Filed under: Imipramine
Question:
I have had problems sleeping for 5.5 years now. 3.5 years ago I saw an doctor for the first time about it. This is the storry so far: – 3.5 to 1.0 year ago: 50mg Vallergan (antihistamine) – 1.0 to 0.8 year ago: 40mg Surmontil (Trimipramine) and 30mg Vallergan – 0.8 to 0.5 year ago: 30mg Vallergan – 0.5 to 0.1 year ago: 20mg Prozac and 20mg Vallergan – 0.1 till now: 150mg Dothiepin (tricyclic with anti-anxiety properties) Without medication I have problems both getting to sleep and maintaining sleep. With medication I usually only have problems with too early awakening, without being able to get back to sleep. I guess I average about 5 hours sleep a night with medication, with about one really bad night a week. The Vallergan has allways worked in a way, but it’s not the "ultimate solution" of course. I used Surmontil for 3 months. The only thing it gave me, was irregular heart-rhythms. The only thing Prozac gave me, was decreased libido. 3 weeks ago I had a long talk with my doctor, and she "decided" anxiety is the most probable cause for my insomnia. I was then given Dothiepin, a tricyclic with anti-anxiety properties used widely in UK, and I finally ditched the Vallergan. I didn’t notice any sedation at all from the initial 75mg dose, so after a week it was upped to 150mg. The first 5 days on 150mg I slept better than I have done for ages. The week after that (till today) I haven’t slept good at all, though. I can still feel the sedation coming on, but I wake up way too early. If I wake up after 4 hours of sleep, or 5 hours after I took the 150mg of Dothiepin, I don’t feel sedated. So, it seems the sedation isn’t lasting long enough. 150mg is the maximum dose of Dothiepin outside hospital, so it can’t be upped. I’m a 183cm/100kg "Tyson-built" male. In 2 weeks time I will go on a holiday-trip. The last 5 years all my holiday-trips have largely been spoilt by insomnia, and now it seems like this one too will be of the half man-half zombie variety. What can I do? The Dothiepin was prescribed because it should help both insomnia and anxiety. Now, it doesn’t seem to help me much regarding insomnia, and it’s probably too early to tell what effects it will have on my anxiety. 3 weeks isn’t enough for most people? I have read, mostly on newsgroups, that Trazodone is by far the most sedating antidepressant. I have also read that the anti-anxiety effects of Dothiepin is very small/weak compared to Paxil, Xanax and more "specialized" stuff like that. So, I’m thinking that I should have Trazodone in the evening and fx. Paxil in the morning. What do you think? This would be bad because it means quitting Dothiepin before it has even got the chance to show what good it can do. I’m also going to counseling (for the first time) in a few days. I don’t think it will be in time to "save" my holiday, though.
Response:
July 15, 2002
Question:
I have had bipolar disease all my life. I was finally diagnosed in 1998 and since that time I have run the gambot of medications to try to find one (or a cocktail) that makes me feel and act normal. I have finally done so. I am on Seroquel (this is the one that makes me feel normal), Neurontin (Mainly for my nerve pain and migraines), imipramine (a tricyclic, old drug, mainly for my IBS), 0.5 mg of Klonopin a day (mainly for sleep but it along with the Seroquel keeps me from having anxiety). I am very happy with this cocktail. I hope everyone else keeps trying and has a pdoc as up-to-date as mine is. Bless.
