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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mcrcgo on December 2, 2004, at 18:51:38
I was diagnosed with Major Deppressive Order recently and in the past was diagnosed as having Dystimic Disorder. A month ago I was told I am bi-polar. I don't know what to believe, but the doc. prescribed Zoloft for me. I've only been on it for two days. How long before I feel better? Cause the only thing I notice is I talk alot for a while, then I want to sleep or be quite, or left alone. Is this normal?
Posted by alexandra_k on December 3, 2004, at 16:42:35
In reply to Just diagnosed, posted by mcrcgo on December 2, 2004, at 18:51:38
Hi there! With regards to your diagnoses dysthymia is a kind of general, low grade depression. So somebody can have that, and then go from there to a major depressive episode with the dysthymia still there when the major depression remits. Depression is considered to be a unipolar disorder in the sense that you aren't supposed to be diagnosed with it if you have even a single manic episode. As soon as you have at least one manic episode then you have a bi-polar (low with at least one high) mood disorder. Does this make sense?
Your question about zoloft would be very appropriate to the psychobabble board. I dont know anything about it myself...
Welcome to babble :-)
Posted by mcrcgo on December 3, 2004, at 17:29:32
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed » mcrcgo, posted by alexandra_k on December 3, 2004, at 16:42:35
Thanks for responding. Well, sometimes I am fine and happy. Other times, well, most of the time I am depressed, sad, easily upset, irritated, feel like if I was to die then it'd be better. With this meds, I've only taken it for 3 days and I don't notice any change other than I am tired alot. So I am not sure if this sounds like bi-polar or not.
Posted by alexandra_k on December 3, 2004, at 18:43:41
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed, posted by mcrcgo on December 3, 2004, at 17:29:32
> Thanks for responding. Well, sometimes I am fine and happy. Other times, well, most of the time I am depressed, sad, easily upset, irritated, feel like if I was to die then it'd be better.
I guess that could be a lot of things... but sounds pretty similar to the reasons why I was diagnosed with dysthymia.
>With this meds, I've only taken it for 3 days and I don't notice any change other than I am tired alot. So I am not sure if this sounds like bi-polar or not.
Hmm. I guess that the bi-polar dx is more in virtue of your having had a depressed mood along with at least one episode of mania (though at different times). Now, I am not sure on your specific medication but I think that most of the anti-depressant type medications take a couple of weeks before they are supposed to start helping. They kind of need to build up in your system. And I think that some of the meds don't reach their max effectiveness until maybe a month.
Some meds can have a side effect of sedation. I have been on meds where I felt really tired for maybe a few days until a week until my body got used to them. Maybe this is it for you, and it will get better over the next week or so, or maybe the tiredness is part of your depression / dysthymia.
Because you have some fairly specific questions and I am not sure what to say, and I know that there are others at babble who may be much more helpful in this respect than me I hope you don't mind my redirecting this to the babble board???
(ok so I duplicated my post here too to make sure that you see I responded)
I have never tried to do this before, so lets see how it goes...
Of course you are welcome to stay here too and chat :-)
Posted by Peddidle on December 4, 2004, at 0:03:53
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed, posted by mcrcgo on December 3, 2004, at 17:29:32
I have been on zoloft for about 5 years...I was originally told I had OCD, but I am now being told I have dysthymia and adjustment disorder.
I don't really remember how long it took for me to begin to feel anything from the zoloft (especially because, at that time, I was 14 and I didn't really think there was anything wrong with me), but I know it will probably take a few weeks for you to start to feel better, and then a few more weeks before to feel the full benefit.
I don't remember having the side-effects you described, but I do remember I would get headaches in the beginning, and then each time the dose was raised.
Posted by alexandra_k on December 5, 2004, at 2:06:40
In reply to Just diagnosed, posted by mcrcgo on December 2, 2004, at 18:51:38
Do you think that these are symptoms that started up because of the medication, or were they maybe there already?
Maybe they will settle down in a week... When do you see your p-doc again? Maybe mention them to him / her
Posted by mcrcgo on December 5, 2004, at 18:34:19
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed » mcrcgo, posted by alexandra_k on December 5, 2004, at 2:06:40
No, I only know that I have a hard time sleeping at night. I want to stay awake and sleep during the day. The symptoms were there before, I guess, but I never really talked alot. So I am not sure if it's the meds. The doc told me to look out for signs of mania. Do you know what that is? Would it have already showed up now or maybe later?
Posted by alexandra_k on December 8, 2004, at 1:12:59
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed, posted by mcrcgo on December 5, 2004, at 18:34:19
> No, I only know that I have a hard time sleeping at night. I want to stay awake and sleep during the day.
How long have you had trouble with that?
I do that too, but have been doing it for years now. Has that been just since you started your meds? Do you take them in the morning or in the evening? Round about what time?>The symptoms were there before, I guess, but I never really talked alot. So I am not sure if it's the meds.
Well, hopefully they will improve once you have adjusted to your meds!
