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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 20 to 44 of 90. Go back in thread:
Posted by cmorhoun on February 2, 2009, at 12:30:20
In reply to Suicidal, please help!!, posted by G-man885858 on January 31, 2009, at 0:22:56
G - I feel your pain and can relate. I am incredibly sensitive to meds myself. Most meds Ive taken have made things severely worse. A few suggestions:
Klonipon over time can add to depression. Try another benzo or try Neurontin (affects GABA also) or Lithium.
I wonder why you quit Lexapro in 2005, it seems like things have gotten worse since you did?
It sounds like youve been on the same meds for quite a while? If you feel this horrible on what youre taking, its obviously time to try something else and theres much more to try.
Stimulants like Adderall, Concerta, Vyvanse. I wouldn't be alive without them. I think they are pretty hard on the body over time and certainly hard on the adrenals but they are powerful and fast acting and may at least help until you find the right cocktail. They've kept me functional and alive for 3 years. There are many many people who have tried every other drug/class there is and finally found relief with stimulants. Youll hear about addiction, poop-out, tolerance which are all possibilities but only for some. Youll find many doctors are leery of them and rightly so.find someone else. Ive taken the same low dose for the entire time Ive been on them. Fake ADD problems if you need to. They give this crap to kids like its candy yet theyre cautious about someone whos life could be saved because they dont fit the proper profileamazing.
Amino Acid supplements. I cant stress these enough. They have been sort of my rock through years of searching for the right cocktail. They can be very activating and energizing. They can potentiate the effects of drugs and could certainly help with adrenal exhaustion or allergies. I think they are the reason that Ive done OK with a low and consistent dose of stimulants for so long. Hardly a cure for depression but can significantly lighten the load, especially for someone in a cloudy, dark and foggy depression.
Licorice A standard for the theoretical adrenal exhaustion. Do some research though, potentially potent stuff and should be taken with care.
St. John's Wort - Can also be very activating. Again, hardly a cure but may help lighten the load or potentiate the drugs you're on. I recommend finding a liquid form...more pure in my opinion. Must be careful of dose if taking with other drugs.
L-tryptophan converts to serotonin during the day and melatonin at night. One of the best sleep aides there is and completely natural. Can be very helpful for anxiety too. Some will even say it helps with depression over time. You must be careful taking with any drug that effects serotonin.
Diet can help immensely too. Raw green organic veggies can do wonders for someone with allergies or sensitivities. Basic protein, no sugarscommon sense stuff can be easily forgotten when feeling so horrible.
Have you considered ECT? Youll probably hear mostly horror stories from people here but for some, it's the magic bullet or for many or it can offer temporary relief while you try other meds. Do some research. Unilateral vs bilateral, etc.
T3 supplementation regardless of thyroid levels. Use caution but again, often the magic bullet for someone who wouldnt even fit the profile for thyroid issues.
Just hang in there. I know how hard it is to even imagine something can help when you don't even know how you'll make it through the day but as mentioned already, there are so many other meds/combos to try. A doc once told me that prescribing meds is as much an art as it is a science. Everyone is different and we ultimately dont know why these drugs work the way they do. Diagnosis and classification of drugs ultimately means very little. You ultimately just have to find what fits your body chemistry.
Regarding adrenal tests and such. I spent lots of time and money on all sorts of tests relating to allergies, cortisal, adrenalson and on and on and ultimately, they generally tell you very little even if they seem to indicate something specific. Much of the stuff is theoretical in the first place. Occasionally youll find something clear cut like low thyroid but generally its a lot of theory that all basically means the same thing in the end..eat healthy and exercise. I did all this stuff when I was at my worst and it was something to hope for and to keep me going but in retrospect, for me, it was a lot of wasted hope and money. Im not saying you shouldnt do it, Im just saying, try to keep perspective as you do. You may spend a lot of time and money to get answers that are theoretical at best and that all have the same solution..eat healthy and exercise.
Research research research.Crazymeds, Revolution Health, PubMed, The alternative board, other forums. Im very fortunate in that I have a fantastic psych who respects that I am very educated on meds. I think the more intelligent you sound to any doc, the more they will respect your input. Its very easy to get bitter at docs but if we dont have anything intelligent to offer regarding an approach, what should we expect from someone who is ultimately clueless unless theyve been through this themselves.
Posted by G-man885858 on February 2, 2009, at 21:15:15
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!!, posted by cmorhoun on February 2, 2009, at 12:30:20
> G - I feel your pain and can relate. I am incredibly sensitive to meds myself. Most meds Ive taken have made things severely worse. A few suggestions:
>
> Klonipon over time can add to depression. Try another benzo or try Neurontin (affects GABA also) or Lithium.I have Neurontin, my Psychiatrist just gave it to me... but when I take it I become more manic and I develop very destructive thoughts & mood changes.
