![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 72. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sorceress on February 26, 2002, at 21:54:16
Hey All...
I have a long and complicated story as I'm sure most of you do...
In 1997 I had emergeny surgey to remove an ovarian cyst. Shortly thereafter I began experiencing severe migraines prior to my monthly cycle. My GYN reffered me to a neurologist. She then prescibed me an endless list of medications from Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Xanax, and various other pain medication including Promethazine, Duadrin, Imitrex, and klonopin. After a year of these treatments I decided enough was enough. I suffered just as severe rebound effects as I did migraines.At this point I went to an internist who monitored me while I cleaned my system of all these medications.At the same time as I was 'rehabing' I was raped by my live-in at the time. That ended abruptly of course. However, a few months later he came back, broke into my house and he raped me again.
In working with this Doctor, she ran every test under the sun, hormonal, thyroid, heart diease, you name it... in the end she diagnosed me with PTSD & severe depression recommending 'hospitalization'. Being a single mother with minimal family support 'hospitalization' was not an option.We came up with an alternative option of rape counseling and a drug combination. I have tried EVERY anti-depressant out there and I react very badly...I am currently on 25mg Toprol a day for hypertension, 100mg Elavil for depression, 25mg Promethazine for the migraines and 3mg Klonopin for both the PSTD (to let me sleep as I am tormented by nightmares)...and the depression, all daily...
I'm not quite sure what my question is... I am having side effects from the klonopin... anxiety, weepiness, sexual side effects, weight gain, fatigue, edema on the ankle... just to name a few...I have tried cutting down my dosages gradually only to have my brain explode along with my emotions and without my nightly klonopin...I just plain don't sleep... I am too afraid of the nightmares and often wonder what is worse... the void in my mind where i dream or the reality in the wakeing...I guess what I'm asking is if anybody can give me SOME ADVICE on what to do?
Thank You...
Posted by Preston7979 on February 26, 2002, at 21:59:59
In reply to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , posted by Sorceress on February 26, 2002, at 21:54:16
The klonopin is a medicine actually used for anxiety so I don't think that is a side effect from that medicine. Also you might try an SSRI like paxil or luvox. They are both fda aproved for ptsd. I take zoloft for panic attacks myself but you said You had already tried that. Hope this will help.
Preston
Posted by Sorceress on February 26, 2002, at 22:10:37
In reply to Re: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , posted by Preston7979 on February 26, 2002, at 21:59:59
> The klonopin is a medicine actually used for anxiety so I don't think that is a side effect from that medicine. Also you might try an SSRI like paxil or luvox. They are both fda aproved for ptsd. I take zoloft for panic attacks myself but you said You had already tried that. Hope this will help.
>
> Preston
Thanx Preston ~
I have already tried Paxil... it gave me heart palpitations along with worse migraines and emotional upheaval... the problem is that I have been on so many different medications... 3 full mgs of klonopin is alot ( according to my doc anyways) and I have been at that dosage for 4 years... sometimes I even have to take 4 mgs just to fall asleep...I'm not sure if I should be researching PTSD or migraines... I will ask about the Luvox tho... Thank you ~
Sorceress
Posted by SoS on February 27, 2002, at 5:19:41
In reply to Re: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , posted by Sorceress on February 26, 2002, at 22:10:37
I don't know what you can do about the PTSD really, but for the sleep, you might try depakote, or neurontin, which are both sedating/relaxing (or at least I know the depakote is and I hear neurontin is) and/or an atypical anti-psychotic (don't get too scared by the name) like risperdal. If you do research about anti-psychotics you'll find a lot of information about a condition called dyskenesia (I think) that affects the mouth, but don't let that scare you. It usually occurs with older Anti-psychotics, not the atypical ones (but I'd read up on it if you do get prescribed one). I'm on a combo of depakote and risperdal, and it has definitely helped me. I would at least ask your internist, or pdoc or whoever about some of these other meds. Hope this helps.
MM
P.S. You also might want to post with a header about not being able to sleep and ask for med recommendations. It's a popular problem.
Posted by Ritch on February 27, 2002, at 12:57:24
In reply to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , posted by Sorceress on February 26, 2002, at 21:54:16
> Hey All...
> I have a long and complicated story as I'm sure most of you do...
