![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2277 to 2301 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Okpolosi on March 10, 2003, at 18:32:00
In reply to IS IT POSSIBLE WERE TAKING TO MUCH, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 10:09:52
I too started on 5mg. Lots of side effects in the beginning. Went to 10mg during 5th week, 5 days ago. Have not felt the "good" yet and keep hoping.
Posted by Sadsack on March 10, 2003, at 19:58:40
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » Sadsack, posted by Dysfunk on March 10, 2003, at 13:56:42
As strange as it sounds, it's comforting to me to not have any good reasons to be depressed. It is how I know it is all chemical and not my fault. If I was totally screwing up my life and refusing to get therapy, I'd have to blame myself, BUT I am making all the right choices and I recognize that I just have a medical condition that needs medication. When I find the right kind, I'll be back to my (relatively) normal self. If I was diabetic, or had some other disorder it'd be the same thing (I might not be so cranky and mopey but you get my drift). It's one of those life hurdles. You don't ask for it, you don't like it, but you deal with it because there is nothing else to do. Let me know how the med thing is going.
You'll get there, you have alot of insight and that is half the battle.
> Sadsack
>
Thanks for your support. I am currently awaiting a call from my doctor any minute now. He did renew my script. I have to see if I am going up or down on it. I am so discouraged cause I have no real reason to be depressed and to cry, and I feel that way. It is like my body has a difficiency. I hate it. :^(
Posted by Brian1977 on March 10, 2003, at 22:07:59
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » Dysfunk, posted by Sadsack on March 10, 2003, at 19:58:40
3rd day: I FEEL LIKE CRAP--first day back at work and i couldn't function--I felt like i had a bad hangover...I couldn't even concentrate...i haven't slept in four nights--i go to bed and cant sleep---i take lex. at 4:00. I dont think i can handle this.
I really wish my depression were chemical, its terrible knowing what the problem and knowing that nothing anyone can do can help.
I want so badly to be normal again.
Posted by Brian1977 on March 10, 2003, at 22:22:01
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I didnt take Lex. this evening..It's not supposed to be like this. I want to sleep so bad. I am so tired. All day today it felt almost like i had the flu.--didnt start to pass until around 11:30 or so. This is the 3rd drug i have been on. Nothing seems to work. I dont know what to do. I think this is worse than the actually depression and anixety attacks.
Posted by blkvettes on March 11, 2003, at 9:01:11
In reply to Re: Newcomer, posted by Brian1977 on March 10, 2003, at 22:07:59
> 3rd day: I FEEL LIKE CRAP--first day back at work and i couldn't function--I felt like i had a bad hangover...I couldn't even concentrate...i haven't slept in four nights--i go to bed and cant sleep---i take lex. at 4:00. I dont think i can handle this.
>
> I really wish my depression were chemical, its terrible knowing what the problem and knowing that nothing anyone can do can help.
>
> I want so badly to be normal again.Hi there, I feel your pain and cry because I know how you feel. You can read some of my posts and they are depressing. I had bad experiences with paxil and zoloft. I feel better today after a horrible day yesterday. The doc should have maybe started you at 5mg if you had a bad time with other meds as I did. But if you are not having any bad side effects I guess it does not matter. Do you have anything else such as xanax or klonopin. These help, I take xanax it helps me through bad times and helps me sleep. But you dont want to take a lot. I take under 1mg per day. I wake up in the middle of the night break off a little piece and it helps. Talk to your doc!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have done a lot of searching on lexapro and it can take up to 8 weeks to feel better. I have read many posts on message boards. I have gotten some good results but get so frustrated that it does not happen quicker. I have almost completed my 4th week and you have just started. Hang in there it is tough as hell!!!!!!!!!!!! Your going to have good days and very bad days. I cried all day yesterday and dont really know why. But today I feel better and dont know why. Feel free to email me and we can exchange sob stories. I also check this board all the time for new posts. I have a vette in the garage that I had not driven in 5 months until last week. I fear leaving the house by myself. Only left twice in 5 months. So you are further than I am!!!! Take care and dont give up!!!!!!!!
