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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SLS on January 4, 2004, at 9:00:23
Well, Zoloft started working about five days ago. It stopped working two days ago. This is always what happens to me. I'll begin a new antidepressant at the usual dosage, and 10-14 days later, I begin to respond to it. Then, after 3 days of improvement, it stops working rather abruptly. Thereafter, it doesn't matter how high I raise the dosage or for how long, I can't recapture the antidepressant response. I'm afraid that nothing will ever work.
- Scott
Posted by Sebastian on January 4, 2004, at 12:18:54
In reply to The usual., posted by SLS on January 4, 2004, at 9:00:23
Try a different kind of med, like an anti-psychotic. Resperdal, zyprexa, abilify, ...
Posted by SLS on January 4, 2004, at 13:44:46
In reply to Re: The usual., posted by Sebastian on January 4, 2004, at 12:18:54
> Try a different kind of med, like an anti-psychotic. Resperdal, zyprexa, abilify, ...
Dear Sebastian,
That's real good advice. Those are the things that have been explored over the last few years. Each atypical antipsychotic I have tried helped a bit during the first few weeks. Unfortunately, they faded and pretty much stopped working. I currently take Abilify. I think it helps take the edge off, but it's just not doing the trick. I feel like I've run out of options. I think the only standard antidepressants I haven't tried yet are Luvox and Serzone, and maybe a couple of the tricyclics. I guess I should be grateful and somewhat reassured that I came to know how different life can be for me during my short response to Zoloft. The difference is cosmic.
I am going to push the dosage of Zoloft to 200mg starting today. I am currently taking:
Lamictal 200mg
imipramine 300mg
Abilify 10mg
Zoloft 200mgI really do appreciate your input. Thanks a lot.
- Scott
Posted by zeugma on January 4, 2004, at 14:00:27
In reply to Re: The usual. » Sebastian, posted by SLS on January 4, 2004, at 13:44:46
Scott,
Have you tried ECT? I've read some posts here that suggest that meds taken after ECT can be much more effective than before the process.
Also, since you have spoken of some success with clorgyline, a MAO-A inhibitor, are there any other MAOI's you haven't tried? I'm thinking of isocarboxazid (Marplan), which I've heard is now available again (not sure though), and which might work where others haven't.
Bset wishes,
z
Posted by watergirl on January 5, 2004, at 14:50:55
In reply to Re: The usual., posted by zeugma on January 4, 2004, at 14:00:27
Posted by girl1969 on January 5, 2004, at 19:34:22
In reply to The usual., posted by SLS on January 4, 2004, at 9:00:23
Hi...
Has your doctor ever discussed raising the dose of lamictal? I was on 200 mg with no relief of depression or ruminative thoughts. Once my dose was increased to 400 mgs, I felt much better. In addition, your pdoc can order a blood level for lamictal and see if it has reached a therapeutic level for you.
I have heard stories of lamictal alleviating depression where other meds fail. Plus, it is relatively side effect free aside from the dreaded rash.
Best of luck in finding something that works for you. Hang in there...
Girl
Posted by leopard on January 6, 2004, at 9:07:21
In reply to The usual., posted by SLS on January 4, 2004, at 9:00:23
I have had a lot of luck, as you know, with Geodon...I feel like a company sponsor...why don't you try that? Also, a lot of people love Parnate. Have you tried that?
Posted by SLS on January 6, 2004, at 10:29:06
In reply to Re: The usual.SLS, posted by girl1969 on January 5, 2004, at 19:34:22
> Hi...
>
> Has your doctor ever discussed raising the dose of lamictal? I was on 200 mg with no relief of depression or ruminative thoughts. Once my dose was increased to 400 mgs, I felt much better. In addition, your pdoc can order a blood level for lamictal and see if it has reached a therapeutic level for you.Hmmm. I haven't thought about getting a blood level. That's a good idea. I have tried higher dosages of Lamictal, but it seems when I get to 300mg, I feel whacked-out and it wreaks havoc with my memory. Maybe I'll try pushing it again.
Thanks a lot for your input.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on January 6, 2004, at 10:36:38
In reply to Re: The usual. » SLS, posted by leopard on January 6, 2004, at 9:07:21
> I have had a lot of luck, as you know, with Geodon...I feel like a company sponsor...why don't you try that? Also, a lot of people love Parnate. Have you tried that?
I hate so much to disappoint people by telling them that I have already tried their great suggestions. I've tried both Geodon and Parnate. I think Geodon is a real good drug. As with the other atypical antipsychotics, I gleaned a perceptible improvement in the first and second week, only to see it fade by the third. As far as Parnate is concerned, I am partially responsive to it. I have tried going as high as 150mg per day while combining it with Lamictal and desipramine. For me, I believe (or at least try to believe) that something will eventually work because I have been partially responsive to medication. That, and the fact that I was brought into remission one time about 15 years ago using a combination of Parnate 60mg + desipramine 150mg. I responded well for over 9 months. Unfortunately, it just doesn't do the job anymore.