> In 1997 I had emergeny surgey to remove an ovarian cyst. Shortly thereafter I began experiencing severe migraines prior to my monthly cycle. My GYN reffered me to a neurologist. She then prescibed me an endless list of medications from Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Xanax, and various other pain medication including Promethazine, Duadrin, Imitrex, and klonopin. After a year of these treatments I decided enough was enough. I suffered just as severe rebound effects as I did migraines.At this point I went to an internist who monitored me while I cleaned my system of all these medications.
>
> At the same time as I was 'rehabing' I was raped by my live-in at the time. That ended abruptly of course. However, a few months later he came back, broke into my house and he raped me again.
> In working with this Doctor, she ran every test under the sun, hormonal, thyroid, heart diease, you name it... in the end she diagnosed me with PTSD & severe depression recommending 'hospitalization'. Being a single mother with minimal family support 'hospitalization' was not an option.
>
> We came up with an alternative option of rape counseling and a drug combination. I have tried EVERY anti-depressant out there and I react very badly...I am currently on 25mg Toprol a day for hypertension, 100mg Elavil for depression, 25mg Promethazine for the migraines and 3mg Klonopin for both the PSTD (to let me sleep as I am tormented by nightmares)...and the depression, all daily...
>
> I'm not quite sure what my question is... I am having side effects from the klonopin... anxiety, weepiness, sexual side effects, weight gain, fatigue, edema on the ankle... just to name a few...I have tried cutting down my dosages gradually only to have my brain explode along with my emotions and without my nightly klonopin...I just plain don't sleep... I am too afraid of the nightmares and often wonder what is worse... the void in my mind where i dream or the reality in the wakeing...I guess what I'm asking is if anybody can give me SOME ADVICE on what to do?
>
> Thank You...Hi,
Have you ever tried Neurontin+Topamax (esp. Topamax)? Maybe three meds in combination (from different drug classes) that all have shown some efficacy with PTSD might work: What about a combination of Topamax, Klonopin, and Zoloft??
Mitch
Posted by JohnX2 on February 28, 2002, at 1:06:03
In reply to Re: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder » Sorceress, posted by SoS on February 27, 2002, at 5:19:41
Clonodine (Catapres) is a good medicine for PTSD. It is an anti-hypertensive
and helps to control nightmares/anxiety. It also helps to give PTSD patients
better responses to anti-depressants by stabilizing the neuronal
paths disrupted by trauma.Good luck.
-John
> I don't know what you can do about the PTSD really, but for the sleep, you might try depakote, or neurontin, which are both sedating/relaxing (or at least I know the depakote is and I hear neurontin is) and/or an atypical anti-psychotic (don't get too scared by the name) like risperdal. If you do research about anti-psychotics you'll find a lot of information about a condition called dyskenesia (I think) that affects the mouth, but don't let that scare you. It usually occurs with older Anti-psychotics, not the atypical ones (but I'd read up on it if you do get prescribed one). I'm on a combo of depakote and risperdal, and it has definitely helped me. I would at least ask your internist, or pdoc or whoever about some of these other meds. Hope this helps.
> MM
> P.S. You also might want to post with a header about not being able to sleep and ask for med recommendations. It's a popular problem.
Posted by DINGBAT on March 1, 2002, at 9:53:31
In reply to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , posted by Sorceress on February 26, 2002, at 21:54:16
Hi
I treat a lot of people with PTSD and have found that the most useful drug to control most of the symptoms is SERZONE (nefazodone). This is supported by research on the better psychopharmacological treatments for PTSD. Counselling/psychotherapy is also a must - preferably with a therapist who has experience and good track record with treating PTSD. By the way, I am also a chronic migraine sufferer and have found that Serzone (200mg bid) makes a huge impact on frequency and severity of migraines (as do many other antidepressants). You'll also find that your sleep will be much improved on Serzone. If you don't go for Serzone, try any other AD with Molipaxin (trazodone) as a 'sleeping tablet' - it's very effective for most people with sleep problems and is a close cousin of Serzone (e.g., 50mg nocte)
Hope that helps a little ...