Posted by denise528 on March 11, 2003, at 11:37:42
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » Sadsack, posted by Dysfunk on March 10, 2003, at 13:56:42
> Sadsack:
>
> Thanks for your support. I am currently awaiting a call from my doctor any minute now. He did renew my script. I have to see if I am going up or down on it. I am so discouraged cause I have no real reason to be depressed and to cry, and I feel that way. It is like my body has a difficiency. I hate it. :^(Sadsack,
Just wanted to say and I know it's no consolation, that I know exactly how you're feeling and not knowing why makes it even worse as far as I'm concerned. If we knew why then maybe we could do something about it, I wish it was my job, my boyfriend, anything then I could change that but to feel crap for no reason is awful, when I'm feeling bad I could be sitting on an paradise island on a beautiful day and still feel awful. That's the worse thing about it there seems to be nothing that you can do that can change the way you feel, I always feel totally powerless.
I was saying to my boyfriend (if you can still call him that, I no longer feel like a human being never mind anyones girlfriend) that I have endured this nightmare for almost two years now and I don't even know how or why it all started.I would say hang on in there but it's a lot easier said than done, that said we haven't got much choice really have we.
Just wondering if you've tried Zyprexa, 10mg has helped me in the past. Also, what about ECT, would you consider this?
Denise
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 11, 2003, at 21:56:01
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by denise528 on March 11, 2003, at 11:37:42
Hi! I know that all seems so helpless and that nothing will work! But things will really get better. You need to give your meds a chance and not get so upset so soon. I was on the wrong meds for over a year and gained over 55 lbs and almost lost my husband and children. Today after 4 1/2 months of being on the correct meds (wellbutrin sr 150 mgs twice a day, and just recently bumped to 30 mg of Lexapro once a day) I am feeling great! You just need to give the meds time to work in your system so your system can rebalance with them. It does work. Just all of you need to hang tight. They say anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks to start feeling something. If you feel after two weeks it might not be enough contact your doc and they can bump you up a bit. Take care!NISJPPMD
Posted by blkvettes on March 12, 2003, at 20:43:18
In reply to ReNo More Good News Lex is not working » denise528, posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 11, 2003, at 21:56:01
I was on an online chat this evening about panic attacks. They started talking about chocolate. One person said it raised serotonin and does other things for the brain. I found this interesting since I quit eating chocolate months before I went to my 5 months of hell. I was a chocolate junkie and started researching. Sure enough this is said to be true. The reason I quit was because of insomnia. I dont know if there is a connection but I just ate my 1st candy bar in 8 months. Research it and you may be surprised. If you research panic attacks they say avoid chocolate. I have nothing to lose!!!!!!!!!! I will post back later to update if this helps or not.
Posted by Sadsack on March 12, 2003, at 22:16:53
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by denise528 on March 11, 2003, at 11:37:42
Hey Denise, just remember that none of this is your fault. And bless your boyfriend for hanging in there. It's sometimes as hard on them as us. I used to feel guilty about what my husband went thru with me but then I realized that I'd stick by him if he developed an illness that he couldn't cure. So I guess it's just part of being in a relationship. Are you sure that if you were on a tropical island you wouldn't feel a little better? I think I might, at least for a while. But I know my disease and I know that relief comes fleetingly at first then in larger increments then finally I have more good days than bad. Then I get off meds for awhile and do ok. I always try to retain some little fragment of hope. During the worst of it I cut myself some slack. When I need to cry, I cry. When I need to have a pity party, I carve out a safe place and do it. Trying to be brave all the time sucks eggs and more to the point, doesn't move you any closer to a cure.
I haven't tried Zyprexa, haven't even heard of it, what's it supposed to do? As for ECT, yes, I would try it if all other methods failed. It's a much kinder gentler procedure than it used to be. It's not a first choice though.
