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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 30. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ihatedrugs on February 27, 2013, at 22:50:09
I'm sick and tired of this merry go round. I went to a new psych to figure out if there are other options to treat my depression. This guy is the Co/chair of the Psychiatric Dept at a major university. His brilliant response was that I am being over medicated. Are you f^&k%ng kidding me? And then he has the audacity to say that my doctor is an excellent psychiatrist.
I'm going to take my chances. Before meds, I was a beautiful slim, gregarious, woman a mother of 2 amazing girls and great husband and amazing friends and family, who suffered from episodes of unipolar depression lasting several months but lifting on their own. They became more severe so I went to the so called experts. Five months after meds, I became so ill from all the side effects I ended up hospitalized which destroyed my self reliant attitude, 40lbs overweight, and still depressed despite 20 years of countless meds, combinations of meds, supplements...Why should I continue taking this poison when it's not making me feel any better. It's literally eating away my essence and spirit. I have been in denial for so long by defending these poisons Big Pharma pushers and their puppet psychiatrists keep on giving me. I'm done. It's just crazy how I've kept on drinking the Kool aid for so long. I'm just so tired of struggling and looking for help. I don't want to do it anymore. The madness is in the treatment, not the disease.
ihatedrugs
Posted by Phillipa on February 27, 2013, at 22:59:50
In reply to I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet, posted by ihatedrugs on February 27, 2013, at 22:50:09
I agree as slowly tappering off all the meds. Might keep benzo on board but the ad's did me in. If My thyroid hadn't gone during menopause would never have touched an ad. My diagnosis's over the years first panic, then Gad and now OCD. So all are in the anxiety spectrum. And ad's don't help anxiety. Benzos do though Phillipa
Posted by ihatedrugs on February 27, 2013, at 23:09:34
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » ihatedrugs, posted by Phillipa on February 27, 2013, at 22:59:50
> I agree as slowly tappering off all the meds. Might keep benzo on board but the ad's did me in. If My thyroid hadn't gone during menopause would never have touched an ad. My diagnosis's over the years first panic, then Gad and now OCD. So all are in the anxiety spectrum. And ad's don't help anxiety. Benzos do though Phillipa
Thanks Phillipa. That's what I was planning.
Posted by SLS on February 28, 2013, at 4:38:14
In reply to I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet, posted by ihatedrugs on February 27, 2013, at 22:50:09
Good luck with your treatment discontinuation.
I am sorry that your life has not turned out as you think it would have were you not to have accepted the treatments chosen for you by your health care professionals.
What drugs are you currently taking? Perhaps people can offer you advice based upon knowing this.
I imagine that you would like to stop taking everything at once. I would. I don't know if that would be best, though. You might be better off discontinuing drugs in small sets or perhaps individually. Others might be able to guide you as to the order to discontinue drugs depending on what they are.
I guess you know about withdrawal rebound symptomatology? This can occur upon the discontinuation of a drug wherein symptoms of depression/anxiety similar to the original illness emerge, but are only temporary and not necessarily indicative of your resultant state. A slow taper can help mitigate this, but not necessarily avoid it entirely. Keeping a mood/anxiety chart might be helpful to assess whether you are experiencing rebound versus relapse. It might also help you determine a rate of dosage reduction that works best for you.
Don't overmedicate the fish.
- Scott
Posted by gadchik on February 28, 2013, at 7:11:13
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » ihatedrugs, posted by SLS on February 28, 2013, at 4:38:14
I applaud you. You are determined to get your life back and you will. Ive always been skeptical of pills,thus Ive stuck to low doses of any that Ive tried. Some of us doent do well on psych meds, for others, they may be what pulls them out of a terrible place.
Posted by europerep on February 28, 2013, at 7:29:42
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » ihatedrugs, posted by SLS on February 28, 2013, at 4:38:14
Please don't literally dump them in the toilet. This causes HUGE problems for waste water management. Put them in the trash, or better yet, take them to a pharmacy. Seriously, this is important.