>
> I wonder why you quit Lexapro in 2005, it seems like things have gotten worse since you did?
>I quit Lexapro because I really felt like it put my health in grave danger. SSRIs severely aggravate insomnia, they also make you act extremely recklessly and impair your judgement. I used to drink a sh*tload of vodka when on Lexapro and I was a heavy cigarette smoker - I quit both these nasty habits after getting off Lexapro.
I could not foresee what awaited me after withdrawal of Lexapro... Even though quitting it turned out unfavorably, I don't think I would've lasted much longer on it anyway.
> It sounds like youve been on the same meds for quite a while? If you feel this horrible on what youre taking, its obviously time to try something else and theres much more to try.
>
> Stimulants like Adderall, Concerta, Vyvanse. I wouldn't be alive without them. I think they are pretty hard on the body over time and certainly hard on the adrenals but they are powerful and fast acting and may at least help until you find the right cocktail. They've kept me functional and alive for 3 years. There are many many people who have tried every other drug/class there is and finally found relief with stimulants. Youll hear about addiction, poop-out, tolerance which are all possibilities but only for some. Youll find many doctors are leery of them and rightly so.find someone else. Ive taken the same low dose for the entire time Ive been on them. Fake ADD problems if you need to. They give this crap to kids like its candy yet theyre cautious about someone whos life could be saved because they dont fit the proper profileamazing.
About stimulants: I cannot even drink a cup of coffee without feeling like I'm getting a heart attack. I am ridiculously sensitive to all drugs... this has also been the bane of my existence... since I really can't take anything to relieve my symptoms.>
> Amino Acid supplements. I cant stress these enough. They have been sort of my rock through years of searching for the right cocktail. They can be very activating and energizing. They can potentiate the effects of drugs and could certainly help with adrenal exhaustion or allergies. I think they are the reason that Ive done OK with a low and consistent dose of stimulants for so long. Hardly a cure for depression but can significantly lighten the load, especially for someone in a cloudy, dark and foggy depression.
>
>
> L-tryptophan converts to serotonin during the day and melatonin at night. One of the best sleep aides there is and completely natural. Can be very helpful for anxiety too. Some will even say it helps with depression over time. You must be careful taking with any drug that effects serotonin.Tryptophan makes me feel HORRIBLE. I think this is a long-term side effect of SSRI use/withdrawal, since SSRIs primarily affect serotonin. SSRIs totally mess up the serotonin receptors, and tryptophan is bad for lots of people who have been on SSRIs.
>
> Diet can help immensely too. Raw green organic veggies can do wonders for someone with allergies or sensitivities. Basic protein, no sugarscommon sense stuff can be easily forgotten when feeling so horrible.Diet: 2 years ago, I have just realized that I am heavily allergic to Wheat and dairy. I have totally cut those 2 out of my diet, and removing wheat has really helped! Apparently I've been allergic to wheat since I was born, and I only realized this when I was 23. So for 23 years I've been heavily consuming a food that I'm severely allergic to....
Posted by cmorhoun on February 3, 2009, at 11:45:07
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!!, posted by G-man885858 on February 2, 2009, at 21:15:15
Neurontin - remember that it can take some time to adjust to meds. I understand how hard this is when one is severely sensitive and also in extreme mental pain.
Lexapro - keep in mind that stress/depression can be just as detrimental to your health, if not more so, than anything an SSRI or other can do to you. It sounds like you may have at least been feeling better when on an AD versus the meds you take now. The drinking and smoking is an easy fix...don't do it. There are plenty of other types of ADs to try other than SSRIs. The TCAs are generally great for sleep. Remeron is famous for sleepy, Strattera, even Wellbutrin, can make people tired (both did for me), Lithium, etc. There are many many options to try.
Stimulants - I know the concept of taking a stimulant seems wrong when sleep or anxiety is an issue but I think you would be pleasantly surprised. Ive always been a terrible sleeper and I sleep better when taking a stimulant than when taking any other type of med. Again, I am also ridiculously sensetive to meds and I've handled stimulants very well by just taking small doses. Don't be afraid to at least try them.
I would again, encourage you to find a good amino acid supplement right away. From there, research some alternate meds to try.
I think you and I are very similar in ways. I too went through the stress of being afraid of meds because of health issues. Your afraid of meds, your sensitive to meds, they don't seem to help and even if they did, they may do long term damage....I know that self serving prophecy type hell. I finally accepted that nothing compares to the damage that depression does to ones physical and mental mind (and body). The body has an amazing capacity to heal itself over time. Effects from drugs can be healed but not when one is constantly depressed. Try to stop compounding your stress and aggravation by worrying about long term effects of drugs right now and focus on getting some relief.