So far the Lexapro is ok. It's not as good as the effexor when I furst used it (then it pooped out). I don't know yet if I will ask to kick the Lex up to 30 or just wait for a little sunshine and warm weather to come my way-that may help. I've got a doc who usually will go along with whatever I think will help. (Good thing I'm fairly educated about my options!) Hang in there and don't hesitate to complain to your doc if what you're using isn't working. They assume everything is ok if you don't keep going back. I don't think it's lack of interest, just that they're busy and often don't have the staff to follow up like they should.>
Good Luck Girlfriend, hope something works for you soon. Take Care,
Sadsack> Sadsack:
> Just wanted to say and I know it's no consolation, that I know exactly how you're feeling and not knowing why makes it even worse as far as I'm concerned. If we knew why then maybe we could do something about it, I wish it was my job, my boyfriend, anything then I could change that but to feel crap for no reason is awful, when I'm feeling bad I could be sitting on an paradise island on a beautiful day and still feel awful. That's the worse thing about it there seems to be nothing that you can do that can change the way you feel, I always feel totally powerless.
> I was saying to my boyfriend (if you can still call him that, I no longer feel like a human being never mind anyones girlfriend) that I have endured this nightmare for almost two years now and I don't even know how or why it all started.
>
> I would say hang on in there but it's a lot easier said than done, that said we haven't got much choice really have we.
>
> Just wondering if you've tried Zyprexa, 10mg has helped me in the past. Also, what about ECT, would you consider this?
>
>
>
> Denise
Posted by Sadsack on March 12, 2003, at 22:24:47
In reply to CHOCOLATE AND SEROTONIN, posted by blkvettes on March 12, 2003, at 20:43:18
I for one believe I have been self medicating with chocolate for YEARS. Ask any woman what they crave during "pms season" and you'll hear CHOCOLATE! Chocolate does have some caffeine and that could be why you weren't sleeping. But, the boost in your mood is proven-so it's a trade off. Maybe you should try to avoid it late in the day or "pace yourself" so you don't go back to the insomnia thing. Hope it works for you.
Take Care,
Sadsack
I was on an online chat this evening about panic attacks. They started talking about chocolate. One person said it raised serotonin and does other things for the brain. I found this interesting since I quit eating chocolate months before I went to my 5 months of hell. I was a chocolate junkie and started researching. Sure enough this is said to be true. The reason I quit was because of insomnia. I dont know if there is a connection but I just ate my 1st candy bar in 8 months. Research it and you may be surprised. If you research panic attacks they say avoid chocolate. I have nothing to lose!!!!!!!!!! I will post back later to update if this helps or not.
Posted by male34 on March 13, 2003, at 10:07:31
In reply to CHOCOLATE AND SEROTONIN, posted by blkvettes on March 12, 2003, at 20:43:18
IF I EAT BLACK DARK CHOCALATE ENTEMANS DONUTS FOR EXAMPLE THE NEXT DAY IM ANXIUOS ,I THINK CHOCOLATE ESPECIALY DARK CHOCLATE IS NOT GOOD FOR ANXIETY, JUST MY THOUGHTS HOPE TO HELP
Posted by mills on March 13, 2003, at 10:23:54
In reply to Re: CHOCOLATE AND SEROTONIN, posted by male34 on March 13, 2003, at 10:07:31
wouldn't it be something if the answer to all the world's anxiety was a piece of chocolate; would send pfizer and forest labs into a tale spin; and i would have resolved my constant worry about what i should be doing with my life by going into the chocolate business, thereby killing two birds with one stone, or is that one bird with two stones?
> IF I EAT BLACK DARK CHOCALATE ENTEMANS DONUTS FOR EXAMPLE THE NEXT DAY IM ANXIUOS ,I THINK CHOCOLATE ESPECIALY DARK CHOCLATE IS NOT GOOD FOR ANXIETY, JUST MY THOUGHTS HOPE TO HELP
Posted by Kathii on March 13, 2003, at 15:14:54
In reply to Hershey's Bar a Day Keeps Insanity Away!!, posted by mills on March 13, 2003, at 10:23:54
Yeeeeaaarrrsss ago, I had a boyfriend who would bring me the HUGE Hershey's Special Dark candy bar (my fave) whenever I was severely depressed. Maybe he was on to something?
