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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cseagraves on March 11, 2009, at 16:29:53
Hi to all.
Was interested in some opinions.
I know that many of you have seen me go through my ups and downs with meds several times on this board. One of the last I tried was Marplan. This has been awhile ago. Over a month and now have only been on xanax for maintenance.
After being on Marplan for four days at just 10mgs in the morning, by the fourth night I felt awful and like I just wanted to die. Not suicidal, but wanting to die.
I feel like I have tried everything, but feel so awful now, I don't know what to do anymore. Started 5-htp today and saw a therapist yesterday (starting CBT).
I've had so many different diagnosis. It seems a combination of so many things.
General Anxiety Disorder
Social Phobia
Panic Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
DepressionWhat I feel like:
I am in a constant state of flight or fright and it is wearing me down so bad. I am so tired of feeling like all is hopeless. I have this relentless fear of death and dying. Like all is lost. I have lost interest and motivation in everything. My stomach is in knots all the time and constantly hurts. I seem sensitive to everything (sounds, noises). I don't want to give up. I am only 41 and feel like I am never going to shake this negativity.
Have read everything on line on anxiety disorders, panic, phobias and fears, depression, how to overcome hopelessness. Don't know what else to try or what else to do.
All of this has seem to come on so quickly. This agoraphobia and intense fear is driving me crazy. I want to live out a nice long life with my husband and kids, but feel like my life will be ending very shortly.
Don't want to go to a psych ward. From what I've heard and seen, it wouldn't do me much good and we have no insurance anyway.
Can't stop shaking and feeling fearful. CPT therapist told me to write down what I am feeling and thinking before, during and after a anxiety attack. Problem is that I feel anxietal all the time and I have no clue why. Can't shake this feeling of impending doom. Like I know there just has to be something wrong with me physically and I'm going to die since meds don't seem to work.
Have gone to family doctor and had every test run. Everything seems fine physically, what the hell is wrong with me.
I am so desperate for something to work and help me to be back part of the real world. I just want to live and be happy. I want to watch my children grow up and I want to grow old with my husband. I want to get over this fear of dying, and be able to live my life to the fullest.
I want to stop all the brain chatter about things I can't control from my past or my future. Why can't I just live my life day to day and be happy. I have become so focused on death and dying that I have fully stopped living.
I used to care about how I looked and now I don't. I use to keep my house clean, now I don't. It's not that I don't care, I just have absolutely no motivation. My husband has had to take up so much of the slack and I feel so guilty. He's a really good man and he deserves so much better than what I have become. I am no longer the person he married. He is trying so hard to be understanding, but I am sure that any one would get tired of this after some time.
And if he left me, what would I do. I can't work like this. I would lose everything that is precious, but its like I am on this downward spiral and can't pull out.
I know that ssri's dont work. I'm not sure why, but my anxieties seem to override them.
I keep reading about the maoi's and wondering if I should give them another try. Maybe because I am so paranoid about everything I put in my mouth,I caused my own anxiety when I took the Marplan.
I'm sure that alot of this is because I want a quick fix. I have lost so much already and want myself back. I feel so disconnected to the world right now. Where did I go?
I have been meditating, praying, seeing pdoc, researching.
It has been absolutely beautiful here the last couple of days and everyday I tell myself to get out and walk around outside, but when I think about it, this overwhelming fear comes over me and I don't know why. I use to walk five miles almost everyday a couple of years ago. What happened?
Could an maoi help with this ya think? Anyone got any suggestions. I swear I am falling apart at the seams right now. Don't know what else to do.
Please help.
Courtney
Posted by myco on March 11, 2009, at 17:40:01
In reply to MARPLAN - Should I give it another try? Going nuts, posted by Cseagraves on March 11, 2009, at 16:29:53
Hi,
Your symptoms fit nardil perfectly hun...anxiety more than depression. Why did you choose marplan? I share alot of the same symptoms as you and maois (nardil) have changed my life for the better.
myco
> Hi to all.
>
> Was interested in some opinions.
>
> I know that many of you have seen me go through my ups and downs with meds several times on this board. One of the last I tried was Marplan. This has been awhile ago. Over a month and now have only been on xanax for maintenance.
>
> After being on Marplan for four days at just 10mgs in the morning, by the fourth night I felt awful and like I just wanted to die. Not suicidal, but wanting to die.
>
> I feel like I have tried everything, but feel so awful now, I don't know what to do anymore. Started 5-htp today and saw a therapist yesterday (starting CBT).
>
> I've had so many different diagnosis. It seems a combination of so many things.
