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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JudithC on May 6, 2000, at 14:08:44
Will try my very best to make this as short as possible. I need help from y'all; and I have been reading and reading in the archives attempting to educate myself as best I can with this feeble,56 1/2 year old brain,but still can't figure out what to do nor how to do it.
Developed panic attacks in my early 20's but hobbled along medicationless for years and years...guess that I had depression too,but ignored that as best I could as well as the panic since no one of my generation discusses this sort of thing. Then in 1994 the panic attacks became unbearable so the internist put me on Ativan which seemed fine to me,because I trusted him and I certainly didn't know what I was getting into. He eventually upped the initial dose from 2 milligrams to 6 milligrams over an almost 3 years span. THEN due to insurance changes,I had to change internists and the new one insisted that I come off of the Ativan explaining just how toxic this drug was to my body,etc. The withdrawal was a living nightmare and it went too quickly...in but weeks instead of months...by October 1,1997, I then was referred to a psychopharmacologist who put me on Zyprexa and Prozac. The Zyprexa "stopped" the wretched panic/anxiety and the Prozac caused me mental anguish plus tinnitus. I took Zyprexa (10 milligrams for 2 years in addition to trying Zoloft,Dexedrine,Neurontin,Lithium (forgot about this earlier,HarryB),Remeron,Wellbutrin,Desipramine, and now to Celexa and Adderall along with Sonata. The Prozac and now the Celexa have caused tinnitus;the Prozac and the Wellbutrin caused anxiety;the rest of the drugs caused a tremendous sedation which could be due to the Zyprexa of course,but the Dexedrine barely affected me. From the get go the Celexa has caused muscle pain in my back and left arm,jaw clenching plus the tinnitus and insomnia and then the Adderall began exacerbating the muscle pain which leaves me totally fatigued and miserable since I can only hack the use of a snippet of Adderall when I need to get up and function with household chores or errand running. Soooo,the Ativan long term use and at a high dose presented me with major depression,anxiety overtones,physical problems and a doctor who has tried everything he knows to help me drug wise. He has thrown up his hands and maybe,just maybe, has suggested the use of Reboxetine. What do you think???? I am worn out and don't know what to do....truly. JudithC
Posted by harry b. on May 6, 2000, at 18:26:15
In reply to Call to Arms from the Old One...., posted by JudithC on May 6, 2000, at 14:08:44
Hi Judith- Wow, that's a lot of meds. Sorry you
have had to endure all that. You did not mention
trying Elavil or Klonopin. About 15yrs ago Elavil
stopped my panic attacks completely. Since then
I have been taking Klonopin and am panic attack
free.There have been a few times (only a few) when I
felt the beginnings of an attack but I was
able to stop it by taking deep breaths and
focusing my thoughts on something other than
myself and my fear.I hope you are able to find the help you need.
I'll be thinking of you.
Posted by Phil on May 6, 2000, at 19:06:42
In reply to Call to Arms from the Old One...., posted by JudithC on May 6, 2000, at 14:08:44
I agree with Harry. I was on Amitriptyline for several years and take Klonopin now.
Seems like Paxil may be worth a shot and maybe trying Ritalin for a little boost.
Phil
Posted by JudithC on May 7, 2000, at 5:13:30
In reply to Re: Call to Arms from the Old One...., posted by Phil on May 6, 2000, at 19:06:42
Thank you,guys (Harry B and Phil)for the input.
Have written down the drugs y'all mentioned and will read up on them;although,I already know that the Klonopin will not be considered by the doctor since it's a benzo and I can't have a benzo at all due to the Ativan thingy.
You know,I admire this group on Babble immensely,because y'all are totally aware of drugs and treatment...not at all permitting the medical profession to push you around with pills,etc. Your "awareness" is the key. I have this hindsight too late sort of.
JudithC
Posted by Noa on May 7, 2000, at 13:36:50
In reply to Re: Call to Arms from the Old One...., posted by JudithC on May 7, 2000, at 5:13:30
Thyroid Lady here-
It might be worthwhile to see an endocrinologist. Acc. to The Thryoid Solution, thryoid imbalances can cause panic attacks. And thyroid-related psych. problems can get worse at midlife.
Posted by Brandon on May 8, 2000, at 0:18:27
In reply to Re: Call to Arms from the Old One...., posted by Noa on May 7, 2000, at 13:36:50
I have seen a small dose of Dilantin (50-100mgs.) do wonders for myself and a couple of others for anxiety. I have no firsthand experience with it and panic attacks tho'.
Good Luck :)
Brandon
This is the end of the thread.
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