Chocolate certainly would be cheaper as far as meds are concerned, but wouldn't our dental bills go up? ;)
> wouldn't it be something if the answer to all the world's anxiety was a piece of chocolate; would send pfizer and forest labs into a tale spin; and i would have resolved my constant worry about what i should be doing with my life by going into the chocolate business, thereby killing two birds with one stone, or is that one bird with two stones?
>
>
> > IF I EAT BLACK DARK CHOCALATE ENTEMANS DONUTS FOR EXAMPLE THE NEXT DAY IM ANXIUOS ,I THINK CHOCOLATE ESPECIALY DARK CHOCLATE IS NOT GOOD FOR ANXIETY, JUST MY THOUGHTS HOPE TO HELP
>
>
Posted by Krissy P on March 13, 2003, at 18:45:56
In reply to Re: Hershey's Bar a Day Keeps Insanity Away!!, posted by Kathii on March 13, 2003, at 15:14:54
Hi, Years ago my boyfriend at the time looooooooooved eating those miniature Hershey Dark Chocolate candy. He loved them and I remember reading somewhere recently that they had a compound in them to help mood-I swear lol
Wonder if that's true.
Pretty cool huh?
Kristen
==================================================================================================> Yeeeeaaarrrsss ago, I had a boyfriend who would bring me the HUGE Hershey's Special Dark candy bar (my fave) whenever I was severely depressed. Maybe he was on to something?
>
> Chocolate certainly would be cheaper as far as meds are concerned, but wouldn't our dental bills go up? ;)
>
>
> > wouldn't it be something if the answer to all the world's anxiety was a piece of chocolate; would send pfizer and forest labs into a tale spin; and i would have resolved my constant worry about what i should be doing with my life by going into the chocolate business, thereby killing two birds with one stone, or is that one bird with two stones?
> >
> >
> > > IF I EAT BLACK DARK CHOCALATE ENTEMANS DONUTS FOR EXAMPLE THE NEXT DAY IM ANXIUOS ,I THINK CHOCOLATE ESPECIALY DARK CHOCLATE IS NOT GOOD FOR ANXIETY, JUST MY THOUGHTS HOPE TO HELP
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by oldhand on March 13, 2003, at 21:07:45
In reply to Re: Hershey's Bar a Day Keeps Insanity Away!! » Kathii, posted by Krissy P on March 13, 2003, at 18:45:56
I ate TWO Cadbury's caramel eggs last night and feel GREAT! Can't keep it up though as I finally lost some weight from the Celexa/Remeron cocktail I was on before Lex. Grin
Posted by BJS on March 14, 2003, at 0:54:59
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » hushpup, posted by EGR on February 7, 2003, at 20:42:45
It has been four months now, and Honestly I really can’t say that I have any complaints about lexapro. The major difference I noticed when I switched to lexapro was that I did not need as much sleep. Celexa was actually sedating me and I didn’t even realize it. I went from sleeping 9-12 hours a night and wakening up exhausted to only needing to sleep 8-9 hours, and feeling well rested.
Posted by Krissy P on March 14, 2003, at 1:15:42
In reply to Re: Hershey's Bar a Day Keeps Insanity Away!! » Krissy P, posted by oldhand on March 13, 2003, at 21:07:45
LOL LOL I hear ya:-) Good for your weight loss on your cocktail of Remeron and Celexa!! Can I ask if you get or did you get really bad aches and joint pain when you first started on Remeron? I had a scoop of chocolate fudge ice cream tonight.I won't talk about chocolate anymore. *grin*
All the best, Kristen
==================================================================================================
I ate TWO Cadbury's caramel eggs last night and feel GREAT! Can't keep it up though as I finally lost some weight from the Celexa/Remeron cocktail I was on before Lex. Grin
Posted by lcg4 on March 14, 2003, at 15:01:06
In reply to CHOCOLATE AND SEROTONIN, posted by blkvettes on March 12, 2003, at 20:43:18
My 14 year old son has been on 10 mg Paxil since Sept.2002. He got a terrible nose bleed today. Could the paxil cause this. Just wondered if this has happened to anyone else on SSRI's.