>The doc told me to look out for signs of mania. Do you know what that is? Would it have already showed up now or maybe later?
Aw, did he tell you to look out for it and then not even make sure that you knew what he was talking about?! Shame on him :-(
I think that it would be a good idea to write down a list of any questions that you may have and maybe send him a copy so he has the chance to think about them and can answer next time he sees you. Or you could just take the list along with you when you go see him and ask him the questions off the list.I say that because I am not a doctor, and I figure that he is much better placed to figure out what is going on for you than I am. There is all sorts of stuff that might factor in that I have never even heard of.
But that being said I do know what mania is.
I guess most people say that they get a really 'high' or 'happy' feeling. They feel kind of reckless and invulnerable and tend to do stuff like binge spending, going out and meeting new people and going home with them, not sleeping for days etc etc. If that kind of thing happens for you and then you fall into a depression after, well, then that is a sign of bi-polar or 'manic-depression'.Some people experience quite intense highs that last for days and this is true bi-polar. Other people have manic's, but not so extreme or intense. You may get a lesser version? If you have people around you, they should notice that something is going on, otherwise the manic will pass only to be replaced by depression. Then you will know.
Now I don't have bipolar and have never had a manic so ... take with a grain of salt.
Hey, I am sorry I stuffed up fowarding your post to psychobabble, that didn't work out like I had hoped.
You could try posting something to there, though. There are more people on that board to read your post and respond to it.
Otherwise, when do you see your Dr. next?
Posted by Peddidle on December 8, 2004, at 1:27:32
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed, posted by mcrcgo on December 5, 2004, at 18:34:19
> No, I only know that I have a hard time sleeping at night. I want to stay awake and sleep during the day.
I have this same exact problem...it began when I started college last year. I have always been more of a "night owl", but now I regularly find myself staying up until 5, 6, 7, in the morning and then sleeping until 4 or 5 in the afternoon. I tell people I'm nocturnal....I don't even know if it's possible for humans to be nocturnal, but it's the best way I can think of to describe it.
Posted by mcrcgo on December 8, 2004, at 7:21:07
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed » mcrcgo, posted by alexandra_k on December 8, 2004, at 1:12:59
> > No, I only know that I have a hard time sleeping at night. I want to stay awake and sleep during the day.
> How long have you had trouble with that?
> I do that too, but have been doing it for years now. Has that been just since you started your meds? Do you take them in the morning or in the evening? Round about what time?
> It's been going on for a few years off and on. I take my meds in the morning and tend to get really tired afterwards, about a couple of hors or so after I take them.
> >The symptoms were there before, I guess, but I never really talked alot. So I am not sure if it's the meds.
> Well, hopefully they will improve once you have adjusted to your meds!
> >The doc told me to look out for signs of mania. Do you know what that is? Would it have already showed up now or maybe later?
> Aw, did he tell you to look out for it and then not even make sure that you knew what he was talking about?! Shame on him :-(
> I think that it would be a good idea to write down a list of any questions that you may have and maybe send him a copy so he has the chance to think about them and can answer next time he sees you. Or you could just take the list along with you when you go see him and ask him the questions off the list.
> I say that because I am not a doctor, and I figure that he is much better placed to figure out what is going on for you than I am. There is all sorts of stuff that might factor in that I have never even heard of.
> But that being said I do know what mania is.
> I guess most people say that they get a really 'high' or 'happy' feeling. They feel kind of reckless and invulnerable and tend to do stuff like binge spending, going out and meeting new people and going home with them, not sleeping for days etc etc. If that kind of thing happens for you and then you fall into a depression after, well, then that is a sign of bi-polar or 'manic-depression'.
> Some people experience quite intense highs that last for days and this is true bi-polar. Other people have manic's, but not so extreme or intense. You may get a lesser version? If you have people around you, they should notice that something is going on, otherwise the manic will pass only to be replaced by depression. Then you will know.
> Now I don't have bipolar and have never had a manic so ... take with a grain of salt.
> Hey, I am sorry I stuffed up fowarding your post to psychobabble, that didn't work out like I had hoped.
> You could try posting something to there, though. There are more people on that board to read your post and respond to it.
> Otherwise, when do you see your Dr. next?
>
> I see another doctor tomorrow morning at 10. I will take with me a list as you recomended. Hopefully they will be able to answer my questions and tell me if this medicine is good for me or not, cause I don't really feel much better.
Posted by mcrcgo on December 8, 2004, at 7:27:10
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed, posted by Peddidle on December 8, 2004, at 1:27:32
> > No, I only know that I have a hard time sleeping at night. I want to stay awake and sleep during the day.
>
> I have this same exact problem...it began when I started college last year. I have always been more of a "night owl", but now I regularly find myself staying up until 5, 6, 7, in the morning and then sleeping until 4 or 5 in the afternoon. I tell people I'm nocturnal....I don't even know if it's possible for humans to be nocturnal, but it's the best way I can think of to describe it.