Posted by Sorceress on March 1, 2002, at 11:43:51
In reply to Re: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , posted by DINGBAT on March 1, 2002, at 9:53:31
> Hi
>
> I treat a lot of people with PTSD and have found that the most useful drug to control most of the symptoms is SERZONE (nefazodone). This is supported by research on the better psychopharmacological treatments for PTSD. Counselling/psychotherapy is also a must - preferably with a therapist who has experience and good track record with treating PTSD. By the way, I am also a chronic migraine sufferer and have found that Serzone (200mg bid) makes a huge impact on frequency and severity of migraines (as do many other antidepressants). You'll also find that your sleep will be much improved on Serzone. If you don't go for Serzone, try any other AD with Molipaxin (trazodone) as a 'sleeping tablet' - it's very effective for most people with sleep problems and is a close cousin of Serzone (e.g., 50mg nocte)
> Hope that helps a little ...First thanx to everybody for responding...I'm a bit confused to the anitdepressant theories. absolutely EVERYTHING i have tried except the amyltriptaline has given me adverse reactions....severe enought o require emergency room visits on 2 occassions... so i am not sure how changing that will help...? my main concern is combination of toprol (which has very nasty side effects on its own - but has been the only medication to keep my blood pressure down) and clonazepam/klonopin... i have gained approx 30lbs since i have started taking them...no matter how much i exercise or dont eat i still cant drop the weight. the klonopin is the only medication that lets me sleep, but only at a high dosage and then the side effect of increased rem activity... so maybe the Serzone will help change that? does anyone have any advice on how that would work in combination with the toprol and/or amyltriptaline? or if there a simialr and better medications than either of those? I'm really tired of medications... I want to be off them completely.. and mostly all I want to do is drop into a dark hole, sleep, and never wake-up....i dont mean to sound dramtic... there are many who have it worse than i do... i dont do well in therapy or group situations... can anyone suggest alternatives? sorry for rambling...
thanx... Sorceress
Posted by JohnX2 on March 1, 2002, at 19:28:57
In reply to Re: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , posted by DINGBAT on March 1, 2002, at 9:53:31
This is interesting.
I have been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder.
When I was a young child I went through a horrible time
with a parental divorce/alcoholic depressed mother/
bankrupt family business for about 4 yrs between the ages
of 8-12. I witnessed a lot of traumatic events and was under
a lot of constant stress. After this ended I had flashbacks,
major depression,and the onset of hypomanic sypmptoms and
also anti-social personality disorder.15 yrs later I relapse into major depression. I try every
AD. Zoloft and Wellbutrin make me manic and poop out.
Serzone is the ONLY AD that works and also does not poop
out. It also fixes these EXCRUCIATING pains that I have in
my head that the neurologists are stymied about fixing.
Klonopin and Topamax also help.So I'm back on Serzone, this time with a mood stabilizer
Lamictal, and the Serzone is again helping with the headaches
and its less drowsy probably because of the Lamictal.So why do you think that Serzone is such a good medicine for
PTSD? Its my understanding that PTSD causes a "backwards" dysruption
in the functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal response
to stress. I've noticed since I started Serzone that I have gotton
a return of symptoms that I had before I got into this major
depressive func, mainly these weird immune system goof ups
Raynauds (vascular sensitivity to cold/warm in my hands causing
a numbing), and some joint pain. But I'll trade that off for
getting rid of my headaches. So it seems the Serzone is somehow
rebalancing my stress system and how it interacts with my
autoimmune/hormone system.Thoughts?
-John
> Hi
>
> I treat a lot of people with PTSD and have found that the most useful drug to control most of the symptoms is SERZONE (nefazodone). This is supported by research on the better psychopharmacological treatments for PTSD. Counselling/psychotherapy is also a must - preferably with a therapist who has experience and good track record with treating PTSD. By the way, I am also a chronic migraine sufferer and have found that Serzone (200mg bid) makes a huge impact on frequency and severity of migraines (as do many other antidepressants). You'll also find that your sleep will be much improved on Serzone. If you don't go for Serzone, try any other AD with Molipaxin (trazodone) as a 'sleeping tablet' - it's very effective for most people with sleep problems and is a close cousin of Serzone (e.g., 50mg nocte)
> Hope that helps a little ...
