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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by inanimate peanut on December 5, 2009, at 19:30:22
So I'm finally on Parnate and that was my goal. I'm increasing it daily so that I'll be at 60mg by the 7th. So, now I just have to wait and hope and pray that it works. My only question is how do I get through until then? I'm in the day hospital program now which I'm not sure is helpful but at least gets me out of bed, but I feel like I'm suffering every minute and who knows how long this stuff will take to work (or if it will for sure work). People say to stay busy but I don't have the motivation or energy to do anything other than lay around and watch TV. This hurts and it may still take weeks for the meds to make it go away. I just want the pain to stop. Does anyone else feel like this? Did anyone feel like this and then get better? I just wish I knew how long I had to live like this still before I got to stop hurting. I'll stop rambling now.
Posted by SLS on December 5, 2009, at 20:05:04
In reply to How do I make it until it starts working (Parnate), posted by inanimate peanut on December 5, 2009, at 19:30:22
> So I'm finally on Parnate and that was my goal. I'm increasing it daily so that I'll be at 60mg by the 7th.
When did you start taking Parnate?
Be careful of hypotension (low blood pressure) appearing suddenly if you raise the dosage too fast.
- Scott
Posted by inanimate peanut on December 5, 2009, at 20:36:41
In reply to Re: How do I make it until it starts working (Parnate) » inanimate peanut, posted by SLS on December 5, 2009, at 20:05:04
I started Dec. 3. Thanks for the warning about hypotension. Are there certain signs I should look for?
Posted by uncouth on December 5, 2009, at 21:21:04
In reply to How do I make it until it starts working (Parnate), posted by inanimate peanut on December 5, 2009, at 19:30:22
it will take some time. i have been there. i know how it's throbbing...how it's a contradiction between feeling so empty on the one hand and feeling so full of thoughts and anguish at the same time. you're lucky you can watch tv...some people can't do that (or have other distractions, for me, it was the internet...specifically researching meds. not conducive to gertting PAST depression i assure you).
if i can remember correctly, parnate took 2-3 weeks to kick in for me at a reasonable dose. if you are in such pain please consider a low dose of zyprexa to hold you over for a few weeks.
or if you can, try to journal or at least write down some of your obsessive thoughts. just to get them on paper. keep posting on this board if thats what it takes to get you to WRITE. the attention devoted to the present that all forms of writing require - to the basic requirement of constructing a sentance - at least takes you away from the incessant rumination or throbbing pain.
please stay with us and post often. it will get better, but i can't tell you when. for me, i was expecting weeks, but it took months to finally get on the right combo. be assured that God is with you during this time and He knows (as do some of us on this board) what you are enduring.
-uncouth
Posted by Phillipa on December 5, 2009, at 23:53:55
In reply to Re: How do I make it until it starts working (Parnate) » inanimate peanut, posted by uncouth on December 5, 2009, at 21:21:04
Do you have to drive to the day program? If so can someone drive you for a while? Good luck and do keep posting. Phillipa
Posted by emmanuel98 on December 6, 2009, at 2:03:22
In reply to Re: How do I make it until it starts working (Parnate), posted by Phillipa on December 5, 2009, at 23:53:55
I got better on 30mg of parnate within days of starting, but I may be unusual. I also augmented in with perphenazine. The hypotension can be a problem, especially if you're on so high a dose. Just get in the habit of sitting for a bit before you get up from lying down, then rising slowly before you get up from sitting. Insomnia can be a problem, but you can mix parnate with some antipsychotics or with most benzos, so that can be treated.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Posted by SLS on December 6, 2009, at 5:07:17
In reply to Re: How do I make it until it starts working (Parn » SLS, posted by inanimate peanut on December 5, 2009, at 20:36:41
> I started Dec. 3.
You are titrating rapidly. I cannot predict what, if any, untoward events you may encounter. I think the fastest I titrated to 60mg was 14 days. I really don't know if I could have handled more.
> Thanks for the warning about hypotension. Are there certain signs I should look for?
The first episode can come without warning. Hopefully, it will be orthostatic hypotension that will arrive first. You can have a certain amount of control of this by rising slowly from a lying or seated position. The first two times I tried Parnate, I experienced episodic dizziness, even though I had already been standing for quite awhile. Be careful of stairs. You can experience dizziness after you arrive at the top once the rhythmic contractions of the leg muscles cease.
