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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jet on January 24, 2002, at 0:49:09
I have had dysthymia all of my adult life. I have tried many different types of AD's and none of them have worked. I have been taking Topamax now for 3 months and am up to 350mg - working my way up to 400mg. At first it worked pretty well, keeping my mood swings under control and I was feeling pretty good. Then I went "down" and had to up the dose. This has happened twice so far. Those "down" times are rough - like my head weighs a ton, I don't want to talk to anyone, want to crawl in bed, don't want to deal with anything, etc.
I asked my pdoc about trying opiates for my dysthymia. He just gave me a blank stare. So I told him that it was not my fault that my brain was like this and that these "down" times were awful. I also told him when the Topamax was working well, I wouldn't need the opiates and that I would be fine then. I felt like a rape victim or lawyer defending my case or something. It didn't work because he looked at me as if I was a loony toon. What's funny about this is that I have known this pdoc for 15 years. He just said that I would have to get them elsewhere.
I have felt the physical difference before with opiates. They make me feel normal, not high. My brain and body feels right. I can't explain it, it just feels like it should. I have been reading the posts about this topic and would really appreciate hearing from people like Elizabeth - I have some questions and would like to communicate with someone that has some hands-on experience. I am meeting with my med doc next week and am going to ask her about it. She is from Europe and may be more open to it. I am going to ask her to call Dr. Bodkin. But if not, I will need to find a new pdoc that will understand that this is what I need and not what I want. Duh.
Does anyone know of any GOOD doctors in the Seattle area that are doing research in this area or are open to this concept? If so, please email me at: [email protected]
Thanks.....Jet
Posted by TSA West on January 24, 2002, at 1:42:08
In reply to Helpless in Seattle, posted by Jet on January 24, 2002, at 0:49:09
Dearest Jet,
Here are some medications to consider for a veteran treatment-resistant antidepressant-taker such as yourself:
Atypical Neuroleptics: Risperdal, Zyprexa, Ziprasidone (a dual reuptake inhibitor of 5HT and NE like Effexor)
Others of the anticonvulsants: Lamotrigine (most antidepressant qualities), Zonisamide, Leviracetam
Buspirone - an effective antidepressant and anxiolytic at high doses (60-90mg).
Dopamine Agonists - Pramipexole has two studies on it for unipolar and bipolar depression.
"Power Combinations" - Remeron+Effexor; Wellbutrin+Remeron, Remeron + Prozac.
Augmentation of anything you have tried before with Lithium, Pindolol, or Buspirone.
Provigil (modafinil) - a stimulant that is possibly effective.
Irreversable MAOIs - Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. Extremely Effective.
MAOI-B - Selegiline, an antidepressant almost comparable to Phenelzine at 60 mg.
I hope that gives you hope!
=========TSA West____________________
Posted by djmmm on January 24, 2002, at 2:25:51
In reply to Helpless in Seattle, posted by Jet on January 24, 2002, at 0:49:09
> I have had dysthymia all of my adult life. I have tried many different types of AD's and none of them have worked. I have been taking Topamax now for 3 months and am up to 350mg - working my way up to 400mg. At first it worked pretty well, keeping my mood swings under control and I was feeling pretty good. Then I went "down" and had to up the dose. This has happened twice so far. Those "down" times are rough - like my head weighs a ton, I don't want to talk to anyone, want to crawl in bed, don't want to deal with anything, etc.
>
> I asked my pdoc about trying opiates for my dysthymia. He just gave me a blank stare. So I told him that it was not my fault that my brain was like this and that these "down" times were awful. I also told him when the Topamax was working well, I wouldn't need the opiates and that I would be fine then. I felt like a rape victim or lawyer defending my case or something. It didn't work because he looked at me as if I was a loony toon. What's funny about this is that I have known this pdoc for 15 years. He just said that I would have to get them elsewhere.
>
> I have felt the physical difference before with opiates. They make me feel normal, not high. My brain and body feels right. I can't explain it, it just feels like it should. I have been reading the posts about this topic and would really appreciate hearing from people like Elizabeth - I have some questions and would like to communicate with someone that has some hands-on experience. I am meeting with my med doc next week and am going to ask her about it. She is from Europe and may be more open to it. I am going to ask her to call Dr. Bodkin. But if not, I will need to find a new pdoc that will understand that this is what I need and not what I want. Duh.
>
> Does anyone know of any GOOD doctors in the Seattle area that are doing research in this area or are open to this concept? If so, please email me at: [email protected]
>
> Thanks.....JetHey Jet, Im in Seattle, too.. (Capital Hill)...Im sure there is someone here that can help... have you tried one of the hospitals? Swedish Medical?
