes twice a week. I had a lot of issues!!! I wouldn' trade what I've learned about myself for all of the tea in China. Since I know that without the meds, I don't function, I will stay on them even if they cost me my entire SSD check! I can say one thing, I couldn't for a long time. I can smile again and it is coming from the inside, even though it is lopsided!
Hugs,
Brenda
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Hello everyone,
After three surgeries and mengentitus, I have been very tired and alot of headaches.
My new doctor just prescribed Nortriptyline 10 mg, Imitrex 100mg, and vitiman B2 100mg.
I am hoping to get rid of the hydrocone, the doc says I may be having residual headaches.
I'll let you know how it works.
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IMO I agree with tony less meds the clearer the mind and less side effects. I imagaine there is a low precentage that have to have them. Crutches are hard to get rid of. IMO doctors are too eager to put you on uppy happy pills, downy pills or any pill for that matter, I also beliieve woman are the ginniepigs for most of the cause most of or some of us men refuse to take them, I have my reasons, I still have to work and My mind has to be clean Lives could be as stake.
Yea, I depress I just lost my ear, I stumble around, don't feel good most of the time, Ect.....I wish there was a magic pill to cure all my problems. But, I am afraid drugs that may fix one problem might lead to a worse problem and the odds are it won't fix the orginial problem, now your left with the second problem also ???. I just hope anybody that takes the wonder pills read the side effect thoroughly JMO :-\ :o sorry if you don't like my opinion, but we all have'em, Got to take the good with the bad ???
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There you go RC I myself have never been a fan of skull mechanics also as who decides whats normal? As long as your not in jail your doing ok I suppose I never can rationalize how ANYBODY on earth can try to put a finger on how I truly feel? To me its all a process of trying you to get you to change your feelings and Im pretty good at that now and know what works me thats why I live in the middle of nowhere as if I lived in a big city I would have ripped someones lips off by now trust me on this as not only am I a Viet Nam Veteran I am also an ex postal worker, them guys get paid to come up with a plan you want to hear that works out for others involved how many relationships have been destroyed when these things strike us? Thats the sad part that is never really focused on, I dont need to pay someone to tell me what Im feeling I think Im a better judge of that. And you know what I have come to learn sometimes anger can be a good thing especially when it comes to righting wrongs, apathy gets you no place when dealing with doctors its your life and you need to stay educated and vigilant.
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Captain Deb,
I have been on antidepressants since 1990, and boy do I wish I'd been on them since 1963 when my clinical depression started. Twenty-seven years is a long time to fight alone. This stigma against depression, as if it's a personality choice one makes, is my #1 cause in life -- I take every opportunity to let people know I have depression. Not the minute they've met me, but once they've known me a little. Very few people would think I suffer from depression; I have a good sense of humor. The analogy I make is, "If you lost a leg, would you NOT get a prosthesis?" You'd still have to relearn how to walk, but you couldn't even START without the prosthesis!
Antidepressants are NOT "happy pills." They don't make you happy; they just make it possible to work on being happy. The cruel irony of antidepressants is that it takes weeks if not months to see if one drug works for you, even though the side effects begin immediately. AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH. I still have to go through the process sometimes to make adjustments, since our bodies change... as we get older? as we change? whatever it is that chemically changes. Depression is a mean, mean disease ... sorry I sound so pissed, but I'm in a depressed time right now. If I hadn't had a mother who taught me to be feisty, and to be understanding, I would not be here.
So... an order from me ... do NOT judge yourself because you need antidepressants!
Love,
Dana
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I too have seen the effects of years and years of mind altering pills. they had some in the 50/60's one that I know of was liltimum. My mother was then manatic depressent, now I think they call it Bypolar? IMO most of these problems was created by mean people at early age stressing the mind. Normal life as the call it hard for some people when everybody is mean to you, mean at home, mean at school, mean cause you look or act a certain way ect.... All of this has an effect on the mind and sometimes that part of the brain just don't connect. We all have baggage, some can be heavy and breaks us down after awhile.
