![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by PuraVida on May 18, 2001, at 23:46:25
Could anyone share if they have any experience in what I'm trying to explain?
First, I've been on Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Serzone, and most recently have been prescribed Serax for anxiety. I've always been more of a risk taker, leader, and general go-getter, but 5 years ago I started feeling overwhelmed to the point where I couldn't decide what to have for breakfast in the morning. I slept at least half the time, and had trouble stringing two "good" days together.
I am realizing a pattern, finally, that I think has been ignored, and possibly mis-diagnosed as a depression only problem. Going back through my journals, and looking more closely at my feelings now, there is always this sense of fear, anxiety, and a general almost pyhsical sense of being uptight. I don't actually think these feelings to myself, it os more of a feeling. I seem to handle the anxiety with excessive food and alchohol (I've had periods of using either one or both to binge.) The excess seems to numb me, which I guess is why I do it.
I seem to cycle through periods of being depressed (giving up) and back up to taking charge and feeling good about things, but then I get overwhelmed and I once again kind of "give up." The past few years these moods have been as often as every other day, to, lately, just alternating between the "overwhelmed and giving up" state. Whenever I get a good, motivated streak going (I don't feel manic - just positive and energetic) it can just end suddenly, and, despite how "normal" I felt the day before. However, increasingly I can't get the good motivated feeling - it is more of a anxious whirlwind of thoughts in my mind of things (fun, and tasks) that I could do, which quickly overwhelm me and I just give up. To explain more, when I give up, I stay in bed, and just can not get motivated to do a single thing. Often I wake up, and as soon I as become concious I'm aware that my heart is beating hard, and my mind is whirling with things to do before I get out of bed. Lately I can't get up, I fell so overwhelmed. This week I have started screening my calls even from friends and families - and not returing them - from experience I know this isn't a good sign.
I suppose the questions are:
1) can anyone share similar experiences?
2) I still don't know how I can be so anxious and keyed up and so depressed and wanting to be sedated all in a matter of 42 or 36 hours. anyone know?
3) I'm on 500 mgs of Serzone now, have been on 600 and felt a lot more well-being, but was sleeping too much. Was recently given Serax for my first actual panic attack, and have found that it greatly helped me (at first) with the binge eating/drinking. Anyone know of any drug combos with Serzone that could help with the anxiety, without sedation?
Finally, I am reading a book called Natural Prozac by Dr. Joel Robertson. I am a big believer in trying everything you can in living with this, and not looking for just one answer - I think it's a combo. Anyhow, Robertson talks about Arousal based depression, and Satiation based depression, and diet and exercise programs for each type. (I can't figure out what type I am)
Has anyone read this book?
Thanks for reading my long post - any and all comments/experiences I'd love to hear.
Posted by geekUK on May 20, 2001, at 8:49:16
In reply to Anxiety/Depression/Arousal/Satiation, posted by PuraVida on May 18, 2001, at 23:46:25
> Could anyone share if they have any experience in what I'm trying to explain?
>
> First, I've been on Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Serzone, and most recently have been prescribed Serax for anxiety. I've always been more of a risk taker, leader, and general go-getter, but 5 years ago I started feeling overwhelmed to the point where I couldn't decide what to have for breakfast in the morning. I slept at least half the time, and had trouble stringing two "good" days together.
>
> I am realizing a pattern, finally, that I think has been ignored, and possibly mis-diagnosed as a depression only problem. Going back through my journals, and looking more closely at my feelings now, there is always this sense of fear, anxiety, and a general almost pyhsical sense of being uptight. I don't actually think these feelings to myself, it os more of a feeling. I seem to handle the anxiety with excessive food and alchohol (I've had periods of using either one or both to binge.) The excess seems to numb me, which I guess is why I do it.
