Posted by KaraS on August 3, 2004, at 15:31:21
In reply to Re: other things to try, posted by sjb on August 3, 2004, at 14:53:30
> Thank you for your suggestions. I'm not sure I know what anergic means. I have atypical depression: lethargic, carbo/sweet cravings, oeversleeping, easily irritated, senstive (cry easily although Prozac helps with that). I also isolate and feel that nobody loves me. I know, boo, hoo, SOB! but's that the only way I can describe it. I get very paranoid and VERY down on myself.
>Your symptoms are exactly what anergic means - low energy and low motivation etc. I think most of us here have the feeling that nobody loves us. Just try to keep in mind that feeling along with the paranoia and the lack of self-confidence are the depression - not the truth. (Easier said than done, I know.)
> However, I'm also an athlete. (My therapist would be more apt to call it obsessive-compulsive, but I've competed in marathons and beyond and was hoping to get back into competing. I run every day and go to the gym 4 times a week for weight training, but my weight is going up 'cause I can't stop eating like a pig!!!!) It's always like burning the candles at both ends.
>
Wow. Wish I could discipline myself to run everyday and do the weight training. That's great. Unfortunately, sometimes meds and/or depression can increase our appetites too much. There are other meds that decrease appetite (i.e. tryptophan or 5-htp -not good to mix with Prozac though-, selegiline).> I've printed out your post and will take it to my PDoc at my next appt. I have tried high doses of Inositol due to studies that showed it helped bulimics. I used the 12 grams, or whatever they recommended, and tried it for a long time with not much help. I've also tried TMG, SAM-e, lithium and phenylalanine. I have not tried Perika, selegiline or pindolol. I have had the complete thryoid test and all numbers are well within normal, not even close to being borderline.
>Pindolol is a beta blocker that's sometimes used to boost antidepressants. Selegiline (in case you don't know anything about it) is used to treat Parkinsons as well as touted as an antiaging drug because of it's saving effects on dopamine neurons). There's usually a lot about it on the main board and it's wonderful for anergic depressions like yours and mine. Many traditional pdocs don't prescribe it. It's an MAOI-B at doses above 10 or 15 mg so at higher doses you need to follow the diet. If you do a search on this board you can find some great posts by "Adam". After taking many meds that didn't work at all for him, he tried the selegiline patch in a drug trial situation and his whole life changed. It has been a miracle drug for him. Hopefully that will be out soon. Since it will be released as an antidepressant (not just a Parkinson's drug) the medical establishment will be much more likely to prescribe it. You might also want to read over on the main board about other things that people are trying or have tried for depressions like ours.
> Thanks again, Kara. You are a welcome addition to this board. >
Thanks. That's so nice to hear.
Good luck and keep me posted!Kara
poster:KaraS
thread:355726
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040718/msgs/373687.html