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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 arichele on November 25, 2002, at 14:17:09
HELP! My family memeber has been batteling depression and anxiety for many years. Six years ago she attempted suicide twice after spending several months "in bed". I had been living with her for three months when she attempted to take her life and we put her in the hospital for in-patient treatment after she recovered from her drug overdose.
She is now taking Remeron, Klonopin, and just tried "Lexpro". She is suffering badly from fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, no eating, hoplessness....ect. These symptoms scare me because they are similar to what she has before a major depression sets in.
She is notorious for changing her dosages to reflect her symptoms but has been on the Remeron faithfully for two weeks. Is there anything you can suggest to get us through thsi difficult time until her Remeron becomes theraputic?
Especially for her anxiety and sleeplessness. She also says that her symptoms generally improve from 6-9pm. Any reasons why?
Thanks,
ADAY
Posted by phoebes on November 25, 2002, at 15:03:27
In reply to family member w/depression, posted by arichele on November 25, 2002, at 14:17:09
I assume your family member is under the care of a psychiatrist? She might ask about Zyprexa, it's good for extreme anxiety/sleeplessness. I would think the remeron would take care of the insomnia, but she may need something more. Another thought: some of the anxiety might be from the Lexapro; SSRI's can do that. If that's the case, it should subside in a few weeks. Just make sure she is not alone, she may well be suicidal or at least frightened of being alone.
Posted by Ritch on November 25, 2002, at 21:56:37
In reply to family member w/depression, posted by arichele on November 25, 2002, at 14:17:09
> HELP! My family memeber has been batteling depression and anxiety for many years. Six years ago she attempted suicide twice after spending several months "in bed". I had been living with her for three months when she attempted to take her life and we put her in the hospital for in-patient treatment after she recovered from her drug overdose.
Hi, Was she being medically treated for depression before the suicide attempts? If so, what meds/dosages was she on before the hospitalization? When they discharged her what meds was she on then? Did she do well over the last few years until just very recently?
>
> She is now taking Remeron, Klonopin, and just tried "Lexpro". She is suffering badly from fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, no eating, hoplessness....ect. These symptoms scare me because they are similar to what she has before a major depression sets in.What was the "timeline" relating to her symptoms and her recent meds? What does her doctor say? Do you get a chance to discuss any of these things with her and her doctor-what does *SHE* say?
>
> She is notorious for changing her dosages to reflect her symptoms but has been on the Remeron faithfully for two weeks. Is there anything you can suggest to get us through thsi difficult time until her Remeron becomes theraputic?
>
> Especially for her anxiety and sleeplessness. She also says that her symptoms generally improve from 6-9pm. Any reasons why?
>
> Thanks,
> ADAY
Posted by arichele on November 26, 2002, at 8:59:46
In reply to family member w/depression, posted by arichele on November 25, 2002, at 14:17:09
Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, she is under the care of a psychiatrist but undergoes no psychotherapy. I am hoping to get her over this hill while I stay with her over the Thanksgiving holiday.
I just worry about her constantly changing medication regimen. Nothing seems to work. She has tried Geodyne, Wellbutrin, Remeron, and now Lexapro. I know there are a lot of various medications out there I hope one helps her with minimal side effects.
Her depression seems cyclical and when she gets better she changes her dosages so she doesn’t feel so “medicated”. I understand her rationale but I also get very frustrated because I know what the later result will be. I love her and I just want her to feel like herself.
Posted by Ritch on November 26, 2002, at 10:22:50
In reply to Re: family member w/depression » arichele, posted by arichele on November 26, 2002, at 8:59:46
> Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, she is under the care of a psychiatrist but undergoes no psychotherapy. I am hoping to get her over this hill while I stay with her over the Thanksgiving holiday.
>
> I just worry about her constantly changing medication regimen. Nothing seems to work. She has tried Geodyne, Wellbutrin, Remeron, and now Lexapro. I know there are a lot of various medications out there I hope one helps her with minimal side effects.
>
> Her depression seems cyclical and when she gets better she changes her dosages so she doesn’t feel so “medicated”. I understand her rationale but I also get very frustrated because I know what the later result will be. I love her and I just want her to feel like herself.
>
Hi, recurrent cyclical depressions are often indicative of bipolar illness (that is happening to me now). Does she seem to get periods of hyperactivity as well (spending sprees, impulsivity, etc.)? Sometimes treating recurrent depressives with mood stabilizing agents used for bipolars can be helpful. good luck.
Posted by LEX-A-NO on February 17, 2005, at 22:10:36
In reply to Re: family member w/depression » arichele, posted by Ritch on November 26, 2002, at 10:22:50
www.faqfarm.com/Health/Mental/49025
Please go to this site and inform yourself on the adverse side effects of taking Lexapro - I am in the process of removing myself from this particualr drug - it does not help, in fact I induced for right about a year and I truly believe my symptoms did not get better they became worse - the main problem with this medication is you can't stop 'cold turkey' Please read this entire thread posted above for you knowledge!!!
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