>
> I seem to cycle through periods of being depressed (giving up) and back up to taking charge and feeling good about things, but then I get overwhelmed and I once again kind of "give up." The past few years these moods have been as often as every other day, to, lately, just alternating between the "overwhelmed and giving up" state. Whenever I get a good, motivated streak going (I don't feel manic - just positive and energetic) it can just end suddenly, and, despite how "normal" I felt the day before. However, increasingly I can't get the good motivated feeling - it is more of a anxious whirlwind of thoughts in my mind of things (fun, and tasks) that I could do, which quickly overwhelm me and I just give up. To explain more, when I give up, I stay in bed, and just can not get motivated to do a single thing. Often I wake up, and as soon I as become concious I'm aware that my heart is beating hard, and my mind is whirling with things to do before I get out of bed. Lately I can't get up, I fell so overwhelmed. This week I have started screening my calls even from friends and families - and not returing them - from experience I know this isn't a good sign.
>
> I suppose the questions are:
>
> 1) can anyone share similar experiences?
>
> 2) I still don't know how I can be so anxious and keyed up and so depressed and wanting to be sedated all in a matter of 42 or 36 hours. anyone know?
>
> 3) I'm on 500 mgs of Serzone now, have been on 600 and felt a lot more well-being, but was sleeping too much. Was recently given Serax for my first actual panic attack, and have found that it greatly helped me (at first) with the binge eating/drinking. Anyone know of any drug combos with Serzone that could help with the anxiety, without sedation?
>
> Finally, I am reading a book called Natural Prozac by Dr. Joel Robertson. I am a big believer in trying everything you can in living with this, and not looking for just one answer - I think it's a combo. Anyhow, Robertson talks about Arousal based depression, and Satiation based depression, and diet and exercise programs for each type. (I can't figure out what type I am)
>
> Has anyone read this book?
>
> Thanks for reading my long post - any and all comments/experiences I'd love to hear.yeah,
sounds a bit like me. feeling a sense of panic and wanting to *cry* everytime the phone rings. Definitly with the high low yoyo. Feeling everything will be ok and great and then feeling as if breathing is the only activity I will ever do well at- and feeling pissed of at that!!
Well my therapist thinks its a kind of an avoidant strategy - Setting up a perfect life/plan to cover for the appaling place I am then being extra pissed off when it all falls down. Not sure if I beleive her, but hey its a thought. As for meds the lousy NHS has only thrown me SRI's to no success. depression is my real bugbear-less than the anxiety.
Hope I havent just discribed the water and this is some use.
M
Posted by niss on May 20, 2001, at 14:22:53
In reply to Re: Anxiety/Depression/Arousal/Satiation, posted by geekUK on May 20, 2001, at 8:49:16
Wow! This sounds like my life story. I can't even begin to tell you.
And, after living like this for so long, after getting a dui, after losing friends,etc..
I was diagnosed with ADD (secondly "comorbidy" with anxiety".
I cannot even begin to explain to you how this diagnosis has changed my life. And, as a side note, when you have too much on your plate, you are paralyzed...I used to leave work ( I was running a company..wrong thing to do -to run a company) and be so overwhelmed that I would go the arts and crafts store and stay there for hours - basically acomplishing nothing...and making my anxiety worse.Now, when I was diagnosed with ADD I was 29. I'm now 31. During the past 1 1/2 years things have been better. I was given Dexedrine and noticed a significant different immediately. However, my doctor did not diagnose me with the anxiety portion. Which has been the most recent discovery. Next week I will start taking Buspar. I also take paxil and have for about 6 years which helps quite a bit too. It is just a fine science to get everything right.
All I can say is be brutally honest with your doctor. Even if you feel ashamed or whatever. This will help out so much. Even though the dexedrine helped me, I still was so very anxious. Probably because of the previous couple of years...it just stayed with me...guilt, etc...
And I continued to drink and it increased. Finally, I read a book called Healing ADD. I phoned a doctor listed in the back of the book...shared everything with him...all the drinking all of my evils and he is going to help me and did not judge me...what a relief.Good luck to you!!
Anissa
> > Could anyone share if they have any experience in what I'm trying to explain?
