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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3 to 27 of 27. Go back in thread:
Posted by StressedandDepressed on July 7, 2005, at 12:19:36
In reply to Re: Anxiety/Feel like constant crap/Can't keep a job.. » StressedandDepressed, posted by ixus on July 7, 2005, at 1:50:59
Thanks ixus... I have tried so many medications and think that maybe I need to work on myself... I need to find a good book that will help with my anxiety. I need to learn how to deal with it and live with it and to control my negative thinking. hmmm.....
Posted by Racer on July 7, 2005, at 12:47:04
In reply to Re: Anxiety/Feel like constant crap/Can't keep a job.., posted by StressedandDepressed on July 7, 2005, at 12:19:36
Well, first of all, 5mg Lexapro is a miniscule dose. If you haven't talked to your doctor about raising it, do so. That's not even in the usual therapeutic range, so raising it might help.
Also, rather than looking for a book or movie, how about looking for a good therapist? Therapy can help a lot with many of the things that you're concerned with right now. There are a ton of different therapeutic orientations, so you might want to do some research about things like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), psychodynamic, interpersonal, etc. The bottom line, though, is always going to be whether you and the therapist have good chemistry, whether it's a good fit.
You say that you've tried so many medications, but since we don't know what they are, how about writing us a little list? That way, we won't be suggesting something you've already tried. The best is to write out a list of the meds, with a little about your reaction -- side effects, therapeutic effects, etc. Then we can make better recommendations.
What about your doctor? Are you seeing a psychiatrist, or is your GP prescribing your meds? If it's your GP, that may be part of the problem: most GPs stick to the SSRIs, because they don't have a lot of experience with other drugs. Now, don't get me wrong -- I do think it's appropriate for GPs to stick to the safest drugs available, since they don't have the expertise to deal with some of the other meds. On the other hand, a lot of people don't get full benefits from the first drug -- or the first six drugs -- they try.
The bottom line, as I see it based on what you've written here, is that you're being medicated, but it's not working for you. You're not getting adequate remission. Therapy is probably the best bet for long term improvement of your life, but adequate medication is probably the best short term fix for you right now.
Hope that helps.
Posted by StressedandDepressed on July 7, 2005, at 13:06:06
In reply to Re: Anxiety/Feel like constant crap/Can't keep a j » StressedandDepressed, posted by Racer on July 7, 2005, at 12:47:04
Wow, thanks Racer. Well my GP was prescribing me my meds, and recently prescribed Wellbutrin. I wanted to try it so I can lose weight but it didn't help me lose any weight AND it made my anxiety worse so I quit. I recently quit my job due to my anxiety so I don't have insurance anymore but I have enough Lexapro to last a few months.
Here are the medications I have tried...
#1. Paxil - Made my panic attacks more frequent
#2. Buspar- I remember sleeping for 3 days str8.
#3. Serzone- Worked pretty good, but when I went to a new doc, he took me off right away, said that it was bad bad bad bad.
#4. Zoloft- HAHAHAHA, please see #1.
#5. Remeron- I love this stuff man, it helps me sleep, it takes away all my anxiety (temporarily) but put on 50 lbs and was very bitchy all the time and aggravated and tired constantly.
#6. Prosac- see #1 and #4
#7. Lexapro- seems to work OK. When I was taking 10mg for about 3 months, I was always tired and put on a lot of weight. I was so sleepy I had no motivation but I have to admit, it did stop my panic attacks.
#8. Wellbutrin- anxiety X 100So to be 100% honest, I am still taking Lexapro BUT I am not even taking 5mg. I am taking 2.5 daily. I guess I will go back to 5mg and see how it goes, I don't even know why I went down to 2.5 mg. I think it's because I couldn't afford to buy more meds and just never went back up to 5.