Posted by Sorceress on March 1, 2002, at 20:12:19
In reply to Re: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder » DINGBAT, posted by JohnX2 on March 1, 2002, at 19:28:57
Dingbat baby... I am right there with you... I have the same numbing and return of previous symptoms w/ the klonopin as you are describing...I have been on clonazepam/klonopin for almost 5 years and my dosage is so high its a wonder I'm even functioning most of the time... also am right with you on the manic reactions to AD... nothing seems to help... also diagnosed w/ anit-social disorder at 13... I thought it was just B.S. and that I was rebelling but the behaviors have not changed... the klonopin is the only thing that stops my migraines... I would just love to find a way to be lucid and alive again...Topamax I react to...no one has ever suggested the serezone or the Lamictal...am I seeing the wrong kind of doc? Can someone point me in a direction that doesnt trap me in this depressive state of being? I have 2 kids to raise on my own and I don't want the circle to continue...any advice? please?
Dingbat..e-amil me...I would like to maybe converse with you outside of the BB...or anybody else who has some help to offer...
> This is interesting.
> I have been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder.
> When I was a young child I went through a horrible time
> with a parental divorce/alcoholic depressed mother/
> bankrupt family business for about 4 yrs between the ages
> of 8-12. I witnessed a lot of traumatic events and was under
> a lot of constant stress. After this ended I had flashbacks,
> major depression,and the onset of hypomanic sypmptoms and
> also anti-social personality disorder.
>
> 15 yrs later I relapse into major depression. I try every
> AD. Zoloft and Wellbutrin make me manic and poop out.
> Serzone is the ONLY AD that works and also does not poop
> out. It also fixes these EXCRUCIATING pains that I have in
> my head that the neurologists are stymied about fixing.
> Klonopin and Topamax also help.
>
> So I'm back on Serzone, this time with a mood stabilizer
> Lamictal, and the Serzone is again helping with the headaches
> and its less drowsy probably because of the Lamictal.
>
> So why do you think that Serzone is such a good medicine for
> PTSD? Its my understanding that PTSD causes a "backwards" dysruption
> in the functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal response
> to stress. I've noticed since I started Serzone that I have gotton
> a return of symptoms that I had before I got into this major
> depressive func, mainly these weird immune system goof ups
> Raynauds (vascular sensitivity to cold/warm in my hands causing
> a numbing), and some joint pain. But I'll trade that off for
> getting rid of my headaches. So it seems the Serzone is somehow
> rebalancing my stress system and how it interacts with my
> autoimmune/hormone system.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> -John
>
>
>
> > Hi
> >
> > I treat a lot of people with PTSD and have found that the most useful drug to control most of the symptoms is SERZONE (nefazodone). This is supported by research on the better psychopharmacological treatments for PTSD. Counselling/psychotherapy is also a must - preferably with a therapist who has experience and good track record with treating PTSD. By the way, I am also a chronic migraine sufferer and have found that Serzone (200mg bid) makes a huge impact on frequency and severity of migraines (as do many other antidepressants). You'll also find that your sleep will be much improved on Serzone. If you don't go for Serzone, try any other AD with Molipaxin (trazodone) as a 'sleeping tablet' - it's very effective for most people with sleep problems and is a close cousin of Serzone (e.g., 50mg nocte)
> > Hope that helps a little ...
Posted by JohnX2 on March 1, 2002, at 21:34:02
In reply to Re: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, posted by Sorceress on March 1, 2002, at 20:12:19
hi sorceress,
I'm sorry, were you referring to me, JohnX2, the walking PTSD medicine cabinet?
Dingbat baby is the treatment professional.Regards,
John> Dingbat baby... I am right there with you... I have the same numbing and return of previous symptoms w/ the klonopin as you are describing...I have been on clonazepam/klonopin for almost 5 years and my dosage is so high its a wonder I'm even functioning most of the time... also am right with you on the manic reactions to AD... nothing seems to help... also diagnosed w/ anit-social disorder at 13... I thought it was just B.S. and that I was rebelling but the behaviors have not changed... the klonopin is the only thing that stops my migraines... I would just love to find a way to be lucid and alive again...Topamax I react to...no one has ever suggested the serezone or the Lamictal...am I seeing the wrong kind of doc? Can someone point me in a direction that doesnt trap me in this depressive state of being? I have 2 kids to raise on my own and I don't want the circle to continue...any advice? please?
