Anyone with any experience in Paxil withdrawl?

Question:

Hello Everyone, I have been taking Paxil 30 mg for a couple of years and I want to get off of it because of weight gain. I am on 30 mg a night and am halfing it now (15 mg) for a couple of weeks, then plan to go down to 7.5 mg for a couple of weeks, etc. etc. Has anyone had any experience with getting off of Paxil successfully? Thanks, Jeremiah — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Jeremiah schreef: Hello Everyone, I have been taking Paxil 30 mg for a couple of years and I want to get off of it because of weight gain. I am on 30 mg a night and am halfing it now (15 mg) for a couple of weeks, then plan to go down to 7.5 mg for a couple of weeks, etc. etc. Has anyone had any experience with getting off of Paxil successfully? Thanks, Jeremiah

This may be much too fast, Jeremiah. You never know, you may be luckier than most but as a rule the best way to avoid or minimize withdrawal symptoms is to take your time and diminish the dose by 5 mg a week or so. YMMV. Philip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hello Everyone, I have been taking Paxil 30 mg for a couple of years and I want to get off of it because of weight gain. I am on 30 mg a night and am halfing it now (15 mg) for a couple of weeks, then plan to go down to 7.5 mg for a couple of weeks, etc. etc. Has anyone had any experience with getting off of Paxil successfully? Thanks, Jeremiah

Trust your own body I would say.  If you find this regime causes severe withdrawal – fever, headshocks, diarrhoea, etc – then back up and increase your dose again for a week.  I went cold turkey from 40mg Celexa after a year and it took 11 weeks to overcome the withdrawal symptoms.  I expect it might take a month or two to completely come off Paxil as it is a fair bit stronger than Celexa IMO. — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hello Everyone, I have been taking Paxil 30 mg for a couple of years and I want to get off of it because of weight gain. I am on 30 mg a night and am halfing it now (15 mg) for a couple of weeks, then plan to go down to 7.5 mg for a couple of weeks, etc. etc. Has anyone had any experience with getting off of Paxil successfully? Thanks, Jeremiah

Hi Jeremiah, That sounds pretty close to how I tappered off Paxil, but I also had alprazolam (Xanax) to help with the tappering process and now rely on it to manage panic attacks. Since it’s practically impossible to distinguish a withdrawal syndrome from a return of original anxiety symptoms, situations like this can be difficult to interpret. Always a good idea to have regular contact with your doctor during a time like this. Best Wishes, Arthur — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hello Everyone, I have been taking Paxil 30 mg for a couple of years and I want to get off of it because of weight gain. I am on 30 mg a night and am halfing it now (15 mg) for a couple of weeks, then plan to go down to 7.5 mg for a couple of weeks, etc. etc. Has anyone had any experience with getting off of Paxil successfully? Thanks, Jeremiah –Jeremiah,

I have found that no matter how slowly I tried to wean myself off of Paxil, I still had withdrawl symptoms for a while. However, a friend of mine told me that when the "brain shivers" and dizziness got too bad, to take a Benadryl, and it really helped. It made the withdrawls much more tolerable and I was able to stop taking Paxil after being on it for a long time. The Benadryl might make you a little sleepy, but I would rather be a little tired than to have those terrible withdrawl symptoms!! And when I did get off the Paxil completly, I lost about 12 pounds in about 2 months WITHOUT EVEN TRYING!!! Hang in there, I know that getting off of those nasty SSRI’s is a miserable experience, but it can be done and the withdrawls do eventually stop! Good luck! — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hello Everyone, I have been taking Paxil 30 mg for a couple of years and I want to get off of it because of weight gain. I am on 30 mg a night and am halfing it now (15 mg) for a couple of weeks, then plan to go down to 7.5 mg for a couple of weeks, etc. etc. Has anyone had any experience with getting off of Paxil successfully?

That sounds way too fast.  If you have been on it for years, then take the time to wean off it slower.  After years of using it, what’s a couple of months to get off it? Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hello Everyone, I have been taking Paxil 30 mg for a couple of years and I want to get off of it because of weight gain. I am on 30 mg a night and am halfing it now (15 mg) for a couple of weeks, then plan to go down to 7.5 mg for a couple of weeks, etc. etc. Has anyone had any experience with getting off of Paxil successfully? That sounds way too fast.  If you have been on it for years, then take the time to wean off it slower.  After years of using it, what’s a couple of months to get off it? Tony

I agree with Tony. That is far too fast. I think that you should be looking at a 6 to 8 week term of weaning off and it could even be longer depending upon how you are reacting to the process. Good luck — Ron P Member of the invisible generation — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thanks everyone for your replies. Lots of great ideas. Best regards, Jeremiah — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::I have been taking Paxil 30 mg for a couple of years and I want to get ::off of it because of weight gain. I am on 30 mg a night and am halfing ::it now (15 mg) for a couple of weeks, then plan to go down to 7.5 mg ::for a couple of weeks, etc. etc. Has anyone had any experience with ::getting off of Paxil successfully? Dear Jeremiah, Welcome to ASAPM! I haven’t gotten off Paxil but have weaned down from 20 to 10mgs. I found decreasing the dose in 5mg increments was too uncomfortable for me. It was a lot easier and with less withdrawals symptoms when I decreased in 2.5 mgs increments. A pill cutter from the pharmacy can help cut your pills. Withdrawals may be minimized by switching over to Prozac which is easier to taper off of due to its longer half life. Some more info for you……. http://bipolar.about.com/cs/antidep/a/0207_ssridisc2.htm Jackie ~*~"What I cannot love, I overlook."~*~    ~~ Anais Nin — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ::I have been taking Paxil 30 mg for a couple of years and I want to get ::off of it because of weight gain. I am on 30 mg a night and am halfing ::it now (15 mg) for a couple of weeks, then plan to go down to 7.5 mg ::for a couple of weeks, etc. etc. Has anyone had any experience with ::getting off of Paxil successfully? Dear Jeremiah, Welcome to ASAPM! I haven’t gotten off Paxil but have weaned down from 20 to 10mgs. I found decreasing the dose in 5mg increments was too uncomfortable for me. It was a lot easier and with less withdrawals symptoms when I decreased in 2.5 mgs increments. A pill cutter from the pharmacy can help cut your pills. Withdrawals may be minimized by switching over to Prozac which is easier to taper off of due to its longer half life. Some more info for you…….http://bipolar.about.com/cs/antidep/a/0207_ssridisc2.htm Jackie ~*~"What I cannot love, I overlook."~*~    ~~ Anais Nin — The charter is available at:http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Thanks Jackie and all, I am doing okay just cutting my 30 mg pills in half. So far, so good. I tried Prozac once before and it gave me awful, horrible night mares. Ugh. I was put on Paxil for depression when my Thyroid went haywire, but at the time we didn’t know that. I am pretty sure that the depression has gone as the cause of my depression was Hashimotos Thyroiditis. Thanks again, Jeremiah — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::I am doing okay just cutting my 30 mg pills in half. So far, so good. :: ::I tried Prozac once before and it gave me awful, horrible night mares. ::Ugh. :: ::I was put on Paxil for depression when my Thyroid went haywire, but at ::the time we didn’t know that. I am pretty sure that the depression has ::gone as the cause of my depression was Hashimotos Thyroiditis. Dear Jeremiah, Please be aware that it’s common to have more difficulties weaning off Paxil when you get to the last 5-10 mgs. That’s when you may need to really take it slow. I also have Hashimoto’s, been taking Synthroid for it for 11 years. I was severely depressed when I was diagnosed. Hope you are feeling better now. Jackie ~*~"What I cannot love, I overlook."~*~    ~~ Anais Nin — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My new med cocktail. :-(

Question:

Me too, Tono.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Many of us know how it is to go through a rough time…  We’re here for you. ((((((Tono)))))) smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Oh Tony, I feel so bad for you!  I hope this  med combo works for you and everything passes quickly.  {{{{{Tony}}}}} Di After finding out that my insurance won’t cover a stay in the one hospital that was suggested by my Dr. and counselor, I decided to call the Dr. back (I couldn’t wait 3 weeks) and told them it is an emergency. So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar. Oh, my latest trigger to get some help was that I couldn’t stay at work today.  Actually I could have, but I would have walked around aimlessly all day.  My anxiety and depression was up high enough to make me useless to have around as an employee.  I couldn’t concentrate on the easiest tasks. Oh again… The Dr. said that the Lithium is for the depression and no he doesn’t think I’m bi-polar.  I warned him that Depakote made me a zombie but he said this is different.  And the Busbar (sp?) (Buspirone) will hopefully work with the benzo’s to help with the anxiety.  I took my evening doses and I don’t know if it’s me, the big coffee I needed to make it home again, or the Buspirone, but I feel a bit shaky.  Too soon to say if it will get as bad as all the SSRI’s I couldn’t tolerate. Does it seem I’m starting the Busbar too fast?  Should I be tapering onto it? Oh again and again…  Buspirone is 10mg 2 times a day and the Lithium is 300mg 2 times a day. Seven Rx’s every day is too damn many.  There must be a better way. Well what the hell, I suppose I can give it a try.  I don’t have many choices do I?  :-( Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Tony,         I second what Sally says. You do need to have the lithium checked regularly.  I was on Lithium for a little while.           You are on a lot of different stuff.  It depends on the dosages, but you should be concerned about interactions.  I hope you have a good psych to advise you. Dennis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After finding out that my insurance won’t cover a stay in the one hospital that was suggested by my Dr. and counselor, I decided to call the Dr. back (I couldn’t wait 3 weeks) and told them it is an emergency. So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar. One more thing – I had completely forgotten it.. several years ago a quack dx’d me as bipolar and put me on Lithium. I noticed no effects. Was on it for about nine months.. and for some reason I did something I don’t normally do – I looked up the medication on the web. According to what I read, when you take Lithium, they need to draw blood (unsure how often) to check your levels – I had been on it all that time, and never had my levels checked! I believe it said you can have convulsions if you have too much of it in your system. I didn’t walk, I RAN to another doc immediately and he took me off the Lithium after he interviewed me, he doubted the bipolar diagnosis, and like I said, I had noticed no effect at all on Lithium.. He asked me who prescribed it, and when I told him, he rolled his eyes and muttered that that doctor (who prescribed the Lithium) needed to retire.