>
> General Anxiety Disorder
> Social Phobia
> Panic Disorder
> Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
> Depression
>
> What I feel like:
>
> I am in a constant state of flight or fright and it is wearing me down so bad. I am so tired of feeling like all is hopeless. I have this relentless fear of death and dying. Like all is lost. I have lost interest and motivation in everything. My stomach is in knots all the time and constantly hurts. I seem sensitive to everything (sounds, noises). I don't want to give up. I am only 41 and feel like I am never going to shake this negativity.
>
> Have read everything on line on anxiety disorders, panic, phobias and fears, depression, how to overcome hopelessness. Don't know what else to try or what else to do.
>
> All of this has seem to come on so quickly. This agoraphobia and intense fear is driving me crazy. I want to live out a nice long life with my husband and kids, but feel like my life will be ending very shortly.
>
> Don't want to go to a psych ward. From what I've heard and seen, it wouldn't do me much good and we have no insurance anyway.
>
> Can't stop shaking and feeling fearful. CPT therapist told me to write down what I am feeling and thinking before, during and after a anxiety attack. Problem is that I feel anxietal all the time and I have no clue why. Can't shake this feeling of impending doom. Like I know there just has to be something wrong with me physically and I'm going to die since meds don't seem to work.
>
> Have gone to family doctor and had every test run. Everything seems fine physically, what the hell is wrong with me.
>
> I am so desperate for something to work and help me to be back part of the real world. I just want to live and be happy. I want to watch my children grow up and I want to grow old with my husband. I want to get over this fear of dying, and be able to live my life to the fullest.
>
> I want to stop all the brain chatter about things I can't control from my past or my future. Why can't I just live my life day to day and be happy. I have become so focused on death and dying that I have fully stopped living.
>
> I used to care about how I looked and now I don't. I use to keep my house clean, now I don't. It's not that I don't care, I just have absolutely no motivation. My husband has had to take up so much of the slack and I feel so guilty. He's a really good man and he deserves so much better than what I have become. I am no longer the person he married. He is trying so hard to be understanding, but I am sure that any one would get tired of this after some time.
>
> And if he left me, what would I do. I can't work like this. I would lose everything that is precious, but its like I am on this downward spiral and can't pull out.
>
> I know that ssri's dont work. I'm not sure why, but my anxieties seem to override them.
>
> I keep reading about the maoi's and wondering if I should give them another try. Maybe because I am so paranoid about everything I put in my mouth,I caused my own anxiety when I took the Marplan.
>
> I'm sure that alot of this is because I want a quick fix. I have lost so much already and want myself back. I feel so disconnected to the world right now. Where did I go?
>
> I have been meditating, praying, seeing pdoc, researching.
>
> It has been absolutely beautiful here the last couple of days and everyday I tell myself to get out and walk around outside, but when I think about it, this overwhelming fear comes over me and I don't know why. I use to walk five miles almost everyday a couple of years ago. What happened?
>
> Could an maoi help with this ya think? Anyone got any suggestions. I swear I am falling apart at the seams right now. Don't know what else to do.
>
> Please help.
>
> Courtney
Posted by Cseagraves on March 11, 2009, at 17:49:28
In reply to Re: MARPLAN - Should I give it another try? Going nuts » Cseagraves, posted by myco on March 11, 2009, at 17:40:01
I chose Marplan because it seems not to have as many blood pressure problems. I already have high blood pressure.
Did taking an maoi really help? I am a chronic worrier. Were you that way? Does it help you to have a better and brighter outlook on life? Did it pull you out of your funk?
I really hate to get started back on meds again because ssri's in general don't seem to work on anyone for a really long period of time.
Thought about maoi's because it seems that they work longer for most people.
Still not sure what to do.
Thanks,
CS
Posted by myco on March 11, 2009, at 18:00:09
In reply to Re: MARPLAN - Should I give it another try? Going nuts, posted by Cseagraves on March 11, 2009, at 17:49:28
Nardil lowered my bp...was on the high end of normal now it's exactly normal...with occasional dips into the low end range (slightly low bp)...nardil does this. Doesnt raise bp - only if you eat or take something you shouldnt.
I am a terrible worrier without meds...generalized anxiety and especially social anxiety are very bad. Sweating, tremors, muscle tension in public, constantly overreacting, worrying about every little thing. All that brings a persons mood down after years ya know...then you end up with depression as a side effect (to some extent - although I have some of it anyway). The brighter outlook on life will come once you ease the emotional and physical tension...you will be able to think clearer, focus better, read etc...all these things got better for me. Not perfect but way better than the SSRI's ive been on. For me nardil is even better than benzos...it feels like a mild sustained klonopin actually. I'm at ease with this calm cool feeling most of the time. Can hold me head up high and deal with life easier. What a change. And yep...of any category of meds, the maoi's show the best long term efficacy. We dont have marplan in canada but nardil did the job beyond what I could have imagined from other classes of meds. You need to just decide and commit Courtney...it's gonna take time to get there but just cringe and bear the sides...it will get better.
