Posted by Jackster on October 14, 2001, at 1:46:16
In reply to Re: Seeing my Pdoc on Monday and... » MM, posted by Mitch on October 13, 2001, at 16:05:30
>
> Hi MM,
>
> There was a couple of important things that you *didn't* mention: Panic, and a trial of a TCA. I would suggest a TCA (if you haven't tried one). It also sounds like you are having more trouble with *wanting* to get out rather than being intensely uncomfortable by *being* out. I mention TCA's because they have a good track record for agoraphobia. Paxil and Depakote can indeed make you rather apathetic and listless, although they probably control panic quite well. It sounds like you need a little noradrenaline going to get you up and out. Have you talked to your doc about adding some Wellbutrin or a TCA(desipramine or notriptyline, i.e.) to your existing combo of Paxil and Depakote? The three-way combo might work quite well.
>
> -MitchJust to chime in agreement with Mitch. I have agoraphobia as well, and my PDoc firmly believes in a combo of an SSRI and a TCA. I'm currently on Paxil (30mg) and Clomipramine (10mg). I've been on Paxil before (40mg) which is what they recommend for panic disorder, so you are on a very low dose. May be worth increasing slowly?
Also - I understand about feeling intimidated by PDoc. I felt the Clomipramine of 20mg that he initially prescribed was too activating (made me agressive) - and I went to the appointment to ask to switch to amitripyline instead (have been on before and been fine on it). I came out with another clomipramine prescription, not quite knowing how that happened! I feel better on the lower dose though.
I've had agoraphobia for 15 years, and at 19 I thought I would never be better. When I first went on Paxil it was like a miracle - I ended up travelling the world and living in London. Unfortunately after 3 years, I felt so good I decided to come of it. When I went back on, the Paxil didn't work so well. It is definitely worth trying a higher dose if you can.
There is a right med combo out there.
Good luck,
Jackie
poster:Jackster
thread:81178
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011007/msgs/81252.html