Posted by G-man885858 on February 3, 2009, at 17:12:20
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!!, posted by cmorhoun on February 3, 2009, at 11:45:07
I am not against meds. I do not have Drugophobia, I am just very careful and weary of them. Right now, I take Seroquel 300mg, Klonopin 1mg, ambien 10mg, and lopressor 10mg all at the same time before bed.
What specific type of amino acids do you take?
My doc gave me a "free form amino acid powder" to try, but when I tried it it was REALLY stimulating and that scared me out of trying it again. But I think I will try it again sometime soon, because the first time I tried it there were many other concurrent problems going on that may have aggravated the side effects.Sincerely,
G-man
Posted by garnet71 on February 3, 2009, at 21:38:36
In reply to Suicidal, please help!!, posted by G-man885858 on January 31, 2009, at 0:22:56
Hi Gman, just me again.
I read where you told us you had a wheat allergy (Celiac disease?). I wonder if the intestinal dysfunction that results from Celiac prevents your body from absorbing and processing essential nutrients when you are growing and your brain is developing?
I forgot to mention - when you are in despair - be on the lookout for angels. I don't mean angels in a religious sense. For that matter, I don't think one religion is any better than all the others...Angels are not special people; they are random people that you briefly connect with; just instruments temporarily used for a purpose to deliver a message to another.
When I have been at my all time low, random people on occasion - in a setting totally unrelated and out of character in comparison to something going on in my life - will bring up a subject that again, has nothing to do with the environment or situation at hand - and somehow say something to me that is as if they know exactly what is going on in my head! I have been in awe at what total strangers have said to me - as if they were talking directly to my soul without them even realizing it.
It is both a bizzare and amazing thing at the same time. It brings about undescribable peace at our worst times.
The problem is, if you don't look for them you will totally miss the opportunity. So next time you are feeling that low, think about what the clerk in the convenience store just said...the coworker you normally never talk to...the little 5 year old neighbor that blurts out something innocent.
This has helped me get through the most awful times. I hope you will be aware if this ever happens to you. Glad to see you are talkative and doing better.
Hugs,
Garnet
Posted by G-man885858 on February 3, 2009, at 22:33:55
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!! » G-man885858, posted by garnet71 on February 3, 2009, at 21:38:36
God bless you Garnet, I think YOU are an angel!
You are because you take the time out of your busy schedule to talk to me and comfort me. That takes a lot of strength and effort!My parents have raised me in a harshly atheist household. They did it to take away all my hope and belief that life can be a lot better than the misery that they gave me. They are manipulative, sadistic bullies. They were willing to stoop to ANY LOW to increase their suffocating grip on my life and happiness. They even look happy when I am at my lowest, most depressive points. They only had children because they needed scapegoats to blame for their own miserable, failed marriage.
Posted by G-man885858 on February 4, 2009, at 20:41:57
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!! » G-man885858, posted by garnet71 on February 3, 2009, at 21:38:36
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!! YOU ARE ALL AMAZING PEOPLE, I AM SO THANKFUL TO ALL OF YOU!
Posted by Garnet71 on February 4, 2009, at 21:31:28
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!!, posted by G-man885858 on February 4, 2009, at 20:41:57
(((GMan)) - you are amazing too, and we are lucky to have you here. Keeep checking in!!!
Posted by garnet71 on February 5, 2009, at 1:11:21
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!!, posted by G-man885858 on February 4, 2009, at 20:41:57
Hi GMan,
I just wanted to dedicate this song to you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZbiZxA9b5k
Maybe it will brighten your day?
Posted by G-man885858 on February 5, 2009, at 2:03:35
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!! » G-man885858, posted by garnet71 on February 5, 2009, at 1:11:21
Thank you Garnet, I love Eddie Vedder! Really great song!
Posted by garnet71 on February 5, 2009, at 22:37:46
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!! » G-man885858, posted by garnet71 on February 5, 2009, at 1:11:21
Hi GMan,
This one should reallytouch your heart..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9NkGdZ-N2E
I was really happy to find a bunch of talented college kids turned my favorite Lifehouse song into such a powerful play. It grows on you. If you dont' like it at first, watch it a few times in a row - and I guarantee it will touch your heart like it touched mine.