So I think that I got this great job and i know it's going to be very challenging because I have never done work in this field. I am so scared, because I am always sick and I never feel good because of my anxiety. I can't sleep early... I fall asleep at like 3 am everyday and when i have to wake up at 7:30AM, that SUCKS. I feel like crap the entire day. I have tried taking all these natural things like kava and melatonin but it's not strong enough for me. I am a MESS and I am tired of it. I picked my friend up from the airport this morning and she said to me "Cynthia, you always feel like crap, you are always sick!@" and it's true. I always feel like "dying" and hate working and hate life. I only like drinking, sleeping, and eating. I like performing (I am a flutist) and thats all. I want to be successful and be able to hold a job like a normal person, ya know? I drink a LOT of wine on the weekends, so maybe I need to give up that 100% which is HARD. I love to socialize and have a few glasses. I am irish, and my family are all drinkers. I quit beer and hard liqour 2 years ago which is a GREAT improvement. Wine shouldn't be so bad right? but it IS.. It makes me feel like crap for 2-3 days after. I get real depressed and anxiety attacks and very ill. People tell me that its all in my head but it feels very physical and I can't take it anymore!!!!
Posted by mellymel_d on July 7, 2005, at 14:07:02
In reply to Re: Anxiety/Feel like constant crap/Can't keep a j, posted by StressedandDepressed on July 7, 2005, at 13:06:06
wow- very similiar lives we lead. I was on drugs when i was younger and quit also a LONG time ago but have suffered with anxiety and depression for years. I've been on Lexapro for about a year and 1/2 or so and just upped my dose from 10mgs to 15mgs. I still don't feel the difference but it has only been a couple of days. I've tried may different meds like u and had alot of the same reactions as you and also struggle with weight gain. Tried the therapy thing but felt like nobody else could solve my problems, I already know them I just have to do something about it but can't get to that place...I wish I had some advice for you, I've tried self help books, meditation, I go to church, you name it, I've tried but I just can't get past this overwhelming feeling and have to continue to remind myself that I'm not alone. I'm trying to work even closer with my pdoc to solve this but feel like I'm hopeless. I know this isn't true but struggle with these thoughts. I've been keeping a journal and try to force myself to write lows and highs for the day so when i feel so hopeless I can look and see that there is positive in everyday and try hard to embrace that. This message board is wonderful to support and let you know that you're not alone. I suggest at least continuing to connect through here and try some of their suggestions. I'm here whenever you need a friend...(((hugs)))
Posted by Racer on July 7, 2005, at 18:02:58
In reply to Re: Anxiety/Feel like constant crap/Can't keep a j, posted by StressedandDepressed on July 7, 2005, at 13:06:06
> Wow, thanks Racer.
>No problem. I'm glad when I can offer something to others. This is a great place, where most everyone is very, very generous of their time and expertise.
> Here are the medications I have tried...
> #1. Paxil - Made my panic attacks more frequent
> #2. Buspar- I remember sleeping for 3 days str8.
> #3. Serzone- Worked pretty good, but when I went to a new doc, he took me off right away, said that it was bad bad bad bad.
> #4. Zoloft- HAHAHAHA, please see #1.
> #5. Remeron- I love this stuff man, it helps me sleep, it takes away all my anxiety (temporarily) but put on 50 lbs and was very bitchy all the time and aggravated and tired constantly.
> #6. Prosac- see #1 and #4
> #7. Lexapro- seems to work OK.Hmmm...
OK, here's what I'd suggest:
Treat the depression and the anxiety separately. Trying to find one medication that treats both at once is going to do that generalist thing: not great at treating either one. Obviously, you're sensitive to the stimulating effects of SSRIs, but here's a question about that: how long did you stay on any of them? Especially Paxil, how long did you take that? The emerging side effects -- those that come out after you've been on it for a while -- can be very different from what you experience at first.
Also, all the more sedating ADs are likely to cause weight gain. Sad, but true...
As for what meds I'd think about trying, I guess the first that comes to mind is desipramine. I can't take it, so I don't know first hand, but a lot of people here have had good rides with it.