> >
> > First, I've been on Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Serzone, and most recently have been prescribed Serax for anxiety. I've always been more of a risk taker, leader, and general go-getter, but 5 years ago I started feeling overwhelmed to the point where I couldn't decide what to have for breakfast in the morning. I slept at least half the time, and had trouble stringing two "good" days together.
> >
> > I am realizing a pattern, finally, that I think has been ignored, and possibly mis-diagnosed as a depression only problem. Going back through my journals, and looking more closely at my feelings now, there is always this sense of fear, anxiety, and a general almost pyhsical sense of being uptight. I don't actually think these feelings to myself, it os more of a feeling. I seem to handle the anxiety with excessive food and alchohol (I've had periods of using either one or both to binge.) The excess seems to numb me, which I guess is why I do it.
> >
> > I seem to cycle through periods of being depressed (giving up) and back up to taking charge and feeling good about things, but then I get overwhelmed and I once again kind of "give up." The past few years these moods have been as often as every other day, to, lately, just alternating between the "overwhelmed and giving up" state. Whenever I get a good, motivated streak going (I don't feel manic - just positive and energetic) it can just end suddenly, and, despite how "normal" I felt the day before. However, increasingly I can't get the good motivated feeling - it is more of a anxious whirlwind of thoughts in my mind of things (fun, and tasks) that I could do, which quickly overwhelm me and I just give up. To explain more, when I give up, I stay in bed, and just can not get motivated to do a single thing. Often I wake up, and as soon I as become concious I'm aware that my heart is beating hard, and my mind is whirling with things to do before I get out of bed. Lately I can't get up, I fell so overwhelmed. This week I have started screening my calls even from friends and families - and not returing them - from experience I know this isn't a good sign.
> >
> > I suppose the questions are:
> >
> > 1) can anyone share similar experiences?
> >
> > 2) I still don't know how I can be so anxious and keyed up and so depressed and wanting to be sedated all in a matter of 42 or 36 hours. anyone know?
> >
> > 3) I'm on 500 mgs of Serzone now, have been on 600 and felt a lot more well-being, but was sleeping too much. Was recently given Serax for my first actual panic attack, and have found that it greatly helped me (at first) with the binge eating/drinking. Anyone know of any drug combos with Serzone that could help with the anxiety, without sedation?
> >
> > Finally, I am reading a book called Natural Prozac by Dr. Joel Robertson. I am a big believer in trying everything you can in living with this, and not looking for just one answer - I think it's a combo. Anyhow, Robertson talks about Arousal based depression, and Satiation based depression, and diet and exercise programs for each type. (I can't figure out what type I am)
> >
> > Has anyone read this book?
> >
> > Thanks for reading my long post - any and all comments/experiences I'd love to hear.
>
> yeah,
> sounds a bit like me. feeling a sense of panic and wanting to *cry* everytime the phone rings. Definitly with the high low yoyo. Feeling everything will be ok and great and then feeling as if breathing is the only activity I will ever do well at- and feeling pissed of at that!!
> Well my therapist thinks its a kind of an avoidant strategy - Setting up a perfect life/plan to cover for the appaling place I am then being extra pissed off when it all falls down. Not sure if I beleive her, but hey its a thought. As for meds the lousy NHS has only thrown me SRI's to no success. depression is my real bugbear-less than the anxiety.
> Hope I havent just discribed the water and this is some use.
> M
Posted by Cateb on May 20, 2001, at 17:56:06
In reply to Anxiety/Depression/Arousal/Satiation, posted by PuraVida on May 18, 2001, at 23:46:25
Hi, These kinds of symptoms were similar to those I experienced when I first was diagnosed with Bipolar II as opposed to *simple* depression. As I understand the diagnosis classification, the mania is hypomania, not frank mania and there is a lot of "mixed state". I was churning, restless yet indecisive and could be in a manic, anxious and depressed state all at once. Yet I am a leader, ran a division of a company and was overwhelmed by everything. I didn't think it was possible to have such a contradictory set of conditions until I lived it.