Posted by gadchik on February 28, 2013, at 8:16:29
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet, posted by europerep on February 28, 2013, at 7:29:42
Posted by brynb on February 28, 2013, at 11:52:34
In reply to I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet, posted by ihatedrugs on February 27, 2013, at 22:50:09
IHD-
Just letting you know I've been there so many times and I completely understand how you feel. It sucks.
Don't give up--if you do need meds, fine, if not, even better, but maybe a new pdoc is in order and you can re-evaluate.
Hang in there!
-b
Posted by Hugh on February 28, 2013, at 13:19:41
In reply to I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet, posted by ihatedrugs on February 27, 2013, at 22:50:09
Taper very, very slowly. If you're on multiple meds, maybe just taper one at a time.
Posted by brynb on February 28, 2013, at 13:29:33
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet, posted by Hugh on February 28, 2013, at 13:19:41
Posted by ihatedrugs on February 28, 2013, at 17:55:13
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » ihatedrugs, posted by SLS on February 28, 2013, at 4:38:14
> Good luck with your treatment discontinuation.
>
> I am sorry that your life has not turned out as you think it would have were you not to have accepted the treatments chosen for you by your health care professionals.
>
> What drugs are you currently taking? Perhaps people can offer you advice based upon knowing this.
>
> I imagine that you would like to stop taking everything at once. I would. I don't know if that would be best, though. You might be better off discontinuing drugs in small sets or perhaps individually. Others might be able to guide you as to the order to discontinue drugs depending on what they are.
>
> I guess you know about withdrawal rebound symptomatology? This can occur upon the discontinuation of a drug wherein symptoms of depression/anxiety similar to the original illness emerge, but are only temporary and not necessarily indicative of your resultant state. A slow taper can help mitigate this, but not necessarily avoid it entirely. Keeping a mood/anxiety chart might be helpful to assess whether you are experiencing rebound versus relapse. It might also help you determine a rate of dosage reduction that works best for you.
>
> Don't overmedicate the fish.
>
>
> - Scott
>Hi Babblers,
I apologize for the rant. I just feel so helpless.
I'm on Lamictal 2oo, Lex 20, Wellb 300, Clonazepan 2mg, Vyvanse 40, Xanax 1 prn, Adderall prn.
I stopped taking Lamictal a few days ago. I'm not bipolar and it really doesn't do anything to alleviate my depression. I have gone down on Klonopin to 1mg every other night for sleep (it doesn't do anything but if I stop it suddenly I feel deja vu-like symptoms (don't really have a problem with severe anxiety). Xanax does help me sleep so I'm taking it every other night. I also use it to help with Klonopin discontinuation. I'm still taking the Lexapro and Wellbutrin for now. May drop the Wellbutrin later. Also will stop taking Vyvanse and just take Adderall when needed.
I am taking 2000mg of Niacin (flush) and I think it is helping (I know about the liver issues).I'm making the following changes;
Began taking Synertek Colostrum
2000mg B complex sublingual
P5P b-6
Magnesium Threonate Life Extension
Cutting down all processed foods
Eating a more plant-based diet
Joined the GymHopefully this will help elevate my mood. The new psychiatrist told me that I was like a hamster on a wheel. Taking drugs to wake up and then to sleep and I know he is right.
My husband is taking me to Europe for the first time this upcoming April and I can't even get excited about that.
What do you think? Do you have any other ideas.
Thanks for replying.
Posted by ihatedrugs on February 28, 2013, at 17:58:57
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet, posted by gadchik on February 28, 2013, at 7:11:13
> I applaud you. You are determined to get your life back and you will. Ive always been skeptical of pills,thus Ive stuck to low doses of any that Ive tried. Some of us doent do well on psych meds, for others, they may be what pulls them out of a terrible place.
Thanks Gadchik. Hope you are doing well. Will keep you posted.
Posted by ihatedrugs on February 28, 2013, at 18:00:27
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » ihatedrugs, posted by brynb on February 28, 2013, at 11:52:34
Posted by schleprock on February 28, 2013, at 18:29:40
In reply to I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet, posted by ihatedrugs on February 27, 2013, at 22:50:09
You may, in fact, have the right idea. I had a severe decline in my condition a few years ago that either due to toxic mold or Lithium prescribed to me by a subtly hostile psychiatrist by the name of Dr. Ronald Rawitt (was leaning more towards toxic mild at the time, now I'm leaning towards Lithium.) Was put on 1.5mg clonazepam (initially, dropped it to 1mg rather early)and 12.5mg of atenolol. Felt like crap all the time and couldn't leave home due to fear of panic attacks.