Second would be Wellbutrin, just because it happens to be the Magic Bullet for me. Yes, it can be activating, but if you can get the anxiety treated separately, you can probably improve your experience with it.
It does sound as though your Lexapro is not working, though, so I would consider doing SOMETHING now -- before you end up risking your dream job, you know? Even if it's a big chunk'o'change, seeing a good psychopharmacologist now would likely be a great investment in your future. If you look at it that way, maybe you can find your way to spending the money and ending this cycle?
Also, what are your anxiety symptoms like? Does it start with physical, or with mental? Are you thinking scary things, to set it off? Or are you getting way tense and then thinking something that fits into that feeling? I ask, because what helped me most with anxiety -- so much so that i realized how anxious I'd been for so long! -- was a beta blocker. Those are blood pressure drugs, and in my case, I relaxed so much within an hour of taking that first pill -- oh, just like heaven! If something like that would help you, it might be a great solution -- especially since it's generic and cheap.
Good luck to you, and I hope you stick around.
Posted by Phillipa on July 7, 2005, at 19:21:05
In reply to Re: Anxiety/Feel like constant crap/Can't keep a j, posted by Racer on July 7, 2005, at 18:02:58
I think I forgot to click and submit my message. But Racer you did it again. I was going to suggest CBT. But your knowledge of meds is so much greater than mine that I'll leave that up to you and your magnificent mind and research. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by 4WD on July 7, 2005, at 21:30:55
In reply to Re: Anxiety/Feel like constant crap/Can't keep a j, posted by StressedandDepressed on July 7, 2005, at 13:06:06
> Wow, thanks Racer. Well my GP was prescribing me my meds, and recently prescribed Wellbutrin. I wanted to try it so I can lose weight but it didn't help me lose any weight AND it made my anxiety worse so I quit. I recently quit my job due to my anxiety so I don't have insurance anymore but I have enough Lexapro to last a few months.
>
> Here are the medications I have tried...
> #1. Paxil - Made my panic attacks more frequent
> #2. Buspar- I remember sleeping for 3 days str8.
> #3. Serzone- Worked pretty good, but when I went to a new doc, he took me off right away, said that it was bad bad bad bad.
> #4. Zoloft- HAHAHAHA, please see #1.
> #5. Remeron- I love this stuff man, it helps me sleep, it takes away all my anxiety (temporarily) but put on 50 lbs and was very bitchy all the time and aggravated and tired constantly.
> #6. Prosac- see #1 and #4
> #7. Lexapro- seems to work OK. When I was taking 10mg for about 3 months, I was always tired and put on a lot of weight. I was so sleepy I had no motivation but I have to admit, it did stop my panic attacks.
> #8. Wellbutrin- anxiety X 100
>
> So to be 100% honest, I am still taking Lexapro BUT I am not even taking 5mg. I am taking 2.5 daily. I guess I will go back to 5mg and see how it goes, I don't even know why I went down to 2.5 mg. I think it's because I couldn't afford to buy more meds and just never went back up to 5.
>
> So I think that I got this great job and i know it's going to be very challenging because I have never done work in this field. I am so scared, because I am always sick and I never feel good because of my anxiety. I can't sleep early... I fall asleep at like 3 am everyday and when i have to wake up at 7:30AM, that SUCKS. I feel like crap the entire day. I have tried taking all these natural things like kava and melatonin but it's not strong enough for me. I am a MESS and I am tired of it. I picked my friend up from the airport this morning and she said to me "Cynthia, you always feel like crap, you are always sick!@" and it's true. I always feel like "dying" and hate working and hate life. I only like drinking, sleeping, and eating. I like performing (I am a flutist) and thats all. I want to be successful and be able to hold a job like a normal person, ya know? I drink a LOT of wine on the weekends, so maybe I need to give up that 100% which is HARD. I love to socialize and have a few glasses. I am irish, and my family are all drinkers. I quit beer and hard liqour 2 years ago which is a GREAT improvement. Wine shouldn't be so bad right? but it IS.. It makes me feel like crap for 2-3 days after. I get real depressed and anxiety attacks and very ill. People tell me that its all in my head but it feels very physical and I can't take it anymore!!!!Hi. I have had a lot of similar experiences to yours. Most of the SSRIs make me more anxious - Paxil scared me to death. I also got insomnia from Prozac really badly. I hate to recommend Effexor just because getting off it was so horrible. HOwever, it took away most of my anxiety and insomnia within a couple of weeks of starting it. It worked for me for 4-5 years before it pooped out.