The typical drug cocktail for this condition is an anti-depressant or two (I was on Zoloft and Wellbutrin), a mood stabilizer (an anti-seizure medication such as depakote, neurontin or topamax) and an anti-anxiety drug (a benzo). Beware: This treatment is virtually the opposite of the treatment for ADD, with which others on this thread have identified the symptoms (easy to understand), which is treated with heavy stimulants. So be sure to get good professional help to get a sound diagnosis!! Also, carefully evaluate whether any of the medications you are on may be contributing to the mental state you are experiencing. That was the case with me, and when I eliminated Topamax and Wellbutrin my symptoms disappeared *entirely*. Now I don't even need to take Xanax. Your doctor may deny it, but if you have any legitimate reason to suspect (e.g. journal history etc) correlation of activating drugs such as Wellbutrin with onset of these symptoms, I would suggest that you wean yourself off them with the supervision of your current or a new doctor. Good luck.
> Could anyone share if they have any experience in what I'm trying to explain?
>
> First, I've been on Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Serzone, and most recently have been prescribed Serax for anxiety. I've always been more of a risk taker, leader, and general go-getter, but 5 years ago I started feeling overwhelmed to the point where I couldn't decide what to have for breakfast in the morning. I slept at least half the time, and had trouble stringing two "good" days together.
>
> I am realizing a pattern, finally, that I think has been ignored, and possibly mis-diagnosed as a depression only problem. Going back through my journals, and looking more closely at my feelings now, there is always this sense of fear, anxiety, and a general almost pyhsical sense of being uptight. I don't actually think these feelings to myself, it os more of a feeling. I seem to handle the anxiety with excessive food and alchohol (I've had periods of using either one or both to binge.) The excess seems to numb me, which I guess is why I do it.
>
> I seem to cycle through periods of being depressed (giving up) and back up to taking charge and feeling good about things, but then I get overwhelmed and I once again kind of "give up." The past few years these moods have been as often as every other day, to, lately, just alternating between the "overwhelmed and giving up" state. Whenever I get a good, motivated streak going (I don't feel manic - just positive and energetic) it can just end suddenly, and, despite how "normal" I felt the day before. However, increasingly I can't get the good motivated feeling - it is more of a anxious whirlwind of thoughts in my mind of things (fun, and tasks) that I could do, which quickly overwhelm me and I just give up. To explain more, when I give up, I stay in bed, and just can not get motivated to do a single thing. Often I wake up, and as soon I as become concious I'm aware that my heart is beating hard, and my mind is whirling with things to do before I get out of bed. Lately I can't get up, I fell so overwhelmed. This week I have started screening my calls even from friends and families - and not returing them - from experience I know this isn't a good sign.
>
> I suppose the questions are:
>
> 1) can anyone share similar experiences?
>
> 2) I still don't know how I can be so anxious and keyed up and so depressed and wanting to be sedated all in a matter of 42 or 36 hours. anyone know?
>
> 3) I'm on 500 mgs of Serzone now, have been on 600 and felt a lot more well-being, but was sleeping too much. Was recently given Serax for my first actual panic attack, and have found that it greatly helped me (at first) with the binge eating/drinking. Anyone know of any drug combos with Serzone that could help with the anxiety, without sedation?
>
> Finally, I am reading a book called Natural Prozac by Dr. Joel Robertson. I am a big believer in trying everything you can in living with this, and not looking for just one answer - I think it's a combo. Anyhow, Robertson talks about Arousal based depression, and Satiation based depression, and diet and exercise programs for each type. (I can't figure out what type I am)
>
> Has anyone read this book?
>
> Thanks for reading my long post - any and all comments/experiences I'd love to hear.
Posted by Glenn Fagelson on May 20, 2001, at 21:08:15
In reply to Anxiety/Depression/Arousal/Satiation, posted by PuraVida on May 18, 2001, at 23:46:25
> Could anyone share if they have any experience in what I'm trying to explain?
>
> First, I've been on Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Serzone, and most recently have been prescribed Serax for anxiety. I've always been more of a risk taker, leader, and general go-getter, but 5 years ago I started feeling overwhelmed to the point where I couldn't decide what to have for breakfast in the morning. I slept at least half the time, and had trouble stringing two "good" days together.
