Posted by KaraS on February 25, 2005, at 1:29:10
In reply to Re: Kara, my turn. How you are doing? » KaraS, posted by TamaraJ on February 24, 2005, at 21:14:04
Hi,
> -- No, it certainly isn't neat and perfect. And, when we have a few good days, we really get our hopes up that maybe this is it, only to have them dashed until our next few good days. But, a few good days can lead to more, so that is something to keep us going. I think what's hard to swallow (for me at least) is that some respond so well during a first depressive episode to the first AD they are put on. And then when they need an AD again, it can result in trial after trial. I am really hoping that the Celexa/Provigil (and, maybe some NADH) will work for me. You know, I was thinking about the Zoloft, and do you think it might be a dopamine thing? I have read here a number of times that Zoloft has the most effect on dopamine of all the SSRIs (then again, that may only be at the higher doses. But, given your sensitivity . . . ). Anyway, I just thought I would put that out there FWIW.My fingers are crossed in hopes that your combo works for you. You lucked out your first time by responding right away. Unfortunately it's not always that easy but like I said earlier, the fact that you've responded before is good reason to assume that you'll respond again.
In terms of Zoloft, I think it is a weak dopamine inhibitor. I was on it years ago and didn't notice any pro dopamine results. I still had the SSRI apathy. My guess is that it's the 5-HT antagonism that is causing the extra anxiety but I really don't know enough about these things to say for certain. I never had any problem with SSRIs before but I wasn't in this anxious a condition before either. I remember reading about others on the board having problems with the SSRIs and anxiety initially and I remember thinking how strange that was since I tolerated them so easily. Little did I know ...
> -- That's encouraging! Feeling some relief after one trial is incentive to continue and perfect your technique. I can't wait to hear how it progresses. Good luck. I'll keep my fingers that you continue to see positive results and relief.
Yeah, definitely. These accupressure/tapping methods are supposed to treat a lot of conditions - not only anxiety. They're also used to get over trauma, depression, phobias plus any other negative emotion you can think of. Also, they are used to reinforce positive thinking. If I have success with the anxiety, then I'll try to expand to other areas.
> -- I have noticed that, as I get older, the cold seems to affect me more. I remember when I was in my teens and early to mid-20s, going out in the winter with a light coat (sometimes just a jean jacket and maybe a scarf), shoes (no boots) and no hat, and it didn't seem to be a big deal. Now, I wouldn't go out without my hat, scarf and mitts and my down-filled coat. I'm glad it was sunny where you are today. Sure makes a difference doesn't it. It was sunny here as well, but it was still -17 with the wind. But, the sun made a big difference.I never was the kind of person who dressed minimally in the winter. In fact people have often made fun of me because I'd be so bundled up. When it's really cold I don't even care if things match or not. I've been known to go out in some pretty horrible outfits - but if those are the warmest things i have, then that's what I'll wear. -17 degrees sounds so cold. I don't know how you stand it.
> -- Oh, he can be relentless at times! After that, he got himself a gortex face mask to wear on the really cold days. But, he doesn't go skiing when it is as cold as it was that day anymore (probably because he can't convince anyone to go with him! :-))
You'd think that the frostbite on his face would have been enough of a deterent. You gotta admire his spunk!
> -- At least you have Xanax if you really feel you need to take it. I have used Xanax, when needed only, for a number of years, and have never had to increase the small dose I was prescribed and use. What I like about it is that when the anxiety becomes so unbearable and it's interferring with my functionning and thiniking, I can take 1/2 a Xanax for a few days in a row and then I am better able to cope for days and days. I think just having a few days anxiety-free can make a difference.
Yes, it's definitely good to know that it's there to fall back on. Have you ever used the Xanax for more than a few days? If I use it to help me get on Zoloft, then I'll be using it for at least 2-3 weeks. For me, I will have developed tolerance already. I know this from past experience. Then it will be such a pain trying to get off of it. I'm so torn about this but I might not have much choice. If it were a medication that I had a lot of hope for I wouldn't mind it as much but I know I'll only have limited success (at the most) on Zoloft.
I'm probably going to be moving in a couple of months so that's going to be very stressful. I really can't afford this apartment anymore and I don't like it much anyway. A friend of mine just bought a house and I'm going to move in with her. I'll have my own room and full bathroom and I'll cut my expenses down to less than half of what they are now. I'll probably have to sell most of my furniture. So much to think about and take care of. It's not the kind of thing you want to deal with when you're already experiencing an anxiety disorder, but I think I'll be better off in the long-run. At any rate, I'm sure I'll need the Xanax for this one!
>The Remeron weight gain I guess can be a real problem for some. A friend of mine took Remeron for quite a while, but she finally stopped because she so sleepy (even though she took it at night) and had gained a lot of weight. Yet, some people seem to experience increased energy and don't seem to gain at all. You might like the Clomipramine. I think it might have been a good AD for me if I had been able to get to a therapeutic dose. But, I was so dizzy and lightheaded all the time (and, I had dizziness and lightheadedness before taking it). I would even experience dizziness when I was standing doing the dishes and stuff like that. It was unpleasant and scary at times for me.
It's a good thing you got off of the clomipramine. Your side effects were too severe. That's scary when you can't even stand up for any period of time without feeling dizzy.
Some people on the boards have said that Remeron is far less sedating and perhaps less likely to cause weight gain at the higher dosages. It's so strange when medications act differently at various dosages. Still, I'm a bit afraid of it. As it is, the little bit of doxepin is boosting my appetite. I'm really craving sweets now.
> -- I think I might start seeing a T to help me work on my issues. I don't know, I have been thinking about it, and maybe it might be worth pursuing. A friend of mine told me today that she has decided to see a T. She said she owes it to herself to get some help dealing with her issues. That is a big step for her. So, if she can do it, then perhaps I can to.
That's not a bad idea. I've seen many over a period of years but none in the last 10 or 15 years other than a session or two. I had a great T when I was in college. She was so sharp and so likable. I really felt that she analyzed situations well, gave great advice and i had so much respect for her. Over the years I've seen others but they just couldn't compare to her. I would find myself being so dissapointed in them. If you can find a good one, then you can really benefit from it. I'm going to look into seeing if I can get one through the free clinics that I'll be going to. Sometimes a therapy group or a support group can help a lot too. Babble is great but it's nice to see people face-to-face sometimes.
> -- I think the book will be helpful. The author is an American Buddhist nun, and her writing is based on traditional Buddhist wisdom and drawn from her teachings and lectures. Some of it (at least what I have read so far) is obvious (like walk towards your fears, moving toward painful situations, etc.), but it is interesting because of the personal antecdotes. I hope your books are interesting and helpful. It's nice coming here and getting recommendations for great books or hearing others' reviews on books. Helps making choices easier and less of a shot in the dark.
I've found that books can be a great comfort. I've always been drawn to Buddhist philosophy so I'll have to add that book to my list. I picked up the two books I mentioned earlier. I'm a little disappointed in the Braverman book so far. I was expecting at least one chapter devoted to the treatment of depression but it only has the subject sprinkled in here in there. Also, I haven't seen anything new - but I've only skimmed the book so far. I haven't looked at the Tolle book at all yet.
> -- She has closed the practice completely and, it would appear, forever, so she must be really sick.That's so sad. Is she very old? Why does it always have to happen to the good ones?
Take care,
Kara
poster:KaraS
thread:456548
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050224/msgs/463035.html