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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Flame on September 8, 2005, at 13:36:03
I believe I have reason to be concerned. Maybe someone here can confirm this?
Last week my boyfriend of many years, came home quite late from the bar. As usual he took his Mirapex and Ambien before he headed to bed. He takes these to help him sleep and also to help with severe restless leg symptoms. During the night he got up .. (I guess he couldn't sleep???) and headed towards the kitchen to get a "snack". Apparently .. during that time that he was up, he must have lost somewhat of control .. as all kinds of things appeared to have happened. There was a broken plate off to the side of his lazy boy .. with syrup dripping off of it AND an uncooked sausage laying on the floor? After I saw all of this, I proceeded to the kitchen .. where I assumed he would be, and he was standing up next to the microwave supporting himself (totally!) against the wall. I (at that point) told him that he had to get into bed NOW and that he did not need to eat anything more, he kept saying "what's wrong, what's wrong?" .. as he was very much stumbling towards the bedroom. (I was infuriated!) He then went away for the long weekend. When he returned home he complained of feeling extremely tired and just not feeling "right". The next day (this past Tuesday) he went into the drs. office feeling very badly. They did all kinds of tests (which haven't come back yet). The dr. did note that his heart was racing and of course he was broken out in a sweat.
My boyfriend also takes Effexor xr (I think 300 mg?) My question for anyone here .. that had the heart to read this whole post, is this: I believe that he may be having these problems because he is drinking so heavily (at times) with his meds. Can anyone confirm this for me? Also with this "mix" of prescription drugs and alcohol, can you tell me (generally) what the contraindications are of these types of meds when you mix them w/alcohol?
Thanks much!
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 8, 2005, at 13:48:14
In reply to Boyfriend adding alcohol to Mirapex and Ambien, posted by Flame on September 8, 2005, at 13:36:03
Hey! Welcome to Pbabble!
Well I have no experience with ambian and mirapex and alcohol, but I certainly have with effexor. I have drank ALOT on it. It makes you more drunk than otherwise you would be, and also you lose control much more easily. The incident in the kitchien, sounds like your bf was trying to make himself a snack and just wasn't coordinated enough to manage it. I've done this many many times too, very very drunk, on drugs (I mean prescription drugs) and without them. Its quite common!
Also when I was on Effexor I got tired alot more easily and also made me feel 'tinny' (as in metallic) or 'chemically' is the best way I can prescribe it. Certainly not my usual self. And I was only on 75mg/day!
Well hope my experiences have been of some use.
I hope your bf gets better.....take care,
Meri
xxxx
Posted by Flame on September 8, 2005, at 14:24:08
In reply to Re: Boyfriend adding alcohol to Mirapex and Ambien, posted by Meri-Tuuli on September 8, 2005, at 13:48:14
Thank you for the "welcome" Meri!
Well .. the Effexor, I really never thought of as a "problem". He takes the Effexor first thing in the a.m. and so I thought that would not be much of an issue in regards to his night time drinking.
But .. as I am recalling .. this type of thing (him losing coordination/control) generally only happens AFTER he gets home from the bar and AFTER he takes his Ambien and Mirapex. This type of thing HAS happened before, but never to the extreme of last week's "episode". So maybe this is a combination of ALL of his meds, Effexor, mirapex and ambien mixed with the alcohol? I'm thinking that he must have "overdone" more than usual last week, which caused the more intensified "reaction". ?
I appreciate your quick reply to my post .. thanks SO much!
Best to you! ~Flame~
Hey! Welcome to Pbabble!
>
> Well I have no experience with ambian and mirapex and alcohol, but I certainly have with effexor. I have drank ALOT on it. It makes you more drunk than otherwise you would be, and also you lose control much more easily. The incident in the kitchien, sounds like your bf was trying to make himself a snack and just wasn't coordinated enough to manage it. I've done this many many times too, very very drunk, on drugs (I mean prescription drugs) and without them. Its quite common!
>
> Also when I was on Effexor I got tired alot more easily and also made me feel 'tinny' (as in metallic) or 'chemically' is the best way I can prescribe it. Certainly not my usual self. And I was only on 75mg/day!
>
> Well hope my experiences have been of some use.
>
>
>
> I hope your bf gets better.....take care,
>
> Meri
> xxxx
Posted by TheMagicPill on September 8, 2005, at 16:50:50
In reply to Re: Boyfriend adding alcohol to Mirapex and Ambien, posted by Flame on September 8, 2005, at 14:24:08
in my personal opinion, i believe that pdocs tell you not to drink on just about every med because they want to keep your chances slim of becoming an alcoholic. and they have a good point, because alcohol can give you a temporary release from your problems.
ive taken heavy meds for 8 years and never had any problems having a few drinks, even when warned against. i guess for you, it would depend on how much he is drinking each time, and how many times per week.
he sounds like me in the kitchen at night. if i cant sleep, i eat, and then it makes very sleepy.