- Scott
Posted by bleauberry on December 6, 2009, at 6:35:38
In reply to How do I make it until it starts working (Parnate), posted by inanimate peanut on December 5, 2009, at 19:30:22
Since you have only been on parnate a few days...beginning Ded 3...well, statistically it needs more time.
Me and maybe a few other people felt almost instant improvement on parnate beginning day 2, but that was at far lower doses than you are taking. Ya know, not often verbalized or recognized, too much is as bad as not as enough?
Anyway, I believe the statistically normal expected time range for parnate benefits are within the 2 week to 4 week range. It generally does work faster than other meds from what my eyes have seen.
Has anyone ever compared your symptoms to the symptoms of Lyme disease? You don't want to be like me and go through 15 years of psychiatric hell, 10 doctors, only to have some Nurse Practioner finally figure out you had Lyme disease the whole time. I mention this because there are thousands of us who believe this disease is grossly under recognized and underdiagnosed. Even the CDC states that for every 1 person diagnosed there are 9 walking around undiagnosed, being erroneously referred to non-Lyme-literate psychiatrists and given mysterious labels such as depression, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, apathy syndrome, etc.
It will be forced and probably not enjoyable, but do it...anything...get out...go somewhere...do something...hobby...walk...roam...anything...force the muscles and brain to work. The more time you can find in the real world versus the day hospital world is a big plus as I see it. Been there done that. An environment that reminds you at every moment you are sick is not conducive to healing, in my opinion.
Posted by inanimate peanut on December 6, 2009, at 12:35:30
In reply to Re: How do I make it until it starts working (Parnate) » inanimate peanut, posted by uncouth on December 5, 2009, at 21:21:04
Many people have recommended Zyprexa. I'm already on Geodon. It worked great for about 2 months and then pooped out. So, I don't know if my pdoc would add Zyprexa. I'm also really worried about the weight gain. I even gained weight on Geodon, which is very rare. I know some people say a few pounds don't matter but they do with some health issues I have and my past struggles with obesity. If I keep feeling like this though, I'll have to add it. I didn't know it was an option PRN, so I'll keep that in mind.
Posted by inanimate peanut on December 6, 2009, at 12:36:53
In reply to Re: How do I make it until it starts working (Parnate), posted by Phillipa on December 5, 2009, at 23:53:55
I drive to the day program but it's less than 3 blocks away, and I haven't had any trouble driving. I'm really tempted not to go to the day program this week and just stay home and sleep. I know that's a bad idea, but I'm really struggling with it.
Posted by ColoradoSnowflake on December 6, 2009, at 12:47:51
In reply to How do I make it until it starts working (Parnate), posted by inanimate peanut on December 5, 2009, at 19:30:22
Hi Peanut
I spent quite a few days just sleeping when I went on Parnate. It worked for me, especially since I could sleep all night as well.
It seems you are taking a lot really quickly! Maybe your body needs the sleep.
Good luck!
Gayle
Posted by floatingbridge on December 8, 2009, at 23:52:27
In reply to Re: How do I make it until it starts working (Parn » Phillipa, posted by inanimate peanut on December 6, 2009, at 12:36:53
Hi Peanut,
The day hospital experience wasn't great for me--but I think it was good to have an excuse to get out of the house (distraction), even if the distraction didn't feel distracting enough. However, sleeping is also good for starting a new med. Which do you feel you need (or desire) more?
Best to you--hope today was o.k. for you,
fb
> I drive to the day program but it's less than 3 blocks away, and I haven't had any trouble driving. I'm really tempted not to go to the day program this week and just stay home and sleep. I know that's a bad idea, but I'm really struggling with it.
Posted by inanimate peanut on December 9, 2009, at 14:14:30
In reply to Re: How do I make it until it starts working (Parn » inanimate peanut, posted by floatingbridge on December 8, 2009, at 23:52:27
I've gotten up and gone to the day program every day this week. I think it's done me some good. I'm feeling a bit better, but that could be the Parnate kicking in too. As for sleep, I'm taking Ambien and Benadryl before bed and still can't get good sleep on the Parnate, even if I take my final dose at 2pm. Oh well, I guess that's life!
Posted by Phillipa on December 9, 2009, at 18:43:42
In reply to Re: How do I make it until it starts working (Parn, posted by inanimate peanut on December 9, 2009, at 14:14:30
Glad your're feeling better. And your attitude is great!!!! Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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