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::Oh again and again…  Buspirone is 10mg 2 times a day and the Lithium ::is 300mg 2 times a day. :: ::Seven Rx’s every day is too damn many.  There must be a better way. ::Well what the hell, I suppose I can give it a try.  I don’t have many ::choices do I?  :-( Dear Tony, I’m so behind and so late with my reply. I’m sorry! I can imagine how discouraged you are feeling right now. Keeping my fingers crossed that these meds will help you. Wishing you good luck! (((((WB Man))))) Jackie ~*~"What I cannot love, I overlook."~*~    ~~ Anais Nin — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar. I’d only start one med at a time. Then if you feel different you’ll know what’s causing it.

Good idea. I hope you feel better.

Thanks Chip, Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Good luck with your new meds.  I agree with Chip one med at a time, narrow the potential side effects. hang in there Maria

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar. I’d only start one med at a time. Then if you feel different you’ll know what’s causing it. Oh again… The Dr. said that the Lithium is for the depression and no he doesn’t think I’m bi-polar. I was put on lithium once (about 10 years ago) to augment the antidepressant effects of Zoloft. The lithium was so sedating I would awake in the morning and not know what to do. So I stopped the lithium on my own. I couldn’t tolerate the side effect. I think I was on 300 mg three times per day. I warned him that Depakote made me a zombie but he said this is different.  And the Busbar (sp?) BuSpar (Buspirone) will hopefully work with the benzo’s to help with the anxiety. He could have increased your daily dose of Klonopin instead of adding yet another med. Oh again and again…  Buspirone is 10mg 2 times a day and the Lithium is 300mg 2 times a day. Seven Rx’s every day is too damn many.  There must be a better way. Yeah, Tony. I hope you feel better. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Tono, Wise decision to take the day off and see how the addition to your meds works for you.  Wishing you only the best. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I now have Lithium and Busbar. Day 1/2.  (I took one dose last night and one just recently this morning that hasn’t had time to hit me yet.) I’m tired as all hell.  Called in work to tell them I wouldn’t be in unless some miracle happens.  They know most everything about my illness and said that it may take a few days until I’m ready to come back. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After finding out that my insurance won’t cover a stay in the one hospital that was suggested by my Dr. and counselor, I decided to call the Dr. back (I couldn’t wait 3 weeks) and told them it is an emergency. So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar. Oh, my latest trigger to get some help was that I couldn’t stay at work today.  Actually I could have, but I would have walked around aimlessly all day.  My anxiety and depression was up high enough to make me useless to have around as an employee.  I couldn’t concentrate on the easiest tasks. Oh again… The Dr. said that the Lithium is for the depression and no he doesn’t think I’m bi-polar.  I warned him that Depakote made me a zombie but he said this is different.  And the Busbar (sp?) (Buspirone) will hopefully work with the benzo’s to help with the anxiety.  I took my evening doses and I don’t know if it’s me, the big coffee I needed to make it home again, or the Buspirone, but I feel a bit shaky.  Too soon to say if it will get as bad as all the SSRI’s I couldn’t tolerate. Does it seem I’m starting the Busbar too fast?  Should I be tapering onto it? Oh again and again…  Buspirone is 10mg 2 times a day and the Lithium is 300mg 2 times a day. Seven Rx’s every day is too damn many.  There must be a better way. Well what the hell, I suppose I can give it a try.  I don’t have many choices do I?  :-( Tony

Tony, I understand what you are going through. I too was once on several medications a day and still having massive panic attacks. SSRI’s didnt work for me, and when I stopped taking them I suffered from terrible side effects. Finally, my doctor put me on xanax xr (extended release) and that was the only pill I had to take. I did feel sleepy during the day, he started me on 3mg a day and then decreased it to 1mg, but it actually worked and I didnt have the ups and downs. I am new to this group and this is my first post. I hope this helps. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar.

I’d only start one med at a time. Then if you feel different you’ll know what’s causing it. Oh again… The Dr. said that the Lithium is for the depression and no he doesn’t think I’m bi-polar.

I was put on lithium once (about 10 years ago) to augment the antidepressant effects of Zoloft. The lithium was so sedating I would awake in the morning and not know what to do. So I stopped the lithium on my own. I couldn’t tolerate the side effect. I think I was on 300 mg three times per day. I warned him that Depakote made me a zombie but he said this is different.  And the Busbar (sp?)

BuSpar (Buspirone) will hopefully work with the benzo’s to help with the anxiety.

He could have increased your daily dose of Klonopin instead of adding yet another med. Oh again and again…  Buspirone is 10mg 2 times a day and the Lithium is 300mg 2 times a day. Seven Rx’s every day is too damn many.  There must be a better way.

Yeah, Tony. I hope you feel better. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Oh Tony, I feel so bad for you!  I hope this  med combo works for you and everything passes quickly.  {{{{{Tony}}}}} Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After finding out that my insurance won’t cover a stay in the one hospital that was suggested by my Dr. and counselor, I decided to call the Dr. back (I couldn’t wait 3 weeks) and told them it is an emergency. So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar. Oh, my latest trigger to get some help was that I couldn’t stay at work today.  Actually I could have, but I would have walked around aimlessly all day.  My anxiety and depression was up high enough to make me useless to have around as an employee.  I couldn’t concentrate on the easiest tasks. Oh again… The Dr. said that the Lithium is for the depression and no he doesn’t think I’m bi-polar.  I warned him that Depakote made me a zombie but he said this is different.  And the Busbar (sp?) (Buspirone) will hopefully work with the benzo’s to help with the anxiety.  I took my evening doses and I don’t know if it’s me, the big coffee I needed to make it home again, or the Buspirone, but I feel a bit shaky.  Too soon to say if it will get as bad as all the SSRI’s I couldn’t tolerate. Does it seem I’m starting the Busbar too fast?  Should I be tapering onto it? Oh again and again…  Buspirone is 10mg 2 times a day and the Lithium is 300mg 2 times a day. Seven Rx’s every day is too damn many.  There must be a better way. Well what the hell, I suppose I can give it a try.  I don’t have many choices do I?  :-( Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After finding out that my insurance won’t cover a stay in the one hospital that was suggested by my Dr. and counselor, I decided to call the Dr. back (I couldn’t wait 3 weeks) and told them it is an emergency. So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar. Oh, my latest trigger to get some help was that I couldn’t stay at work today.  Actually I could have, but I would have walked around aimlessly all day.  My anxiety and depression was up high enough to make me useless to have around as an employee.  I couldn’t concentrate on the easiest tasks. Oh again… The Dr. said that the Lithium is for the depression and no he doesn’t think I’m bi-polar.  I warned him that Depakote made me a zombie but he said this is different.  And the Busbar (sp?) (Buspirone) will hopefully work with the benzo’s to help with the anxiety.  I took my evening doses and I don’t know if it’s me, the big coffee I needed to make it home again, or the Buspirone, but I feel a bit shaky.  Too soon to say if it will get as bad as all the SSRI’s I couldn’t tolerate. Does it seem I’m starting the Busbar too fast?  Should I be tapering onto it? Oh again and again…  Buspirone is 10mg 2 times a day and the Lithium is 300mg 2 times a day. Seven Rx’s every day is too damn many.  There must be a better way. Well what the hell, I suppose I can give it a try.  I don’t have many choices do I?  :-( Tony Tony, One more thing – I had completely forgotten it.. several years ago a quack dx’d me as bipolar and put me on Lithium. I noticed no effects. Was on it for about nine months.. and for some reason I did something I don’t normally do – I looked up the medication on the web. According to what I read, when you take Lithium, they need to draw blood (unsure how often) to check your levels – I had been on it all that time, and never had my levels checked!

Thanks Sally.  My Dr. told me to go for blood work to check the levels early next week.  Thanks for checking though, and feel free to remind me next week! Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After finding out that my insurance won’t cover a stay in the one hospital that was suggested by my Dr. and counselor, I decided to call the Dr. back (I couldn’t wait 3 weeks) and told them it is an emergency. So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar. Oh, my latest trigger to get some help was that I couldn’t stay at work today.  Actually I could have, but I would have walked around aimlessly all day.  My anxiety and depression was up high enough to make me useless to have around as an employee.  I couldn’t concentrate on the easiest tasks. Oh again… The Dr. said that the Lithium is for the depression and no he doesn’t think I’m bi-polar.  I warned him that Depakote made me a zombie but he said this is different.  And the Busbar (sp?) (Buspirone) will hopefully work with the benzo’s to help with the anxiety.  I took my evening doses and I don’t know if it’s me, the big coffee I needed to make it home again, or the Buspirone, but I feel a bit shaky.  Too soon to say if it will get as bad as all the SSRI’s I couldn’t tolerate. Does it seem I’m starting the Busbar too fast?  Should I be tapering onto it? Oh again and again…  Buspirone is 10mg 2 times a day and the Lithium is 300mg 2 times a day. Seven Rx’s every day is too damn many.  There must be a better way. Well what the hell, I suppose I can give it a try.  I don’t have many choices do I?  :-( Tony

Tony, I can’t offer any advice, but I can give you virtual hugs to try to help get you through this.  I’m so sorry that you have to take all these meds.  It’s gotta suck, big time. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After finding out that my insurance won’t cover a stay in the one hospital that was suggested by my Dr. and counselor, I decided to call the Dr. back (I couldn’t wait 3 weeks) and told them it is an emergency. So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar. Oh, my latest trigger to get some help was that I couldn’t stay at work today.  Actually I could have, but I would have walked around aimlessly all day.  My anxiety and depression was up high enough to make me useless to have around as an employee.  I couldn’t concentrate on the easiest tasks. Oh again… The Dr. said that the Lithium is for the depression and no he doesn’t think I’m bi-polar.  I warned him that Depakote made me a zombie but he said this is different.  And the Busbar (sp?) (Buspirone) will hopefully work with the benzo’s to help with the anxiety.  I took my evening doses and I don’t know if it’s me, the big coffee I needed to make it home again, or the Buspirone, but I feel a bit shaky.  Too soon to say if it will get as bad as all the SSRI’s I couldn’t tolerate. Does it seem I’m starting the Busbar too fast?  Should I be tapering onto it? Oh again and again…  Buspirone is 10mg 2 times a day and the Lithium is 300mg 2 times a day. Seven Rx’s every day is too damn many.  There must be a better way. Well what the hell, I suppose I can give it a try.  I don’t have many choices do I?  :-( Tony Tony, One more thing – I had completely forgotten it.. several years ago a quack dx’d me as bipolar and put me on Lithium. I noticed no effects. Was on it for about nine months.. and for some reason I did something I don’t normally do – I looked up the medication on the web. According to what I read, when you take Lithium, they need to draw blood (unsure how often) to check your levels – I had been on it all that time, and never had my levels checked! I believe it said you can have convulsions if you have too much of it in your system. I didn’t walk, I RAN to another doc immediately and he took me off the Lithium after he interviewed me, he doubted the bipolar diagnosis, and like I said, I had noticed no effect at all on Lithium.. He asked me who prescribed it, and when I told him, he rolled his eyes and muttered that that doctor (who prescribed the Lithium) needed to retire. I am sure that you have a better doctor than the one who prescribed my Lithium and never ordered one blood test on me. I assume that you do.. but I wanted to mention that you do need to have your levels checked periodically. YMMV on if the drug works for you or not – it didn’t work for me, pro or (thankfully) con, it may work wonders for you.. I hope you get some relief from at least some of those meds. If not, you could open up your own pharmacy Sally

Whoa, excellent advice, Sally!  I’m glad you chimed in! kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I now have Lithium and Busbar.