You could try imipramine or, as Racer suggested desipramine. Imipramine worked great for me in 1986-87.
I think it's time to try a new med, a different class of med than an SSRI. Please don't give up- there are bunches of things you haven't tried yet.
Marsha
Posted by Racer on July 7, 2005, at 23:26:31
In reply to Re: Anxiety/Feel like constant crap/Can't keep a j » StressedandDepressed, posted by 4WD on July 7, 2005, at 21:30:55
I hadn't thought of Effexor, although I'm not a fan of it, so that's probably why. (It conked out on me pretty badly, after about two years.)
Effexor is an option, though, since it does seem to reduce anxiety for a lot of people. Including, to some extent, me.
Cymbalta might be a good option, too, since it works on a similar mechanism, and is a bit calming. Plus, it's more weight-neutral -- in my experience, at least -- than Effexor.
Hope that helps.
Posted by cache-monkey on July 8, 2005, at 1:23:06
In reply to Anxiety/Feel like constant crap/Can't keep a job.., posted by StressedandDepressed on July 6, 2005, at 23:23:17
I couldn't agree more with the idea of using therapy, self-help, what-ever-it-takes to work yourself out of the way you feel. (CBT seems like an especially useful suggestion.) But there are other medications out there to try that might help you along that path.
In addition to the suggestions already mentioned here, you might want to look into the MAOIs. Nardil is supposedly the gold standard for a number of forms anxiety. Parnate can also be beneficial and less sedating.
Good luck,
cache-monkey
Posted by Sebastian on July 8, 2005, at 20:13:55
In reply to Anxiety/Feel like constant crap/Can't keep a job.., posted by StressedandDepressed on July 6, 2005, at 23:23:17
try taking zyprexa? I think it would help at a low dose. Zyprexa was the only reason I could work for many years. I took 10 mg, I think you should take 5 mg.
Posted by Sebastian on July 8, 2005, at 20:26:08
In reply to Re: Anxiety/Feel like constant crap/Can't keep a j, posted by StressedandDepressed on July 7, 2005, at 13:06:06
Drug companies give drugs away to people who can't afford them, there are sites on the internet. Can you get medicad?
If you don't want to gain weight I suggest geodon. Even though a small dose of zyprexa like 2.5 mg would probably not have weight gain.
You can always cut pills which it sounds like you are doing.
Oh, and you should go back to hard liquor, the hang overs are much easyer.
Posted by Declan on July 8, 2005, at 22:54:24
In reply to Anxiety/Feel like constant crap/Can't keep a job.., posted by StressedandDepressed on July 6, 2005, at 23:23:17
Talking about books for depression. I started with the 20th century in Europe (Hitler, Holocaust, WWII, Fascism, Nazism, WWI, Russian Revolution, Stalin, Lenin etc etc) I read hundreds of books over 30 years that many people would find really depressing, but I didn't, because they made my problems seem insignificant. And I had a grim sense of satisfaction about finding out what life can be about. So they were good for sublimating my depression. But I didn't have acute money worries.
I did enjoy The Noonday Demon by Andrew Solomon.