>
> Dingbat..e-amil me...I would like to maybe converse with you outside of the BB...or anybody else who has some help to offer...
>
> [email protected]...
>
> > This is interesting.
> > I have been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder.
> > When I was a young child I went through a horrible time
> > with a parental divorce/alcoholic depressed mother/
> > bankrupt family business for about 4 yrs between the ages
> > of 8-12. I witnessed a lot of traumatic events and was under
> > a lot of constant stress. After this ended I had flashbacks,
> > major depression,and the onset of hypomanic sypmptoms and
> > also anti-social personality disorder.
> >
> > 15 yrs later I relapse into major depression. I try every
> > AD. Zoloft and Wellbutrin make me manic and poop out.
> > Serzone is the ONLY AD that works and also does not poop
> > out. It also fixes these EXCRUCIATING pains that I have in
> > my head that the neurologists are stymied about fixing.
> > Klonopin and Topamax also help.
> >
> > So I'm back on Serzone, this time with a mood stabilizer
> > Lamictal, and the Serzone is again helping with the headaches
> > and its less drowsy probably because of the Lamictal.
> >
> > So why do you think that Serzone is such a good medicine for
> > PTSD? Its my understanding that PTSD causes a "backwards" dysruption
> > in the functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal response
> > to stress. I've noticed since I started Serzone that I have gotton
> > a return of symptoms that I had before I got into this major
> > depressive func, mainly these weird immune system goof ups
> > Raynauds (vascular sensitivity to cold/warm in my hands causing
> > a numbing), and some joint pain. But I'll trade that off for
> > getting rid of my headaches. So it seems the Serzone is somehow
> > rebalancing my stress system and how it interacts with my
> > autoimmune/hormone system.
> >
> > Thoughts?
> >
> > -John
> >
> >
> >
> > > Hi
> > >
> > > I treat a lot of people with PTSD and have found that the most useful drug to control most of the symptoms is SERZONE (nefazodone). This is supported by research on the better psychopharmacological treatments for PTSD. Counselling/psychotherapy is also a must - preferably with a therapist who has experience and good track record with treating PTSD. By the way, I am also a chronic migraine sufferer and have found that Serzone (200mg bid) makes a huge impact on frequency and severity of migraines (as do many other antidepressants). You'll also find that your sleep will be much improved on Serzone. If you don't go for Serzone, try any other AD with Molipaxin (trazodone) as a 'sleeping tablet' - it's very effective for most people with sleep problems and is a close cousin of Serzone (e.g., 50mg nocte)
> > > Hope that helps a little ...
Posted by Sorceress on March 1, 2002, at 21:40:02
In reply to Re: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder » Sorceress, posted by JohnX2 on March 1, 2002, at 21:34:02
My apologies JohnX2...
if you have something that could actually help me then I would love to hear from you as well...
:)
Posted by JohnX2 on March 2, 2002, at 2:29:30
In reply to Re: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, posted by Sorceress on March 1, 2002, at 20:12:19
Usually Anti-social disorder is a fallout of
PTSD. Were you under substantial stress in your
early years before your anti-social diagnosis?
Also, people with PTSD are generally going
to get irratic responses from anti-depressants.You mentioned that you had manic responses on ADs?
Has there ever been mention by the physicians
that you may suffer from any form of bipolar
disorder (manic-depression)? People who are bipolar
that don't take a mood stabilizer will not get a
solid response from an anti-depressant, its impossible
to get a solid response without stabilizing the
electrical activity in the brain first.
Is there any history of major depressive disorder
or bipolar (manic depressive) disoder in your
family tree?
Finally, I think you would really be helped
by a trial of the medication Clonidine (Catapres).
This is an anti-hypertensive medication that
slows the heart rate and suppresses nightmares.