Moved just under a year later and started feeling better within a couple of months, went down to 1mg of clonazepam. Believing that the mold within the previous apartment had really been the problem, I encouraged myself to slowly drop the extra medication. Felt significantly better once I was down to 1/4 mg of clonazepam, then felt more or less "normal" for about nine months after completely tapering off the clonazepam and atenolol.
Then out of nowhere came a severe panic attack almost a year ago, then some sort of severe variety of anxiety/depression, then back on atenolol, then off atenolol, then on clonazepam, then ended up here. I think I made some severe mistakes that I haven't been able to resolve yet. Now on 1.5mg of clonazepam that I need to somehow get down to at least .5 mg, and probably get back on 12.5 mg atenolol.
Maybe you should stick with a few drugs at a significantly lower does as a "safety net", maybe get used to the idea of taking .25mg of clonazepam for the long term.
Posted by ihatedrugs on February 28, 2013, at 22:05:56
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet, posted by schleprock on February 28, 2013, at 18:29:40
> You may, in fact, have the right idea. I had a severe decline in my condition a few years ago that either due to toxic mold or Lithium prescribed to me by a subtly hostile psychiatrist by the name of Dr. Ronald Rawitt (was leaning more towards toxic mild at the time, now I'm leaning towards Lithium.) Was put on 1.5mg clonazepam (initially, dropped it to 1mg rather early)and 12.5mg of atenolol. Felt like crap all the time and couldn't leave home due to fear of panic attacks.
>
> Moved just under a year later and started feeling better within a couple of months, went down to 1mg of clonazepam. Believing that the mold within the previous apartment had really been the problem, I encouraged myself to slowly drop the extra medication. Felt significantly better once I was down to 1/4 mg of clonazepam, then felt more or less "normal" for about nine months after completely tapering off the clonazepam and atenolol.
>
> Then out of nowhere came a severe panic attack almost a year ago, then some sort of severe variety of anxiety/depression, then back on atenolol, then off atenolol, then on clonazepam, then ended up here. I think I made some severe mistakes that I haven't been able to resolve yet. Now on 1.5mg of clonazepam that I need to somehow get down to at least .5 mg, and probably get back on 12.5 mg atenolol.
>
> Maybe you should stick with a few drugs at a significantly lower does as a "safety net", maybe get used to the idea of taking .25mg of clonazepam for the long term.Schleprock,
You're right. I just get so overwhelmed and discouraged by my inability to achieve full remission. I know I will probably not be able to wean off them completely. My problem is with depression and very mild anxiety. The only med I think (as I don't even know anymore)gives me some relief is Lexapro. I think I respond better to SSRis than other drugs. Curious you mentioned mold. I was doing somewhat well until about 3 years ago. I had been teaching in a 60 year old school for about four years when I began to feel extremely tired and incredibly achy, to the point of not being able to get up from bed. At the time, I suspected it was a side effect of Lipitor, however, even after stopping it my symptoms continued to get worse. There was an office behind my classroom I used to store books and sit during breaks which had a moldy window air conditioning unit. I, at one time, thought about mold exposure but when I searched for info, it mainly listed respiratory problems as a main symptom. I never really had any respiratory problems so decided that wasn't the problem. Despite feeling so crappy, I still managed to teach for three more years in the same classroom. So who knows if mold exposure messed me up even more.
What were your symptoms? Are there any tests to find out if mold exposure have been a factor?I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia but honestly, I don't think that's the problem.
Anyways, thanks for your reply and suggestions.