Response:
Boy, you’re sure right on about trying to find the right "mix" to get some relief. After being suicidal for weeks (and really, really depressed) and losing 26 pounds in 8 weeks, I finally got smart enought (by accident, I’m sure) to go se my Doc and get my meds adjusted. He doubled me up on the Wellbutrin and prescribed Xanex. Man, I’d been in such a downward spiral for so long the difference, after taking the new meds, has been astonishing!! I actually feel like I have a future now and the suicidal thoughts are gone completely. I was able to get my divorce filed and tons of other stuff that I’d been putting off. My house was a mess, I literally hadn’t left the couch for 2 months. You know,my mother fought depression her whole life and they didn’t know as much about it in the 60’s as they do now. If they had, she would have had a much higher quality of life. I still don’t understad why some folks hesitate to take meds for depression or why, after they are on them for awhile they seem to want to quit taking them I had 2 suicide attempts last year and the meds (and some really good therapy) literally saved my life. You couldn’t get the meds away from me. I feel "NORMAL" for the first time in years and years. Good luck to you. Michael McCammon Portland, Oregon
Response:
July 6, 2002
Question:
Nathan – Age 10 Nathan was always tough to deal with as an infant: cried a lot, did not sleep well, and was always sick with chronic ear and sinus infections. Our "roller coaster ride" began when Nathan was age two. We found a wonderful daycare center and I went back to work. This is when our problems began. Nathan would not let the other children play together, he threw fits that escalated when you tried to calm him down, he did a lot of biting and basically kept the room in utter chaos from the moment he walked in. At home he would wake up in the middle of the night and cry. The more we tried to comfort him the worse he would get. Getting him to wear clothes was a nightmare (always too tight; too scratchy, etc.). Loud noises freaked him out. The list goes on and on. We tried every discipline book ever written; new methods would work for a week, if we were lucky. As Nathan grew bigger, we had to turn the lock around on his bedroom door and lock him in his room while he raged for hours at a time. Psychologists, neurologists and psychiatrists counseled us as we looked into various programs for his daytime care. By age three, Nathan was on Clonidine and Imipramine. We did trials of Ritalin and Cylert, which made him worse. Drugs would work for approximately six months and then we would find ourselves leaving work to pick up our raging son on a daily basis. Nathan hit new extremes by age six. The daycare center couldn’t handle him any more. He would run out of the daycare center into the street in a split second. At this time he was admitted into a psychiatric outpatient day program at a local hospital. The final diagnoses were ADHD, Bipolar Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. The final drug "recipe" consisted of the following: Lithium, Dexedrine, Tenex and Risperdal. Still we had many outbursts and problems to contend with. We were at the point where we felt we had no where to turn when a coworker gave me a tape of a Phil Donahue episode which featured William Walsh from the Pfeiffer Treatment Center. On the tape, my husband and I saw a little boy whose behavior was pretty close to our son. Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde types behavior. Nathan’s look would turn very "dark" and he would have a complete physical change with his fits of rage. It was taking hours to get him under control. This center was our only hope. We were seen in November and Nathan began treatment in January. He had a high histamine level and a copper zinc imbalance. Reading the accompanying diagnosis sheets was like reading Nathan’s life story. We were told that he could get worse before he got better
May 14, 2002
Question:
Hi folks, I’ve been taking Prozac and Klonopin for almost 5 years. I’m curious to know if any male fertility studies have been done that anyone is aware of. Have any people (males) been able to conceive (on prozac) without problems or congenital defects? I’ve never heard of such a study but plan on starting my own family someday if I may. GT
Response:
> Hi folks, > I’ve been taking Prozac and Klonopin for almost 5 years. > I’m curious to know if any male fertility studies have been done that anyone > is aware of. > Have any people (males) been able to conceive (on prozac) without problems > or congenital defects?
Can’t help you on this one. I wasn’t taking anything at the time, was taking the tricyclic imipramine before, and taking lithium after, and only later taking the SSRIs Paxil and Prozac. Jim O
Response:
May 12, 2002
Question:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have not had a single mood episode since I went off all medications > (seroquel in November and tegretol in February). But on medications I was in > rapid cycling hell for three years. I never had a grace period in between mood > episodes while I was on meds. I went through such agony, suicidal lows, giddy > irrational highs. Winter before last I spent six months so badly depressed that > I thought about suicide every single day. IT was during that horrible > depression that I decided to go off Wellbutrin, clearly it was not helping my > depression. > I felt better and all depression went away soon after I stopped wellbutrin. But > the damage had already been done. Six months of depression, and I’m talking > severe depression was more than my mind could cope with. So the seroquel was > added. > Anyway I feel better than I have felt in three years. I only hope my mind can > recover from the damage done to it by psychiatric medications. > I was first drugged up when I was 14 and my mind was still growing. I wonder > what permanent damage this did? Childhood bipolar disorder my ass! > If a pill does not work the only answer it to take a higher dose or more pills. > Shit, I’ve gone down that road twice now.. once when I was 14-16 and again > starting when I was 29. Both times ended in disaster. > Going to see a psychiatrist has become one of the most dangerous things that a > person can do today.