:)
Posted by garnet71 on February 5, 2009, at 23:13:20
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!! » garnet71, posted by garnet71 on February 5, 2009, at 22:37:46
This is the original version I was looking for:
http://www.ksbj.org/eblogs/afternoonShow/?p=86
The graphics are still fuzzy, but this is the one. Disregard the other link.
Posted by G-man885858 on February 6, 2009, at 0:31:04
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!!, posted by garnet71 on February 5, 2009, at 23:13:20
I once asked my father: would anyone care if I committed suicide? He said: Nobody would shed a single TEAR!
Posted by G-man885858 on February 6, 2009, at 0:33:31
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!!, posted by G-man885858 on February 6, 2009, at 0:31:04
Was it arrogant of me to expect people to cry if I passed away?
Posted by garnet71 on February 6, 2009, at 0:47:25
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!!, posted by G-man885858 on February 6, 2009, at 0:31:04
Gman,
First-you are not a *product* of your parents
Second-What do YOU want out of life?
We are ALL unique, special creations; we all contribute to the universal mind. Yes, everyone from the bank teller, to the garbage man, to the CEO - all contribute to the aggregate humanity
Posted by G-man885858 on February 6, 2009, at 20:06:43
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!!, posted by garnet71 on February 6, 2009, at 0:47:25
I just want to live with some dignity..
Posted by garnet71 on February 6, 2009, at 22:11:55
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!!, posted by G-man885858 on February 6, 2009, at 20:06:43
> I just want to live with some dignity..
-----------
Gman,
Do you think your parents robbed you of your dignity? If so, you can get it back.
Posted by garnet71 on February 6, 2009, at 22:26:52
In reply to Suicidal, please help!!, posted by G-man885858 on January 31, 2009, at 0:22:56
Hi GMan,
If you liked Eddie Veder, you might like this one too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YoUuwDZuW0&feature=related
Sometimes we dwell on living in our own prisons rather than trying to escape.
Posted by garnet71 on February 6, 2009, at 22:29:51
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!! » G-man885858, posted by garnet71 on February 6, 2009, at 22:26:52
If we dwell in our own prisons, we miss the opportunities to escape....
Posted by G-man885858 on February 7, 2009, at 14:19:05
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!! » garnet71, posted by garnet71 on February 6, 2009, at 22:29:51
Creed Rules!
Posted by G-man885858 on February 7, 2009, at 14:46:47
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!! » garnet71, posted by garnet71 on February 6, 2009, at 22:29:51
By the way, I got my test results yesterday from my Adrenal Stress INdex. Here it is:
Cortisol = Low
DHEA = high
Testosterone = Low
Dihydrotestosterone = HighMy doctor wanted to give me licorice to treat the condition, but I've taken Licorice before and its awful - it feels like I drank 20 red bulls- heart palpitations, nervousness, etc.
What do yous think?
Posted by garnet71 on February 7, 2009, at 18:00:09
In reply to My test results, posted by G-man885858 on February 7, 2009, at 14:46:47
> By the way, I got my test results yesterday from my Adrenal Stress INdex. Here it is:
>
> Cortisol = Low
> DHEA = high
> Testosterone = Low
> Dihydrotestosterone = High
>
> My doctor wanted to give me licorice to treat the condition, but I've taken Licorice before and its awful - it feels like I drank 20 red bulls- heart palpitations, nervousness, etc.
>
> What do yous think?
-------------
Hey GMan,I don't have the answers to your questions, but I just wanted to suggest creating a seperate post for advice. Hopefully Bleauberry and some of the others familar with this topic will respond.
If I was in your shoes - I would not take the licorice, but instead, take the test results to an endochronologist for a second opinion.
Maybe the licorice would be helpful in small doses taken on a regular or short-term basis, and I am very confident about herbal or alternative treatments, but with your reaction - I don't see why you should take it.
Hopefully someone will come along with better knowledge, but until then, take good care of yourself!!
Posted by garnet71 on February 7, 2009, at 20:19:23
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!!, posted by G-man885858 on February 7, 2009, at 14:19:05
> Creed Rules!
-G-man
If you love Creed, then here's another one atcha:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7WktLgz1lc&feature=related
Sorry a little Air Force bias there..lol. But my God, this man's voice gives me goosebumps throughout my entire body!
Can't think of a better way to decompress right now.
Posted by garnet71 on February 7, 2009, at 20:24:16
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!!, posted by G-man885858 on February 7, 2009, at 14:19:05
Okay, one more, can't resist:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea_iZ3NfwSU
Higher = above all the superficial bs
Posted by G-man885858 on February 7, 2009, at 22:47:33
In reply to Re: Suicidal, please help!! » G-man885858, posted by garnet71 on February 7, 2009, at 20:24:16
I think this is their best song:
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