- Scott
Posted by leopard on January 6, 2004, at 10:40:31
In reply to Re: The usual. » leopard, posted by SLS on January 6, 2004, at 10:36:38
Are you taking fish oil? What about EMDR? And the dreaded...do you ever excercise? Nothing crazy, but a 30 minute walk here and there also does a world of good....just my 2 cents.
~Shannon
Posted by SLS on January 6, 2004, at 10:40:43
In reply to TRIED STIMULENTS ???? (nm), posted by watergirl on January 5, 2004, at 14:50:55
Hey Girl!
What's up?
It was nice of you to offer the suggestion of using stimulants. I have tried Dexedrine, Ritalin, and pemoline. Dexedrine did help a little at first. The other two drugs were duds. I haven't tried Adderall, though. I think I'll put that on my short-list of things to try next.
Thank you!
- Scott
Posted by leopard on January 6, 2004, at 10:46:43
In reply to Re: The usual. » leopard, posted by SLS on January 6, 2004, at 10:36:38
BTW, you won't disappoint me unless you give up...just wanna share what works and also help others hopefully shorten their journey to mental well being...it took me long enough!!
How long do you take your meds before you rule them out? Do you ever start with a clean slate (med free) before trying new meds? My only thought is that if you are taking a whole buncha different meds then how do you isolate which is working and which is not? Also, maybe a new med could work but won't if combined with other meds...know what I mean?
~Peanut Gallery
Posted by SLS on January 6, 2004, at 10:51:51
In reply to Re: The usual. » SLS, posted by leopard on January 6, 2004, at 10:40:31
Hi Shannon.
> Are you taking fish oil?
Yes. How much do you think works best?
> What about EMDR?
I really don't suffer very much from depressive thinking or anxiety. It's like I have no real issues that need to be dealt with because I am too vegetative to have a life to begin with. My doctor calls what I experience (or really don't experience) deficit syndrome.
> And the dreaded...do you ever excercise?
<scream>
I was hoping to never hear that word directed at me!!!
I don't exercise. I used to be a body builder, so it is not that I don't know how. Sometimes I think I should push myself harder than I do. Maybe I've just become lazy.
> Nothing crazy, but a 30 minute walk here and there also does a world of good
That's a good idea. Maybe I can get myself to commit to that.
> ....just my 2 cents.
It's gaining interest :-)
Thanks
- Scott
Posted by rod on January 7, 2004, at 5:22:22
In reply to The usual., posted by SLS on January 4, 2004, at 9:00:23
Posted by SLS on January 7, 2004, at 7:10:45
In reply to What about Memantine ??? (nm) » SLS, posted by rod on January 7, 2004, at 5:22:22
As soon as it reaches the shelves in pharmacies, my doctor said that we could give it a go. Actually my plan is to begin memantine first and establish a therapeutic dosage for some time before adding Cymbalta (duloxetine). Hopefully, it will prevent the type of poop-out I experience with standard antidepressants. I have a feeling that I will respond positively to Cymbalta. The trick is to make it stick!
Thanks for the suggestion.
- Scott
Posted by leopard on January 7, 2004, at 11:19:32
In reply to Re: The usual. » leopard, posted by SLS on January 6, 2004, at 10:51:51
I'm not sure how much fish oil is best, but do me a favor, WALK to your nearest healthfood store and find out! Seriously, you are the last person who needs to be reminded about the advantages of a little excercise here and there! Every other day, walk 30 minutes, let me know if this smidgen helps.
Posted by rod on January 7, 2004, at 13:11:34
In reply to Re: What about Memantine ??? » rod, posted by SLS on January 7, 2004, at 7:10:45
Its also next on my list, if I they dont take me for a TMS study (Besides of working on my own device. Just some theoretic work. But it seems to get really expensive. dammn).
Memantine is available in my place since the time they introduced it in germany.
Dont you also get depressed on the "glutamergic agonists" like Provigil etc.? I get depressed on Adrafinil, Piracetam and Aniracetam. I think its a good point to try such a drug if one reacts to the drugs listed above in a negative way.good luck with it
Roland
Posted by SLS on January 7, 2004, at 14:27:07
In reply to Re: What about Memantine ??? » SLS, posted by rod on January 7, 2004, at 13:11:34
Hi Roland.
> Dont you also get depressed on the "glutamergic agonists" like Provigil etc.?
Yup. Exactly.
> I get depressed on Adrafinil, Piracetam and Aniracetam. I think its a good point to try such a drug if one reacts to the drugs listed above in a negative way.
I agree. Thanks for reinforcing that idea. I am somewhat improved on Lamictal, so that would be consistent with the notion that antiglutamatergics might be beneficial for someone with a negative response profile to the drugs you mentioned.
> good luck with it
You too!
- Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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