Posted by blkvettes on March 14, 2003, at 15:31:17
In reply to Paxil and Nose Bleeds, posted by lcg4 on March 14, 2003, at 15:01:06
> My 14 year old son has been on 10 mg Paxil since Sept.2002. He got a terrible nose bleed today. Could the paxil cause this. Just wondered if this has happened to anyone else on SSRI's.
Hi there it is listed as a very rare side effect. Go to this site for infohttp://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/PAX1319.HTM
Posted by oldhand on March 14, 2003, at 19:01:43
In reply to Re: Hershey's Bar a Day Keeps Insanity Away!! » oldhand, posted by Krissy P on March 14, 2003, at 1:15:42
> LOL LOL I hear ya:-) Good for your weight loss on your cocktail of Remeron and Celexa!! Can I ask if you get or did you get really bad aches and joint pain when you first started on Remeron? I had a scoop of chocolate fudge ice cream tonight.I won't talk about chocolate anymore. *grin*
> All the best, Kristen
> ==================================================================================================
> I ate TWO Cadbury's caramel eggs last night and feel GREAT! Can't keep it up though as I finally lost some weight from the Celexa/Remeron cocktail I was on before Lex. Grin
>
>I don't remember any particular aches and pains on the Celexa/Remeron, but I am 53 and have general aches alot, not to mention a big dog that pulls me around. Being overweight affected my knees, my breathing and I had the "sneeze/weturpants syndrome". ;} I was also sedated on the combination so switched to Lexapro (after a horrific trial and withdrawal on Effexor). Now am happy on Lexapro and have lost 20+ of the 50 pounds I gained. I have a waist again!!!!
Keep well........
Posted by Krissy P on March 14, 2003, at 21:23:59
In reply to Re: Hershey's Bar a Day Keeps Insanity Away!! » Krissy P, posted by oldhand on March 14, 2003, at 19:01:43
Posted by Dysfunk on March 15, 2003, at 13:52:22
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » Dysfunk, posted by Sadsack on March 9, 2003, at 23:40:43
As you may have read, I went from feeling good when I increased my dosage to 20 mg of Lex, then suddenly dipped down into quite a depression. It lasted about 4 days, maybe even mildly for a week. I decided to ride it out with the slim chance it may start working again for me.
Well, I did come out of that depression and feel pretty good, but I am not sleeping well now. I find it hard to fall asleep at night with Temazepan and Xanax (which I have taken all along). I have restless sleeps. Wake up tired. I do feel energized at strange times- and feel like sleeping midday. My workouts have given me more energy, but I can't seem to shut the energy off to sleep.
My doctor is away. I decided to still giving Lex a chance. Unless I dip into a depression again, I will stick this out. Still feeling anxiety tho.
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 15, 2003, at 15:05:27
In reply to Lex working? Not working for me? My update., posted by Dysfunk on March 15, 2003, at 13:52:22
Hi Dysfunk! I am glad your out of your slump!! May I ask what time of day are you taking your lexapro? I found that if I take it in the afternoon with my other doses of stuff that It works much better for me. I too went through that at midday I wanted to sleep. And I read on a post to try at the after noon or night time, so I did and so far so good. Just thought you might like to know! HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!:)
NISJPPMD
Posted by pumpkin on March 15, 2003, at 21:14:31
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have been reading the messages that you guys
have been posting, and decided to write myself.I was stabilized on meds. for over 10 years, but
my whole world fell apart about 2 years ago.The "quack" doctor I had at the time took me
off "cold turkey", and I listened, because at that
time I was very gullable?Since then, I have been tried on so many meds..
I had to be hospitalized twice, and went through
9 shock treatments. It's been very very hard
alot, but I know that the Lord has a purpose
for me, and He has been my strength through it
all!Needless to say, I was diagnosed as Bi-Polar
(runs in family), but my new doctor still has
doubts.I knew that I was going to go off my meds., and
talked to my doctor about it. He helped me to
get off my anti-depressant, and we were working
on my mood stabilizer. I thought that I had been
in enough pain, and I was willing to risk again
to bring my body back to "normal" to see what
exactly was going on. It's terrible to not feel
yourself!Meanwhile, my counselor called me, and told me
of a med that might help. I was hesitant (not
another!), but I prayed- and knew that he, and
many others have been praying, so I kept it in the
back of my mind.I went down more on my mood stabilizer, and believe me- it was hard! But worth it. I was
returning, I knew it, but something was not right.