I seen the roller coaster ride she was on since I was 9 years old. That's why I said there is a few that got to have something to have a chance to function. I also seen the effects of Alcohol and tobacco products, these were the crutches I was thinking about. Even Coke (the soft drink) and eating can be an addiction. IMO tobacco is the worse, they lied to use for atleast 70 years. If anybody has seen someone die of lung cancer it's not pretty. All they had to do was " JUST DON"T SMOKE" (who famous last words was that?) (give you a hint intials are YB) but, we all think it won't happen to us? I say that cause I use to smoke and know what a crutch it can be. Luckily for me I quite many years ago. I agree if you an't mean or in jail your doing good! Life for most of us working stiffs is depressing IMO. All of this is JMO as I seen life through the years, I'm sure others have, seen it, lived it , and got it worse.
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Thats the way I always looked at it some days you eat the bear some days the bear eats you? My 21 years in the Navy and 5 years as postal worker enforced this I have a former friend who is bi-polar and should be on meds as he has already destroyed his now ex wifes life and his step daughters and is in denial which is not a river in Egypt I just didnt like the way I felt on Zoloft?
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It took me quite a few tries of different antidepressants before I found something that really worked for me. Just like Dana said, you don't get the benefits from the meds but the side effects do kick right in unfortunately. If I have too many side effects from meds, I won't continue on them, but the cymbalta that I'm on now makes me feel like I used to feel instead of the isolated miserable grumpy ***** that I had become. It was that important and meant that much to me to feel right again. Sometimes you find something that works right away, other times it takes a while and it depends on whether you want to keep trying or go back to the status quo. It's your choice what your quality of life will be like. Unfortunately, it's also a choice of many bipolar patients whether or not they stay on their meds or not and usually the not is when things get really bad and that continuous cycle is what brings changes to their lives, not always for the better. Not going into a long song and dance here but I know of someone who is bipolar and can tell you some stories but that's not what I'm trying to say, what I'm trying to say is that I agree with Dana. Just like those on this forum who are deaf (myself included) and many have tried with success some type of hearing aide, when it's broken we try and fix it. That's just what taking antidepressants is for those of us who take them. Nobody has been trying to tell me what "normal" should feel like but me, and I'm happy to feel more like me now that I've found something that works :) :)
~Karen
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Hi!
Dana, I'm glad you said that they are not "happy pills". People like to call them that. I don't because I think it continues the stigma surrounding antidepressants. When a person is clinically depressed,there is a chemical imbalance in the brain. It has to be treated with meds. Some people get sicker than others and the depression returns again and again. The depression episodes become closer together andd more intense with each onset. That happened to me and so now I am on the medicine for the rest of my life. And if you have experienced true depression (not just having a bad time because there is a huge difference) you would understand how thankful I am to have the medicine available. My father was not so lucky. Drug companies had not invented these drugs and he suffered terribly..
And I am happy to report I think very clearly!!!
Pattibobatti
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I agree with Pattibopatti as the former friend I have who is bipolar he needs something as he even grinds his teeth now at night? they are almost wore off he looks like a Halloween mask but doesnt see it now no longer has any friends but thats OK they were all messed up anyway? Its sad as we were close for 25 years but until he recognizes the problem there is nothing to be done, just stay away too often those of us who are fairly normal are prescribed these things "just because" like the anti seizure drugs forced on me even though I never had seizure's I call it the Mikey school of medicine after the old special K commercial "Give it to Mikey!" "He likes it!" I know that having a bad day and depression are two different animals and I have learned just to have bad days now and dont dwell on the situation that caused them as if there was something to be done I would do it to me drugs dont work reminds me of drinking to feel better, for awhile you feel great but the next day doesnt feel so hot?
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OK folk, I saw my wonderful GP today, who is really good at treating depression, and she seems to think that most of my psych symtoms are side effects of the Topamax I'm on for the headaches and I can't help but agreee with her. She's switching me from the prozac, which has made me very antsy and jittery, to generic Celexa. I've never tried this one, but maybe I'll have better luck with it.
Capt Deb(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/Captdeb_photos/pirateface_sticking_out_tongue_ty_w.gif)
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Hi Deb,
Interesting about the topomax. It's a powerful drug but that unfortunately comes with powerful side effects. Are you going to stay on topomax? and do you find it helps?
Good luck with the new drug.