Declan
Posted by StressedandDepressed on July 12, 2005, at 10:38:41
In reply to Books for depression?, posted by Declan on July 8, 2005, at 22:54:24
Hey everyone... Great info. I will try to get medicaid and find a doctor. I need a different medication because this Lexapro sucks. Well, I know that most of my anxiety is caused by my thinking. I think negative ALL the time and it's so hard to be positive about anything anymore. So ofcourse I get all anxious and then feel sick. I know another one of my problems is the alcohol (wine). I am very sensitive to alcohol now. I didn't use to be but now if I drink just a little bit too much, I am in bed for 3 days with severe depression/anxiety/depersonalization. I am sure if I quit drinking 100%, most of my problems would be gone :( Tough, Tough, Tough!!!
I really need to get another job, SOON! But it's so hard for me to get up and shower, and go to work. I am so miserable. Do any of you hate working so much that it's hard for you to hold a job? I need to win the lotto or something man.... who has the winning numbers here.........
Posted by Phillipa on July 12, 2005, at 17:32:09
In reply to Re: Books for depression?, posted by StressedandDepressed on July 12, 2005, at 10:38:41
Well at least you're working. I can't even get up the nerve to retype my resume. Darned I didn't think I'd even find it and I'd never remember all the places and dates I nursed. I couldn't believe all the awards I'd won in nursing school or my magna cum laude plus all my charge nurse positions. I even did malpractice where i stood in front of a Judge and jury and presented my facts. And we always won. What's happened to that person. I did go on the internet website last night and check nursing positions in the Charlotte NC area where we're trying to relocate if we sell our condo and house. They have a huge psych hospital. That's my speciality but even patient care and nights to boot! required a BSN. I'm only a graduate of a degree program but RN with current license. They didn't even ask for experience just that degree. So now am I going to be able to find a job and try and get out into the world and do what I love best and get my self esteem back. Or will I just get lost in Babbleland and Babble my life away. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by MidnightBlue on July 12, 2005, at 23:10:30
In reply to Re: Books for depression? » StressedandDepressed, posted by Phillipa on July 12, 2005, at 17:32:09
Phillipa,
If Maxime can do it, YOU can do it.
MB
> Well at least you're working. I can't even get up the nerve to retype my resume. Darned I didn't think I'd even find it and I'd never remember all the places and dates I nursed. I couldn't believe all the awards I'd won in nursing school or my magna cum laude plus all my charge nurse positions. I even did malpractice where i stood in front of a Judge and jury and presented my facts. And we always won. What's happened to that person. I did go on the internet website last night and check nursing positions in the Charlotte NC area where we're trying to relocate if we sell our condo and house. They have a huge psych hospital. That's my speciality but even patient care and nights to boot! required a BSN. I'm only a graduate of a degree program but RN with current license. They didn't even ask for experience just that degree. So now am I going to be able to find a job and try and get out into the world and do what I love best and get my self esteem back. Or will I just get lost in Babbleland and Babble my life away. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on July 12, 2005, at 23:33:36
In reply to Re: Books for depression? » Phillipa, posted by MidnightBlue on July 12, 2005, at 23:10:30
Thanks Midnight Blue. I just feel like such a loser. There has to be jobs for Rn's in a city that big that doesn't require a Bachelors Degree. The Bachelors just means you have more of the paperwork type training and less time with direct patient care which I love. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by up'n'down on July 15, 2005, at 0:10:41
In reply to Re: Books for depression? » StressedandDepressed, posted by Phillipa on July 12, 2005, at 17:32:09