Thanks everyone.  Sorry I’m not up to replying to everyone personally. Actually the last few times I felt like that, it was actually an anxiety thing.  As if I’m afraid to write the same thing to everyone without any personal words in each one.  So thanks, and thanks again.  :-)  I’m not sure where I’d be if I never found this group. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I now have Lithium and Busbar.

Day 1/2.  (I took one dose last night and one just recently this morning that hasn’t had time to hit me yet.) I’m tired as all hell.  Called in work to tell them I wouldn’t be in unless some miracle happens.  They know most everything about my illness and said that it may take a few days until I’m ready to come back. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After finding out that my insurance won’t cover a stay in the one hospital that was suggested by my Dr. and counselor, I decided to call the Dr. back (I couldn’t wait 3 weeks) and told them it is an emergency. So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar. Oh, my latest trigger to get some help was that I couldn’t stay at work today.  Actually I could have, but I would have walked around aimlessly all day.  My anxiety and depression was up high enough to make me useless to have around as an employee.  I couldn’t concentrate on the easiest tasks. Oh again… The Dr. said that the Lithium is for the depression and no he doesn’t think I’m bi-polar.  I warned him that Depakote made me a zombie but he said this is different.  And the Busbar (sp?) (Buspirone) will hopefully work with the benzo’s to help with the anxiety.  I took my evening doses and I don’t know if it’s me, the big coffee I needed to make it home again, or the Buspirone, but I feel a bit shaky.  Too soon to say if it will get as bad as all the SSRI’s I couldn’t tolerate. Does it seem I’m starting the Busbar too fast?  Should I be tapering onto it? Oh again and again…  Buspirone is 10mg 2 times a day and the Lithium is 300mg 2 times a day. Seven Rx’s every day is too damn many.  There must be a better way. Well what the hell, I suppose I can give it a try.  I don’t have many choices do I?  :-( Tony

Tony, It’s okay if you had to take some time off of work. We’re disabled!! People take mental health days all the time that don’t have half of the problems that we do. Um.. I can’t answer any of the med questions, except I can tell you that I took Buspar and it.. I don’t know the word. kind of toned me down, or something. I didn’t taper onto it.. I just started taking it.. I’m not an expert, just a former consumer, and YMMV.  See what our experts say about that, but I think I’d give it a try and if you find it to be a medication you cannot tolerate, stop it (there is no danger in doing that).. But I would recommend a good trial period longer than one dose before I decided if it worked for me or not. It’s not like an antidepressant, and it doesn’t build up in the body and then start working.. it’s more like a benzo, you take it, it does it’s thing and then it’s gone.. It worked for me for awhile, and I actually have some on hand just in case – but I haven’t taken any for a long time. It stopped helping me, so with the doctor’s okay, I d/c’d it. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After finding out that my insurance won’t cover a stay in the one hospital that was suggested by my Dr. and counselor, I decided to call the Dr. back (I couldn’t wait 3 weeks) and told them it is an emergency. So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar. Oh, my latest trigger to get some help was that I couldn’t stay at work today.  Actually I could have, but I would have walked around aimlessly all day.  My anxiety and depression was up high enough to make me useless to have around as an employee.  I couldn’t concentrate on the easiest tasks. Oh again… The Dr. said that the Lithium is for the depression and no he doesn’t think I’m bi-polar.  I warned him that Depakote made me a zombie but he said this is different.  And the Busbar (sp?) (Buspirone) will hopefully work with the benzo’s to help with the anxiety.  I took my evening doses and I don’t know if it’s me, the big coffee I needed to make it home again, or the Buspirone, but I feel a bit shaky.  Too soon to say if it will get as bad as all the SSRI’s I couldn’t tolerate. Does it seem I’m starting the Busbar too fast?  Should I be tapering onto it? Oh again and again…  Buspirone is 10mg 2 times a day and the Lithium is 300mg 2 times a day. Seven Rx’s every day is too damn many.  There must be a better way. Well what the hell, I suppose I can give it a try.  I don’t have many choices do I?  :-( Tony

Tony, One more thing – I had completely forgotten it.. several years ago a quack dx’d me as bipolar and put me on Lithium. I noticed no effects. Was on it for about nine months.. and for some reason I did something I don’t normally do – I looked up the medication on the web. According to what I read, when you take Lithium, they need to draw blood (unsure how often) to check your levels – I had been on it all that time, and never had my levels checked! I believe it said you can have convulsions if you have too much of it in your system. I didn’t walk, I RAN to another doc immediately and he took me off the Lithium after he interviewed me, he doubted the bipolar diagnosis, and like I said, I had noticed no effect at all on Lithium.. He asked me who prescribed it, and when I told him, he rolled his eyes and muttered that that doctor (who prescribed the Lithium) needed to retire. I am sure that you have a better doctor than the one who prescribed my Lithium and never ordered one blood test on me. I assume that you do.. but I wanted to mention that you do need to have your levels checked periodically. YMMV on if the drug works for you or not – it didn’t work for me, pro or (thankfully) con, it may work wonders for you.. I hope you get some relief from at least some of those meds. If not, you could open up your own pharmacy Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Tony,      I take Buspar 10mg twice a day.  It works will with the Benzos. It does "take the edge off" frayed nerves. It usually takes a month to get the full effects. Very few side-effects for most. Just the usual dizzy or drowsy feeling. It can affect memory, sometimes called "brain fog." I would recommend it.      I have taken Lithium. I have bi-polar. I have nothing positive to say about that drug, other than flush it.       Hope you feel better soon. Bad Brad — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Tono, I’m so glad you called your doctor.  Three weeks is too long of a time to wait.  Sorry about work today but they know you have problems and this is to be expected at times.  Don’t let that bother you any… I only took Buspar for a short period of time and that was years ago so I don’t remember much about it.  My rule of thumb is to only take 1/2 of the dosage for ADs for a few days in case there are any side effects I can avoid. Wishing you much success and brighter days.  Please vent and keep us updated on how you are feeling. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After finding out that my insurance won’t cover a stay in the one hospital that was suggested by my Dr. and counselor, I decided to call the Dr. back (I couldn’t wait 3 weeks) and told them it is an emergency. So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar. Oh, my latest trigger to get some help was that I couldn’t stay at work today.  Actually I could have, but I would have walked around aimlessly all day.  My anxiety and depression was up high enough to make me useless to have around as an employee.  I couldn’t concentrate on the easiest tasks. Oh again… The Dr. said that the Lithium is for the depression and no he doesn’t think I’m bi-polar.  I warned him that Depakote made me a zombie but he said this is different.  And the Busbar (sp?) (Buspirone) will hopefully work with the benzo’s to help with the anxiety.  I took my evening doses and I don’t know if it’s me, the big coffee I needed to make it home again, or the Buspirone, but I feel a bit shaky.  Too soon to say if it will get as bad as all the SSRI’s I couldn’t tolerate. Does it seem I’m starting the Busbar too fast?  Should I be tapering onto it? Oh again and again…  Buspirone is 10mg 2 times a day and the Lithium is 300mg 2 times a day. Seven Rx’s every day is too damn many.  There must be a better way. Well what the hell, I suppose I can give it a try.  I don’t have many choices do I?  :-( Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

After finding out that my insurance won’t cover a stay in the one hospital that was suggested by my Dr. and counselor, I decided to call the Dr. back (I couldn’t wait 3 weeks) and told them it is an emergency. So now in addition to the: Nexium Nortriptyline Seroquel Ativan and Klonopin, I now have Lithium and Busbar. Oh, my latest trigger to get some help was that I couldn’t stay at work today.  Actually I could have, but I would have walked around aimlessly all day.  My anxiety and depression was up high enough to make me useless to have around as an employee.  I couldn’t concentrate on the easiest tasks. Oh again… The Dr. said that the Lithium is for the depression and no he doesn’t think I’m bi-polar.  I warned him that Depakote made me a zombie but he said this is different.  And the Busbar (sp?) (Buspirone) will hopefully work with the benzo’s to help with the anxiety.  I took my evening doses and I don’t know if it’s me, the big coffee I needed to make it home again, or the Buspirone, but I feel a bit shaky.  Too soon to say if it will get as bad as all the SSRI’s I couldn’t tolerate. Does it seem I’m starting the Busbar too fast?  Should I be tapering onto it? Oh again and again…  Buspirone is 10mg 2 times a day and the Lithium is 300mg 2 times a day. Seven Rx’s every day is too damn many.  There must be a better way. Well what the hell, I suppose I can give it a try.  I don’t have many choices do I?  :-( Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

First bad panic at work

Question:

Hi, Tono, Sorry to hear about the pa.  I’m glad you went home and then called your social worker.  Explaining the situation was the right thing to do. Tomorrow will be another day… smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Today was like every other day as far as I know.  Then the anxiety kept getting worse and worse.  I took a break, did the belly breathing, tried to let it just go on through me and be done with it, and everything else I could think of including 2mg of ativan prn on top of the 2mg of klonopin. I think the main culprit is the fact that I still don’t know my way around the store and I walk in circles until I find where certain items belong. I was really doing bad and I should have stopped that part of the job. Maybe it would have helped? Anyway, I left about 1.5 hours early to avoid an all out panic attack. I just said I’m not feeling well.  When I got home I called my social worker to tell her I left early and exactly why.  She seemed deeply concerned and started to ask questions.  I told her I couldn’t talk about it then or I’d be broken down and sobbing uncontrollably in no time.  (I left that for after I hung up the phone) I told her that I’ll be there tomorrow morning to start a new day.  I’ll talk to my boss and tell him that I’d like to skip that part of the job, and that’s why I had to leave.  He will most likely switch some of us around.  So I’ll probably be OK but bored to death. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Today was like every other day as far as I know.  Then the anxiety kept getting worse and worse.  I took a break, did the belly breathing, tried to let it just go on through me and be done with it, and everything else I could think of including 2mg of ativan prn on top of the 2mg of klonopin. I think the main culprit is the fact that I still don’t know my way around the store and I walk in circles until I find where certain items belong. I was really doing bad and I should have stopped that part of the job. Maybe it would have helped? Anyway, I left about 1.5 hours early to avoid an all out panic attack. I just said I’m not feeling well.  When I got home I called my social worker to tell her I left early and exactly why.  She seemed deeply concerned and started to ask questions.  I told her I couldn’t talk about it then or I’d be broken down and sobbing uncontrollably in no time.  (I left that for after I hung up the phone) I told her that I’ll be there tomorrow morning to start a new day.  I’ll talk to my boss and tell him that I’d like to skip that part of the job, and that’s why I had to leave.  He will most likely switch some of us around.  So I’ll probably be OK but bored to death. Tony

Sorry you had a bad day, but it sounds like you did all the right things. Keep taking care of yourself. Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Today was like every other day as far as I know.  Then the anxiety kept getting worse and worse.  I took a break, did the belly breathing, tried to let it just go on through me and be done with it, and everything else I could think of including 2mg of ativan prn on top of the 2mg of klonopin. I think the main culprit is the fact that I still don’t know my way around the store and I walk in circles until I find where certain items belong. I was really doing bad and I should have stopped that part of the job. Maybe it would have helped? Anyway, I left about 1.5 hours early to avoid an all out panic attack. I just said I’m not feeling well.  When I got home I called my social worker to tell her I left early and exactly why.  She seemed deeply concerned and started to ask questions.  I told her I couldn’t talk about it then or I’d be broken down and sobbing uncontrollably in no time.  (I left that for after I hung up the phone) I told her that I’ll be there tomorrow morning to start a new day.  I’ll talk to my boss and tell him that I’d like to skip that part of the job, and that’s why I had to leave.  He will most likely switch some of us around.  So I’ll probably be OK but bored to death. Tony

Sorry about the PA at work Tony but you handled it very well. I’ve always hated the idea of having attacks at work but it does happen. Remember also that you have extended yourself so it is actually a sign of progress. Vanessa — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Today was like every other day as far as I know.  Then the anxiety kept

Thanks everyone for the kind words and support.  I told my 2 bosses what really happened and why I had to leave.  They seem very supportive but of course they should be!  That’s a big part of what the Goodwill is all about, helping people with disabilities. Thanks again, Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Thanks everyone for the kind words and support.  I told my 2 bosses what ::really happened and why I had to leave.  They seem very supportive but ::of course they should be!  That’s a big part of what the Goodwill is all ::about, helping people with disabilities. Dear Tony, So glad you’re hanging in there at work. I find that telling others about my anxiety really helps to decrease it. It takes a lot of energy to hide our anxiety and panic. Telling takes the pressure off. Keep up the good work. Jackie ~*~No matter where you go or what you do, you live your entire life within the confines of your head~*~         – Terry Josephson — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Today was like every other day as far as I know.  Then the anxiety kept Thanks everyone for the kind words and support.  I told my 2 bosses what really happened and why I had to leave.  They seem very supportive but of course they should be!  That’s a big part of what the Goodwill is all about, helping people with disabilities. Thanks again, Tony

Tony, I’m late in replying, but I think it’s good to tell your employers, and to explain exactly what caused the anxiety. Pretty soon what is unfamiliar to you will be familiar. Just takes time, you weren’t born supposed to be knowing the layout of that store.. it’s learned and you will. Take care, good going on returning to work and not giving up. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

a lot of people have panic attacks, but most can not go back into the place/area that causes the attacks, i have the problem my self, for the past 10 years now i have been going back, at times, to a place, trying to get used to  the area again, but i still cannot get out of the car when i get there, good on you tony, hope it go ok for you today.

If I didn’t force myself to go out and do most of the same things over and over still getting the same panic attacks over and over again, I’d be housebound without a doubt.  Unfortunately I’ve been suffering from lots of the same things since my earliest memories (about age 3 or 4 and I’m 45 now).  The first I got any help for it was at about age 40. Today my boss said I could work in the back all day so I wouldn’t have to go into the store where the public could see me.  After a while I went out to the store and did the same thing I couldn’t yesterday. Although I didn’t spend much time out there, I still did it again. I find that when I have a girlfriend, I tend to lean on her for everything and I begin to become housebound very quickly.  But it’s just me now so there is no choice.  Either go to the store, or starve.  Not much of a choice unless I want to starve to death. Today at work was OK.  I told both bosses that I was having panic attacks yesterday and that is why I had to leave. Thanks, Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Banjo, Going back to the place you had a pa at is a good first start.  In time you may find yourself getting out of the car.  Baby steps… smiles, Elise a lot of people have panic attacks, but most can not go back into the place/area that causes the attacks, i have the problem my self, for the past 10 years now i have been going back, at times, to a place, trying to get used to  the area again, but i still cannot get out of the car when i get there, good on you tony, hope it go ok for you today. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Banjo, Keep trying.  I always tell myself if it’s not going to hurt me, I’ll give it a try…outside of interstate driving…ugh! smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – X-No-Archive: yes Hi, Banjo, Going back to the place you had a pa at is a good first start.  In time you may find yourself getting out of the car.  Baby steps… smiles, Elise snipped i have been saying that to myself for years. # :-~) — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Today was like every other day as far as I know.  Then the anxiety kept getting worse and worse.  I took a break, did the belly breathing, tried to let it just go on through me and be done with it, and everything else I could think of including 2mg of ativan prn on top of the 2mg of klonopin. I think the main culprit is the fact that I still don’t know my way around the store and I walk in circles until I find where certain items belong. I was really doing bad and I should have stopped that part of the job. Maybe it would have helped? Anyway, I left about 1.5 hours early to avoid an all out panic attack. I just said I’m not feeling well.  When I got home I called my social worker to tell her I left early and exactly why.  She seemed deeply concerned and started to ask questions.  I told her I couldn’t talk about it then or I’d be broken down and sobbing uncontrollably in no time.  (I left that for after I hung up the phone) I told her that I’ll be there tomorrow morning to start a new day.  I’ll talk to my boss and tell him that I’d like to skip that part of the job, and that’s why I had to leave.  He will most likely switch some of us around.  So I’ll probably be OK but bored to death. Tony — interestin. i hope you do not mind me asking "but what part of the job made you feel bad? "

If you didn’t know, this is a low stress job at a Goodwill store. Hanging up clothes in the store part is what got to me today.  There are probably 30 or more racks that are mostly all different clothes.  Many of them are mislabeled also.  I didn’t let the mislabeled ones get to me though.  Someone who is a coworker and not really my boss showed me what I did wrong.  I told her I go by the signs so they better fix them. The main problem is grabbing (for instance) a bunch of long sleeveless dresses then walking in circles until I find the proper rack to hang them.  I have very bad short term memory and can easily have the same exact problem 15 minutes later looking for that same rack.  Not to mention the change of season means changing many of the racks. tell me to mind my own bissnes if you wish #

No problem, Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Today was like every other day as far as I know.  Then the anxiety kept

getting worse and worse. snip: Tony

Hi Tony: So sorry to hear you had to go thru that.  After I reread your post, I think the changing of racks would make me very anxious.  My short-term memory is bad too. The only suggestion I can offer, if this makes any sense, is to draw yourself a map and number the racks and what goes on them.  In short, maybe a numbered system would help e 1 in the store?  I know when I’ve shopped for used goods, I’d sometimes find the strangest stuff on the racks where I knew it didn’t belong. You did all the right things — applause for that and for going back into an anxiety provoking environment. -frizz sending vibes of strength — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Today was like every other day as far as I know.  Then the anxiety kept getting worse and worse.  I took a break, did the belly breathing, tried to let it just go on through me and be done with it, and everything else I could think of including 2mg of ativan prn on top of the 2mg of klonopin. I think the main culprit is the fact that I still don’t know my way around the store and I walk in circles until I find where certain items belong. I was really doing bad and I should have stopped that part of the job. Maybe it would have helped? Anyway, I left about 1.5 hours early to avoid an all out panic attack. I just said I’m not feeling well.  When I got home I called my social worker to tell her I left early and exactly why.  She seemed deeply concerned and started to ask questions.  I told her I couldn’t talk about it then or I’d be broken down and sobbing uncontrollably in no time.  (I left that for after I hung up the phone) I told her that I’ll be there tomorrow morning to start a new day.  I’ll talk to my boss and tell him that I’d like to skip that part of the job, and that’s why I had to leave.  He will most likely switch some of us around.  So I’ll probably be OK but bored to death. Tony — interestin. i hope you do not mind me asking "but what part of the job made you feel bad? " If you didn’t know, this is a low stress job at a Goodwill store. Hanging up clothes in the store part is what got to me today.  There are probably 30 or more racks that are mostly all different clothes.  Many of them are mislabeled also.  I didn’t let the mislabeled ones get to me though. Someone who is a coworker and not really my boss showed me what I did wrong.  I told her I go by the signs so they better fix them. The main problem is grabbing (for instance) a bunch of long sleeveless dresses then walking in circles until I find the proper rack to hang them. I have very bad short term memory and can easily have the same exact problem 15 minutes later looking for that same rack.  Not to mention the change of season means changing many of the racks. tell me to mind my own bissnes if you wish # No problem, Tony —