>
> I am realizing a pattern, finally, that I think has been ignored, and possibly mis-diagnosed as a depression only problem. Going back through my journals, and looking more closely at my feelings now, there is always this sense of fear, anxiety, and a general almost pyhsical sense of being uptight. I don't actually think these feelings to myself, it os more of a feeling. I seem to handle the anxiety with excessive food and alchohol (I've had periods of using either one or both to binge.) The excess seems to numb me, which I guess is why I do it.
>
> I seem to cycle through periods of being depressed (giving up) and back up to taking charge and feeling good about things, but then I get overwhelmed and I once again kind of "give up." The past few years these moods have been as often as every other day, to, lately, just alternating between the "overwhelmed and giving up" state. Whenever I get a good, motivated streak going (I don't feel manic - just positive and energetic) it can just end suddenly, and, despite how "normal" I felt the day before. However, increasingly I can't get the good motivated feeling - it is more of a anxious whirlwind of thoughts in my mind of things (fun, and tasks) that I could do, which quickly overwhelm me and I just give up. To explain more, when I give up, I stay in bed, and just can not get motivated to do a single thing. Often I wake up, and as soon I as become concious I'm aware that my heart is beating hard, and my mind is whirling with things to do before I get out of bed. Lately I can't get up, I fell so overwhelmed. This week I have started screening my calls even from friends and families - and not returing them - from experience I know this isn't a good sign.
>
> I suppose the questions are:
>
> 1) can anyone share similar experiences?
>
> 2) I still don't know how I can be so anxious and keyed up and so depressed and wanting to be sedated all in a matter of 42 or 36 hours. anyone know?
>
> 3) I'm on 500 mgs of Serzone now, have been on 600 and felt a lot more well-being, but was sleeping too much. Was recently given Serax for my first actual panic attack, and have found that it greatly helped me (at first) with the binge eating/drinking. Anyone know of any drug combos with Serzone that could help with the anxiety, without sedation?
>
> Finally, I am reading a book called Natural Prozac by Dr. Joel Robertson. I am a big believer in trying everything you can in living with this, and not looking for just one answer - I think it's a combo. Anyhow, Robertson talks about Arousal based depression, and Satiation based depression, and diet and exercise programs for each type. (I can't figure out what type I am)
>
> Has anyone read this book?
>
> Thanks for reading my long post - any and all comments/experiences I'd love to hear.Hi PuraVida,
This is Glenn in San Diego. I have been
feeling the way you have been feeling lately.
Today, I didn't get out of bed until 12noon.
My rhythms are all turned around. I thought
it was because I been prescribed an increase
in Seroquel at bedtime. But now I am wondering
if it is just the time of year. I always get
very lethargic during the spring months esp.
the month of May. The spring months in San
Diego can be so gloomy, dull and gray weatherwise,
and this always has an impact on my condition.
Sometimes, I think my mood would be better if
it would just rain.By the way, I sent you an e-mail, but it did
not go thru. Can you give me your correct
e-mail address? Your idea about starting a
self-help group sounds like a good idea. My
e-mail address is glennfagelson@home.com
Glenn
Posted by PuraVida on May 24, 2001, at 1:31:36
In reply to Re: Anxiety/Depression/Arousal/Satiation, posted by geekUK on May 20, 2001, at 8:49:16
M,
So avoidance it is - at least I think I am also in an avoidance pattern. Identifying it is easy -figuring out why and what to do about it are another. What does your doc expect you to do with that "diagnosis", anyhow? :) For me, I guess its just that, when I have the good days and make plans, set some goals, and dare to dream a bit (all within reasonable limits, mind you) I just know that the lows will follow, and over time (lots of time) I think I am beginning to try to numb the highs (or at least my positive thoughts) figuring that I'll be back in the dumps soon, so why bother? Also fear - fear that I won't stabilize, and that after my good times, the lows seem that much more like failure, and sometimes are since I can't follow through on what I had started.