Posted by needesp on September 8, 2005, at 18:46:43
In reply to Boyfriend adding alcohol to Mirapex and Ambien, posted by Flame on September 8, 2005, at 13:36:03
> I believe I have reason to be concerned. Maybe someone here can confirm this?
>
> Last week my boyfriend of many years, came home quite late from the bar. As usual he took his Mirapex and Ambien before he headed to bed. He takes these to help him sleep and also to help with severe restless leg symptoms. During the night he got up .. (I guess he couldn't sleep???) and headed towards the kitchen to get a "snack". Apparently .. during that time that he was up, he must have lost somewhat of control .. as all kinds of things appeared to have happened. There was a broken plate off to the side of his lazy boy .. with syrup dripping off of it AND an uncooked sausage laying on the floor? After I saw all of this, I proceeded to the kitchen .. where I assumed he would be, and he was standing up next to the microwave supporting himself (totally!) against the wall. I (at that point) told him that he had to get into bed NOW and that he did not need to eat anything more, he kept saying "what's wrong, what's wrong?" .. as he was very much stumbling towards the bedroom. (I was infuriated!) He then went away for the long weekend. When he returned home he complained of feeling extremely tired and just not feeling "right". The next day (this past Tuesday) he went into the drs. office feeling very badly. They did all kinds of tests (which haven't come back yet). The dr. did note that his heart was racing and of course he was broken out in a sweat.
>
> My boyfriend also takes Effexor xr (I think 300 mg?) My question for anyone here .. that had the heart to read this whole post, is this: I believe that he may be having these problems because he is drinking so heavily (at times) with his meds. Can anyone confirm this for me? Also with this "mix" of prescription drugs and alcohol, can you tell me (generally) what the contraindications are of these types of meds when you mix them w/alcohol?
>
> Thanks much!Hi,
As hard as it may be try and remain calm and supportive (belief me I know it is hard!). His drinking is most likely to escape his feelings of distress. Sounds like he is taking his medications as prescribed (Effexor, Mirapex and Ambien), however the Ambien and Mirapex are sedating (I believe) and added to the alcohol will lead to the lack of coordination and stumbling that you describe.
If he is open to it, ask him what each drug is for and how you can help him and be of support. Let him know your concern about the alcohol (make sure the situation is a calm one)and just say that you will be there for him.
Love is a powerful support (remember its not a cure all but I believe its a hell of a wonderful thing for a sufferer to feel and know is there).
PS: remember also to take time out for yourself to do something that you love to do (keeps you strong).Just my tuppence worth.
Posted by Jet Meck on September 8, 2005, at 23:43:34
In reply to Boyfriend adding alcohol to Mirapex and Ambien, posted by Flame on September 8, 2005, at 13:36:03
Flame, YES it is mixing alcohol with Ambien. God knows how many horror stories I have from doing the same. I have totaled two vehicles got a DUI during the time I was completely gone from taking Ambien with Alcohol. One night I apparenty got up went into my garage and attempted to back out with the garage door still shut. Needless to say I destroyed the garage door. I don't even remeber doing it. There was another night that I ripped off sheets of sheetrock from my walls in a spare bedroom. Once again no memory of this. I could go on but you get my point. It is a nightmare.
Jetmeck
Posted by snapper on September 9, 2005, at 2:34:40
In reply to Re: Boyfriend adding alcohol to Mirapex and Ambien, posted by Jet Meck on September 8, 2005, at 23:43:34
I can almost guarantee you that it is the ambien..... I had a girlfriend ...about 9 to 10 years ago who wondered into the bathroom and came out (yes we were both drinking) and I knew she had taken something... lets just say we had fun ... but she was late to work and she did'nt have a clue... it was serious but very funny. None the less it is NOT a combo that should be toyed with for long. Good luck to you and your boyfriend.. Let him know you are concerned ...
Snapper
Posted by Flame on September 9, 2005, at 7:52:52
In reply to Re: yet another opinion, posted by TheMagicPill on September 8, 2005, at 16:50:50
Hi Needesp,
Yes, your are probably correct as to why those docs try to discourage you from drinking alcohol.