a lot of people have panic attacks, but most can not go back into the place/area that causes the attacks, i have the problem my self, for the past 10 years now i have been going back, at times, to a place, trying to get used to  the area again, but i still cannot get out of the car when i get there, good on you tony, hope it go ok for you today. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Today was like every other day as far as I know.  Then the anxiety kept getting worse and worse.  I took a break, did the belly breathing, tried to let it just go on through me and be done with it, and everything else I could think of including 2mg of ativan prn on top of the 2mg of klonopin. I think the main culprit is the fact that I still don’t know my way around the store and I walk in circles until I find where certain items belong.  I was really doing bad and I should have stopped that part of the job.  Maybe it would have helped? Anyway, I left about 1.5 hours early to avoid an all out panic attack. I just said I’m not feeling well.  When I got home I called my social worker to tell her I left early and exactly why.  She seemed deeply concerned and started to ask questions.  I told her I couldn’t talk about it then or I’d be broken down and sobbing uncontrollably in no time.  (I left that for after I hung up the phone) I told her that I’ll be there tomorrow morning to start a new day.  I’ll talk to my boss and tell him that I’d like to skip that part of the job, and that’s why I had to leave.  He will most likely switch some of us around.  So I’ll probably be OK but bored to death. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Today was like every other day as far as I know.  Then the anxiety kept getting worse and worse.  I took a break, did the belly breathing, tried to let it just go on through me and be done with it, and everything else I could think of including 2mg of ativan prn on top of the 2mg of klonopin. I think the main culprit is the fact that I still don’t know my way around the store and I walk in circles until I find where certain items belong. I was really doing bad and I should have stopped that part of the job. Maybe it would have helped? Anyway, I left about 1.5 hours early to avoid an all out panic attack. I just said I’m not feeling well.  When I got home I called my social worker to tell her I left early and exactly why.  She seemed deeply concerned and started to ask questions.  I told her I couldn’t talk about it then or I’d be broken down and sobbing uncontrollably in no time.  (I left that for after I hung up the phone) I told her that I’ll be there tomorrow morning to start a new day.  I’ll talk to my boss and tell him that I’d like to skip that part of the job, and that’s why I had to leave.  He will most likely switch some of us around.  So I’ll probably be OK but bored to death. Tony —

interestin. i hope you do not mind me asking "but what part of the job made you feel bad? " tell me to mind my own bissnes if you wish # — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Tony, I’m so sorry you felt this way.  :-(  Good idea to talk to the boss and get switched around.  I’m sure that’ll help you feel better.  Feel better soon.  {{{{{{{Tony}}}}}}} Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Today was like every other day as far as I know.  Then the anxiety kept getting worse and worse.  I took a break, did the belly breathing, tried to let it just go on through me and be done with it, and everything else I could think of including 2mg of ativan prn on top of the 2mg of klonopin. I think the main culprit is the fact that I still don’t know my way around the store and I walk in circles until I find where certain items belong. I was really doing bad and I should have stopped that part of the job. Maybe it would have helped? Anyway, I left about 1.5 hours early to avoid an all out panic attack. I just said I’m not feeling well.  When I got home I called my social worker to tell her I left early and exactly why.  She seemed deeply concerned and started to ask questions.  I told her I couldn’t talk about it then or I’d be broken down and sobbing uncontrollably in no time.  (I left that for after I hung up the phone) I told her that I’ll be there tomorrow morning to start a new day.  I’ll talk to my boss and tell him that I’d like to skip that part of the job, and that’s why I had to leave.  He will most likely switch some of us around.  So I’ll probably be OK but bored to death. Tony

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::I told her that I’ll be there tomorrow morning to start a new day.  I’ll ::talk to my boss and tell him that I’d like to skip that part of the job, ::and that’s why I had to leave.  He will most likely switch some of us ::around.  So I’ll probably be OK but bored to death. Dear Tony, Sorry about your panic attack at work. I know how scary and uncomfortable they are, especially when you aren’t home. Good for you for getting back on that horse and going back to work tomorrow. I’ve had some really bad days at work, thought that I _couldn’t_ handle going back…… but it always worked out better than I thought it would. I am sure you will have a better day tomorrow. Good luck and just remember that we are rooting for you. (((((WB Man))))) Jackie ~*~I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster lately.   The other day my mood ring exploded~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Switching from to Effexor XR from Paxil

Question:

Hi everyone, New to the group but I’ll dig right in.  I’m currently switching from Paxil 20mg (which I’ve been using for about 8 years) to Effexor XR.  I have suffer from panic attacks and take ativan when needed.  Lately though, I’ve been going through bouts of depression as well, which is why I wanted to try something else beside Paxil. Has anyone had good luck with Effexor and panic attacks?  My doctor said I can go on both for a little while and then stop Paxil altogether.   Anyone else have luck with Effexor or have done this? — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi everyone, New to the group but I’ll dig right in.  I’m currently switching from Paxil 20mg (which I’ve been using for about 8 years) to Effexor XR.  I have suffer from panic attacks and take ativan when needed.  Lately though, I’ve been going through bouts of depression as well, which is why I wanted to try something else beside Paxil.

If you’ve been on Paxil for 8 years you know it works for you. And is probably still working to some degree. My pdoc added low dose desipramine (a norepinephrine reuptake blocker) to my Zoloft (an SSRI) when my Zoloft became less effective for my depression. The depression then lifted. The combo had the benefit of staying on a med (Zoloft) that had worked for me for 4 years, and was still working, but needed a boost. The combo blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which Effexor also does. I’ve been on this combo for almost 10 years now. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::New to the group but I’ll dig right in.  I’m currently switching from ::Paxil 20mg (which I’ve been using for about 8 years) to Effexor XR.  I ::have suffer from panic attacks and take ativan when needed.  Lately ::though, I’ve been going through bouts of depression as well, which is ::why I wanted to try something else beside Paxil. :: ::Has anyone had good luck with Effexor and panic attacks?  My doctor ::said I can go on both for a little while and then stop Paxil ::altogether.   Anyone else have luck with Effexor or have done this? Dear Lifesedge, Welcome to ASAPM! Over the years there have been a few posters that did very well on Effexor. Hopefully you’ll be another one Wishing you good luck! Jackie ~*~I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster lately.   The other day my mood ring exploded~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’ll let you all know how it goes.  I’m hoping the Effexor will be enough for Panic situations (although I’m a little worried it won’t be).  I think my body has just got to used to the Paxil, which is why I want to try something else for a change.  Thank god for ativan.  ;) — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, I think that increasing the dosage of Paxil would have been a much better choice. Personaly, I am on 80 mg Paxil. 20 mg was utterly insufficient. I don’t think I felt any difference in Anxiety until I hit 60 mg. Remember: the average dosgae of Paxil for Anxiety is 40 mg. The average dose for *depression* is only 20 mg. In general, when it comes to antidepressants, pure-Anxiety people need higher dosages than pure-Depression people. Also, anytime you change the dosage of an antidepressant (up, or down–especially for Paxil and Effexor) you will have increased anxiety for 10-14 days. alexzi Hi everyone, New to the group but I’ll dig right in.  I’m currently switching from Paxil 20mg (which I’ve been using for about 8 years) to Effexor XR.  I have suffer from panic attacks and take ativan when needed.  Lately though, I’ve been going through bouts of depression as well, which is why I wanted to try something else beside Paxil. Has anyone had good luck with Effexor and panic attacks?  My doctor said I can go on both for a little while and then stop Paxil altogether.   Anyone else have luck with Effexor or have done this?

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

which is best

Question:

::I am taking 2 mg of Clonazepam a day and I am going to a 30 year class ::reunion, I have been told not to drink alcohol while on it. I have always ::been just a social drinker so it has been no problem for me to give up ::drinking totally for over 3 years now because of the meds I am on. My ::question is, if I do want to have some fun and drink at my reunion should I ::taper off my Clonazepam before my trip or should I not worry because it will ::not be a regular thing, maybe a few drinks a few nights with the possibility ::of having more than a few on one night. :: ::Once I get home I will continue my no drinking at all. I just don’t want to ::be the odd one out with all my old friends and I also think a few drinks ::will help me loosen up a bit , after all I haven’t seen any of these people ::for over 30 years. :: ::any advice is welcomed, especially from any professionals Dear Just Me, The person you should be asking is your doctor. In my opinion, it isn’t wise to taper off the Clonazepam just so you can have a few drinks at the reunion. Unless you taper off Clonazepam over the course of a few months, you run the risk of withdrawal symptoms and a re-emergence of anxiety symptoms. The problem when mixing alcohol with psych meds is that it’s unpredictable. What may be safe or not cause a problem for one person…… may be harmful for someone else. I suggest you Google "Karen Ann Quinlan, Valium & alcohol." P.S. I’ve gone to many parties and no one ever questioned me about what I was drinking, which is usually a diet Coke. Jackie ~*~He who fears he shall suffer, already suffers what he fears~*~       ~~Michel de Montaigne — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am taking 2 mg of Clonazepam a day and I am going to a 30 year class reunion, I have been told not to drink alcohol while on it. I have always been just a social drinker so it has been no problem for me to give up drinking totally for over 3 years now because of the meds I am on. My question is, if I do want to have some fun and drink at my reunion should I taper off my Clonazepam before my trip or should I not worry because it will not be a regular thing, maybe a few drinks a few nights with the possibility of having more than a few on one night. Once I get home I will continue my no drinking at all. I just don’t want to be the odd one out with all my old friends and I also think a few drinks will help me loosen up a bit , after all I haven’t seen any of these people for over 30 years. any advice is welcomed, especially from any professionals As a recovering alcoholic, the idea of alcohol equaling fun doesn’t quite mesh with me. Wish I had a nickel for every time I made an ass out of myself in the name of having fun – so in later years, I took to purposely drinking alone – I was still an alcoholic but I got tired of embarrassing myself in front of others. Let the other ones have one or six too many and watch them – you will notice, that what they are doing ultimately – is not fun at all. You don’t need alcohol to have fun. You need alcohol to get drunk. there is a big difference. And the med issue. I was taking Xanax when I was drinking. I lived, but how and why wasn’t my doing, that was a power stronger than me, and not one I’d count on ..some people aren’t as lucky as I was. Alcohol consumption is gonna wreak havoc on your anxiety the morning after. My anxiety has NEVER been as bad as it was back when I drank. If you’ve never had that kind of after drinking, rebound anxiety, I advise you not to let it happen. All I could do was clutch myself and rock until the Xanax would kick in – and I was still anxious.. it’s terrible the effects alcohol has on an anxiety sufferer the morning after. Not everyone there will drink. You will not be the odd person out – it’s a myth that you have to drink to have fun, and it’s a myth that everyone drinks or even likes to. Some don’t, and they are just as fun as the drinkers – more fun IMO. They’re the ones that won’t be embarrassed by their actions the next day. Unfortunately, my younger son is also an alcoholic, but his drinking mostly centers around the social aspect of it- the camaraderie of other drunks warmly accepting him – been there and done that and done a few men I otherwise never would have.. and said things I wish I hadn’t.. and a slew of other things, like throwing up in a coworker’s car after an office party one Christmas. Oh man..I’m so glad I cut that stuff out. You can go and have fun without drinking. I know they call it liquid courage, but sometimes it’s not courage, but discretion that you need. Be wise, don’t drink. If you feel you must, then I’d say, don’t go. The repercussions and the dangers are so many I could write a book about it. Sally — First of all thank you for all your input I appreciate it very much but a few things have to be addressed, I have never been or will never be a alcoholic.  I might go out once every couple of weeks when I was drinking and have 4-5 beers after a softball game.  I have never in my life drank any alcohol in my home, I would have it in case company came over but since we don’t socialize in that way it just sits there.  My point is it was fun to have a few drinks of beers from time to time. Now if you are a alcoholic like a few of you have admitted to I could see your point of not starting drinking again after 3 years just to have fun. I could drink a beer and then go 3 years again without needing or wanting one, I could also drink 4-5 beers and not want any for another 3 years. Once again my point is I NEVER had a drinking problem and I stopped only because my doctor said I shouldn’t drink while on Clonazepam, so I stopped. I did do research and the follow is all I can find that is negative Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Klonopin (clonazepam) . Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizure. Further research indicates that the seizures are only if you are being treated for seizures with Clonazepam, other than that is says "Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Klonopin " that doesn’t bother me because if you drink 3 beers and then drink 3 more it will do the same thing, I’m smart enough to know when I am feeling intoxicated or close to it and know when to stop. I never drove whenever I drank anything even 1 beer so of course if I chose to drink at my reunion I am smart enough to know not to drive. I think if you are a alcoholic this would be a no brainer but for someone like me who can take it or leave it I don’t think I will have any problems if I drink a few beers or drinks one night while on Clonazepam. I welcome any arguments to my way of thinking.