Sorry to hear about having to deal with the NHS. I'm American, but lived in London and had at least one unpleasant experience with them, too embarrasing to be broadcast here! :)
Anyhow, I am going to my doc tomorrow and am going to insist on a new eval, and a scrip for Topomax, which I really think may help level my moods and cease my binging. I'm also hoping the weight loss side effect will boost my spirits... I'm arming myself with copies of posts from this board and drug sites....
More later -
Liz
> yeah,
> sounds a bit like me. feeling a sense of panic and wanting to *cry* everytime the phone rings. Definitly with the high low yoyo. Feeling everything will be ok and great and then feeling as if breathing is the only activity I will ever do well at- and feeling pissed of at that!!
> Well my therapist thinks its a kind of an avoidant strategy - Setting up a perfect life/plan to cover for the appaling place I am then being extra pissed off when it all falls down. Not sure if I beleive her, but hey its a thought. As for meds the lousy NHS has only thrown me SRI's to no success. depression is my real bugbear-less than the anxiety.
> Hope I havent just discribed the water and this is some use.
> M
Posted by PuraVida on May 24, 2001, at 1:44:14
In reply to Re: Anxiety/Depression/Arousal/Satiation, posted by niss on May 20, 2001, at 14:22:53
Thanks Anissa,
I'm still not sure about the ADD thing - I've sometimes thought that that might be an issue with me, but I'm still confused about it. But, your description of staying at the arts and crafts store really hit home. I spend a TON of time kinda milling about my life - and not in a relaxed, happy way, but in an avoidance way. My main self-medicine is sleep - lots (I can because I'm not working right now) But I do have a lot of responsibilities, just not the type that are so urgent I'll have bad things happen, although sometimes (actually, often) I do miss bills, etc. and I pay a lot for that. When I start to attack them (like my car is full of things to return) I'll begin to feel overwhelmed and, like you, will just kinda drift for hours in certain types of shops - bookstores or arts&crafts, but never clothes stores - they overwhelm me because of all of the choices!
I'm interested to know about how you are/will be doing with the drinking. Tonight I could care less about having a drink - last Friday I drank 2 bottles of wine alone by myself????
Keep in touch,
Liz
> Wow! This sounds like my life story. I can't even begin to tell you.
> And, after living like this for so long, after getting a dui, after losing friends,etc..
> I was diagnosed with ADD (secondly "comorbidy" with anxiety".
> I cannot even begin to explain to you how this diagnosis has changed my life. And, as a side note, when you have too much on your plate, you are paralyzed...I used to leave work ( I was running a company..wrong thing to do -to run a company) and be so overwhelmed that I would go the arts and crafts store and stay there for hours - basically acomplishing nothing...and making my anxiety worse.
>
> Now, when I was diagnosed with ADD I was 29. I'm now 31. During the past 1 1/2 years things have been better. I was given Dexedrine and noticed a significant different immediately. However, my doctor did not diagnose me with the anxiety portion. Which has been the most recent discovery. Next week I will start taking Buspar. I also take paxil and have for about 6 years which helps quite a bit too. It is just a fine science to get everything right.
> All I can say is be brutally honest with your doctor. Even if you feel ashamed or whatever. This will help out so much. Even though the dexedrine helped me, I still was so very anxious. Probably because of the previous couple of years...it just stayed with me...guilt, etc...
> And I continued to drink and it increased. Finally, I read a book called Healing ADD. I phoned a doctor listed in the back of the book...shared everything with him...all the drinking all of my evils and he is going to help me and did not judge me...what a relief.
>
> Good luck to you!!
>
> Anissa
>
>
> > > Could anyone share if they have any experience in what I'm trying to explain?
> > >
> > > First, I've been on Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Serzone, and most recently have been prescribed Serax for anxiety. I've always been more of a risk taker, leader, and general go-getter, but 5 years ago I started feeling overwhelmed to the point where I couldn't decide what to have for breakfast in the morning. I slept at least half the time, and had trouble stringing two "good" days together.
