Posted by johnj on May 23, 2002, at 20:03:45
In reply to Re: Why not try an SSRI » johnj, posted by Ron Hill on May 22, 2002, at 19:38:27
Hey Ron:
<I don't want to take up too much of your time 'cause I know you have to study for your test (is it the EIT?). Therefore, I'll be brief.>
Yes, it is the EIT, and it has been a long time since I have taken some of the classes and it has been overwhelming to say the least. But,they do have an environmental engineering session in the afternoon now so I feel much better since that is what my masters degree is in. I just study when I can and feel like it. I really look forward to bouncing ideas off of each other so this board has been great for me, and I check it often when I am not out of the office, and I appreciate all the info you have provided.
<I was not suggesting that you replace your benzo with an SSRI. What I had in mind was replacing the TCA with an SSRI (Zoloft in particular). I hear ya on the poop out. That's what SSRI's do to me. But many people have good success on SSRI's. Colin takes small doses of Zoloft, (speaking of which I hope those e-jail guards are giving him his meds on the correct schedule)!>I understood what you meant about the benzo's and to tell you the truth I feel pretty decent since I upped my dose to the original dose I started back in 92. The anxiety has diminished significantly and I get some energy and motivation back. The sedation will take some time to get used to but that is the price.
<Back in 1992 why did your pdoc start you on a TCA instead of an SSRI? If I were you (which I'm not, and I'm not a pdoc either), I'd ditch the TCA and add 25mg/day of Zoloft and 200 mg/day of SAM-e. From there you may have to increase one or both. And as long as I'm telling you my opinions, I've always had a feeling that you are bipolar. BEWARE: My feelings are often wrong.>
I don't know why she started me on a TCA and at the time I had no clue about meds. Funny you say that about being bipolar I have OFTEN wondered about that. I know I wouldn't fit the "typical" bipolar, but it sounds like there are many different types and levels. Before I do anything else I am going to wait until that damn test is over(I might need a couple of additional benzo's for that!). My thought is to keep the benzo, lithium, and get off the TCA and add sam-e(I may even add some sam-e now just to test the waters). I will also increase my excercise as I do this in the hope this will be enough. This might be a pipe dream, but I will consult my doc when the time comes and see what he thinks. I am under the impression that anxiety plays a HUGE role in my illness, and maybe, just maybe if I can control that beast I can do other things to help myself(excercise). However, the ssri idea is still floating in my head. I do like most of what I have read about Celexa, and since they have a new version coming out I will watch it closely. Right now, I do feel better since I stopped the remeron. That stuff did some funky things to me and even the sleep it gave me isn't worth the sponge brain feeling I had.
<Study well!>
THANKS!!! take care Ron. Let me know how the vitamin adjustment is going.I was sorry to see Colin jailed....where are the internet lawyers when you need them? Maybe Dr.B will let him out early with good behavior. I might get slapped on the wrist for this, but the nature of this board is bound to be a little volatile at times due to our circumstances. Have a good one Ron.
Johnj
poster:johnj
thread:106963
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020517/msgs/107441.html