I couldn't see the "mania", but I was getting
more deeply depressed. This scared me alittle-
but I went on,through alot of talking (prayer)
to the Lord.Went to my doctors, and told him that I cry over
ANYTHING! I told him what my counselor had said,
and we met at a common ground. I would try one
more time (he left the decision to me) with this
anti-depressant (Lexapro). His decision was not
to go down anymore on my mood stabilizer. I
agreed. Came home and prayed again. I was scared, but decided to try it.I tried 5mg. since my system is so very sensitive.
Felt weird, and started to panic alittle, but
I knew that I would have to ride it out. The
next day, I felt weird still, but something was
changing. Still depressed, my stomach bothered
me alittle, and I was going to just forget it!Again, I prayed, and decided to try just one more
night. Took another dose and couldn't get to
sleep. Oh no! I did finially get to sleep.The next day, I still felt weird, but I woke up
earlier. My stomach didn't bother me as much.
Oh yeah- the "flu" like symptoms started to leave
also. I did eat alittle more. BUT- I felt better! I even got some work done around the
house! I decided not to get my hopes up to high
though (that is hard-especially when your feeling
better)!Around 4 p.m., I started to get really "hyper"
and couldn't think straight. My mood went down,
and I couldn't sleep. I decided that since my
doctor was thinking about uping my mood stabilizer, I would listen to what he wanted to
do. I uped my stabilizer, and went to bed. No
problems really about getting to sleep.DUMB IDEA! The next day was BAD! I was so
depressed! I couldn't get out of it the whole
day! Lord, help me! I went back on my usual
dose of stabilizer, and called my doctor. He
isen't good for calling back- no matter what. I
have called him maybe 3-4 times in the last 2
years. Anyway...Today, I have been so tired. Thank the Lord that
it is the weekend. I had to take a nap today.
I fought it and fought it. I have neck problems,
and think that the med also has a side effect
which triggers it, but nothing that a Tylenol
won't help with. My appetite is better too. I
kinda feel that I've wasted a beautiful day, but
that's the way it goes. Usually, I'm pretty
much up and around with my family, but they know
that I go through these times.My main concern is that I don't want to get "hyper" again. I hate not being able to
sleep. I went through that with the last anti-
depressant. But the blessing is that if I do-
I know that I'm probably Bi-Polar, and be helped
the way I should. All this time, no one could
get a decent "grasp" on what has been going on.
My family past has been hidden by alcohol, and
it's been hard. Now, however, everything is
coming out to the open. Thank the Lord!Anyway, I hope that what I've said so far is
making some sort of sense. Emotionally, I'm
feeling pretty good again. One step at a time!
I'll continue to write as long as I can. Feel
free to e-mail back. Thanks for your messages!
I do want to say that I wish that all doctors
would send their patients to the net. I was
going to just quit- until I read some of the
messages that were posted! Alot of my problems
were "symptoms" of the sickness. I never would
have known that without you guys!Thanks, and may our Lord bless you and your week!
Posted by Edgefield on March 15, 2003, at 21:36:40
In reply to RE: Another newcomer, posted by pumpkin on March 15, 2003, at 21:14:31
*******Pumpkin, thank you for your testimony. It's so good to hear from other Christians. I found it very encouraging. Praise God that you are recovering. You will get better. I was on Lexapro, it is a good med., but I am doing better on Prozac and Neurontin. I pray that we will all be blessed with health and peace.
God Bless
Edgefield
> I have been reading the messages that you guys
> have been posting, and decided to write myself.
>
> I was stabilized on meds. for over 10 years, but
> my whole world fell apart about 2 years ago.
>
> The "quack" doctor I had at the time took me
> off "cold turkey", and I listened, because at that
> time I was very gullable?
>
> Since then, I have been tried on so many meds..
> I had to be hospitalized twice, and went through
> 9 shock treatments. It's been very very hard
> alot, but I know that the Lord has a purpose
> for me, and He has been my strength through it
> all!