Being brave and foolish, I took that risk. My experience has been different than yours. Any chance that YMMV ? I don’t expect everyone to have exactly the same experience I have on meds. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> — > Psychiatry is to Science > as Astrology is to Astronomy
Response:
> Going to see a psychiatrist has become one of the most dangerous things that a > person can do today. > —
I think it is too often a question of luck. I was first given imipramine, which really made me very sick, and reporting this I was taken off. In a bad luck situation – you may be given more of the same. With the lithium however, I felt rescued from a very bad emotional state. So, I think that a sympathetic review of the drug reaction is what the doctors should aim for. I’m sorry you started so young – i confess i know little about that and do raise my eyebrow, well squint at least. Squiggles
Response:
May 2, 2002
Question:
have been trough most of the meds even Nardil,it worked great for a couple of weeks before it poped out on me.I havent tried parnate is it worth trying after Nardil?
Response:
>have been trough most of the meds even Nardil,it worked great for a >couple of weeks before it poped out on me.I havent tried parnate is it >worth trying after Nardil?
Sure.
Response:
I really don’t know if it’s very different from Nardil. I know my doctor put me on Parnate as opposed to Nardil because of the weight gain tendencies of Nardil. Parnate has worked great for me. I’ve had treatment resistant depression for years and it’s the first thing that’s worked for me in ages. The diet sucks and there are still some side-effects, but overall it’s great. Something to consider is that for people that tend to be resistant to anti-depressants sometimes they need a larger than usual dosage. I take 100mg of Parnate and the normal recommendation is no more than 60mg. Later research said you could go as high as 130mg safely with continuing benefit for those that are usually resistant. If Nardil worked at first and then petered, perhaps you needed a higher dose. I don’t know if the higher dosage is the same for Nardil, not sure if it’s safe – you probably want to check it out with your doctor or on the internet. Or you could try Parnate. Good luck! -Jessica
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> have been trough most of the meds even Nardil,it worked great for a > couple of weeks before it poped out on me.I havent tried parnate is it > worth trying after Nardil?
Response:
I’m about the same as Jessica. I used Nardil for more than a year and then had to discontinue due to excessive weight gain. I then took Wellbutrin+Celexa (crashed and burned), then I took Parnate + Topamax. Parnate works well for me but I needed to increase the dose. Due to other health problems, it was inadvisable for me to increase the Parnate. I’m now on Neorontin+Zyprexa ~ this is the best I’ve felt in 3 years. Parnate is good and you will not get some of the side effects Nardil has to offer. I’m very treatment resistant and have always taken the MAOIs with great success. Good Luck Carrie 
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> have been trough most of the meds even Nardil,it worked great for a > couple of weeks before it poped out on me.I havent tried parnate is it > worth trying after Nardil?
Response:
parnate is the first thing that worked…. i’m curious as to what else you tried… any other MAOIs like manerix ? gee i wonder if something off the wall like lamictal would work look forward to your reply cybercafe (the-guy-who-used-to-write-under-his-real-name-but-then-realized-this-stuff – is-saved-for-years-and-is-now-really-pissed-off)
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I really don’t know if it’s very different from Nardil. I know my doctor > put me on Parnate as opposed to Nardil because of the weight gain tendencies > of Nardil. Parnate has worked great for me. I’ve had treatment resistant > depression for years and it’s the first thing that’s worked for me in ages. > The diet sucks and there are still some side-effects, but overall it’s > great. Something to consider is that for people that tend to be resistant > to anti-depressants sometimes they need a larger than usual dosage. I take > 100mg of Parnate and the normal recommendation is no more than 60mg. Later > research said you could go as high as 130mg safely with continuing benefit > for those that are usually resistant. If Nardil worked at first and then > petered, perhaps you needed a higher dose. I don’t know if the higher > dosage is the same for Nardil, not sure if it’s safe – you probably want to > check it out with your doctor or on the internet. Or you could try Parnate. > Good luck! > -Jessica > have been trough most of the meds even Nardil,it worked great for a > couple of weeks before it poped out on me.I havent tried parnate is it > worth trying after Nardil?