Laz
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will call you, Captn :-*
xoxo
signed,
cursed cruise director
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Hi Deb. I couldn't take the Prozac either for same reason, that it made me jittery. I wasn't expecting that reaction. I couldn't handle the Celexa either as gave me some bad GI problems. I kept at it for almost a month. I am not on anything at the moment but probably need to be. I hope the Celexa works for you. I read in the fine print that only 8% have the problem I did with it in their triials. Of course only 5% of AN's are NF2 so guess I go for those small percentages!
Cheryl R
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Capt Deb my Dr put me on generic Celexa in December for my facial/bone tumor because I was having some nerve type pain and he said to try it and see if it helped. Well I haven't noticed a difference in my mood, but I wasn't depressed just very sick with fevers high white count ect. It did help the nerve pain which I will still get if I forget to take it for a few days. So maybe if you have a nerve pain type component to your headaches this might help that also.
Topamax does cause so many side effects that I would like to see my son go off of it but the Neurologist will not let him. He did agree to let him try a smaller dose. He is now only taking 75% of the dose he used to and is doing alot better. So I hope that you experience the same thing. I also noticed the longer he was on it the worse he got. It was almost like he was becoming Topamax toxic. Have you experienced similar symptoms?
How is your Social Security case going have you heard anything at all about it? I'm very sorry you have been feeling so bad lately and I know I have missed your great posts. Many kisses to your forehead. :-* :-* :-* 16
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Just wanted to add, I had been on topamax for over a year but wanted off of it because I felt that my thoughts and memory were being effected by it. My neuro told me that, unfortunately, is also a side effect of topamax and that it is sometimes referred to as dopamax. I will be taking my last 25mg dose tonight, I was up to 150mg twice daily and honestly, I can't tell a difference either between my thought processes and my headaches. Both are the same and that may be because all the topamax is not out of my system yet or it wasn't making a difference for me anymore. Either way, it's one less prescription to fill and pay for and one less med to take each day. Regarding Celexa, I had also tried that drug a few years back and it really was of no significant help to me personally. Cymbalta has been the one that has worked the most and it's ashame that the darn drug companies have to mark these things up so much that make them unaffordable to those who really need them. It does not cost that much to make them, but drug companies are just cash hogs. Maybe government should do something about regulating mark up costs instead of saying they are going to be helping to provide insurance coverage to everyone, or is that just because they are being bought and sold by the insurance as well as the drug industry.
Anyway, Deb, I hope something is working for you. Honestly, sometimes the side effects are something you may have to deal with if the end result is worth it. You have to weigh your options as with anything else. Puppy therapy also helps, but when those pains and aches start going, sometimes getting to the puppy can prove to be nearly impossible! Hang in there!
~Karen
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I think the body starts to get used to taking the same drug long term and the benefits reduce.
Laz
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I'm finally weaned off the Neurontin as of today, which I think was contributing to the fatigue factor of the depression. Also the puppy therapy has helped in getting me more exercise--I feel really guilty if I don't get the pup out for a walk every day if not twic, and besides she'll make us nuts if we don't wear her out somehow. Tapering off the przac as we speak and starting on Celexa on Monday. Lemmesee--do I wanta have less headaches and have to take antidepressants to counteract the side effects of the less-headache-medicine, or do I wanta have raging headaches and not have to take happy pills? Hmmmmm.................
Capt Deb 8)
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me likes it when you are happy... naturally....
xoxo
Your cursed, cruise director
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Glad you are working things out Deb. I've been off the topamax completely for three days and feel no difference from when I was on it. I guess it wasn't working for me anymore. That often happens with meds for me, I get immune to the beneficial effects. Now, until something else is worked out for other problems, I'm at that in between time when you wean off one thing to be able to take another and that's when things can be at their worse. I was put on sleeping pills again (lunesta) to see if getting a better nights sleep would help me have more energy in the morning and during the day. It doesn't. What will I be asked to try next. Sometimes I just feel like a big fat guinea pig! My thought processes are still messed up, so it wasn't the topamax. I don't see the doctor again until the end of the month. Maybe I'll call next week and make an earlier appointment. The weather needs to warm up and get sunny because the cooler rainy stuff we've had isn't helping either. I just want to feel back to my old self before AN. I know I'm lucky to not have other problems that are worse, but I guess I'm just in a self pity party today >:( I hate it when that happens!