> Well at least you're working. I can't even get up the nerve to retype my resume. Darned I didn't think I'd even find it and I'd never remember all the places and dates I nursed. I couldn't believe all the awards I'd won in nursing school or my magna cum laude plus all my charge nurse positions. I even did malpractice where i stood in front of a Judge and jury and presented my facts. And we always won. What's happened to that person. I did go on the internet website last night and check nursing positions in the Charlotte NC area where we're trying to relocate if we sell our condo and house. They have a huge psych hospital. That's my speciality but even patient care and nights to boot! required a BSN. I'm only a graduate of a degree program but RN with current license. They didn't even ask for experience just that degree. So now am I going to be able to find a job and try and get out into the world and do what I love best and get my self esteem back. Or will I just get lost in Babbleland and Babble my life away. Fondly, Phillipa
Dear Phillipa;You are so good to answer everone's questions and offer empathy/sympathy to so many. There is a job just waiting for you, because you are such a nice person. U'D
Posted by Jimmy Go on July 22, 2005, at 19:15:42
In reply to Phillipa, posted by up'n'down on July 15, 2005, at 0:10:41
They started calling me "Jimmy Go" when I was 5 years old and couldn't sit still. I always had to be doing something. I've had about 25 jobs in the last few years. I have a Bachelors Degree, am considered very intelligent, like people and have compassion and empathy for anyone in crisis. I'm not lazy. I hate micromanagement and working for stupid people. I have mostly worked in law enforcement but have always been contrary to most of my co-workers. For example, I would much rather see a person "restored" than "destroyed" and I always look for alternatives to arrest especially with obvious mental health or substance abuse issues. I believe that the problem with law enforcement in America is that we hire many young people with few life experiences and little education, give them a badge and a gun and the authority or descretion to make decisions that affect other human beings the rest of their lives. Too often their descretion is based on a need to impress their supervisors or maybe just a sick need to hurt someone. I have tons of commendations but it doesn't seem to matter. They always promote the Officers who are more excited about swat teams and snipers than those who have a genuine concern for people. Well anyway, I take 150 mg Effexor XR daily. I don't like it but seem to get along better with it. Tried to quit once and it almost killed. I halloucinated, had nightmares and considered suicide. A word of caution, do not ever quit taking effexor without your Doctor's help. Of course I knew this but got so frustrated I tried it my way. I'm thinking of applying for a SSI disability because I believe I am unemployable. I have failed at every job I've tried.
Posted by Phillipa on July 22, 2005, at 20:45:36
In reply to Re: Phillipa, posted by Jimmy Go on July 22, 2005, at 19:15:42
Well, I never wrote that resume. My spirit is dampened. I called all the Hospitals in Charlotte, and NC Board of Nursing. Although I license is current and the Board states no further education needed the hospitals require a refresher course. It enconpasses 2 month of on the floor med/sure, and maybe 2 or more of internet classes. The Board says a hospital can set any standard it wants so I guess nursing is out for me as I could never withstand the stress of med/surg all day full time. And to boot the hospitals require fulltime employment for a few months before parttime or as needed work. Now does this make sense. I have Disability and am trying to reenter a field. The least stress possible would make sense right? Fewer hours, work up as tolerated. So as far as i can see our system is flawed. Keep them on Disability, don't let them work. And there's a nursing shortage. And I'm 59 with back problems! Go figure. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Jimmy Go on July 22, 2005, at 21:34:28
In reply to Re: Phillipa » Jimmy Go, posted by Phillipa on July 22, 2005, at 20:45:36
I also have a very low tolerance for policies that don't make sense. I'm 51 and too old to change much. I've been to all the "positive attitude" courses, read many self-help books and still can't stand micro-management and baseless policies and procedures. It is sad that the most dedicated and qualified people in certain professions are pushed aside to make room for these X-Generation idiots. It probably wasn't good for my career when I suggested that we replace the slogan "To protect and serve" with "To harass and disturb". I've definitely got some authority issues. I'm definitely keyed up and angry too much. Couldn't make it without my Effexor. Has anyone had a problem with effexor causing dizziness or shortness of breath when working outside? I had a series of cardiac tests recently and all came out great. I didn't do the nuclear test though. I would rather work than be on disability but nobody wants me.
