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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ncfelines on May 22, 2003, at 13:46:46
I have GAD and depression that can at times be more than mild. Basically it feels like a bunch of negativity, sadness, and anxiety are always in the background of my thoughts each day. I call it "flying just above the trees," b/c I can mostly handle it pretty well, but can also can get overly sad or mad or anxious or negative pretty easily if I am not up to fighting it. Anyway, I recently came off of Efexxor because I found the side effects beyond intolerable. I am doing "OK" off ADs, but not great. I am conflicted because I want to feel "strong" enough to not take anything. (Don't yell! I know this may not be smart.) I may need to go back to the doctor and revisit the AD options, but before I do, I am trying the following:
- Regular exercise -joined Curves for Women and am going three times a week.
- Supplements - A very good multi., Hops, Chamomile, B6, B12, B9, B2, Selenium and InosotolWhat I am after with this post is ANY WORDS of encouragement or insight. (Please be gentle!) THANK YOU.
Posted by paxvox on May 22, 2003, at 16:39:11
In reply to Wish me luck?, posted by ncfelines on May 22, 2003, at 13:46:46
Effexor sucks as a GAD med. I would recommend Paxil as an AD for that. However, a nice gentle dose of Tranzene or Klonopin would do wonders for you. Are you seeing a GP or a Pdoc? Most GPs etc...will give you these meds, but if you have situational anxiety that doesn't seem "normal", you may want to see a Pdoc. I have had GAD along with my OCD and depression for about 15 years. Only the benzodiazepines have helped the anxiety. You may, however, have to be persistant to get them.
PAX
Posted by ncfelines on May 23, 2003, at 9:26:21
In reply to Re: Wish me luck?, posted by paxvox on May 22, 2003, at 16:39:11
I really appreciate your help. After going through SE and withdrawal hell with Effexor, I'm a little AD-shy. It also really bothers me that the Pdoc prescribed it so easily with NO WARNING of the hell that would follow. So, I am also a little wary of Pdocs right now, too.
I have GAD with the occasional panic attack and OCD tendencies. This anxiety and worry is so constant and tiring. I do keep a bottle of Klonopin. It helps with anxiety, but leaves me in sort of a sad haze. My GP seems willing to write me what I want, which could be nice. However, I can easily convince myself that all ADs are horrible. Thank you for taking the time to share the info. I am off to read as much as I can about benzodiazepines.
Posted by Snoozy on May 25, 2003, at 1:09:36
In reply to Wish me luck?, posted by ncfelines on May 22, 2003, at 13:46:46
Hi -
I can totally understand how Effexor would put you off all AD's. It makes me so mad when people aren't told about the withdrawl! But I would say don't completely rule them out based on your Effexor experience. (It sounds like you haven't tried others?) Effexor withdrawl was the worst for me, Paxil was bad too (both cold turkey - no warnings for me either!) You can always ask around here about other drugs.
Is Klonopin the only benzo you've tried? Or have you tried the shorter-acting ones like Ativan and Xanax? Some people have a great response to Klonopin, others have a bad response.
(quiet voice)I don't think there's anything weak about taking medication to help with depression and anxiety. When I find meds that help me, I move forward in life. Everyone will have their own personal views of course, and that's mine. I'm not saying you should take meds, but I just hate to see anyone completely rule them out if they could help.
This thing you mentioned, what is it called - "exercise"? I think that's supposed to be good for you ;)
Good luck to you.
Posted by ncfelines on May 27, 2003, at 9:25:03
In reply to Re: Wish me luck? » ncfelines, posted by Snoozy on May 25, 2003, at 1:09:36
I appreciate your kind words. Yes, Effexor is the only one I have tried long-term (more than a year). I was on Wellbutrin once for about four months to pull me out of horrible clinical depression. But that has been eight years ago now, and I can't tell you how I felt then, or how I did on it, as it was used with therapy to bring me back to life, you know? That was the time when I was perscribed Klonopin as well. I have always kept a bottle of it around, but don't like to take it unless I feel very very anxious or upset. I took Effexor to combat generalized anxieity and mild depression, which I still have, now that I have "gotten off" of Effexor. I have to say that I feel the vitamins and supplements are helping. I do feel some better. I do wish I had something that could really get in there and "adjust" what is wrong, though, without knocking lots of other stuff out of whack. Sigh...
I think that at this point, I am going to continue to "lurk" here and read up on everyone's experiences. Then I may put together a hot list of questions and set a Pdoc appointment.
This is the end of the thread.
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