~Karen
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I must be the 'weird' one - I was on Prozac before, & am back on it - been about 2 weeks. It worked pretty well. I'll see how it goes this time around.....
Karen: My PCP also put me on Trazodone for sleep (at my request) - it's pretty benign, doesn't leave you overly groggy in the am. I take 50 mg about 40 minutes before sleep - if I wake up during the night I can get right back to sleep. Other people I know take 100 mg. On the detox unit I work at, the doc orders 50 mg with a repeat of 50 mg if needed. It is not habit forming or in the 'sedative/hypnotic' class. It's actually another antidepressant with sedating qualities.
Just an fyi my friend.
Always good thoughts, Nancy
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Just wanted to chime in on this issue. I realized about a year ago that I was depressed (probably due to my 50-ish hormonal changes) and spoke to my GP about meds. He put me on Lexapro and I believe it has made a huge difference. It can take several months before you really see a difference with some anti-depressants, so hang in there.
Ironically, I was going to see my GP this month about stoping the meds (thinking the worst of the hormonal craziness might have passed). Then, I got the news about this thing in my head! After talking with my doc, he strongly suggested that this would NOT be the best time to stop the meds. ;D
There's no shame in anti-depressants - doesn't make us crazy or any other less flattering adjectives. IMO, it is a wise person who recognizes when life may have become way to difficult to handle without some sort of help.
BTW, I was very lucky that the first med I tried worked for me - many people have to go through several differents meds to find the right one - so don't give up!
Warming up in NJ...
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Hi, I take zoloft, and zanax, I know zanax isnt the best(because of addiction to them) but I only take one a day and they are low dose. The Zoloft helps pretty much I still get alittle depressed but I can deal with it. Good luck ::)
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Im on prozac for the past two months 40 mg...it seems to help a little but I can definitly relate to the jittery and lack of #$@# drive...
Im also taking klonopin for anxiety attacks.
At the same time Im starting cognitive behavioural therapy to cahnge my thought pattern which my psychiatrists beleives is my main issue....so Im seeing a psychiatrist and a psychologist...yipee !!!
Hope your feeling better capt deb!
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???I think some of this could be menopause? I am on zoloft, I was scared to take prozax it has weird side affects for some.but anyway Im doing just fine on the zoloft. except night sweats, but it will eventcially go away. Glad they make you all happy. :) ;D
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Hi Linny-
In my case, it was definitely the onset of menopause - night sweats, insomnia, depression. After this AN adventure is behind me, I'll work with my doctor to wean off the Lexapro and see if my hormones are under control. Sigh.
Debbi - B minus 12 (OMG!!!)
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I was on prozac in 2001-2003 and it worked for me. But, that was when I was having severe migraines once or twice a month. It helped a lot.
On this depression topic I was told by my "ex" neurologist that I was bipolar and he put me on 120 mg of cymbalta and told me to see a shrink. OOOOOHHHHHH my gosh. I was mad. He also put me on an anti seizure med and I became toxic. It put me in the hospital. That's why I switched neurologists.
Right now I'm not on any antidepressants. I have my bad days, but I get through them. I wonder if the neurontin is really helping. I'm afraid to stop taking it because it may be working. My occipital nerve is being a bad little guy.
This is from my chiropractor...The muscles in my neck are compressing the occipital nerve which is making it fire all the time. And that makes sense to me.
Everyone's different and it may take many antidepressants to find the right one. So hang in there!! :)
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:o OMG Look I answered this twice I guess my memory(AN) isnt wHAT IT USED TO BE. sorry you all. L
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It happens!!!! ;D
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I have been on anti-depressants, one's with an element of anti-anxiety properties, for most of the years since my orginal surgery. My sergeon told me that brain surgery will put the neurotransmitters out of wack and they may never rebalance. I was treated for a period for post traumatic stress disorder, rather sucessfully, but have continued to need meds (was off them during the pregnancies etc). I don't think prozac would be a good choice as it tends to be stimulating and would increase anxiety.....as do most of the newer antidepressants (SSRI"S) but that being said I have been well treated with them. For those who have a sleeping problem many of the older antidepressants can be used along side to help sleep without the nasty side effects and addiction that s=comes with hypnotics.
If yas' need the pills.....take the pills!
Kathleen