Posted by 4WD on July 22, 2005, at 22:05:07
In reply to Re: Phillipa » Jimmy Go, posted by Phillipa on July 22, 2005, at 20:45:36
> Well, I never wrote that resume. My spirit is dampened. I called all the Hospitals in Charlotte, and NC Board of Nursing. Although I license is current and the Board states no further education needed the hospitals require a refresher course. It enconpasses 2 month of on the floor med/sure, and maybe 2 or more of internet classes. The Board says a hospital can set any standard it wants so I guess nursing is out for me as I could never withstand the stress of med/surg all day full time. And to boot the hospitals require fulltime employment for a few months before parttime or as needed work. Now does this make sense. I have Disability and am trying to reenter a field. The least stress possible would make sense right? Fewer hours, work up as tolerated. So as far as i can see our system is flawed. Keep them on Disability, don't let them work. And there's a nursing shortage. And I'm 59 with back problems! Go figure. Fondly, Phillipa
I'm sorry, Phillipa. That really bites.Marsha
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 24, 2005, at 15:13:11
In reply to Re: Phillipa » Phillipa, posted by 4WD on July 22, 2005, at 22:05:07
> I'm sorry, Phillipa. That really bites.
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups not about medication to Psycho-Babble Social. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050719/msgs/532797.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by dave_b on August 8, 2007, at 14:52:23
In reply to SD -- great idea from 4WD, posted by Racer on July 7, 2005, at 23:26:31
> I hadn't thought of Effexor, although I'm not a fan of it, so that's probably why. (It conked out on me pretty badly, after about two years.)
>
> Effexor is an option, though, since it does seem to reduce anxiety for a lot of people. Including, to some extent, me.
>
> Cymbalta might be a good option, too, since it works on a similar mechanism, and is a bit calming. Plus, it's more weight-neutral -- in my experience, at least -- than Effexor.
>
> Hope that helps.
Oooh. Effexor is HORRIBLE stuff. The half life is about five hours, and my experience with missing a single dose was the most horrific flu-like symptoms and dizziness (what other people call "brain shivers", but more like vertigo to me). It took over six months for me to completely wean off it, and to be perfectly honest, I never though it did all that much for my anxiety. I'm still anxious as hell ever day.I have many of the same kinds of problems that you've described, except I was never a heavy drug user. People describe me as negative, and I have difficulty holding onto a job (which tends to increase anxiety). I've tried paxil, effexor, zoloft and wellbutrin, but the only one that worked for me was wellbutrin (the others had some really nasty side effects including the weight gain, sexual disfunction, and the wonderful "brain shivers"). I average about nine months on a job, and am constantly anxious about losing my job. I've tried therapy, self-help, education, constant self-improvement and skills enhancement, and I'm still constantly unhappy with my job or feel on the verge of losing the one I have. I'm chronically afraid of my boss (probably because of the number of times I've lost jobs). In short, I seem to have all the issues you have except the drug use in the past.
Posted by dave_b on August 8, 2007, at 15:01:15
In reply to Re: Phillipa, posted by Jimmy Go on July 22, 2005, at 21:34:28
> I also have a very low tolerance for policies that don't make sense. I'm 51 and too old to change much. I've been to all the "positive attitude" courses, read many self-help books and still can't stand micro-management and baseless policies and procedures. It is sad that the most dedicated and qualified people in certain professions are pushed aside to make room for these X-Generation idiots. It probably wasn't good for my career when I suggested that we replace the slogan "To protect and serve" with "To harass and disturb". I've definitely got some authority issues. I'm definitely keyed up and angry too much. Couldn't make it without my Effexor. Has anyone had a problem with effexor causing dizziness or shortness of breath when working outside? I had a series of cardiac tests recently and all came out great. I didn't do the nuclear test though. I would rather work than be on disability but nobody wants me.
I've had the same with Effexor. I just didn't think that it was worth all the side-effects. The dizziness is pretty nasty, though i did not have the sexual side effects common to SSRIs with it. The weight gain I can handle (though I'm not happy about it). Anyone have any recommendations for something that helps with anxiety and DOESN'T have the effexor side effects?
Posted by Phillipa on August 8, 2007, at 22:11:27
In reply to Re: Phillipa, posted by dave_b on August 8, 2007, at 15:01:15
Wrong name I didn't write that and the age is wrong too. Not an effexor user. Tried once for a few days thats it. Love Phillipa
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