>I feel like this too. If I didn't have obligations then I would stay up alot later. I find myself now making myself go to bed earlier than I really want to. It is so hard because I toss and turn and don't feel tired. However during the day it catches up to me. I want to sleep late and have a hard time getting up. I never use to like staying up late. Believe it or not at the age of 18 staying up to 10pm about killed me. Now, I find myself making myself go to bed at least by 2am. I wake up every morning at 6am to make my boyfriend's lunch for work, see him off, and get my 5 year old ready for school. I can't really go back to sleep at that point beecause I'm pretty well awake, plus I have a 8 week old baby to take care of during the day, so I don't really get much sleep.
Posted by alexandra_k on December 8, 2004, at 15:56:35
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed, posted by mcrcgo on December 8, 2004, at 7:21:07
> I take my meds in the morning and tend to get really tired afterwards, about a couple of hours or so after I take them.
Hmm. I was just thinking that maybe your meds have sedation as a side-affect in which case you may be better off taking them in the evening as they may help you get off to sleep.
Some of the newer anti-psychotics have a side affect of sedation (don't be put off by the name, I take them to help reduce anxiety and to help me sleep). I take a pretty small dosage (below 'clinically significant' even) around 7.30 at night and feel tired and sleepy at around 10.30. I have to be careful not to take them too late, though, or I feel dead in the morning.
Let us know what your doctor says, I hope he is helpful and answers your questions in a comprehensible way!
Take care.
Posted by alexandra_k on December 8, 2004, at 15:59:16
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed, posted by Peddidle on December 8, 2004, at 1:27:32
> I have always been more of a "night owl", but now I regularly find myself staying up until 5, 6, 7, in the morning and then sleeping until 4 or 5 in the afternoon. I tell people I'm nocturnal....
I so understand and get this myself! If I don't have work committments to get up for then I am a sleep by 3am wake up bout 12 kinda gal. I kinda like this because I find that I can get into my work undisturbed around this time. But it isn't so good socially... I wonder whether working night shift would be perfect for us, or whether we would then want to revert to normal waking hours?
Posted by mcrcgo on December 8, 2004, at 16:52:42
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed » mcrcgo, posted by alexandra_k on December 8, 2004, at 15:56:35
> > I take my meds in the morning and tend to get really tired afterwards, about a couple of hours or so after I take them.
>
> Hmm. I was just thinking that maybe your meds have sedation as a side-affect in which case you may be better off taking them in the evening as they may help you get off to sleep.
>
> Some of the newer anti-psychotics have a side affect of sedation (don't be put off by the name, I take them to help reduce anxiety and to help me sleep). I take a pretty small dosage (below 'clinically significant' even) around 7.30 at night and feel tired and sleepy at around 10.30. I have to be careful not to take them too late, though, or I feel dead in the morning.
>
> Let us know what your doctor says, I hope he is helpful and answers your questions in a comprehensible way!
>
> Take care.
>
> I'll keep you informed on what the doctor says, I think maybe I should take them at night, but I am afraid I will not wake up to tend to my 7 week old baby.
Posted by mcrcgo on December 8, 2004, at 16:55:19
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed » Peddidle, posted by alexandra_k on December 8, 2004, at 15:59:16
Probably would be a better idea to work at night. It's just that I have a new baby to take care of and then wake up early the next day with my boyfriend and 5 year old son. However, I am going to the doctor on Friday and will know if they will switch meds and try something new then. I'll keep you informed!
Posted by alexandra_k on December 8, 2004, at 17:02:43
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed, posted by mcrcgo on December 8, 2004, at 16:55:19
Please do. It might be nice to mention to your p-doc about your difficulty sleeping and about the possibility of taking your meds at night. He will know if your sleepiness is likely to be caused by the meds that you are on.
He should also know how long the sedation side-affects will last, so as to have you up and at em in the morning :-)
Posted by mcrcgo on December 8, 2004, at 17:31:48
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed » mcrcgo, posted by alexandra_k on December 8, 2004, at 17:02:43
> Please do. It might be nice to mention to your p-doc about your difficulty sleeping and about the possibility of taking your meds at night. He will know if your sleepiness is likely to be caused by the meds that you are on.
>
> He should also know how long the sedation side-affects will last, so as to have you up and at em in the morning :-)Yeah, I think that will probably be the best thing to let her know about the sleepiness. I hope it will get better if they switch meds. I don't like being tired all of the time. I feel like crap and have a hard time getting things done that need to be done.
Posted by alexandra_k on December 12, 2004, at 21:34:35
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed, posted by mcrcgo on December 8, 2004, at 17:31:48
Posted by mcrcgo on December 13, 2004, at 1:02:43
In reply to Did you get to your Dr yet??? (nm) » mcrcgo, posted by alexandra_k on December 12, 2004, at 21:34:35
Well, I went to my doctor on Friday, but sat in the waiting room for about 45 minutes, until they told me she had an emergency and would need to reschedule me. I actually go Monday at 11am and will meet with her then. (hopefully). I promise I will keep you posted on the latest news. Thanks for your support.
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