Posted by stargazer2 on October 5, 2007, at 23:12:50
How to summarize the past few months...obviously I can't include every detail, just the most important ones.
1/22/07: Pdoc suggests Abilify or Geodon, I request a second opinion. Emsam increased to 9 mg. Continued dizziness, static in brain, too much to process, feeling of being overwhelmed without a reason to feel this way.
2/21/07: Emsam to 12 mg with some improvement in mood. Added DLPA 500 mg (DL-Phenylalanine) per Laima, another person who uses this with Nardil.
Second opinion done, recommends Transcranial Stimulation, Depakote or Abilify. I asked about Provigil, which he said would be OK. Not terribly impressed with his opinions.
3/6: Started Provigil at 50, then at 75 ,then at 100 with Emsam 12. Very lightheaded.
3/14: Decreased Emsam to 6 mg and Provigil to 50 mg based on lightheadedness. BP 90/60.
**I want to try Nardil** Agreed to try Abilify with Emsam 6 mg. Abilify 2.5, increased to 5 mg, then to 10mg with increased motivation and energy at first, then effects diminished.
Frustrated with lack of response, I got the name of a clinical researcher who is studying Rizolule and Ketamine for depression. I saw him to reviewed my history and get his opinion on what may work for me. He can't give me any suggestions today but will review my case and see me in a few weeks.
5/14: NO improvement on Emsam 6, Abilify 10 and Amphetamine 10 (5mg/Am,5 mg/pm).
**Want to try Nardil now!**
5/15: Started Nardil (finally) at 15 mg to increase to 45 mg after 5 days. Continued on Abilify 5 mg w Nardil. Noticed response after 3 days with improved energy and thinking, less rumination.
June 06: Saw research MD again, he suggests exercise 3-5X/week and tells me what times to take Nardil to reduce daytime sleepiness. He isn't able to make any specific med suggestions for me. Having SE of swollen feet, gas pains, constipation. Nardil reduced to 45 mg, Abilify increased to 10 mg.
July 07: Buproprion 150 added to Nardil 45. Still very depressed, I think I need something else added...Adderall, Tricyclic or thyroid?
Trial of amphetamine salts with Nardil at 5 mg with improved motivation, increased to 10 mg, had hypertensive reaction with second dose. BP 230/130, took Nifedipine 10 mg SL to reduce BP, 140/80 after an hour on the bathroom floor.
August 5,06: BP in the 70's, on Nardil 30 only.
8/14/07: Depressed on Nardil 30, added Wellbutrin 150 and Lamictal 25.
My suggestion to pdoc is to add a TCA or Lithium.
Nortriptylline (TCA) 25 mg added to Nardil 30.
8/15/06: Pdoc refers me to endocrinologist (first time in 18 years) for evaluation of possible hormonal effects on depression. TSH level last year was 2.6, started me on Synthroid 50 mcg. Wants to get TSH closer to 1 to improve depression. My previous thyroid level were always in the normal range of 0.5 to 5.
Blood drawn today for TSH. Results are 3.5.
8/27/07: Nortrip increased to 75 mg, Nardil is 45 and Synthroid 50 mcg.
9/3: Very lightheaded, changed med schedule, will take Nardil 15 and Nortrip 25 Q AM and Nardil 30 and Nortrip 50 Q PM, and take Synthroid upon waking up.
SE of very dry mouth from Nortrip, reduced to 50 mg.On 9/11, I noticed my depression was responding to the Nardil 45, Nortriptylline 50 and Synthroid 50 mcg combination, the only improvement in my depression in a year and 2 months.
I hope this is the real thing. I saw my pdoc on 10/4, told him the depression was gone. I almost hugged him I was so happy. I can go a month before seeing him again. Again, I hope this is the real thing.
stargazer
poster:stargazer2
thread:787171
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070929/msgs/787171.html