(Out of lurking for a moment)… Alcohol makes me a *completely* different person.  I’ve taken Xanax and Clonazepam and have had a ‘few’ on them.  There’s a *warning* label on the side of your medicine bottle for a damn good reason. Your reply sounds like you’ve already made your mind up.  I can only say that I think it’s a foolish choice to ‘give up’ the med(s) so you can drink. I did that 2 summers ago and ended up in a coma for 2 weeks.  Of course, my situation was different b/c I went one week on no meds…  just so I could "party". Why not call your doctor and ask him or her?  I’ll bet you 10 American bean$ that his or her answer is a big, fat NO. —

panic attack with spinal anesthesia

Question:

Hi, Zorba….. Is it possible for your friend to get a new anesthesiologist! No way I’d let someone like this anywhere near me if I were facing surgery! And why could the anesthesiologist not give her a bit of Versed during the procedure…. so she doesn’t have to lie there in a panic?? I have no patience with doctors who just plain don’t care! My best wishes to your friend! MikeH

My friend is scheduled for hip replacement surgery.  The surgeon wants her to have a spinal, rather than general anesthesia.  My friend has violent panic attacks when restrained or closed in.  She’s afraid she will panic when they strap her down and begin administering the spinal anesthesia.  She’s also afraid she’ll be awake during the surgery listening to all the sawing and hammering.  She has asked for a general anesthesia, but the anesthesiologist seems ignorant of panic attacks and told her to just take a tranquilizer before the surgery. My friend is frustrated that the docs don’t understand that when she has a panic attack, she will hyperventilate and try to get up, possibly damaging IVs and other things.  Any suggestions?

 . — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::She has asked for a ::general anesthesia, but the anesthesiologist seems ignorant of panic ::attacks and told her to just take a tranquilizer before the surgery. ::My friend is frustrated that the docs don’t understand that when she ::has a panic attack, she will hyperventilate and try to get up, ::possibly damaging IVs and other things.  Any suggestions? Dear Zorba, Has she discussed this issue with her surgeon? If not, she really should. My husband had spinal anesthesia for knee surgery. They sedated him so much that he has very little recollection of the surgery. Lack of information and support seems to be exacerbating your friend’s anxiety. I wish her well! Jackie "I had a stick of CareFree gum, but it didn’t work. I felt pretty good for a while, but as soon as the gum lost its flavor, I was back to pondering my mortality."

OT: Question of the day…. 03/03/07

Question:

03/03/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anne  :)   What book or books do you hope to read in the coming months? Jackie ~*~I got in touch with my inner child and now my imaginary friend is jealous~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anne  :) What book or books do you hope to read in the coming months?

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan I’ve had it for a couple of months, now, and just haven’t gotten started with it. MikeH  . — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

03/03/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anne  :) What book or books do you hope to read in the coming months? Jackie

My MIL has bought me so many books, that I can’t keep up.  I generally read them on my way to the clinic up in Jacksonville.  Then I put them away and forget where I left off.  LOL. kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

03/03/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anne  :)   What book or books do you hope to read in the coming months?

Many, among them David Burns’ new book *When Panic Attacks*. Philip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

03/03/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anne  :)   What book or books do you hope to read in the coming months?

I’m not sure exactly.  Hopefully something from a vocational-technical school. Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

03/03/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anne  :) What book or books do you hope to read in the coming months?

I bought a good book on nutrition recently: "Krause’s Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy". It’s a textbook and referrance used by dieticians. It’s very scientific. No fad diets or BS Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

03/03/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anne  :) What book or books do you hope to read in the coming months? Many, among them David Burns’ new book *When Panic Attacks*.

Is that out yet? Amazon.com says the paperback version will be out in April or May. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I got Stephen King’s "Lisey’s Story" for Christmas and would like to start reading it soon.  I made myself finish 2 books I have been reading since forever…<g Anyone read this book yet?  If so, any opinions? smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 03/03/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Anne  :) What book or books do you hope to read in the coming months? Jackie ~*~I got in touch with my inner child and now my imaginary friend is jealous~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::What book or books do you hope to read in the coming months? Jodi Piccoult’s newest ones. Jackie ~*~I got in touch with my inner child and now my imaginary friend is jealous~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Many, among them David Burns’ new book *When Panic Attacks*. Me too!! I’m trying to find a good deal on eBay. No luck so far. Jackie ~*~I got in touch with my inner child and now my imaginary friend is jealous~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

What book or books do you hope to read in the coming months?

If I could concentrate well enough to read a pop-up book right now I would be happy — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Your views on reverse conditioning?

Question:

::I came across this article. Please read it with an open mind and let me ::have your views: <gently snipped Dear Sunlil, I know exactly what the author is talking about, but I call it ‘association’. It helped to create my avoidance behavior. After having a bad panic attack in the supermarket, I started to avoid all supermarkets because I associated panic with supermarkets. Eventually, this happened with all types of stores, driving, doctor’s offices, family and friend’s homes, and in my own home as well. Cognitive behavioral therapy showed me that my panic attacks had nothing to do with where I was, or what I was doing at the time. It was then I realized that I didn’t really fear the stores, or other places, I feared the panic and anxiety itself. Just last week…. I had some kind of attack at Dunkin Donuts. I wasn’t feeling well at the time, so I knew that played a big role in the attack. Just to make sure that I wouldn’t associate the panic with the store, I’ve gone back a few times since…. just to prove to myself that store didn’t cause my panic, and to get an iced coffee The attack at the store is now a distant memory…. and had been replaced with more positive visits. Jackie ~*~Put on Your Big Girl Panties and Deal with it~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Sunil, I found the article interesting.  Earlier this summer I had heard of the terminology excess adrenaline and had lightly read some information.  I’ve never heard of taking glycerine before so that’s new to me. The article is informative and especially the part that associates the anxiety with the trigger to what you are doing or where you are at when it occurs.  Personally, this could be part of my driving phobia.  I have had such white knuckled driving experiences while I was alone on the highway/interstate that it frightened me too much to attempt doing it again. The diet and exercise are always important factors in anxiety.  They may not "cure" it but seem to make one less prone to a full fledged attack vs. only having some excess anxiety which, hopefully, their meds are capable of controlling. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I came across this article. Please read it with an open mind and let me have your views: It is excess adrenaline that is responsible for the sudden anxiety attacks coming from within the body. Thus anxiety is a fear response without an external object of fear also known as ‘floating anxiety’. Very often the mind invents an object by a process that psychologists call ‘reverse conditioning’, whereby any random object in the environment is paired to a powerful emotional response. The environmental cue becomes the stimulus (the cause of) for the fear response. This can also be demonstrated if we inject a rat with adrenaline and it will develop a fear at any innocuous object in its cage. It might even bite you. Thus if you have an anxiety attack and you happen to be in a lift, then the lift may become a trigger for anxiety at a subsequent event. This Reverse conditioning or the pairing of an external stimulus with a fear response may be seen as the mechanism by which a person develops a phobia. That stimulus then becomes the trigger for the fear response. http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/beating_anxiety.html Thanks, Sunil — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, I came across this article. Please read it with an open mind and let me have your views: It is excess adrenaline that is responsible for the sudden anxiety attacks coming from within the body. Thus anxiety is a fear response without an external object of fear also known as ‘floating anxiety’. Very often the mind invents an object by a process that psychologists call ‘reverse conditioning’, whereby any random object in the environment is paired to a powerful emotional response. The environmental cue becomes the stimulus (the cause of) for the fear response. This can also be demonstrated if we inject a rat with adrenaline and it will develop a fear at any innocuous object in its cage. It might even bite you. Thus if you have an anxiety attack and you happen to be in a lift, then the lift may become a trigger for anxiety at a subsequent event. This Reverse conditioning or the pairing of an external stimulus with a fear response may be seen as the mechanism by which a person develops a phobia. That stimulus then becomes the trigger for the fear response. http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/beating_anxiety.html Thanks, Sunil — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

sunnyindy schreef: Hi, I came across this article. Please read it with an open mind and let me have your views:

