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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sometimesblue on August 3, 2007, at 15:59:33
OK, here's the deal. I suffer from depression and anxiety, as well as lack of energy/motivation.
I take Provigil to keep me awake during the day (although I still don't have that motivation I think "normal" people have. And I take Lexapro for the depression and anxiety (although I still get very depressed). I may have to switch off Provigil soon due to my insurance, so my first question is:
Does anyone know of any drugs that compare to Provigil, but maybe with more of a "kick"? I don't want to jump off the walls, I just need soemthing to KEEP me going all day?
And, how well has Wellbutrin worked for depression AND anxiety?
I just want to be happy and content, i hate this rollercoaster of emotions.
Posted by Phillipa on August 3, 2007, at 20:29:48
In reply to PROVIGIL + WELLBUTRIN Substitutes? Are there any?, posted by sometimesblue on August 3, 2007, at 15:59:33
Good question as seriously I'm looking for what you are at the moment. Even caffeine doesn't cut it. Love Phillipa
Posted by sometimesblue on August 5, 2007, at 16:44:20
In reply to Re: PROVIGIL + WELLBUTRIN Substitutes? Are there any? » sometimesblue, posted by Phillipa on August 3, 2007, at 20:29:48
I've also noticed I am having more frequent panic attacks. My heart starts racing and I have this ugly feeling of dread, and experiencing episodes of depersonalization, and my breathing feels like short gasps. The lexapro isn't working. I don't know what to suggest to my DOC...
please any advise would be greatly appreciated.
-Blue
Posted by sometimesblue on August 6, 2007, at 14:16:24
In reply to Re: PROVIGIL + WELLBUTRIN Substitutes? Are there any?, posted by sometimesblue on August 5, 2007, at 16:44:20
Can you read this thread, in conjunction with what you read from me before, any suggestions...i think I'm all over the place in every sense of that term =(
Posted by ClearSkies on August 6, 2007, at 14:58:49
In reply to ClearSkies...?, posted by sometimesblue on August 6, 2007, at 14:16:24
> Can you read this thread, in conjunction with what you read from me before, any suggestions...i think I'm all over the place in every sense of that term =(
Hi again!
Wellbutrin is a good adjunct to an antidepressant though I don't recall it having anti-anxiety qualities; as a matter of fact, I think I started taking Xanax while on Wellbutrin :-( And the Provigil sample pack from my doctor had me climbing the walls with anxiety. Like it got me going but my body didn't know when to stop.
It kinda sorta sounds like you and I are similar - suffering from depression and anxiety, with a history of substance abuse (pls forgive me if I presume here). I would say that the Wellbutrin is worth a shot for keeping your mood up during the day, but you'll still need something for the anxiety that you experience just as the general part of your condition.
If your concern is that you stay away from addictive substances, there are still plenty of anti-anxiety medications to try that are not benzos: Buspar, Vistaril, maybe Neurontin (I can't remember on that one)? I take Xanax but I'm lucky that a very low dose keeps the heebie jeebies away - I'm fine with .5mg per day, split if necessary. If I take the single dose I have to lie down because I fall asleep. (No jokes about me being a cheap drunk!) If your goal is to keep calm, maybe you'd be able to handle a benzo, too. One of the medications I took for alcohol cravings turned out to be a major chill pill for me too - Campral. It's non-addicting and does not interfere with other medications. You have to take many pills (6 pills a day for therapeutic effect) but it made a huge difference for me.
Medications aside, there is a lot you can do for the anxiety by making lifestyle changes. Learn how to meditate, and do it every day. Pet your pet, or get a pet to pet - very calming. Go for a walk, however short, every single day. It will help.
If you check the Alternatives board here you'll find suggestions for supplements and herbs. I take chelated magnesium every day, and I really notice it if I don't bother to take it. It helps me to chill.
Oh, and I cut out caffeine to about 1/2 a cup a day. That also makes a big difference with anxiety for me.ClearSkies
Posted by sometimesblue on August 6, 2007, at 15:08:45
In reply to Re: ClearSkies...? » sometimesblue, posted by ClearSkies on August 6, 2007, at 14:58:49
Thanks, i feel better walking into my docs office with some suggestions.
Posted by ClearSkies on August 7, 2007, at 18:30:18
In reply to Re: ClearSkies...?, posted by sometimesblue on August 6, 2007, at 15:08:45
> Thanks, i feel better walking into my docs office with some suggestions.
Let me know how your appointment goes and what your doctor suggests you take. Because I'm nosy, and I'm interested.
cs
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