> I chose Marplan because it seems not to have as many blood pressure problems. I already have high blood pressure.
>
> Did taking an maoi really help? I am a chronic worrier. Were you that way? Does it help you to have a better and brighter outlook on life? Did it pull you out of your funk?
>
> I really hate to get started back on meds again because ssri's in general don't seem to work on anyone for a really long period of time.
>
> Thought about maoi's because it seems that they work longer for most people.
>
> Still not sure what to do.
>
> Thanks,
>
> CS
Posted by Cseagraves on March 11, 2009, at 18:13:01
In reply to Re: MARPLAN - Should I give it another try? Going nuts » Cseagraves, posted by myco on March 11, 2009, at 18:00:09
Thanks Myco,
Maybe there is some hope in going on an maoi. I just can't go on feeling this way. I've read alot about using CBT in conjunction with meds. Hopefully I can pull myself out of this.
I was such a happy person a couple of years ago. Didn't fear a thing. Therapists said there is a core to all of this fear and phobia that we need to get to the bottom of. Fine with me. I was thinking I could do this without meds, but maybe not. Seems like this CBT thing could take awhile to work and I think I will lose my freakin mind before then if I don't do something else.
Courtney:-)
Posted by myco on March 11, 2009, at 18:14:52
In reply to Re: MARPLAN - Should I give it another try? Going nuts, posted by Cseagraves on March 11, 2009, at 17:49:28
Just decide firmly you are going to do it...instruct you family to not only be supportive but encouraging to the point of pushing you onward through the startup. Make sure understand whats gonna happen...the sides etc. Just lock youself away, so to speak, for a few weeks in the beginning and get on the med to step number one...which will most likely be a mild feeling of stability then you lose that...then you go up again etc...Nardil will take a few months to get totally stable but once there the sides go away and it's just yaaaa, I feel "normal". Very nice feeling to not have so much tension in my head and body...makes life so much easier and more pleasant. Nice to get up in the morning and notice the sunshine and the greenness of the trees in the backyard..ya know. Little things like that is how the med started for me. More of an appreciation for the little things in life that make it enjoyable if you dont take them for granted. I know this is kinda "corny" lol but still, it's true. This is how it began for me. You can do it Courtney....please try hun. Just give it a really good go, cringe and deal as best you can with the support of your friends and family and it will pay off in the end and you'll feel so good that it's over which will also improve your outlook on life I guarantee. *hugs* almost there Courtney...make the move, that parts easy :o)
We will be here for you alsomyco
> I chose Marplan because it seems not to have as many blood pressure problems. I already have high blood pressure.
>
> Did taking an maoi really help? I am a chronic worrier. Were you that way? Does it help you to have a better and brighter outlook on life? Did it pull you out of your funk?
>
> I really hate to get started back on meds again because ssri's in general don't seem to work on anyone for a really long period of time.
>
> Thought about maoi's because it seems that they work longer for most people.
>
> Still not sure what to do.
>
> Thanks,
>
> CS
Posted by myco on March 11, 2009, at 18:17:19
In reply to Re: MARPLAN - Should I give it another try? Going nuts, posted by Cseagraves on March 11, 2009, at 18:13:01
Studies and others will show you that CBT is most effective once you stabilize on a med Courtney...then you thinking clearer and able to make sense of your own issues. They go together like a pair....the results are much better. A good med will help me recognize my own bad behaviours....making it easier to treat/deal and talk about them.
Myco
> Thanks Myco,
>
> Maybe there is some hope in going on an maoi. I just can't go on feeling this way. I've read alot about using CBT in conjunction with meds. Hopefully I can pull myself out of this.
>
> I was such a happy person a couple of years ago. Didn't fear a thing. Therapists said there is a core to all of this fear and phobia that we need to get to the bottom of. Fine with me. I was thinking I could do this without meds, but maybe not. Seems like this CBT thing could take awhile to work and I think I will lose my freakin mind before then if I don't do something else.
>
> Courtney:-)
Posted by Phillipa on March 11, 2009, at 21:46:20
In reply to Re: MARPLAN - Should I give it another try? Going nuts, posted by myco on March 11, 2009, at 18:17:19
Courtney wow sounds like my story as a matter of fact had my husband read your original post he agreed. I also fear meds. Just said my pdoc and walked in the door she's keeping me on Luvox higher dose and the benzos her feeling is I'm wearing myself out with anxiety. We discussed Maois she has a man for years on parnate that's all. And isn't for them. She did mention she recently read a journal article on marplan didn't explain what she read though. Keep us posted Love Phillipa
Posted by desolationrower on March 12, 2009, at 10:53:11
In reply to Re: MARPLAN - Should I give it another try? Going nuts, posted by myco on March 11, 2009, at 18:17:19
most people with high blood pressure see it drop on MAOIs, one used to be used only for hypertension
also, have you ever tried guanfacine or clonidine? they would help with blood pressure too actually
-d/r
Posted by Zyprexa on March 12, 2009, at 18:11:18
In reply to MARPLAN - Should I give it another try? Going nuts, posted by Cseagraves on March 11, 2009, at 16:29:53
Have you tried zyprexa? Thats my suggestion. It has worked wonders for me over the years. I had a lot of the symptoms you have. It all went away on zyprexa.