Posted by Jet on January 24, 2002, at 9:17:15
In reply to Combos, augments, and other MSes » Jet, posted by TSA West on January 24, 2002, at 1:42:08
> Dearest Jet,
>
> Here are some medications to consider for a veteran treatment-resistant antidepressant-taker such as yourself:
> Thanks for taking the time to help me out here.> Atypical Neuroleptics: Risperdal, Zyprexa, Ziprasidone (a dual reuptake inhibitor of 5HT and NE like Effexor)
> I have thought of Zyprexa after reading the board. I am leary of the side-effects tho.
> Others of the anticonvulsants: Lamotrigine (most antidepressant qualities), Zonisamide, Leviracetam
> Being that I'm already on an AC, I don't think I would be able to take another one.
> Buspirone - an effective antidepressant and anxiolytic at high doses (60-90mg).
> Not familiar with this one.
> Dopamine Agonists - Pramipexole has two studies on it for unipolar and bipolar depression.
> This is most likely what I would need. I responded the best to Wellbutrin, not at all to the other AD's.
> "Power Combinations" - Remeron+Effexor; Wellbutrin+Remeron, Remeron + Prozac.
> My pdoc thinks that as long as I can handle the "lows" that all is well. Unless I go in there and DEMAND that he adds this or that, nothing will change. That is why I want to change pdocs. I am so tired of living in a fog 2 weeks out of the month! Now that I have woke up with the Topamax, I want to be awake the rest of the month too.
> Augmentation of anything you have tried before with Lithium, Pindolol, or Buspirone.
>
> Provigil (modafinil) - a stimulant that is possibly effective.
>
> Irreversable MAOIs - Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine. Extremely Effective.
>
> MAOI-B - Selegiline, an antidepressant almost comparable to Phenelzine at 60 mg.
>
> I hope that gives you hope!
> Yes, I now have hope just from reading this board and knowing that you are all out there! I also really appreciate you all putting yourselves out there and your knowledge. Bless you. Jet.
> =========TSA West____________________
Posted by TSA West on January 24, 2002, at 17:09:04
In reply to Re: Combos, augments, and other MSes, posted by Jet on January 24, 2002, at 9:17:15
Don't let people's posts on Zyprexa convince you to close the door on a viable treatment option for you. People rarely post something good about a particular drug; rather, they post to complain about it. Zyprexa is perfectly safe.
Zyprexa has been prescribed to over 6 million patients in 84 countries worldwide since its market entry in 1996.
The safety of Zyprexa, has been established in multiple 6-week trials at doses of 5 to 20 mg. Extrapyramidal side effects and vital sign changes were negligible, and elevations in prolactin and hepatic levels were mild.
> > Being that I'm already on an AC, I don't think I would be able to take another one.
Persons with epilepsy combine anticonvulsants all the time. I myself take three: Gabitril, Neurontin, and Zonegran--and all for unipolar depression.
> > Buspirone - an effective antidepressant and anxiolytic at high doses (60-90mg).
> > Not familiar with this one.Its very well tolerated but more known as an anxiolytic than an antidepressant.
> > Dopamine Agonists - Pramipexole has two studies on it for unipolar and bipolar depression.
> > This is most likely what I would need. I responded the best to Wellbutrin, not at all to the other AD's.Please look into Pramipexole or Bromocriptine.
Your servant in Christ,
TSA West
Posted by Jet on January 24, 2002, at 23:12:04
In reply to Re: Combos, augments, and other MSes » Jet, posted by TSA West on January 24, 2002, at 17:09:04
> Don't let people's posts on Zyprexa convince you to close the door on a viable treatment option for you. People rarely post something good about a particular drug; rather, they post to complain about it. Zyprexa is perfectly safe.
>
> Zyprexa has been prescribed to over 6 million patients in 84 countries worldwide since its market entry in 1996.
>
> The safety of Zyprexa, has been established in multiple 6-week trials at doses of 5 to 20 mg. Extrapyramidal side effects and vital sign changes were negligible, and elevations in prolactin and hepatic levels were mild.
> Do you take Zyprexz?> > > Being that I'm already on an AC, I don't think I would be able to take another one.
>
> Persons with epilepsy combine anticonvulsants all the time. I myself take three: Gabitril, Neurontin, and Zonegran--and all for unipolar depression.
Do they help you?
>
> > > Buspirone - an effective antidepressant and anxiolytic at high doses (60-90mg).
> > > Not familiar with this one.
>
> Its very well tolerated but more known as an anxiolytic than an antidepressant.
