Posted by Jasmineneroli on September 20, 2004, at 23:25:07
In reply to Re: Thanks all - I'm done., posted by Rayray on September 20, 2004, at 19:03:11
Hey Jerry:
Sorry to read that things are a low right now.
Your therapist sounds awesome, but your Pdoc doesn't :).
You've been given great advice by the other posters about your feelings concerning your mother. The past cannot be changed. Don't let the past have any hold over you now. It will keep you from moving forward...keep talking to your therapist. Your self-esteem will always be in chains until you let go of that past. Just remember, you had no control over your mother's response to you.
It's fantastic to see you posting so much and looking for answers on everything...that's a positive sign, you're taking action, where you can. Keep going Jerry :).
Is it possible to change your Pdoc? Do you like him? I can't quite believe that he hasn't heard of brain zaps. Sounds to me like your Pdoc is pretty invalidating.I did some research into Mirapex that might help you regarding your other posts too(insomnia/brain zaps etc.).
First off, it's usually prescribed as an anti-Parkinson's med, and secondly for Restless Leg Synd. It's a Dopamine agonist with a preference for D3 receptors, but affects D2 and D4. I found some research where it was being studied for treatment resistant depression as well.
In the studies, it wasn't being used alone but with AD's. It was apparently quite successful in conjunction with Amitriptyline and also with Imipramine (TCA's). (BTW, I also have RLS...and my 1st ever med was Amitriptyline for RLS, before my GAD was diagnosed!)
Mirapex has also been used succesfully with SSRI's - namely Prozac and Celexa. However, there was more hyper-activity and motor agitation with these drugs.But overall the combo was considered effective for TR depression. So that's something to consider in terms of future med choices.
BUT, the side effects might be what is causing your problems. Listed most commonly are: Insomnia, abnormal dreams, dizziness, hallucinations, visual abnormalities and involuntary movements, jerkiness. <Your insomnia/dreams???>.
Less common:Twitching, restlessness, thinking abnormalities. <Worsening of depression???>.
Rare: Convulsions. <Visual abnormalities/dizziness/twitching/jerkiness/convulsions....could these combine neurologically as "brain zaps"????>.
Just raising some questions, maybe you're experiencing Mirapex side effects? Although, I have known 2 people on Effexor who had "brain zaps", whilst taking it.
Also your dose is quite low - a starting dose, common for RLS. The dosage used as an augmenter for depression was .3mg
If you think the Mirapex is causing your zaps and insomnia, there are other drugs for RLS. But also a lot AD's seem to work for it too. Ask your Sleep specialist.
My 2 cents on sleep medications (and I had terrible insomnia associated with GAD and hormonal changes for years): Mogodon (out like a light, slept for hours, but "hung-over" the next day, could only use on occasion-not each night). Zopiclone (Imovane), fell asleep quickly but usually awoke 4-5 hours later, but didn't feel sedated during the next day. Remeron (very effective in low doses, but I felt sedated and drunk ALL the time and hungry, very, very hungry!). Over the counter Anti-histamines might be helpful too. My current combo of Klonopin and Celexa seems to work quite well too.
Sorry for the long post. Take care of yourself.
Let us know how it goes for you.
Warm wishes, Jas
poster:Jasmineneroli
thread:385815
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040915/msgs/393210.html