Response:
>(the-guy-who-used-to-write-under-his-real-name-but-then-realized-this-stuf f- >is-saved-for-years-and-is-now-really-pissed-off)
Watch it – Ralph is going to be all over you.
Response:
Parnate is the only MAOI that I’ve tried. Here’s a partial list of other meds I’ve been on over the last fifteen years: (in no particular order) Tegretol, Lamictal, Effexor, Neurontin, Lithium, Trazodone, Prozac, Celexa, Wellbutrin, Imipramine, Nortriptaline (sp?), Paxil, Paroxetene,… Well – that’s all I can remember right now. I know there were a lot more in there though. I had a bit of success with Imipramine but it was the very first drug I ever tried and I ignorantly decided to find something better. I was working with a general practitioner and between us we knew nothing. The only other drug to help (besides Parnate) was Prozac. I took Prozac, Trazodone and something else (I’m blaning on what it was right now) to augment for two and half years and lived a relatively normal life. Then the effect started waning. Now five years later I found something that’s working again. I’m absolutely not saying none of the drugs are any good – they work for a lot of people, including my friends. Lamictal is a good drug – sometimes you need to go to a very high dose for it to work. I didn’t have any side effects with it which is nice, but it never did anything for me which was frustrating. And Tegretol which I had terrible reactions too apparently works just fine for some people without the side effects I experienced. Well, once again you asked a simple question and I replied in my usual wordy way! Hope it helps. -Jessica
> parnate is the first thing that worked…. i’m curious as to what else you > tried… > any other MAOIs like manerix ? > gee i wonder if something off the wall like lamictal would work > look forward to your reply > cybercafe
(the-guy-who-used-to-write-under-his-real-name-but-then-realized-this-stuff – – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> is-saved-for-years-and-is-now-really-pissed-off) > I really don’t know if it’s very different from Nardil. I know my doctor > put me on Parnate as opposed to Nardil because of the weight gain > tendencies > of Nardil. Parnate has worked great for me. I’ve had treatment resistant > depression for years and it’s the first thing that’s worked for me in > ages. > The diet sucks and there are still some side-effects, but overall it’s > great. Something to consider is that for people that tend to be resistant > to anti-depressants sometimes they need a larger than usual dosage. I > take > 100mg of Parnate and the normal recommendation is no more than 60mg. > Later > research said you could go as high as 130mg safely with continuing benefit > for those that are usually resistant. If Nardil worked at first and then > petered, perhaps you needed a higher dose. I don’t know if the higher > dosage is the same for Nardil, not sure if it’s safe – you probably want > to > check it out with your doctor or on the internet. Or you could try > Parnate. > Good luck! > -Jessica > > have been trough most of the meds even Nardil,it worked great for a > > couple of weeks before it poped out on me.I havent tried parnate is it > > worth trying after Nardil?