Posted by rvanson on March 12, 2009, at 20:01:15
In reply to MARPLAN - Should I give it another try? Going nuts, posted by Cseagraves on March 11, 2009, at 16:29:53
> Hi to all.
>
> Was interested in some opinions.
>
> I know that many of you have seen me go through my ups and downs with meds several times on this board. One of the last I tried was Marplan. This has been awhile ago. Over a month and now have only been on xanax for maintenance.
>
> After being on Marplan for four days at just 10mgs in the morning, by the fourth night I felt awful and like I just wanted to die. Not suicidal, but wanting to die.
>
> I feel like I have tried everything, but feel so awful now, I don't know what to do anymore. Started 5-htp today and saw a therapist yesterday (starting CBT).
>
> I've had so many different diagnosis. It seems a combination of so many things.
>
> General Anxiety Disorder
> Social Phobia
> Panic Disorder
> Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
> Depression
>
> What I feel like:
>
> I am in a constant state of flight or fright and it is wearing me down so bad. I am so tired of feeling like all is hopeless. I have this relentless fear of death and dying. Like all is lost. I have lost interest and motivation in everything. My stomach is in knots all the time and constantly hurts. I seem sensitive to everything (sounds, noises). I don't want to give up. I am only 41 and feel like I am never going to shake this negativity.
>
> Have read everything on line on anxiety disorders, panic, phobias and fears, depression, how to overcome hopelessness. Don't know what else to try or what else to do.
>
> All of this has seem to come on so quickly. This agoraphobia and intense fear is driving me crazy. I want to live out a nice long life with my husband and kids, but feel like my life will be ending very shortly.
>
> Don't want to go to a psych ward. From what I've heard and seen, it wouldn't do me much good and we have no insurance anyway.
>
> Can't stop shaking and feeling fearful. CPT therapist told me to write down what I am feeling and thinking before, during and after a anxiety attack. Problem is that I feel anxietal all the time and I have no clue why. Can't shake this feeling of impending doom. Like I know there just has to be something wrong with me physically and I'm going to die since meds don't seem to work.
>
> Have gone to family doctor and had every test run. Everything seems fine physically, what the hell is wrong with me.
>
> I am so desperate for something to work and help me to be back part of the real world. I just want to live and be happy. I want to watch my children grow up and I want to grow old with my husband. I want to get over this fear of dying, and be able to live my life to the fullest.
>
> I want to stop all the brain chatter about things I can't control from my past or my future. Why can't I just live my life day to day and be happy. I have become so focused on death and dying that I have fully stopped living.
>
> I used to care about how I looked and now I don't. I use to keep my house clean, now I don't. It's not that I don't care, I just have absolutely no motivation. My husband has had to take up so much of the slack and I feel so guilty. He's a really good man and he deserves so much better than what I have become. I am no longer the person he married. He is trying so hard to be understanding, but I am sure that any one would get tired of this after some time.
>
> And if he left me, what would I do. I can't work like this. I would lose everything that is precious, but its like I am on this downward spiral and can't pull out.
>
> I know that ssri's dont work. I'm not sure why, but my anxieties seem to override them.
>
> I keep reading about the maoi's and wondering if I should give them another try. Maybe because I am so paranoid about everything I put in my mouth,I caused my own anxiety when I took the Marplan.
>
> I'm sure that alot of this is because I want a quick fix. I have lost so much already and want myself back. I feel so disconnected to the world right now. Where did I go?
>
> I have been meditating, praying, seeing pdoc, researching.
>
> It has been absolutely beautiful here the last couple of days and everyday I tell myself to get out and walk around outside, but when I think about it, this overwhelming fear comes over me and I don't know why. I use to walk five miles almost everyday a couple of years ago. What happened?
>
> Could an maoi help with this ya think? Anyone got any suggestions. I swear I am falling apart at the seams right now. Don't know what else to do.
>
> Please help.
>
> CourtneyIME, SSRI drugs don't do much for anxiety related conditions or phobias. The Pdocs WANT them too, but that's just not the case in most instances.
What other meds have you taken? Any of the old tric-cyclics?
Any MAOI's ?
How about benzodiazapine tranquilizers?
This is the end of the thread.
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