Posted by JabberwockyAmy on October 29, 2006, at 16:50:39
Hi everyone. I am new to this site, and actually, I am new to the world of psychiatry as well, having only recently ever needed psych meds.
When I was a kid, I was sexually abused by my mom's boyfriend. He left (for other reasons) and I never told Mom about it. Only my closest friends ever knew. Recently, my mom decided that she needed to find this man again, and she did. She began dating him, and after some internal debate over whether or not I should say anything, I told her. To make a painfully long story short, she has decided to remain with him, and although he lives in Florida and I live in New Jersey, the whole situation became too much for me, and I broke down. I started having panic attacks, and I am tense all the time. I jump at loud noises and no matter ho wmany times I remind myself not to, I always find that my hands are bunched up into fists. I have constant headaches and I cry in my sleep, having nightmares every night.
When all these symptoms started, I went to a psychiatrist, and she has had me on a variety of stuff (Xanax, Paxil, Zoloft, etc.) but right now, I am on Klonopin (0.5 mg 3 times per day, with one more dose as needed per day), Lexapro (10 mg per day) and Ambien (10 mg at night). This seems to be working, at least for now -- I don't have panic attacks as often, and I am no longer so derpessed that I can't get out of bed. But I am very sleepy all the time, and my biggest concern is weight gain.
In November 2001, I had gastric bypass surgery and lost 170 pounds. I have since been 135 pounds, and have not gained any weight -- until I started taking medications. Now, I hav gained 15 pounds, and frankly, I am really scared. I am having a very hard time taking it off, and I am terrified to become heavy again. I am seeing a therapist as well as my psychiatrist, and I am trying to deal with the situation with my mom as well as the new weight gain, but it is very hard.
I wanted to ask questions of all of you regarding your thoughts on my situation, because I have always found that, while the advice of professionals is valuable, the most practical and wonderful information comes from people whwo have been through similar things that YOU have been through. So I need to ask you all a few things, and I would appreciate any advice or feedback that you could offer me:
How can I lose the weight without coming off the medications?
Is it dangerous to take Xanax once in a while (like during a panic attack) when you are on Klonopin?
I understand that Klonopin has the potential for abuse (as does Xanax): how would I know if I were addicted?
On a more personal note: I have only recently begun speaking to my mom again since this started. Do you think that is healthy, or unhealthy?
Has anyone else experienced abuse that can help me find my way out of this? Can you suggest anything else that might help me?
I appreciate any of your advice, and thank you in advance. I know that all of this is ultimately up to me, but your advice is invaluable.
-Amy
poster:JabberwockyAmy
thread:698792
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20061013/msgs/698792.html