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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by AnneL on May 12, 2001, at 13:08:46
I was diagnosed with Major depression-single episode and have been on Effexor XR for over 2 months with very good results. Last week I started crying over events which I have made excellent progress in, have had a pugnacious attitude toward family members, started causing arguments on the phone with others and sank into a deep depression with thoughts of harming myself. My dose at this time was 112.5 mg. I knew I was in trouble, no appt. with pdoc until end of month, so I increased my dose to 150 mg. Within 2 days all symptoms gone and back to my good state of recovery.
But the good mood coincided with getting my period! When the depression hit I had lost all track of the calendar and was actually in a pre-menstrual phase. Do I need more Effexor or something to augment PMDD (before my major depression hit, I had really bad PMS several months out of the year). Any suggestions before my mother disowns me and my husband walks out?
In retrospect, looking back to last weekend, I could easily have walked into a psychiatric facility and easily been committed for a short time. Thanks for any and all help.
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 12, 2001, at 14:14:07
In reply to Is it Depression or PMDD or both?, posted by AnneL on May 12, 2001, at 13:08:46
Many women anecdotally report using venlafaxine in partial-cycle (luteal) administration or taking lower doses during the follicular phase with an increase in dose when needed most during the luteal phase:
Pearlstein, Teri B. MD. Hormones and depression: What are the facts about premenstrual syndrome, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy? American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 173(2):646-653, August 1995.
Posted by Ann NY on May 12, 2001, at 20:39:50
In reply to Is it Depression or PMDD or both?, posted by AnneL on May 12, 2001, at 13:08:46
I was diagnosed with chronic reoccurring major depression. I know what you mean about being oblivious to your menstural cycle while seriously depressed.
Personally, I think many many factors come into play regarding PMS. With me, it gets worse when ever I am frustrated with my life or there are specfic things bothering me that I am trying to ignore. My non-medial theory is that when our bodies need extra energy to shift hormone levels it take away from the energy we use to surpress or controll our furstrations or serious emotional issues thus resulting in PMS outbursts. It seems only the truth is told during PMS - just inappropriatly.
My sister went through a period of "rage" PMS. (i think she goes temporarily insane- its horrible to witness - or be the victim) Her gyno gave her Xanax for 4 months and it broke the cycle for her.
My PMS highted my depression/anxiety and immobilized me. Understandably I then felt better during my period. I've been on Effexor now for
six months and at 225 mg for one. My PMS seems to be much better.Suprisingly, a little Ritalin also helps me. Maybe it keeps me focused and prevents me from loosing my thought and obsessing on the annoying things.
Hang in there! Talk to your Dr. maybe Xanax will do the short term trick. I hope the Effexor will work for you. It took me several months before I felt better.
> I was diagnosed with Major depression-single episode and have been on Effexor XR for over 2 months with very good results. Last week I started crying over events which I have made excellent progress in, have had a pugnacious attitude toward family members, started causing arguments on the phone with others and sank into a deep depression with thoughts of harming myself. My dose at this time was 112.5 mg. I knew I was in trouble, no appt. with pdoc until end of month, so I increased my dose to 150 mg. Within 2 days all symptoms gone and back to my good state of recovery.
> But the good mood coincided with getting my period! When the depression hit I had lost all track of the calendar and was actually in a pre-menstrual phase. Do I need more Effexor or something to augment PMDD (before my major depression hit, I had really bad PMS several months out of the year). Any suggestions before my mother disowns me and my husband walks out?
> In retrospect, looking back to last weekend, I could easily have walked into a psychiatric facility and easily been committed for a short time. Thanks for any and all help.
Posted by AnneL on May 13, 2001, at 0:48:49
In reply to Re: Is it Depression or PMDD or both? » AnneL, posted by Ann NY on May 12, 2001, at 20:39:50
> Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas, Ann. I really appreciate hearing from you and knowing that I am not alone! You are so right about saying things that are truthful, but yet so inappropriate and hurtful to those that I love. Since I had my depressive episode I have stopped exercising and watching my diet (I was overdoing both of those things before my breakdown!) I was PMS-free during this time. I know exercise can be very helpful with PMS/PMDD. I cannot take Xanax for longer than 3 days because I start rebounding and get anxiety-attacks. I do take Klonopin 1 mg. every night for sleep, but it does nothing for the acute depression, crying, anger and hateful attitudes that occur approximately 4 to 6 days before my period. I know that Prozac is being marketed for PMDD. Do you think that Effexor can be just as effective? Would you please tell me more about Ritalin? Are you taking it specifically for your PMS/PMDD symptoms or for other reasons? Thanks in advance, AnneL
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