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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by keeley on April 28, 2000, at 6:59:07
A couple of months ago I was taken off Effexor quite abruptly, due to an increase in blood pressure. I went thru lousy withdrawal symptoms. I don't think I feel quite well yet. I couldn't start a new anti-depressant, cause I was too physically sick and wouldn't know if it was the new drug or withdrawal. I desperately need relief from anxiety too. Depression is at it worst. I can't go on things like Xanax, had a seizure from withdrawl from that. I had attempted suicide and took 120 2mg. tabs, plus other things. I am still here to say even that much couldn't kill. When I came out of the hospital, guess what the doctor, a psych, head of the dept. let me have Xanax again, complete with 120 pills for a month. the max dose. This drug was supposed to be a short-term thing, unbeknownst to me. I was on it over 10 years. That idiot of a doc, finally retired and the next psych. said off you go off of Xanax. SEVERAL friggin months of hell. Just sick. Well today, I am at my wits end. Stopped Effexor because of hpertension. I had gained a tremendous amount of weight from it. Weight was a reason why I tried to kill myself. So no meds, tried to diet, lost 12 lbs. But still hypertensive. Went to a seminar to quit smoking 2 days ago, hypnotist. The next day, my blood pressure was excellent. But.....not in the state of mind to remain off, infact, starting smoking the very next day. Can't afford to gain the weight either. Just troubling. Very bad state of mind. Not on anti-depressants, actually fear these things anymore. Just have to lose weight, pressure here for my own mind's sake. Never been heavy in my life til last two years. Blood pressure, do I smoke or not? That will keep my weight from zooming up but my blood pressure will go up too. Lot's of problems here. Gum surgery. Went to dentist every 6 months, now after years of complaints of pain under teeth, she finally said go to peridontist. 1000.00 procedure, only to find 5 weeks later, another procedure is warranted......2500.00 and not guaranteed. Bad back, bad knee and a growth on a nerve in a foot. Pain, pain, pain just everywhere. I am a nervous wreck, so so depressed. I really can't handle all this now. Any comment would be appreciate. Keeley
Posted by C.M. on April 28, 2000, at 7:49:36
In reply to Depression-it's killing me!, posted by keeley on April 28, 2000, at 6:59:07
I feel for you. Sounds like a very trouble some time.
You might consider the antidepressant Elavil(Amitriptyline). It has anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and sedative like properties. It has also been used to treat chronic pain. If you can tolerate Elavil, it may well be worth it.
If you could use and tolerate a combo of tricylic antidepressants, you might try Elavil with Vivactil. Vivactil is somewhat stimulating with a faster onset of action in treating depression. Elavil would be more calming, and has a faster onset for relieving anxiety than depression. Vivactil is usually taken in the morning because of the stimuation. Hope it works out for you.
Take Care
C.M.
This is the end of the thread.
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