>
> Needless to say, I was diagnosed as Bi-Polar
> (runs in family), but my new doctor still has
> doubts.
>
> I knew that I was going to go off my meds., and
> talked to my doctor about it. He helped me to
> get off my anti-depressant, and we were working
> on my mood stabilizer. I thought that I had been
> in enough pain, and I was willing to risk again
> to bring my body back to "normal" to see what
> exactly was going on. It's terrible to not feel
> yourself!
>
> Meanwhile, my counselor called me, and told me
> of a med that might help. I was hesitant (not
> another!), but I prayed- and knew that he, and
> many others have been praying, so I kept it in the
> back of my mind.
>
> I went down more on my mood stabilizer, and believe me- it was hard! But worth it. I was
> returning, I knew it, but something was not right.
> I couldn't see the "mania", but I was getting
> more deeply depressed. This scared me alittle-
> but I went on,through alot of talking (prayer)
> to the Lord.
>
> Went to my doctors, and told him that I cry over
> ANYTHING! I told him what my counselor had said,
> and we met at a common ground. I would try one
> more time (he left the decision to me) with this
> anti-depressant (Lexapro). His decision was not
> to go down anymore on my mood stabilizer. I
> agreed. Came home and prayed again. I was scared, but decided to try it.
>
> I tried 5mg. since my system is so very sensitive.
> Felt weird, and started to panic alittle, but
> I knew that I would have to ride it out. The
> next day, I felt weird still, but something was
> changing. Still depressed, my stomach bothered
> me alittle, and I was going to just forget it!
>
> Again, I prayed, and decided to try just one more
> night. Took another dose and couldn't get to
> sleep. Oh no! I did finially get to sleep.
>
> The next day, I still felt weird, but I woke up
> earlier. My stomach didn't bother me as much.
> Oh yeah- the "flu" like symptoms started to leave
> also. I did eat alittle more. BUT- I felt better! I even got some work done around the
> house! I decided not to get my hopes up to high
> though (that is hard-especially when your feeling
> better)!
>
> Around 4 p.m., I started to get really "hyper"
> and couldn't think straight. My mood went down,
> and I couldn't sleep. I decided that since my
> doctor was thinking about uping my mood stabilizer, I would listen to what he wanted to
> do. I uped my stabilizer, and went to bed. No
> problems really about getting to sleep.
>
> DUMB IDEA! The next day was BAD! I was so
> depressed! I couldn't get out of it the whole
> day! Lord, help me! I went back on my usual
> dose of stabilizer, and called my doctor. He
> isen't good for calling back- no matter what. I
> have called him maybe 3-4 times in the last 2
> years. Anyway...
>
> Today, I have been so tired. Thank the Lord that
> it is the weekend. I had to take a nap today.
> I fought it and fought it. I have neck problems,
> and think that the med also has a side effect
> which triggers it, but nothing that a Tylenol
> won't help with. My appetite is better too. I
> kinda feel that I've wasted a beautiful day, but
> that's the way it goes. Usually, I'm pretty
> much up and around with my family, but they know
> that I go through these times.
>
> My main concern is that I don't want to get "hyper" again. I hate not being able to
> sleep. I went through that with the last anti-
> depressant. But the blessing is that if I do-
> I know that I'm probably Bi-Polar, and be helped
> the way I should. All this time, no one could
> get a decent "grasp" on what has been going on.
> My family past has been hidden by alcohol, and
> it's been hard. Now, however, everything is
> coming out to the open. Thank the Lord!
>
> Anyway, I hope that what I've said so far is
> making some sort of sense. Emotionally, I'm
> feeling pretty good again. One step at a time!
> I'll continue to write as long as I can. Feel
> free to e-mail back. Thanks for your messages!
> I do want to say that I wish that all doctors
> would send their patients to the net. I was
> going to just quit- until I read some of the
> messages that were posted! Alot of my problems
> were "symptoms" of the sickness. I never would
> have known that without you guys!
>
> Thanks, and may our Lord bless you and your week!
>
>
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Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Script revised: February 4, 2008
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