Posted by Phillipa on March 1, 2013, at 18:38:20
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » schleprock, posted by ihatedrugs on February 28, 2013, at 22:05:56
Friends Daughter grown just got diagnosed with toxic mold from sheet rock. It did hit her respiratory system. She was tested for mold took 6 weeks for results. She will soon see an infection control specialist for additional testing. So I'd look for one in your area. Late response. But just found out today. Phillipa
Posted by phidippus on March 2, 2013, at 14:17:52
In reply to I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet, posted by ihatedrugs on February 27, 2013, at 22:50:09
What have you taken?
Eric
Posted by ihatedrugs on March 3, 2013, at 14:40:55
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » ihatedrugs, posted by phidippus on March 2, 2013, at 14:17:52
> What have you taken?
>
> EricFor Depression
I've tried too many meds in the last 16 yrs. Pretty much everything except for maoi or tac. Did try Emsam patch. Last four years I've been cruising aimlessly.
Posted by SLS on March 3, 2013, at 23:28:34
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » phidippus, posted by ihatedrugs on March 3, 2013, at 14:40:55
> > What have you taken?
> >
> > Eric
>
> For Depression
>
> I've tried too many meds in the last 16 yrs. Pretty much everything except for maoi or tac.You haven't tried MAOI and TCA in over 16 years of treatment? Who is responsible for making the decision to avoid these drugs and why? That's like excluding penicillin from consideration for the treatment of syphilis. It is an old drug, but extremely effective. Like syphilis, depression often gets worse if left untreated.
MAOI and TCA are more toxic in overdose than are other antidepressants. Is suicide a concern?
- Scott
Posted by ihatedrugs on March 5, 2013, at 1:26:26
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » ihatedrugs, posted by SLS on March 3, 2013, at 23:28:34
> > > What have you taken?
> > >
> > > Eric
> >
> > For Depression
> >
> > I've tried too many meds in the last 16 yrs. Pretty much everything except for maoi or tac.
>
> You haven't tried MAOI and TCA in over 16 years of treatment? Who is responsible for making the decision to avoid these drugs and why? That's like excluding penicillin from consideration for the treatment of syphilis. It is an old drug, but extremely effective. Like syphilis, depression often gets worse if left untreated.
>
> MAOI and TCA are more toxic in overdose than are other antidepressants. Is suicide a concern?
>
>
> - Scott
>
>Hi Scott,
Thanks for replying. Suicide is not a concern at all, although I've felt like wanting to die more than I would like. After taking Remeron for 1 year and putting on 50 lbs, I haven't wanted to try anything that causes weight gain. Both my parents are diabetic and I'm afraid of having to deal with yet another illness. I did try Emsam but didn't experience a robust enough effect. Also, the price was ridiculous.
I will ask my new pdoc about it. Hopefully, he'll be able to come up with something. Thanks
Posted by SLS on March 5, 2013, at 5:29:06
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » SLS, posted by ihatedrugs on March 5, 2013, at 1:26:26
> > MAOI and TCA are more toxic in overdose than are other antidepressants. Is suicide a concern?
> Thanks for replying. Suicide is not a concern at all, although I've felt like wanting to die more than I would like. After taking Remeron for 1 year and putting on 50 lbs, I haven't wanted to try anything that causes weight gain. Both my parents are diabetic and I'm afraid of having to deal with yet another illness. I did try Emsam but didn't experience a robust enough effect. Also, the price was ridiculous.
> I will ask my new pdoc about it. Hopefully, he'll be able to come up with something. ThanksParnate has never put an ounce of weight on me. It is usually much more effective than Emsam for a given individual. I should think that your partial response to Emsam is an indicator that Parnate would work for you. I can't guarantee anything, of course, but Parnate is a reasonable choice at this point. I respond better to Parnate when I add a TCA (desipramine or nortriptyline) and lithium to it. You could also try adding Lamictal.
Have you tried adding Abilify to an antidepressant yet? If you are partially responsive to Wellbutrin, you might be able to amplify its effect by adding Abilify and Lamictal. Abilify can be a weight-gainer, though.
Have you ever tried adding vitamin D3? Just curious. I should probably give it a try myself. From what I understand, it can take several weeks to produce an improvement in depression.
- Scott
Posted by brynb on March 5, 2013, at 5:42:26
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » ihatedrugs, posted by SLS on March 5, 2013, at 5:29:06
> > > MAOI and TCA are more toxic in overdose than are other antidepressants. Is suicide a concern?