> > >
> > > I am realizing a pattern, finally, that I think has been ignored, and possibly mis-diagnosed as a depression only problem. Going back through my journals, and looking more closely at my feelings now, there is always this sense of fear, anxiety, and a general almost pyhsical sense of being uptight. I don't actually think these feelings to myself, it os more of a feeling. I seem to handle the anxiety with excessive food and alchohol (I've had periods of using either one or both to binge.) The excess seems to numb me, which I guess is why I do it.
> > >
> > > I seem to cycle through periods of being depressed (giving up) and back up to taking charge and feeling good about things, but then I get overwhelmed and I once again kind of "give up." The past few years these moods have been as often as every other day, to, lately, just alternating between the "overwhelmed and giving up" state. Whenever I get a good, motivated streak going (I don't feel manic - just positive and energetic) it can just end suddenly, and, despite how "normal" I felt the day before. However, increasingly I can't get the good motivated feeling - it is more of a anxious whirlwind of thoughts in my mind of things (fun, and tasks) that I could do, which quickly overwhelm me and I just give up. To explain more, when I give up, I stay in bed, and just can not get motivated to do a single thing. Often I wake up, and as soon I as become concious I'm aware that my heart is beating hard, and my mind is whirling with things to do before I get out of bed. Lately I can't get up, I fell so overwhelmed. This week I have started screening my calls even from friends and families - and not returing them - from experience I know this isn't a good sign.
> > >
> > > I suppose the questions are:
> > >
> > > 1) can anyone share similar experiences?
> > >
> > > 2) I still don't know how I can be so anxious and keyed up and so depressed and wanting to be sedated all in a matter of 42 or 36 hours. anyone know?
> > >
> > > 3) I'm on 500 mgs of Serzone now, have been on 600 and felt a lot more well-being, but was sleeping too much. Was recently given Serax for my first actual panic attack, and have found that it greatly helped me (at first) with the binge eating/drinking. Anyone know of any drug combos with Serzone that could help with the anxiety, without sedation?
> > >
> > > Finally, I am reading a book called Natural Prozac by Dr. Joel Robertson. I am a big believer in trying everything you can in living with this, and not looking for just one answer - I think it's a combo. Anyhow, Robertson talks about Arousal based depression, and Satiation based depression, and diet and exercise programs for each type. (I can't figure out what type I am)
> > >
> > > Has anyone read this book?
> > >
> > > Thanks for reading my long post - any and all comments/experiences I'd love to hear.
> >
> > yeah,
> > sounds a bit like me. feeling a sense of panic and wanting to *cry* everytime the phone rings. Definitly with the high low yoyo. Feeling everything will be ok and great and then feeling as if breathing is the only activity I will ever do well at- and feeling pissed of at that!!
> > Well my therapist thinks its a kind of an avoidant strategy - Setting up a perfect life/plan to cover for the appaling place I am then being extra pissed off when it all falls down. Not sure if I beleive her, but hey its a thought. As for meds the lousy NHS has only thrown me SRI's to no success. depression is my real bugbear-less than the anxiety.
> > Hope I havent just discribed the water and this is some use.
> > M
Posted by PuraVida on May 24, 2001, at 16:10:58
In reply to Anxiety/Depression/Arousal/Satiation, posted by PuraVida on May 18, 2001, at 23:46:25
Whew! I feel like I'll be spending all day taking pills at this point! Any advice or comments on what transpired and what he prescribed are appreciated!