For the past year or so, my boyfriend's problems has been more "heavy" drinking. Of course that's in my opinion .. He has gotten into the habit of going up to our local watering hole almost every night. He usually can drink about 10 beers and then at the end of the night a shot or two. Would that be considered heavy drinking??
Yes, if he can't sleep, he will get up and eat. I thought that this was very uncommon, but I guess not, huh?
Thanks much for your response! ~Flame~
> in my personal opinion, i believe that pdocs tell you not to drink on just about every med because they want to keep your chances slim of becoming an alcoholic. and they have a good point, because alcohol can give you a temporary release from your problems.
>
> ive taken heavy meds for 8 years and never had any problems having a few drinks, even when warned against. i guess for you, it would depend on how much he is drinking each time, and how many times per week.
>
> he sounds like me in the kitchen at night. if i cant sleep, i eat, and then it makes very sleepy.
Posted by Flame on September 9, 2005, at 7:55:09
In reply to Re: yet another opinion, posted by Flame on September 9, 2005, at 7:52:52
Magic Pill,
I'm very sorry! That last post should have been addressed to you!Again .. thanks for your response! ~Flame~
Posted by Flame on September 9, 2005, at 8:17:01
In reply to Re: Boyfriend adding alcohol to Mirapex and Ambien, posted by needesp on September 8, 2005, at 18:46:43
Hi Needesp
As I mentioned in my first post .. he has been my boyfriend for MANY years and I have "learned" to be calm and supportive of him (for the most part). I DO know that there is nothing I can do to try to change him. If I want this relationship to remain loving, stable, etc.. I know I need to be very supportive! He definitely "knows" I love him.
Because I have been in the picture for so long, I do know all about his depression and about the prescriptions he is on to try to help with this.
Yes, I do things for myself, also. I work very hard at not getting lost in his depression and all of the dynamics involved with that.
Thanks SO much for your many kind words of encouragement and support! ~Flame~
"Hi,
As hard as it may be try and remain calm and supportive (belief me I know it is hard!). His drinking is most likely to escape his feelings of distress. Sounds like he is taking his medications as prescribed (Effexor, Mirapex and Ambien), however the Ambien and Mirapex are sedating (I believe) and added to the alcohol will lead to the lack of coordination and stumbling that you describe.
> If he is open to it, ask him what each drug is for and how you can help him and be of support. Let him know your concern about the alcohol (make sure the situation is a calm one)and just say that you will be there for him.
> Love is a powerful support (remember its not a cure all but I believe its a hell of a wonderful thing for a sufferer to feel and know is there).PS: remember also to take time out for yourself to do something that you love to do (keeps you strong).
Just my tuppence worth."
Posted by Flame on September 9, 2005, at 8:27:08
In reply to Re: Boyfriend adding alcohol to Mirapex and Ambien, posted by Jet Meck on September 8, 2005, at 23:43:34
Hi Jet Meck,
Gosh! Yes, this IS very scarey!! I have tried to just "mention" to him how much of a "turn off" it is for me to see him like this (just once), but he didn't seem to get it, .. 'cause it continues. Not sure what will get him to understand exactly what that combination is doing to him.
I have a question for you .. do you remember if this caused you problems a day or two later? This past weekend he had to go into the dr. because of feeling so badly, racing heart, blood pressure rise, etc..
Thanks for your response to my post! ~Flame~
"Flame, YES it is mixing alcohol with Ambien. God knows how many horror stories I have from doing the same. I have totaled two vehicles got a DUI during the time I was completely gone from taking Ambien with Alcohol. One night I apparenty got up went into my garage and attempted to back out with the garage door still shut. Needless to say I destroyed the garage door. I don't even remeber doing it. There was another night that I ripped off sheets of sheetrock from my walls in a spare bedroom. Once again no memory of this. I could go on but you get my point. It is a nightmare."
>
> Jetmeck
Posted by needesp on September 9, 2005, at 19:12:08
In reply to Re: Boyfriend adding alcohol to Mirapex and Ambien, posted by Flame on September 9, 2005, at 8:17:01
> Hi Needesp
>
> As I mentioned in my first post .. he has been my boyfriend for MANY years and I have "learned" to be calm and supportive of him (for the most part). I DO know that there is nothing I can do to try to change him. If I want this relationship to remain loving, stable, etc.. I know I need to be very supportive! He definitely "knows" I love him.
>
> Because I have been in the picture for so long, I do know all about his depression and about the prescriptions he is on to try to help with this.
>
> Yes, I do things for myself, also. I work very hard at not getting lost in his depression and all of the dynamics involved with that.