Response:
April 28, 2002
Question:
No, I don’t think Johan is here to make trouble per se. I just had a "sarcasm spell" come over me. It happens from time to time. — Val in Boise
Response:
Squiggles, I never meant to knock lithium. It is a wonder drug. I remember the first time I became aware of it. I was working at a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed youth. There was a very volatile, huge boy there that could not be controlled with anything. That was in 1972. Then came lithium. Boy, what a difference. They had a hard time controlling the dosage at first, but at least he never killed another child by hitting him over the head with a syrup bottle. I loved lithium. I stood the "ropey" diarrhea for over 12 months. It lifted my depression, it calmed my manics. But after 12 months of diarrhea, when I got sick with a double ear infection and bronchitis, and could not eat for five days, it mixed with the Cipro I was taking and made me go into acute renal failure. The hospital took me off it and suggested I not be on it any longer. Finally, after a month on just Neurontin and imipramine and Xanax, I was started on this Seroquel. The point I was making is that EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT and that if you search long enough, you WILL find the right combination for you. My best… — Val in Boise
Response:
> The point I was making is that EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT and that if you search > long enough, you WILL find the right combination for you. > My best… > — > Val in Boise
No probelemo – I understand completely. For me it worked from the very beginning – the hypothyroidism has been controlled with Synthroid – no problem with that drug for me; and yeah, I don’t hit anybody with a beer bottle over the head anymore LOL (the Cdn. ones are bigger and heavier too)… just kidding. So, you think Johan is here to make trouble? Squiggles
Response:
April 17, 2002
Question:
I keep wishing I knew the right thing to say but I don’t. It seems whatever I say or do is wrong one way or another. It’s been a hard week. I’m learning to recognize more aspects of bp in myself that I previously failed to see. How long does it take to come to see this for what it really is in yourself? For me it’s been a few months since I was diagnosed and I’m trying to see and accept it for what it is but you know it just doesn’t come overnight does it? How come I have the same type of mental/emotional reactions for years yet I am still having so much trouble seeing those reactions for what they are now that I am diagnosed? Even though I am consciously not in denial is it possible that my subconscious is still in denial? How long does all this recognition and acceptance last anyway? How long does it keep surprising you when you least expect it? And keep hurting? Bonnie
Response:
How long does all this recognition and acceptance last anyway? How > long does it keep surprising you when you least expect it? And keep > hurting? > Bonnie
- Hello Bonnie, I don’t know your age, but i think it is likely to creep up in your twenties and progress. For me, it accelerated in a vague way over many years (just low mood mostly, down all the time, but manageable because of a busy and exciting life); when i did crash it was a very sudden one week affair – there was little mistaking it for its psychotic and unusual aspects of agitation, and deep depression. Perhaps you were caught before this and medicated. Squiggles
Response:
I was ill for at least 2.5 years before I was diagnosed. I’m likely to say my diagnosis would have been made worse 2.5 years earlier had I had one 20 years before I was diagnosed. Just a lack of being diagnosed, made knowing I was getting iller unknown.
Response:
Dearest Bonnie, there will ALWAYS be times of hurting (regarding being BP), but trust me, there can also be times of embracing it and realizing it is you. Although you can’t see it now, it is what makes you unique and special, it’s what makes you laugh hysterically at amusing things others only laugh at a little, it’s what makes you wonderfully sensitive to things that others turn their backs on. So many famous people that we look at and admire today were BPers. I’ve lived with the BP diagnosis for about 20 years now. Initially it was really hard for me to take. With the help of imipramine and then "the grace of Prozac", I climbed out from under a log and eventually learned to hold dear all of the things that were what being BP is all about. Certainly the hypomanic times have been some of the best times in my life, but I have learned to accept the low times as some sort of signal that I just need some down time and fine tuning. To this point, I’ve been able to come out of the down times with some sort of a gift – maybe the urge to start painting again, or the strength to commit myself to working out 4-5 times a week. Bonnie, I have read your posts on here for a couple of months. I know you have the inner strength that will get you past this first hurdle. You’re introspective and intelligent, and those two traits are going to do you well. Learn all you can about the illness. I have always found some comfort in knowing what I am dealing with, health wise. That way there are no surprises for you. And as each year goes by, it will get easier. You’ll learn about what I call the "red lights", little actions/reactions you will find yourself doing that will tell you if you are heading towards mania or a depressed state. Although I am fighting my way out from nearly being hospitalized in December, I can