Apart from the fact that there is more to an anxiety disorder than "excess adrenaline" the article is right about the way we sensitize ourselves to places that have no objective fearful stimulus. Because this is so we can also *desensitize* (de-condition ourselves, by way of *gradual exposure to situational triggers*) as we learn in CBT. Are there CBT-therapists in Mumbai? Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It is excess adrenaline that is responsible for the sudden anxiety attacks coming from within the body. Thus anxiety is a fear response without an external object of fear also known as ‘floating anxiety’. Very often the mind invents an object by a process that psychologists call ‘reverse conditioning’, whereby any random object in the environment is paired to a powerful emotional response. The environmental cue becomes the stimulus (the cause of) for the fear response. This can also be demonstrated if we inject a rat with adrenaline and it will develop a fear at any innocuous object in its cage. It might even bite you. Thus if you have an anxiety attack and you happen to be in a lift, then the lift may become a trigger for anxiety at a subsequent event. This Reverse conditioning or the pairing of an external stimulus with a fear response may be seen as the mechanism by which a person develops a phobia. That stimulus then becomes the trigger for the fear response. http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/beating_anxiety.html Thanks, Sunil

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Klonopin still going well – no panic, little anxiety

Question:

With all due respect, Lemon Senate Aide, you may be confusing habituation with addiction. Benzodiazepines of all types have been proven to be among the safest and most effective medications for anxiety. Many have used them for decades without increasing the baseline dosage. How is the fact that a medication is "synthetic" relevant to any of this? Just wondering. To me, "synthetic" simply means that humans have combined chemical elements or compounds to achieve certain effects in a product. Peace. xxoo Anne — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Lemon Senate Aide schreef: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m still only taking 0.5mg once a day – 1.0mg was a bit much as I was like a zombie at that dose! I find it helps a lot.  I am no longer constantly crushed by endless anxiety.  I can drink some caffeine too which is nice – but sugar is still too much for me Klonopin has given me some interesting dreams too which is a side-effect I always enjoy. BTW, does anyone have any opinions on caffeine’s effect as an anti-depressant? I find it lifts my mood surprisingly well when I am feeling  down.  Maybe this only works if you don’t drink it too often? If you haven’t tried this drug and are considering a new one I highly recommend giving this one a try!  I am also having Inderal at 80mg.  This combination really reduces my anxiety and I think nothing short of a nuclear war could induce a proper panic attack in me now Be well ! Yes, it feels good since it’s a synthetic opiate.

No, it’s not. It’s a benzodiaepine anxiolytic, nothing to do with opiates.   But beware, it is a benzo and they are indicated only for short term use (2-4 weeks) after a while, you will build up a tolerance and go back to feeling the same as when you began and will have to up the dose and so on.

It is exceedingly rare for anxiety sufferers to develop tolerance to the anxiolytic effects of benzos. They are first choice long-term meds. There are oodles of studies out there (and I *can* produce them if necessary) as well as abundant clinical practice underpinning this. One *does* get dependent on them after some time of regular daily use which means that your body gets used to the presence of the med (like a diabetic’s to insulin) and that one should stop it only by way of a slow taper to avoid or minimze withdrawal symptoms. The same goes for many antidepressants and many other psychotropic and non-psychotropic meds.   My roommate has been on Klonopin for years and he takes it only to avoid withdrawal (which can kill you).

No, it can’t. When one has been taking a regular dose of K. for a prolongedf period of time and stops it suddenly (*cold turkey*) one may experience *seizures*. This *can* be dangerous indeed. Klonopin, like most benzos, is an anticonvulsant and used to be prescribed to epileptics at much higher doses than to anxiety sufferers. If you do a slow taper, however, there is no way stopping K. is dangerous. I don’t know why your roommate started to take Klonopin in the first place so I can’t say anything about that except that staying on a med to avoid withdrawal is silly and unnecessary. Sorry for the downer thought on this. But I do my research.

I’m afraid you found the wrong information wherever you found it. Philip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’m still only taking 0.5mg once a day – 1.0mg was a bit much as I was like a zombie at that dose! I find it helps a lot.  I am no longer constantly crushed by endless anxiety.  I can drink some caffeine too which is nice – but sugar is still too much for me Klonopin has given me some interesting dreams too which is a side-effect I always enjoy. BTW, does anyone have any opinions on caffeine’s effect as an anti-depressant? I find it lifts my mood surprisingly well when I am feeling  down.  Maybe this only works if you don’t drink it too often? If you haven’t tried this drug and are considering a new one I highly recommend giving this one a try!  I am also having Inderal at 80mg.  This combination really reduces my anxiety and I think nothing short of a nuclear war could induce a proper panic attack in me now Be well ! — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, TJ, This is wonderful news to hear.  I drink coffee all day long and use the lite type, half the caffeine.  If I drink a cup of regular I notice the difference right away. As for the Inderal, the most I’ve ever taken is 20 mg and it seems to work well for me. Additionally, I take Clonazepam twice daily (1 mg in the a.m. and 1 mg at night). I wish you continued success… smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m still only taking 0.5mg once a day – 1.0mg was a bit much as I was like a zombie at that dose! I find it helps a lot.  I am no longer constantly crushed by endless anxiety.  I can drink some caffeine too which is nice – but sugar is still too much for me Klonopin has given me some interesting dreams too which is a side-effect I always enjoy. BTW, does anyone have any opinions on caffeine’s effect as an anti-depressant? I find it lifts my mood surprisingly well when I am feeling  down.  Maybe this only works if you don’t drink it too often? If you haven’t tried this drug and are considering a new one I highly recommend giving this one a try!  I am also having Inderal at 80mg.  This combination really reduces my anxiety and I think nothing short of a nuclear war could induce a proper panic attack in me now Be well ! — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Inderal at 40mg never helped me. Maybe I should suggest higher doses to my NurseP. If Lexapro fails me, Klonopin will be the next thing I will lobby my NurseP for. — Doug

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you haven’t tried this drug and are considering a new one I highly recommend giving this one a try!  I am also having Inderal at 80mg.  This combination really reduces my anxiety and I think nothing short of a nuclear war could induce a proper panic attack in me now Be well ! — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<gently snipped ::Klonopin has given me some interesting dreams too which is a ::side-effect I always enjoy. :: ::BTW, does anyone have any opinions on caffeine’s effect as ::an anti-depressant? I find it lifts my mood surprisingly well when ::I am feeling  down.  Maybe this only works if you don’t drink it too ::often? Dear TJ, I am so happy that you finally found a med that works!! I have no doubt that caffeines stimulating effects could relieve, if only temporarily, certain symptoms of depression. Coffee helps me when I am feeling a little blah. It helps to relieve my fatigue and mental fogginess. Wishing you continued success with Klonopin Jackie ~*~My halo is temporarily out of order~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

glad to hear that you have found some relief tj!! russ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <gently snipped ::Klonopin has given me some interesting dreams too which is a ::side-effect I always enjoy. :: ::BTW, does anyone have any opinions on caffeine’s effect as ::an anti-depressant? I find it lifts my mood surprisingly well when ::I am feeling  down.  Maybe this only works if you don’t drink it too ::often? Dear TJ, I am so happy that you finally found a med that works!! I have no doubt that caffeines stimulating effects could relieve, if only temporarily, certain symptoms of depression. Coffee helps me when I am feeling a little blah. It helps to relieve my fatigue and mental fogginess. Wishing you continued success with Klonopin Jackie ~*~My halo is temporarily out of order~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

So Jackie does have a weakness…she drinks coffee! ;^) — Doug

Jackie ~*~My halo is temporarily out of order~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::So Jackie does have a weakness…she drinks coffee! ;^) LOL! I am drinking a medium Dunkin Donut coffee right now. I also have a large iced coffee in the fridge for a bedtime snack  I won`t mention how much coffee I drank this morning! But hey, I`ve accomplished a hell of a lot today! Jackie ~*~Coffee, Chocolate, Men…Some Things Are Just Better Rich~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’m still only taking 0.5mg once a day – 1.0mg was a bit much as I was like a zombie at that dose!

When I take 1 mg I’m not so much a zombie as a complete airhead. Cheerful and stupid <lol  Half a mg is usually good enough for me. I find it helps a lot.  I am no longer constantly crushed by endless anxiety.  <snip

I’m SO glad for you!  It works well for me, also. BTW, does anyone have any opinions on caffeine’s effect as an anti-depressant? I find it lifts my mood surprisingly well when I am feeling  down.  Maybe this only works if you don’t drink it too often?

There was a brief period of time when I avoided caffeine, and my depression got markedly worse.  When I went back to having just a couple of cups a day, in the mornings, the depression lightened up. Now I drink a LOT of coffee throughout the day, and I hardly feel the effects at all.  So I think you hit on an important point there, about the amount and frequency of coffee intake. I will attempt to cut back and see if that makes a difference in my mood. If you haven’t tried this drug and are considering a new one I highly recommend giving this one a try!  I am also having Inderal at 80mg.  This combination really reduces my anxiety and I think nothing short of a nuclear war could induce a proper panic attack in me now

That’s excellent news! Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I was given it at night because even with ambien, I was waking up at 4 AM filled with panic – if you can have a panic attack in your sleep and wake up right into it, that’s what was happening.  I just couldn’t get any quantity of decent sleep. Louise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – do you find that the Klonapin makes you sleepy?  I have been taking 1 mg at night and .5 mg during the day.  When I take less, the panic attacks break throughif something sets me off.  However, I do find myself wanting to lie down with great frequency and great pleasure I don’t know whether it’s just that the Klonapin has relaxed me and that normal people take naps — but it feels a little bit more like my body just wants to lie still.  I often fall asleep, but not always.  I seem to be content just lying there.  The trouble is, I do have things I need to do. But what do you do about the tiredness?  This is the best drug I have ever had and overall my functioning is quite good so I don’t want to lose it — but I would like not to feel so exhausted. Louise Hi Louise.   I am just taking 0.5mg in the morning.  I find I’m not really tired at that dose.  If I take 1mg I seem to end up back in bed!   Why were you taking it at night?  When I took it before bed it gave me a horrible acid reflux I think it all depends on how long you are on it and at what dose.  I’ve only been on it about 3 weeks but the tiredness has worn off a lot since I started.  If it wears off even more I might try 1mg again.  At the moment I am prone to anxiety when it is wearing off so I would like a higher dose. Maybe if you continue for a while longer you will adjust more.  If not, more caffeine!!