>
> Thanks SO much for your many kind words of encouragement and support! ~Flame~
>
>
Hi Flame,
Sounds like you are a wonderful support person...and of cause you know what he is on and why... my post to you was almost for myself!I have been supporting my son through his suffering for 2 years now and its not easy....I have to remind myself not to take some of the things that he does and says personally. I know I need to take more specific time out for myself...sometimes I forget and sometimes I get caught up in his suffering (i could kick myself when I do cause i know I'm making things worse for us both).
As a support person I sometimes get so angry at the doctors (why can't they find the answers!!!?).
As for the drinking....for me it was scary to watch and live with...now my son is doing MJ but although he is quieter there are still repercussions of that!!!
Will your boyfriend let you go with him to the doctors? Sometimes knowing what they are saying and where they are heading can give you some idea what the plan is and why!
anyway the others know more about what is happening
all the best and good luck
Posted by flame on September 10, 2005, at 9:18:52
In reply to Re: Boyfriend adding alcohol to Mirapex and Ambien, posted by needesp on September 9, 2005, at 19:12:08
Good Morning Needesp,
Yes, we definitely know that it IS very difficult to live with our loved ones when they have depression/emotional/mental problems. But! It is because we love them that we are still there for them, for support and encouragement. If they didn't have us .. well, where would they be? I remind myself of that .. sometimes, quite often!
Something that I have not had any luck in doing with my boyfriend .. is getting him to go for a complete checkup/bloodwork .. everything possible to rule out anything that might possibly be causing his great depression. Has your son possibly done this? My boyfriend .. I have just recently found out, has a mother and three sisters who have hypothyroid conditions. I have discovered that any kind of a thyroid condition can cause a multitude of emotional/mental health problems. In my thinking, it would definitely behoove him to get this checked out. But my bf won't have anything to do with that.
Anyway, in my opinion .. I think that the psychotropic (is that the correct terminology?) meds are dispensed way too quickly by the psychologists/psychiatrists. Why are these docs not "required" to make sure that their patients do not have underlying health problems that may be causing their severe depression's etc.. BEFORE prescribing their patients antidepressants, etc?
How old is your son? Obviously .. he is still living at home with you? What is MJ?
It took me many years to "learn" to not get caught up in my bf's depression. But I have learned how and ALSO how not to take it personally. (Though, this is VERY hard at times .. I will have to admit!) Unfortunately as much as we feel what we can "do" to help them or things we say to that we think may help them, they many times can and/or DO make things worse. (Am I making sense here?)
Yes, my bf has asked me on several different occassions to accompany him to his dr. appt. He hasn't asked me since the last time when I mentioned to his doc about how much drinking he was doing? His doc was not too happy about that that and more or less threatened to stop writing him scripts if he didn't try to curb that. I figured I would get reamed out for that one .. by my bf on the way home from that appt. He never said a word. I guess he realized that I (and the doc) were totally correct. He hasn't done anything about it though .. (the drinking). I think he is feeling so low and powerless .. ? It's all kind of like a catch 22, don't you think?
The Best and Good Luck To YOU! ~Flame~
> Hi Flame,
> Sounds like you are a wonderful support person...and of cause you know what he is on and why... my post to you was almost for myself! > I have been supporting my son through his suffering for 2 years now and its not easy....I have to remind myself not to take some of the things that he does and says personally. I know I need to take more specific time out for myself...sometimes I forget and sometimes I get caught up in his suffering (i could kick myself when I do cause i know I'm making things worse for us both).
>
> As a support person I sometimes get so angry at the doctors (why can't they find the answers!!!?).
>
> As for the drinking....for me it was scary to watch and live with...now my son is doing MJ but although he is quieter there are still repercussions of that!!!
>
> Will your boyfriend let you go with him to the doctors? Sometimes knowing what they are saying and where they are heading can give you some idea what the plan is and why!
>
> anyway the others know more about what is happening
>
> all the best and good luck
>
Posted by needesp on September 11, 2005, at 19:09:23
In reply to Re: Boyfriend adding alcohol to Mirapex and Ambien » needesp, posted by flame on September 10, 2005, at 9:18:52
> Good Morning Needesp,
>
> Yes, we definitely know that it IS very difficult to live with our loved ones when they have depression/emotional/mental problems. But! It is because we love them that we are still there for them, for support and encouragement. If they didn't have us .. well, where would they be? I remind myself of that .. sometimes, quite often!
>
> Something that I have not had any luck in doing with my boyfriend .. is getting him to go for a complete checkup/bloodwork .. everything possible to rule out anything that might possibly be causing his great depression. Has your son possibly done this? My boyfriend .. I have just recently found out, has a mother and three sisters who have hypothyroid conditions. I have discovered that any kind of a thyroid condition can cause a multitude of emotional/mental health problems. In my thinking, it would definitely behoove him to get this checked out. But my bf won't have anything to do with that.