Went to the doc this am - told him the 500 mgs of Serzone was making me tired, and not working - I'm uptight, can't seem to get any sense of well-being, and I can't control my impulses - eating binges/drinking/not exercising/sleeping too much. Also having nightmares (new)
He told me that he saw a cycle - and that was that the medication, whatever I had tried in the past 5 years, was being negated by the alcohol I drink. I am quite sure that I'm not an alcoholic, as I've given a lot of thought and study to it, but I do know that I have a tendency to self medicate, be that through food, sleep or alcohol. It's just that alcohol is the least socially accepted - I feel that is why he is harping on it, or maybe he doesn't know what else to do/say. I can't imagine that loading myself up with carbs and fat helps my mood much, either, or staying in bed all day! Over 5 years I've been studying any links between my mood, types of food, alcohol, exercise, etc, and none of them seeem to have a drastic effect on my brain. Its not a problem to have just one or two drinks, just like its not a problem to have a simple meal, and stop there. The problem is when I'm down, or anxious, and alone, I use food or alcohol to sedate me - only when I'm alone. Its like if I'm a bit stressed, and if I have a bit of either, or both, and realize that it calmed me down, I keep going back for more to get the numb feeling.
Anyhow, I told him (I'm a bit peeved about our conversation still) that I wouldn't be there talking to him if it was just a matter of motivation or self-discipline - that was the point! Then, I asked him if he'd consider giving me a very, very low dose of Topomax, and showed him an article that talked about the findings of Topomax helping binge eating disorders and helping anxiety. The guy wouldn't even look at it - said "oh - its an anti-convulsant, hasn't been proven to work for anything esle, and, its a stage four mood stabilizer, Lithium or Depakote being stage one." I begged, and it killed me that he wouldn't even SCAN the research I put in front of him.
Anyhow, I felt like he just didn't think I had any problems - that I was expecting too much from the meds, looking to them to solve all of my problems. This, coming from the guy who a year ago said I'd need meds all my life, then in Feb 01 told me he wanted to wean me off meds entirely (after 5 years on)within the next year, and drasticaly dropped my Serzone dosage from 600 mgs to 400 mgs within a 2 week period (of course, I crashed, had to quit school and several projects -its been 3 months and I still haven't stabilized again, and I'm terrified of starting anyting new -just sitting here unemployed watching my brain and bank account drain away...)
This I felt he was saying:"if you'd just..." (stop drinking, start exercising,be more disciplined..) NOT what I need to hear, and it isn't true. I did this to myself for years until I realized I was making things worse by beating myself up. Its like telling someone to exerise or diet away diabetes, or cancer - its preposturous (sp!.) It helps, but it isn't a cause, or a cure. I've read and tried almost everything known to man (it seems!) in the past five years - my conclusion is that there are no "if justs" - there are plenty of people out there who don't exercise ever, who drink everyday, who have a lot more stress than I do, who are not nearly as lucky as I am, yet their balanced brains keep them trucking along. Can you tell I'm steamed? :)
So, now I'm on 500 mgs Serzone (300 at bedtime, 200 in am.) I also have a scrip for Serax, as needed, up to 20 mgs a day. When I had my first and only panic attack a few months ago I took 20 mgs every day for a few days, but now I'm scared of getting addicted to the Serax, and only take it when I feel really keyed up - and though it does help me with the binging (a lot!) I haven't taken it it ever to prevent or stop a binge. Maybe I should, but it seems to me I'm just substituting relaxants around...
Now I'm adding 10 mgs of Prozac the first week, upping to 20 mgs. The neurontin I'm supposed to take 300mgs at night for 3 days, then increase to 600 mgs at night.
My plan is (tell me what you think) to wait a few weeks before I try the neurontin - I want to try just the Prozac first, and maybe (if I'm still feeling tired in a few weeks) cut down the Serzone, so I end up a month from now at 400 mgs or Serzone and 20 of Prozac. I don't know, I just don't trust the doc anymore, and really feel I know my body (and mind) best. I'm scared of taking so much medication.
But, I'm actually looking forward to the prozac - the two times I've taken it alone I really had a nice "I can handle it feeling" for the most part. The first time I went off it I was feeling a little too keyed up - the second time I was at 50 mgs and I think maybe it pooped on me. I am hoping the prozac will stimulate me enough to set off any tiredness I get from the Serzone, as well as the gain in weight/appetite I've heard the neurontin might give.
Thanks for letting me blow off some steam... :)
Trying to be optomistic - but its hard!
This is the end of the thread.
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