>> Have you ever tried adding vitamin D3? Just curious. I should probably give it a try myself. From what I understand, it can take several weeks to produce an improvement in depression.
>
>
Hi Scott,Re: the above, is 3 weeks typical for vitamin D to kick in? How much is really absorbed by the system? Just curious as I added it to my regime a few weeks ago and haven't noticed a difference just yet.
Thanks,
b
Posted by ihatedrugs on March 6, 2013, at 0:42:18
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » ihatedrugs, posted by SLS on March 5, 2013, at 5:29:06
> > > MAOI and TCA are more toxic in overdose than are other antidepressants. Is suicide a concern?
>
> > Thanks for replying. Suicide is not a concern at all, although I've felt like wanting to die more than I would like. After taking Remeron for 1 year and putting on 50 lbs, I haven't wanted to try anything that causes weight gain. Both my parents are diabetic and I'm afraid of having to deal with yet another illness. I did try Emsam but didn't experience a robust enough effect. Also, the price was ridiculous.
> > I will ask my new pdoc about it. Hopefully, he'll be able to come up with something. Thanks
>
> Parnate has never put an ounce of weight on me. It is usually much more effective than Emsam for a given individual. I should think that your partial response to Emsam is an indicator that Parnate would work for you. I can't guarantee anything, of course, but Parnate is a reasonable choice at this point. I respond better to Parnate when I add a TCA (desipramine or nortriptyline) and lithium to it. You could also try adding Lamictal.
>
> Have you tried adding Abilify to an antidepressant yet? If you are partially responsive to Wellbutrin, you might be able to amplify its effect by adding Abilify and Lamictal. Abilify can be a weight-gainer, though.
>
> Have you ever tried adding vitamin D3? Just curious. I should probably give it a try myself. From what I understand, it can take several weeks to produce an improvement in depression.
>
>
> - Scott
>Hey Scott,
Just read patient ratings on Parnate and it looks promising. I'm making an appointment tomorrow. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks a lot.
Posted by SLS on March 6, 2013, at 6:33:02
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » SLS, posted by brynb on March 5, 2013, at 5:42:26
> > > > MAOI and TCA are more toxic in overdose than are other antidepressants. Is suicide a concern?
> >
>
> > Have you ever tried adding vitamin D3? Just curious. I should probably give it a try myself. From what I understand, it can take several weeks to produce an improvement in depression.
> >
> >
> Hi Scott,
>
> Re: the above, is 3 weeks typical for vitamin D to kick in?That's about right from what I read.
> How much is really absorbed by the system?
I really don't know. I would have to reseach this.
> Just curious as I added it to my regime a few weeks ago and haven't noticed a difference just yet.
Make sure that you are taking D3.
I have no idea what the percentage is of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) who respond to D3 supplementation. I imagine it would be relatively small. However, the percentage of people with vitamin D deficiency who present with depression and respond to D3 supplemention is probably quite large. Were you tested for vitamin D status?
- Scott
Posted by brynb on March 6, 2013, at 7:21:21
In reply to Re: I'm dumping all my meds in the toilet » brynb, posted by SLS on March 6, 2013, at 6:33:02
> > Hi Scott,
> >
> > Re: the above, is 3 weeks typical for vitamin D to kick in?
>
> That's about right from what I read.
>
> > How much is really absorbed by the system?
>
> I really don't know. I would have to reseach this.
>
> > Just curious as I added it to my regime a few weeks ago and haven't noticed a difference just yet.
>
> Make sure that you are taking D3.
>
> I have no idea what the percentage is of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) who respond to D3 supplementation. I imagine it would be relatively small. However, the percentage of people with vitamin D deficiency who present with depression and respond to D3 supplemention is probably quite large. Were you tested for vitamin D status?
>
>
> - ScottThanks, Scott.
Vit D3 was added to my regime by my pdoc as my blood work always shows a D deficiency, or at being below the desired D range. I can't say I've noticed a difference since starting the supplement, but I'm just trying to keep my cocktail as simple and streamlined as possible.
Thanks again!
-b
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