>
> Anyway, in my opinion .. I think that the psychotropic (is that the correct terminology?) meds are dispensed way too quickly by the psychologists/psychiatrists. Why are these docs not "required" to make sure that their patients do not have underlying health problems that may be causing their severe depression's etc.. BEFORE prescribing their patients antidepressants, etc?
>
> How old is your son? Obviously .. he is still living at home with you? What is MJ?
>
> It took me many years to "learn" to not get caught up in my bf's depression. But I have learned how and ALSO how not to take it personally. (Though, this is VERY hard at times .. I will have to admit!) Unfortunately as much as we feel what we can "do" to help them or things we say to that we think may help them, they many times can and/or DO make things worse. (Am I making sense here?)
>
> Yes, my bf has asked me on several different occassions to accompany him to his dr. appt. He hasn't asked me since the last time when I mentioned to his doc about how much drinking he was doing? His doc was not too happy about that that and more or less threatened to stop writing him scripts if he didn't try to curb that. I figured I would get reamed out for that one .. by my bf on the way home from that appt. He never said a word. I guess he realized that I (and the doc) were totally correct. He hasn't done anything about it though .. (the drinking). I think he is feeling so low and powerless .. ? It's all kind of like a catch 22, don't you think?
>
> The Best and Good Luck To YOU! ~Flame~HI flame,
You sound soooo strong. My son is 21 years old and the MJ stands for marijuana. As for Psychiatrists making sure there is nothing wrong (well....forget that...I have to remind my son to get the doctor occasionally to check his BP as high doses of Effexor (son is on 375mgs now) can cause high blood pressure. I know he is young and physically healthy but I still think it should be a prerequisite for each visit!
Will your boyfriend just go to an ordianry GP and get a workup, I guess you've mentioned to him that thyroid problems can cause depression and/or anxiety and that it is a very viable possibility that a thyroid functioning properly could alleviate his psychological problems (maybe you could go for yourself and have a check up too so you are both doing it together)...Men are so resistant to doctors!!
How do you not get caught up in his depression? What do you do or say?
I know what you mean about thinking you are helping but end up making things worse! I can see that my son is worrying about his marijauan use and getting back to uni, so I think if we bring it out into the open and discuss it then 2 heads are better than one....wrong for us....My verbalising his worry just makes him worry more (he has OCD along with his depression)!!!what a catch 22!!! So I have to shut up and just watch and if he says anything, just encourage and if something goes well, really congraduate him for each small step.
God its hard to watch and feel their suffering. I often feel like I am walking on egg shells....trying to be so careful not to offend or to keep things less anxiety provoking around him (can't always anticipate things though...)
As for going to the pdoc with them (i don't go as often now) but went once just recently to support him in telling his pdoc he was using MJ. He was pretty uptight about it afterwards because unfortuneately the pdoc just said "not good and stop!" GREAT (easy for him to say but no ideas given as to how to stop, why its a problem (neurotransmitter wise) and encouragement to give it a go!
My son says he is sure that he needs to be chemically balanced if he is to get well enough to function but is afraid that if he stops the MJ he will feel worse! (catch 22 again).
I know that AA apparently is very supportive and you might be able to go with your boyfriend to a meeting (easy for me to say and if you boyfriend doesn't acknowledge drinking as a problem then you don't have an avenue there) but there is also a support group for people with partners/loved ones that have a drinking problem(ring AA and find out). They meet and share ways to cope.
Thanks for replying (I find it so helpful to hear from others)....
> > Hi Flame,
> > Sounds like you are a wonderful support person...and of cause you know what he is on and why... my post to you was almost for myself! > I have been supporting my son through his suffering for 2 years now and its not easy....I have to remind myself not to take some of the things that he does and says personally. I know I need to take more specific time out for myself...sometimes I forget and sometimes I get caught up in his suffering (i could kick myself when I do cause i know I'm making things worse for us both).
> >
> > As a support person I sometimes get so angry at the doctors (why can't they find the answers!!!?).
> >
> > As for the drinking....for me it was scary to watch and live with...now my son is doing MJ but although he is quieter there are still repercussions of that!!!
> >
> > Will your boyfriend let you go with him to the doctors? Sometimes knowing what they are saying and where they are heading can give you some idea what the plan is and why!
> >
> > anyway the others know more about what is happening
> >
> > all the best and good luck
> >
>
>
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
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Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
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