still see light, because I know I eventually come out of these depressed states. I hope that will be the case for you – that your degree of BP will mean that you may sway high or sway low, but that you will always be able to get off the ride to take a break. There will always be challenges, but you’ll face them with your strength and the support of those close to you. I have a challenge coming up when I go back to work (tentative for May). People will be wondering where the previously tack sharp mind went (I was in a hypomanic phase) and how it got replaced by a blonde bubble head. Oh well, what’s the worse that can happen… I get less stressful assignments? I am not assigned 5 junior analysts to baby-sit and attempt to train while I do the work of 2 senior analysts? Heck, bite me! *grin* Take good care Bonnie, k? biggest hugs, Compucat >^+^<
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I keep wishing I knew the right thing to say but I don’t. It seems whatever > I say or do is wrong one way or another. It’s been a hard week. I’m > learning to recognize more aspects of bp in myself that I previously failed > to see. How long does it take to come to see this for what it really is in > yourself? For me it’s been a few months since I was diagnosed and I’m > trying to see and accept it for what it is but you know it just doesn’t come > overnight does it? How come I have the same type of mental/emotional > reactions for years yet I am still having so much trouble seeing those > reactions for what they are now that I am diagnosed? Even though I am > consciously not in denial is it possible that my subconscious is still in > denial? How long does all this recognition and acceptance last anyway? How > long does it keep surprising you when you least expect it? And keep > hurting? > Bonnie
Response:
On the bright side you are not part of the rat race anymore. No more getting up early to go to work. Feeling to tired to do anything in the evening. All for a little bit of money you earn that gets wasted anyway in the weekend. Is that the kind of life you were hoping for ? Not me !!! I wanna live the good life. Don’t we all. Don’t make the mistake that money and career are the only roads to happiness. There is much more to life. The problem you face is " What do we do now ? " But there is an answer !!! Really !!! There are so many things in life that are still open to you. Time is on your side. That is a commodity not many have in this life…. They are all stressed stressed by the rat race this life has become. You are free. Feel free. Act free. Don’t worry, be happy !!!! Berty – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > That’s why you have to live life day by day and in the rough times seconds > by seconds. > Keep On Keeping On > Rob > Time is too precious to be blowing it on mental illness & that is why the > newly diagnosed are in anxiety over their illness in the early stages. The > sense of wasted time becomes an overwhelming obstacle to future prospects, > that the grief becomes intolerable very quickly!! Within a year you may be > permanently psychologically damaged just from your view on whatever ails > ya. > Shaky financial pressures only intensify the pressure between the > aforementioned rock and a hard place. You may have invested tens of > thousands of dollars in an education, run up massive debt and now you are > too ill to get your financial feet moving forward. "Better off dead" > becomes > a constant theme every morning from every direction. It is just difficult > enough to find a reason to even want to stay alive another complete day. > > I am NOT putting anyone down here, but it amuses me when people bemoan > > being Bi-polar for 2, 3, even 5 years and speak like its an eternity. > > I have been fighting the good fight against Bi-Polar disorder for over > > 30 years, have had to endure God only knows how many med changes, > > tried countless meds and therapies, have had to purge my system of > > meds entirely at least 3 times to start all over with a clean slate. > > I’ve tried most of these remeadies that I phu-phu. I KNOW that they > > are useless, or from the experience of something simular. I know the > > treatment makes no sence. I’ve been there, I’ve done that. I’ve had 4 > > different PDocs and at least 10 different therapists. I’ve tried it > > all. Hang in there folks, there is hope, there is relief, but there is > > not magic pill, there is no cure, there is no perfect answer, not yet. > > But hang in there. I believe its coming soon. Hugs, Ralph > > >Thanks Hopper. Sometimes it is hard to give it time but I guess there > is > > >not much choice. I am having a hard time not letting this period of my > life > > >be negative because no matter what happens (even good things) it still > all > > >feels very negative. I think I either need to raise my AD or change it > > >because the depression has really been overtaking me recently. > > >Thanks for being there Hopper. > > >Bonnie > > >> It’s been five years or more since I knew that I was bp, or that bp > > >> even existed. > > >> I’m still surprised sometimes when I find a new trait of mine that is > > >> associated with bp. It’s getting easier. I don’t think of myself as > > >> flawed, I feel blessed, but then I have had an easy time of it over > > >> the years compared to most. It still sometimes bothers me to think of > > >> myself as mentally ill. Learning that the problems that I have had > > >> with self control stemmed from bp and not a lack of willpower took a > > >> lot of guilt from me. I could explain my past actions. It empowered > > >> me. As I find the things that help this illness, I am getting better. > > >> I still have a way to go. > > >> Give it time. Don’t let this period of your life be negative. This is > > >> a time where you come to understanding of self, and master it. > > >> HopPer > —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– > http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! > —–== Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–