It also helps to relieve anxiety associated with
PTSD. It stabilizes neuronal paths disrupted by
trauma (which led to the hypertension). This medicine
can also help to give a better anti-depressant
response by stabilizing those sensitive neuronal
paths. This is well documented as an effective
PTSD medication. Good for sleep.I'll send a follow up email to see how you are
doing.Regards,
John> Dingbat baby... I am right there with you... I have the same numbing and return of previous symptoms w/ the klonopin as you are describing...I have been on clonazepam/klonopin for almost 5 years and my dosage is so high its a wonder I'm even functioning most of the time... also am right with you on the manic reactions to AD... nothing seems to help... also diagnosed w/ anit-social disorder at 13... I thought it was just B.S. and that I was rebelling but the behaviors have not changed... the klonopin is the only thing that stops my migraines... I would just love to find a way to be lucid and alive again...Topamax I react to...no one has ever suggested the serezone or the Lamictal...am I seeing the wrong kind of doc? Can someone point me in a direction that doesnt trap me in this depressive state of being? I have 2 kids to raise on my own and I don't want the circle to continue...any advice? please?
>
> Dingbat..e-amil me...I would like to maybe converse with you outside of the BB...or anybody else who has some help to offer...
>
> [email protected]...
>
> > This is interesting.
> > I have been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder.
> > When I was a young child I went through a horrible time
> > with a parental divorce/alcoholic depressed mother/
> > bankrupt family business for about 4 yrs between the ages
> > of 8-12. I witnessed a lot of traumatic events and was under
> > a lot of constant stress. After this ended I had flashbacks,
> > major depression,and the onset of hypomanic sypmptoms and
> > also anti-social personality disorder.
> >
> > 15 yrs later I relapse into major depression. I try every
> > AD. Zoloft and Wellbutrin make me manic and poop out.
> > Serzone is the ONLY AD that works and also does not poop
> > out. It also fixes these EXCRUCIATING pains that I have in
> > my head that the neurologists are stymied about fixing.
> > Klonopin and Topamax also help.
> >
> > So I'm back on Serzone, this time with a mood stabilizer
> > Lamictal, and the Serzone is again helping with the headaches
> > and its less drowsy probably because of the Lamictal.
> >
> > So why do you think that Serzone is such a good medicine for
> > PTSD? Its my understanding that PTSD causes a "backwards" dysruption
> > in the functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal response
> > to stress. I've noticed since I started Serzone that I have gotton
> > a return of symptoms that I had before I got into this major
> > depressive func, mainly these weird immune system goof ups
> > Raynauds (vascular sensitivity to cold/warm in my hands causing
> > a numbing), and some joint pain. But I'll trade that off for
> > getting rid of my headaches. So it seems the Serzone is somehow
> > rebalancing my stress system and how it interacts with my
> > autoimmune/hormone system.
> >
> > Thoughts?
> >
> > -John
> >
> >
> >
> > > Hi
> > >
> > > I treat a lot of people with PTSD and have found that the most useful drug to control most of the symptoms is SERZONE (nefazodone). This is supported by research on the better psychopharmacological treatments for PTSD. Counselling/psychotherapy is also a must - preferably with a therapist who has experience and good track record with treating PTSD. By the way, I am also a chronic migraine sufferer and have found that Serzone (200mg bid) makes a huge impact on frequency and severity of migraines (as do many other antidepressants). You'll also find that your sleep will be much improved on Serzone. If you don't go for Serzone, try any other AD with Molipaxin (trazodone) as a 'sleeping tablet' - it's very effective for most people with sleep problems and is a close cousin of Serzone (e.g., 50mg nocte)
> > > Hope that helps a little ...
Posted by DINGBAT on March 2, 2002, at 2:55:22
In reply to Re: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder » Sorceress, posted by JohnX2 on March 1, 2002, at 21:34:02
Hi Gang,
I am a treatment professional (medication, nutritional supplements and psychotherapy BUT
I'm also a long-term sufferer of Major Deepression and Dysthymia AND "treatment resistant" Chronic Classical Migraine. I'm a mess (from time to time) just like many other PB's. Please don't dismiss me because I happen to be psychologist - I suffer in the same (similiar) ways that most "treatment resistant" folk do. I've been 'misled' by various other health professionals and have worked out what's (reasonably) good FOR ME. I'm painfully aware of the difficulties of some patients who didn't respond to their pdocs 'favourite first-line meds. I'm not just sympathetic on these issues, I'm EMPATHETIC - I've suffered for 2 decades withe Mood Disorders, accompanying anxiety, insomnia, anergia, anhedonia and so on.Sorry, I'm rambling ...