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m still only taking 0.5mg once a day – 1.0mg was a bit much as I was like a zombie at that dose! I find it helps a lot.  I am no longer constantly crushed by endless anxiety.  I can drink some caffeine too which is nice – but sugar is still too much for me Klonopin has given me some interesting dreams too which is a side-effect I always enjoy. BTW, does anyone have any opinions on caffeine’s effect as an anti-depressant? I find it lifts my mood surprisingly well when I am feeling  down.  Maybe this only works if you don’t drink it too often? If you haven’t tried this drug and are considering a new one I highly recommend giving this one a try!  I am also having Inderal at 80mg.  This combination really reduces my anxiety and I think nothing short of a nuclear war could induce a proper panic attack in me now Be well !

Yes, it feels good since it’s a synthetic opiate. But beware, it is a benzo and they are indicated only for short term use (2-4 weeks) after a while, you will build up a tolerance and go back to feeling the same as when you began and will have to up the dose and so on. My roommate has been on Klonopin for years and he takes it only to avoid withdrawal (which can kill you). Sorry for the downer thought on this. But I do my research. I wish benzos did not cause physical and mental dependance, otherwise I’d be on Valium right now! lol — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

do you find that the Klonapin makes you sleepy?  I have been taking 1 mg at night and .5 mg during the day.  When I take less, the panic attacks break throughif something sets me off.  However, I do find myself wanting to lie down with great frequency and great pleasure I don’t know whether it’s just that the Klonapin has relaxed me and that normal people take naps — but it feels a little bit more like my body just wants to lie still.  I often fall asleep, but not always.  I seem to be content just lying there.  The trouble is, I do have things I need to do. But what do you do about the tiredness?  This is the best drug I have ever had and overall my functioning is quite good so I don’t want to lose it — but I would like not to feel so exhausted. Louise

Hi Louise.   I am just taking 0.5mg in the morning.  I find I’m not really tired at that dose.  If I take 1mg I seem to end up back in bed!   Why were you taking it at night?  When I took it before bed it gave me a horrible acid reflux I think it all depends on how long you are on it and at what dose.  I’ve only been on it about 3 weeks but the tiredness has worn off a lot since I started.  If it wears off even more I might try 1mg again.  At the moment I am prone to anxiety when it is wearing off so I would like a higher dose. Maybe if you continue for a while longer you will adjust more.  If not, more caffeine!! — _TJ_ <TJ_IREL at YAHOO dot IE — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Happy for U. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Iced coffee for a bedtime snack? It better be decaf! — Doug

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – LOL! I am drinking a medium Dunkin Donut coffee right now. I also have a large iced coffee in the fridge for a bedtime snack  I won`t mention how much coffee I drank this morning! But hey, I`ve accomplished a hell of a lot today! Jackie ~*~Coffee, Chocolate, Men…Some Things Are Just Better Rich~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Iced coffee for a bedtime snack? It better be decaf! It isn`t decaf. I felt a bit stimulated from the hot coffee I had earlier in the evening, so I decided to skip the iced coffee. I`m drinking it now Jackie ~*~Coffee, Chocolate, Men…Some Things Are Just Better Rich~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

do you find that the Klonapin makes you sleepy?  I have been taking 1 mg at night and .5 mg during the day.  When I take less, the panic attacks break throughif something sets me off.  However, I do find myself wanting to lie down with great frequency and great pleasure I don’t know whether it’s just that the Klonapin has relaxed me and that normal people take naps — but it feels a little bit more like my body just wants to lie still.  I often fall asleep, but not always.  I seem to be content just lying there.  The trouble is, I do have things I need to do. Coffee remains the best antidepressant I’ve ever tried and I can’t imagine doing without it.  This applies whether or not I am taking Klonapin. I too found that my dreams changed but mine has been a little vivid and intense.  Taking the Klonapin three or four hours before I go to sleep seems to have helped.  My theory is that I wake up in a different cycle in relation to the Klonapin and that the dreams are different as well. But what do you do about the tiredness?  This is the best drug I have ever had and overall my functioning is quite good so I don’t want to lose it — but I would like not to feel so exhausted. Louise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m still only taking 0.5mg once a day – 1.0mg was a bit much as I was like a zombie at that dose! I find it helps a lot.  I am no longer constantly crushed by endless anxiety.  I can drink some caffeine too which is nice – but sugar is still too much for me Klonopin has given me some interesting dreams too which is a side-effect I always enjoy. BTW, does anyone have any opinions on caffeine’s effect as an anti-depressant? I find it lifts my mood surprisingly well when I am feeling  down.  Maybe this only works if you don’t drink it too often? If you haven’t tried this drug and are considering a new one I highly recommend giving this one a try!  I am also having Inderal at 80mg.  This combination really reduces my anxiety and I think nothing short of a nuclear war could induce a proper panic attack in me now Be well !

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Bad day today

Question:

::The only thing I’ve noticed lately, and this might not have anything to do ::w/the lexapro, is that every morning about 6:30 a.m. I wake up with a PA. ::This used to be the normal time I got up (and may be again). Dear Doug, Sorry about the morning panic attack. Unfortunately, increased anxiety and panic is not uncommon when weaning on antidepressants. The good news is that it should pass. If the daily PAs continue, ask your NP about using a benzo during the weaning process. Good luck! Jackie ~*~Moving at the speed of life, we are bound to collide with each other~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thanks Jackie. I really regret not trying something different sooner. I was really put off after my bad experiences w/effexor and zoloft. The only thing I’ve noticed lately, and this might not have anything to do w/the lexapro, is that every morning about 6:30 a.m. I wake up with a PA. This used to be the normal time I got up (and may be again). — Doug

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ::I’m finally taking the Lexapro (at 5mg, along w/the doxepin at 150mg). I’m ::supposed to wean off the doxepin. :: ::Anyway, I woke up w/a bad PA this morning. I’m feeling better/more confident ::now, but it was bad this morning. I hope the lexapro works out for me… Dear Doug, Just remember that you are in the early stages of weaning on a new antidepressant. You were having numerous panic attacks pre-lexapro, so they aren`t going to disappear overnight. It`s going to take some time before you really feel the positive effects of Lexapro. I`m keeping my fingers crossed that this is the med for you  Good luck! Jackie ~*~My halo is temporarily out of order~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::I’m finally taking the Lexapro (at 5mg, along w/the doxepin at 150mg). I’m ::supposed to wean off the doxepin. :: ::Anyway, I woke up w/a bad PA this morning. I’m feeling better/more confident ::now, but it was bad this morning. I hope the lexapro works out for me… Dear Doug, Just remember that you are in the early stages of weaning on a new antidepressant. You were having numerous panic attacks pre-lexapro, so they aren`t going to disappear overnight. It`s going to take some time before you really feel the positive effects of Lexapro. I`m keeping my fingers crossed that this is the med for you  Good luck! Jackie ~*~My halo is temporarily out of order~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

when i first started lexapro, it made me really anxious and gave me a panic attack on 5mg.  you will adjust.  hope it works for you doug. good luck! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ::I’m finally taking the Lexapro (at 5mg, along w/the doxepin at 150mg). I’m ::supposed to wean off the doxepin. :: ::Anyway, I woke up w/a bad PA this morning. I’m feeling better/more confident ::now, but it was bad this morning. I hope the lexapro works out for me… Dear Doug, Just remember that you are in the early stages of weaning on a new antidepressant. You were having numerous panic attacks pre-lexapro, so they aren`t going to disappear overnight. It`s going to take some time before you really feel the positive effects of Lexapro. I`m keeping my fingers crossed that this is the med for you  Good luck! Jackie ~*~My halo is temporarily out of order~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<snip Anyway, I woke up w/a bad PA this morning. I’m feeling better/more confident now, but it was bad this morning. I hope the lexapro works out for me… — Doug

Sorry to hear you had a PA first thing in the morning. I hate those. And so glad you’re feeling better.  Good luck with the medication change! Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thanks Deirdre, all I can say is lexapro better work! JimD recommends it so I’m confident it’ll do the job. — Doug

Sorry to hear you had a PA first thing in the morning. I hate those. And so glad you’re feeling better.  Good luck with the medication change! Deirdre — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thank you Margrove. I will look into it. — Doug

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m finally taking the Lexapro (at 5mg, along w/the doxepin at 150mg). I’m supposed to wean off the doxepin. Anyway, I woke up w/a bad PA this morning. I’m feeling better/more confident now, but it was bad this morning. I hope the lexapro works out for me… — Doug the doxepin dose is higher then it needs to be-ask your doc about dropping it down to 50mg for a week and then 25 and then 10 and then done-it is not the kind of med you really need do a slow wean from like ssri’s-and using both the lexapro and doxepin at this dose, I imagine you will feel a bit crappy — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Doug, Sorry you had a bad day.  Maybe the p/a was a side effect of starting the Lexapro. Best wishes with the Lexapro.  Will you be taking Inderal as needed? smiles, Elise

I’m finally taking the Lexapro (at 5mg, along w/the doxepin at 150mg). I’m supposed to wean off the doxepin. Anyway, I woke up w/a bad PA this morning. I’m feeling better/more confident now, but it was bad this morning. I hope the lexapro works out for me… — Doug — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Yes, that is the plan. Thanks for asking. — Doug

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Doug, Sorry you had a bad day.  Maybe the p/a was a side effect of starting the Lexapro. Best wishes with the Lexapro.  Will you be taking Inderal as needed? smiles, Elise I’m finally taking the Lexapro (at 5mg, along w/the doxepin at 150mg). I’m supposed to wean off the doxepin. Anyway, I woke up w/a bad PA this morning. I’m feeling better/more confident now, but it was bad this morning. I hope the lexapro works out for me… — Doug — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’m finally taking the Lexapro (at 5mg, along w/the doxepin at 150mg). I’m supposed to wean off the doxepin. Anyway, I woke up w/a bad PA this morning. I’m feeling better/more confident now, but it was bad this morning. I hope the lexapro works out for me… — Doug

the doxepin dose is higher then it needs to be-ask your doc about dropping it down to 50mg for a week and then 25 and then 10 and then done-it is not the kind of med you really need do a slow wean from like ssri’s-and using both the lexapro and doxepin at this dose, I imagine you will feel a bit crappy — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I’m finally taking the Lexapro (at 5mg, along w/the doxepin at 150mg). I’m supposed to wean off the doxepin. Anyway, I woke up w/a bad PA this morning. I’m feeling better/more confident now, but it was bad this morning. I hope the lexapro works out for me… — Doug — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response: