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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TiredMommy on June 10, 2006, at 3:16:45
But that stuff doesn't really matter right now. My dad has cancer and my drugs don't work well enough for this sh*t. I want to hurt somebody/something. I feel so alone. I want to know there's someone else reading this at this time of night.
Posted by TiredMommy on June 10, 2006, at 4:21:45
In reply to Hi. I'm new. Depression. Panic. Post-Partum., posted by TiredMommy on June 10, 2006, at 3:16:45
Don't know what to do. No effect drugs. No effect. No effect.
Posted by blueberry on June 10, 2006, at 8:07:31
In reply to Hi. I'm new. Depression. Panic. Post-Partum., posted by TiredMommy on June 10, 2006, at 3:16:45
It is nice to have you here at pbabble. Don't let the name fool you, there are some extremely educated and experienced people that come here regularly everyday. If you need help in figuring out medication choices, this is the place. There are some people here that know more about psychiatry, medications, mood disorders and brain function than 95% of psychiatrists.
Please post more details. Your symptoms, what medications you've tried, reactions to them, what medications now. Try to make it detailed, but also try to keep it concise and as short as possible, that way more people will read it all the way through.
Most people here are suffering greatly. So you are not alone. People here understand and relate and can be very very helpful.
Posted by heaven help me on June 10, 2006, at 10:45:58
In reply to Hi. I'm new. Depression. Panic. Post-Partum., posted by TiredMommy on June 10, 2006, at 3:16:45
Hi Tired Mommy...I have 5 of my own little ones and feel like I have been tired for 16 years straight. Depressed for a good portion of that. But I CAN say, from experience, that it DOES get better. Post-partum is one of THE HARDEST times in life. But it WILL GET BETTER. It WILL, look, I've done it 9 times (lost 4 babies), it will get better. And I agree, this board is a great place for good info (though check any with your Dr.), and for some really good laughs sometimes. hang in there
blessings
mary
Posted by honeybee on June 10, 2006, at 11:46:12
In reply to Re: Hi. I'm new. Depression. Panic. Post-Partum., posted by heaven help me on June 10, 2006, at 10:45:58
Having to deal with depression in the midst of so many life stressors is really hard, TM. Have you thought about or are you able to get in touch with a therapist? Sometimes, this can be helpful while you try to navigate medication (if you want to go there), especially since the therapist is technically outside of your life and can help provide some perspective on it without the baggage that can come with friends or family.
And then there's this board--scores of people who not only have an inkling of what you're going through but who are incredibly educated and insightful when it comes to getting better.
Glad to have you here.
honeybee
Posted by TiredMommy on June 10, 2006, at 13:46:42
In reply to Re: Hi. I'm new. Depression. Panic. Post-Partum, posted by honeybee on June 10, 2006, at 11:46:12
Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I can't tell you how much I appriciate it. I feel so alone a lot of the time.
Let's see, more details. My shrink actually "graduated" me a couple weeks ago because I was doing so much better. I thought I was stable on Wellbutrin 150 twice a day and Nortriptaline(sp?) 70 at night for pain.
Then everything fell apart two days ago when I found out my dad has cancer and I'm pulling my hair out again. I just can't get a grip. I can't settle down into my own skin. I feel violent.
I know I can't take any more Wellbutrin because I'm already at 300, I can't really talk to my doctor because my primary care doctor prescribes my meds and she just looks at it for pain (I have fibromyalgia). And when I called to talk to a psychiatrist (they're the ones who prescribe right?) there are no appointments until the end of July.
My doctor will probably prescribe whatever I ask for for depression. What else can I take? I have to be able to hold it together for my sisters and my kids. I can't lose it right now. Oh yeah, and I start a new job in July.
Sorry for going on so long. Any help would be great. Thank you so much.
Posted by Jost on June 10, 2006, at 19:26:44
In reply to Re: Hi. I'm new. Depression. Panic. Post-Partum, posted by TiredMommy on June 10, 2006, at 13:46:42
Hi, TM. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. That's really tough.
I'm not an expert on welbutrin, having only taken it briefly, but I'm sure there are some here who know a great deal about it.
There are drugs that can be used to boost the effect of Anti-depressants, like lithium, lamictal, and others. I don't know how/which ones would be appropriate with welbutrin, but again, others here may, and also your doctor may.
How about something for anxiety, if you feel that that might be part of the immediate situation.
Is there only one psychiatrist you can see? If only one, maybe it's possible you could be notified if that one has a cancellation in the nearer term, and see him/her then. Under the circumstances, I can't believe a Pdoc wouldn't want to try to fit you in.
Keep in touch here. There's great comfort in knowing that others struggle with the same issues, and experience the ups and downs that sometimes seem so isolating.
best, Jost
.
Posted by MidnightBlue on June 11, 2006, at 15:43:59
In reply to Re: Hi. I'm new. Depression. Panic. Post-Partum, posted by TiredMommy on June 10, 2006, at 13:46:42
I've been on as much as 450 mg a day of Wellbutrin. I too was doing well on 300 until a crisis hit. Not sure about the combo with the tricyclic though. Not sure if you can go that high on both.
Call a pdoc and tell them you REALLY need a visit NOW. That you are trying hard to stay "level" and not hurt yourself or anyone else. Can you get your family doc to get you an appointment with a pdoc?
Also call someone in a cancer support group so you can talk about what is going on with your dad.
MidnightBlue
Posted by TiredMommy on June 11, 2006, at 16:23:43
In reply to Re: Hi. I'm new. Depression. Panic. Post-Partum » TiredMommy, posted by MidnightBlue on June 11, 2006, at 15:43:59
Thanks for all the advice. It's good to know that I'm not maxed out on the Wellbutrin, because it's really the only thing that's worked for me. Lexapro, Paxil, and Zoloft all made me really sick. And you're right, there's got to be some way to get in to see the pdoc sooner. Maybe I'll have my therapist call them or something. But it's Kaiser so wading through the red tape can take a while.
My mom gave me a valium yesterday and it really helped. Can you take valium every day? I used to take Klonopin every day but had to stop because I was going through withdrawal between doses. It wasn't fun. I also take vicodin for pain periodically so I need something that won't interact with that.
I actually wonder if the Wellbutrin and Nortriptaline are cancelling each other out or something.
I really appriciate all of your input. Thank you.
Posted by fairywings on June 12, 2006, at 15:42:54
In reply to Re: Hi. I'm new. Depression. Panic. Post-Partum, posted by TiredMommy on June 11, 2006, at 16:23:43
Hi Tiredmommy,
Post partum s*cks big time. I had the same thing - PP and the death of my parents. If you call the pdocs and tell them you're having Post Partum Depression and desparately need to see a pdoc, someone should get you in. Even if you keep searching, or using your gp for meds, make and appt. with the one who's the best. Then maybe write them a confidential letter explaining your situation and pleading for an appt. No one wants a new mom with depression waiting around for an appt. Good that your gp is trying to help you.
I'd definitely try to get a faster appt through my T or my gp if I were in your shoes. How's it affecting the relationship between you and the baby? I think sometimes doctors are reluctant to prescribe Valium, but maybe your gp would do it till you can get in to see a pdoc. Or maybe they'd prescribe Xanax. It's worth asking if it helped.
Good luck,
fw
Posted by mgm on June 13, 2006, at 20:54:27
In reply to Re: Hi. I'm new. Depression. Panic. Post-Partum » TiredMommy, posted by fairywings on June 12, 2006, at 15:42:54
Hi I'm so sorry you are suffering. My journey through depression began with post partum and it felt like my life was over. The good news is that it wasn't and it does pass and situational crisis does become unmanageable in the throws of PPD.
My dr. was anxious to get me off valium and switch me to xanax. He said that the valium could have a depressive effect and was more addictive. The xanax while much shorter acting can have more of an antidepressive effect as well as nipping the anxiety.
Once i stabalized it was fairly easy to eliminate the xanax. I would just forget to take it(because I was feeling better) until a headache set in and then I took smaller doses until there were none : )
I'm sure if you call the P doc and tell them that you are in a crisis and feeling very unstabel that they will make room for you. If it truly reaches a crisis proportion go to the emergency room and have the P doc notified.
Be well and Be safe.
MGM
Posted by TiredMommy on June 14, 2006, at 14:21:34
In reply to Re: Hi. I'm new. Depression. Panic. Post-Partum, posted by mgm on June 13, 2006, at 20:54:27
> Hi I'm so sorry you are suffering. My journey through depression began with post partum and it felt like my life was over. The good news is that it wasn't and it does pass and situational crisis does become unmanageable in the throws of PPD.
>
> My dr. was anxious to get me off valium and switch me to xanax. He said that the valium could have a depressive effect and was more addictive. The xanax while much shorter acting can have more of an antidepressive effect as well as nipping the anxiety.
>
> Once i stabalized it was fairly easy to eliminate the xanax. I would just forget to take it(because I was feeling better) until a headache set in and then I took smaller doses until there were none : )
>
> I'm sure if you call the P doc and tell them that you are in a crisis and feeling very unstabel that they will make room for you. If it truly reaches a crisis proportion go to the emergency room and have the P doc notified.
>
> Be well and Be safe.
>
> MGMThank you so much for your advice and kind words. I didn't know that about valium and xanax. I'll ask my doctor about it, because I need something to take the edge off.
This is the end of the thread.
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