Dingbat (pseudonym necessary for ethical reasons)
Posted by paulb on March 3, 2002, at 18:05:11
In reply to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , posted by Sorceress on February 26, 2002, at 21:54:16
I havent had time to read all the posts in between the initial one and mine, however I would say a couple of things. Firstly, the only medication licensed for PTSD is Sertraline. However, a clinical psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist who is very good told me that he had met with much more success with Topamax than any of the SSRI's. Its worth a try. The only question is whether your physician will give you a script for it. I hope you find some peace and get better.
paulb
Posted by summer on June 3, 2002, at 23:19:03
In reply to Re: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , posted by Sorceress on March 1, 2002, at 11:43:51
I have been on 100mg of Zoloft for over 3 yrs now...and it helped with my anxiety alot...my only downfall was that I've gained about 30lbs and well...I can't stand the way I look!!! Besides the fact that it's unhealthy to be overweight....my doctor wanted to put me on Effexor....but I've read so many bad responses to it...and gaining weight being one of them...so I decided against it!! Both my mother and father are on Serzone...and have had nothing but good things to say about it...despite the new warning about liver damage....my mom also lost 20lbs....my dad hasn't lost or gained!! So I was just wondering if anyone can relate to my inquiry??
Posted by SoS on June 4, 2002, at 0:20:07
In reply to Has anyone switched from Zoloft to Serzone?, posted by summer on June 3, 2002, at 23:19:03
> I have been on 100mg of Zoloft for over 3 yrs now...and it helped with my anxiety alot...my only downfall was that I've gained about 30lbs and well...I can't stand the way I look!!! Besides the fact that it's unhealthy to be overweight....my doctor wanted to put me on Effexor....but I've read so many bad responses to it...and gaining weight being one of them...so I decided against it!! Both my mother and father are on Serzone...and have had nothing but good things to say about it...despite the new warning about liver damage....my mom also lost 20lbs....my dad hasn't lost or gained!! So I was just wondering if anyone can relate to my inquiry??
I tried serzone (as well as zoloft) and it didn't make me gain MUCH weight (about 5 lbs, which I could live with), but my sleep wasn't as deep on it, and it made me crave alcohol like crazy, but that's just my experience. I don't mean to make you afraid to take it. It did also give me "a feeling of well-being." I think if you're parents like it, you should definitely try it because of similar body chemistry, but I'm no expert. From your experience with zoloft, you know that if you start gaining weight, get off of it ASAP right? HTH
MM
Posted by JohnX2 on June 4, 2002, at 3:57:57
In reply to Has anyone switched from Zoloft to Serzone?, posted by summer on June 3, 2002, at 23:19:03
> I have been on 100mg of Zoloft for over 3 yrs now...and it helped with my anxiety alot...my only downfall was that I've gained about 30lbs and well...I can't stand the way I look!!! Besides the fact that it's unhealthy to be overweight....my doctor wanted to put me on Effexor....but I've read so many bad responses to it...and gaining weight being one of them...so I decided against it!! Both my mother and father are on Serzone...and have had nothing but good things to say about it...despite the new warning about liver damage....my mom also lost 20lbs....my dad hasn't lost or gained!! So I was just wondering if anyone can relate to my inquiry??
Serzone isn't notorious for weight gain.
It's not the best med to help with weight loss
(a few select meds actually help lose weight).What diagnosis are you treating?
John
Posted by astridj on June 8, 2002, at 3:46:49
In reply to Has anyone switched from Zoloft to Serzone?, posted by summer on June 3, 2002, at 23:19:03
> I have been on 100mg of Zoloft for over 3 yrs now...and it helped with my anxiety alot...my only downfall was that I've gained about 30lbs and well...I can't stand the way I look!!! Besides the fact that it's unhealthy to be overweight....my doctor wanted to put me on Effexor....but I've read so many bad responses to it...and gaining weight being one of them...so I decided against it!! Both my mother and father are on Serzone...and have had nothing but good things to say about it...despite the new warning about liver damage....my mom also lost 20lbs....my dad hasn't lost or gained!! So I was just wondering if anyone can relate to my inquiry??
Serzone didn't do much for my depression, in fact, it got progressively worse (not sure if the Serzone is to blame - still taking it augmented by Prozac & I'm doing great) but for the first time in my life, I was utterly disinterested in food & lost about 15 pounds effortlessly. Unfortunately, the Prozac has also restored my usual appetitite!