>
> > > Dopamine Agonists - Pramipexole has two studies on it for unipolar and bipolar depression.
> > > This is most likely what I would need. I responded the best to Wellbutrin, not at all to the other AD's.
>
> Please look into Pramipexole or Bromocriptine.
>
> Your servant in Christ,
> TSA West
Wow. I have a lot of work ahead of me. I am a little overwhelmed at the possible meds out there!
My pdoc all these years has not exposed me to these drugs, only the AD's and stims. He just asked me 3 months ago about Topamax. I am going to change pdocs anyway due to the fact that he let me be too depressed for way too long!I really do appreciate your very wise input. Thanks so much for the help.
Jet
Posted by Jondoe on March 24, 2002, at 19:58:42
In reply to Helpless in Seattle, posted by Jet on January 24, 2002, at 0:49:09
Dear Jet,
Take a look at how some other people worked out of similar problems on this link:
http://www.spirituality.com/framework/search_redirect.jhtml?_DARGS=%2Ftte%2Fspirituality.jhtmlAnd a quote from a sister web site: www.tfccs.com
"PHYSICIANS, HEALTH CARE professionals, and others are giving more and more attention each year to the spiritual dimension in healing. What practical applications spirituality has in the healing process has become a serious topic for research in such fields as biotechnology, genetics, modern surgical practices, and psychological counseling, as well as in the hands-on nursing care provided by so many dedicated women and men. Of the one hundred twenty-five accredited medical schools in the United States, at least sixty-one now offer a course on spirituality in medicine; and as many as forty of those encourage future doctors to put patients' spiritual histories on their medical records.
Trends like these will be fully discussed March 19 to 21 when a wide range of people from the fields of science, theology, and medicine gather in Denver, Colorado, for the ninth symposium on "Spirituality and Healing in Medicine," sponsored by Harvard Medical School and the Mind/Body Medical Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston."
You will enjoy reading some of the articles and other activities available on the spirituality.com site.
Have fun, Jondoe
Posted by Chris Doe on May 25, 2003, at 13:53:04
In reply to Re: Helpless in Seattle, posted by djmmm on January 24, 2002, at 2:25:51
I just wanted to say that your doctor may have been looking out for your own interest. Since i was dignosed with dysthymic disorder I have done a ton a research on it. People with this disorder are much much more likely to have substance abuse and addiction problems. I know for myself i am (please dont laugh) extremely addicted to marijuana, and i know when i smoke it i do not feel high i just feel normal, that is sadly one of the signs of addiction. This may not be the case but it may explain your doctors reaction. Hope this helps. And if anyone needs to talk about dysthymia please feel free to e-mail me [email protected] it is always nice to know we're not the only ones.
> > I have had dysthymia all of my adult life. I have tried many different types of AD's and none of them have worked. I have been taking Topamax now for 3 months and am up to 350mg - working my way up to 400mg. At first it worked pretty well, keeping my mood swings under control and I was feeling pretty good. Then I went "down" and had to up the dose. This has happened twice so far. Those "down" times are rough - like my head weighs a ton, I don't want to talk to anyone, want to crawl in bed, don't want to deal with anything, etc.
> >
> > I asked my pdoc about trying opiates for my dysthymia. He just gave me a blank stare. So I told him that it was not my fault that my brain was like this and that these "down" times were awful. I also told him when the Topamax was working well, I wouldn't need the opiates and that I would be fine then. I felt like a rape victim or lawyer defending my case or something. It didn't work because he looked at me as if I was a loony toon. What's funny about this is that I have known this pdoc for 15 years. He just said that I would have to get them elsewhere.
> >
> > I have felt the physical difference before with opiates. They make me feel normal, not high. My brain and body feels right. I can't explain it, it just feels like it should. I have been reading the posts about this topic and would really appreciate hearing from people like Elizabeth - I have some questions and would like to communicate with someone that has some hands-on experience. I am meeting with my med doc next week and am going to ask her about it. She is from Europe and may be more open to it. I am going to ask her to call Dr. Bodkin. But if not, I will need to find a new pdoc that will understand that this is what I need and not what I want. Duh.
> >
> > Does anyone know of any GOOD doctors in the Seattle area that are doing research in this area or are open to this concept? If so, please email me at: [email protected]
> >
> > Thanks.....Jet
>
> Hey Jet, Im in Seattle, too.. (Capital Hill)...Im sure there is someone here that can help... have you tried one of the hospitals? Swedish Medical?
>
> http://www.swedish.org/get/specialty.asp?Specialty+Search
This is the end of the thread.
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