Posted by summer on June 8, 2002, at 19:24:36
In reply to Re: Has anyone switched from Zoloft to Serzone? » summer, posted by JohnX2 on June 4, 2002, at 3:57:57
> > I have been on 100mg of Zoloft for over 3 yrs now...and it helped with my anxiety alot...my only downfall was that I've gained about 30lbs and well...I can't stand the way I look!!! Besides the fact that it's unhealthy to be overweight....my doctor wanted to put me on Effexor....but I've read so many bad responses to it...and gaining weight being one of them...so I decided against it!! Both my mother and father are on Serzone...and have had nothing but good things to say about it...despite the new warning about liver damage....my mom also lost 20lbs....my dad hasn't lost or gained!! So I was just wondering if anyone can relate to my inquiry??
>
> Serzone isn't notorious for weight gain.
>
> It's not the best med to help with weight loss
> (a few select meds actually help lose weight).
>
> What diagnosis are you treating?
>
> JohnI'm treating anxiety....got a double dose....Mom and Dad!!
Posted by Bookgurl99 on June 10, 2002, at 8:09:38
In reply to Has anyone switched from Zoloft to Serzone?, posted by summer on June 3, 2002, at 23:19:03
I was on Serzone, now on Zoloft. I would definitely recommend the Serzone -- would still be on it, but became sensitive to it. Serzone, an SNRI, lifted my anxiety, yet allowed me to have a full range of feelings unlike Zoloft.
The downside? Serzone may make you feel sleepy. And you are not likely to lose the Zoloft weight gain on it.
Posted by summer on June 10, 2002, at 11:25:27
In reply to Re: Has anyone switched from Zoloft to Serzone?, posted by Bookgurl99 on June 10, 2002, at 8:09:38
> I was on Serzone, now on Zoloft. I would definitely recommend the Serzone -- would still be on it, but became sensitive to it. Serzone, an SNRI, lifted my anxiety, yet allowed me to have a full range of feelings unlike Zoloft.
>
> The downside? Serzone may make you feel sleepy. And you are not likely to lose the Zoloft weight gain on it.How long were you on the Serzone for....and how long has it bee since you switched to Zoloft?
Posted by Bookgurl99 on June 10, 2002, at 22:06:04
In reply to Re: Has anyone switched from Zoloft to Serzone?, posted by summer on June 10, 2002, at 11:25:27
>
> How long were you on the Serzone for....and how long has it bee since you switched to Zoloft?I was on Serzone 300 mgs (150 2x/day) for almost 2 years. I was on nothing for 2 months, then switched to Zoloft a month ago.
Serzone didn't give me the sexual or motivational problems that Zoloft does. It _may_ have given me memory problems, but I can't tell for sure. ..
Posted by summer on June 10, 2002, at 23:48:25
In reply to Re: Has anyone switched from Zoloft to Serzone?, posted by Bookgurl99 on June 10, 2002, at 22:06:04
>
> >
> > How long were you on the Serzone for....and how long has it bee since you switched to Zoloft?
>
> I was on Serzone 300 mgs (150 2x/day) for almost 2 years. I was on nothing for 2 months, then switched to Zoloft a month ago.
>
> Serzone didn't give me the sexual or motivational problems that Zoloft does. It _may_ have given me memory problems, but I can't tell for sure. ..The Zoloft definitly gave me sexual problems...no libido at all....and I would say my short term memory is fairly bad....how are you doing with the Zoloft???
Posted by bookgurl99 on June 11, 2002, at 23:17:58
In reply to Re: Has anyone switched from Zoloft to Serzone?, posted by summer on June 10, 2002, at 23:48:25
>
> The Zoloft definitly gave me sexual problems...no libido at all....and I would say my short term memory is fairly bad....how are you doing with the Zoloft???My memory is probably worse on Zoloft than it was on Serzone. (Tho' it's been an ongoing problem of unkown origin as of late.) I've kind of accepted that it's going to take time to improve. . .
my libido is there, but the ability to fulfill it isn't.
I'm on a really low dose of Zoloft right now (25 mgs), and looking to get off of it. I'm not sure what I'll do in order to not have immense anxiety around losing my memory, but I don't think taking a drug that could have negative effects of it in the long term will help.
*sigh*
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