Response:
That’s why you have to live life day by day and in the rough times seconds by seconds. Keep On Keeping On Rob
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Time is too precious to be blowing it on mental illness & that is why the > newly diagnosed are in anxiety over their illness in the early stages. The > sense of wasted time becomes an overwhelming obstacle to future prospects, > that the grief becomes intolerable very quickly!! Within a year you may be > permanently psychologically damaged just from your view on whatever ails ya. > Shaky financial pressures only intensify the pressure between the > aforementioned rock and a hard place. You may have invested tens of > thousands of dollars in an education, run up massive debt and now you are > too ill to get your financial feet moving forward. "Better off dead" becomes > a constant theme every morning from every direction. It is just difficult > enough to find a reason to even want to stay alive another complete day. > I am NOT putting anyone down here, but it amuses me when people bemoan > being Bi-polar for 2, 3, even 5 years and speak like its an eternity. > I have been fighting the good fight against Bi-Polar disorder for over > 30 years, have had to endure God only knows how many med changes, > tried countless meds and therapies, have had to purge my system of > meds entirely at least 3 times to start all over with a clean slate. > I’ve tried most of these remeadies that I phu-phu. I KNOW that they > are useless, or from the experience of something simular. I know the > treatment makes no sence. I’ve been there, I’ve done that. I’ve had 4 > different PDocs and at least 10 different therapists. I’ve tried it > all. Hang in there folks, there is hope, there is relief, but there is > not magic pill, there is no cure, there is no perfect answer, not yet. > But hang in there. I believe its coming soon. Hugs, Ralph > >Thanks Hopper. Sometimes it is hard to give it time but I guess there is > >not much choice. I am having a hard time not letting this period of my > life > >be negative because no matter what happens (even good things) it still > all > >feels very negative. I think I either need to raise my AD or change it > >because the depression has really been overtaking me recently. > >Thanks for being there Hopper. > >Bonnie > >> It’s been five years or more since I knew that I was bp, or that bp > >> even existed. > >> I’m still surprised sometimes when I find a new trait of mine that is > >> associated with bp. It’s getting easier. I don’t think of myself as > >> flawed, I feel blessed, but then I have had an easy time of it over > >> the years compared to most. It still sometimes bothers me to think of > >> myself as mentally ill. Learning that the problems that I have had > >> with self control stemmed from bp and not a lack of willpower took a > >> lot of guilt from me. I could explain my past actions. It empowered > >> me. As I find the things that help this illness, I am getting better. > >> I still have a way to go. > >> Give it time. Don’t let this period of your life be negative. This is > >> a time where you come to understanding of self, and master it. > >> HopPer
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Response:
Thanks Hopper. Sometimes it is hard to give it time but I guess there is not much choice. I am having a hard time not letting this period of my life be negative because no matter what happens (even good things) it still all feels very negative. I think I either need to raise my AD or change it because the depression has really been overtaking me recently. Thanks for being there Hopper. Bonnie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > It’s been five years or more since I knew that I was bp, or that bp > even existed. > I’m still surprised sometimes when I find a new trait of mine that is > associated with bp. It’s getting easier. I don’t think of myself as > flawed, I feel blessed, but then I have had an easy time of it over > the years compared to most. It still sometimes bothers me to think of > myself as mentally ill. Learning that the problems that I have had > with self control stemmed from bp and not a lack of willpower took a > lot of guilt from me. I could explain my past actions. It empowered > me. As I find the things that help this illness, I am getting better. > I still have a way to go. > Give it time. Don’t let this period of your life be negative. This is > a time where you come to understanding of self, and master it. > HopPer
Response:
Time is too precious to be blowing it on mental illness & that is why the newly diagnosed are in anxiety over their illness in the early stages. The sense of wasted time becomes an overwhelming obstacle to future prospects, that the grief becomes intolerable very quickly!! Within a year you may be permanently psychologically damaged just from your view on whatever ails ya. Shaky financial pressures only intensify the pressure between the aforementioned rock and a hard place. You may have invested tens of thousands of dollars in an education, run up massive debt and now you are too ill to get your financial feet moving forward. "Better off dead" becomes a constant theme every morning from every direction. It is just difficult enough to find a reason to even want to stay alive another complete day.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am NOT putting anyone down here, but it amuses me when people bemoan > being Bi-polar for 2, 3, even 5 years and speak like its an eternity. > I have been fighting the good fight against Bi-Polar disorder for over > 30 years, have had to endure God only knows how many med changes, > tried countless meds and therapies, have had to purge my system of > meds entirely at least 3 times to start all over with a clean slate. > I’ve tried most of these remeadies that I phu-phu. I KNOW that they > are useless, or from the experience of something simular. I know the > treatment makes no sence. I’ve been there, I’ve done that. I’ve had 4 > different PDocs and at least 10 different therapists. I’ve tried it > all. Hang in there folks, there is hope, there is relief, but there is > not magic pill, there is no cure, there is no perfect answer, not yet. > But hang in there. I believe its coming soon. Hugs, Ralph >Thanks Hopper. Sometimes it is hard to give it time but I guess there is >not much choice. I am having a hard time not letting this period of my life >be negative because no matter what happens (even good things) it still all >feels very negative. I think I either need to raise my AD or change it >because the depression has really been overtaking me recently. >Thanks for being there Hopper. >Bonnie >> It’s been five years or more since I knew that I was bp, or that bp >> even existed. >> I’m still surprised sometimes when I find a new trait of mine that is >> associated with bp. It’s getting easier. I don’t think of myself as >> flawed, I feel blessed, but then I have had an easy time of it over >> the years compared to most. It still sometimes bothers me to think of >> myself as mentally ill. Learning that the problems that I have had >> with self control stemmed from bp and not a lack of willpower took a >> lot of guilt from me. I could explain my past actions. It empowered >> me. As I find the things that help this illness, I am getting better. >> I still have a way to go. >> Give it time. Don’t let this period of your life be negative. This is >> a time where you come to understanding of self, and master it. >> HopPer
Response:
Hi Squiggles, I have dealt with problems related to this most of my life but I did not seek help for it until recent years and I am in my late 40’s now. It took me most of my life to realize that the way I felt was not the way I should be feeling. My parents were alcoholics and I suspect my mother was bp so I grew up not knowing anything close to ‘normal’. Most of my life I have fought depression but in recent years the bp symptoms have really been catching up with me. I can see where the way I have felt over the years is similar to your situation in that it was manageable until recent years. Thanks Squiggles for responding, Bonnie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello Bonnie, > I don’t know your age, but i think it is likely to creep up > in your twenties and progress. For me, it accelerated in > a vague way over many years (just low mood mostly, down all > the time, but manageable because of a busy and exciting life); > when i did crash it was a very sudden one week affair – there > was little mistaking it for its psychotic and unusual aspects > of agitation, and deep depression. > Perhaps you were caught before this and medicated. > Squiggles
Response:
> Dearest Bonnie, > there will ALWAYS be times of hurting (regarding being BP), but trust me, > there can also be times of embracing it and realizing it is you. Although > you can’t see it now, it is what makes you unique and special, it’s what > makes you laugh hysterically at amusing things others only laugh at a > little, it’s what makes you wonderfully sensitive to things that others turn > their backs on. So many famous people that we look at and admire today were > BPers.
What a wonderful way of approaching and seeing this Compucat! Thank you. I do know there are aspects of myself that may be related to being bp that I would not want to change. I have always been different from others and glad that I am. Who wants to be a cookie cutter image of the rest of the world? > I’ve lived with the BP diagnosis for about 20 years now. Initially it was > really hard for me to take. With the help of imipramine and then "the grace > of Prozac", I climbed out from under a log and eventually learned to hold > dear all of the things that were what being BP is all about. Certainly the > hypomanic times have been some of the best times in my life, but I have > learned to accept the low times as some sort of signal that I just need some > down time and fine tuning. To this point, I’ve been able to come out of the > down times with some sort of a gift – maybe the urge to start painting > again, or the strength to commit myself to working out 4-5 times a week.
Your experience with this can be helpful to many. It is good that you are able to see the good sides to this. > Bonnie, I have read your posts on here for a couple of months. I know you > have the inner strength that will get you past this first hurdle. You’re > introspective and intelligent, and those two traits are going to do you > well. Learn all you can about the illness. I have always found some comfort > in knowing what I am dealing with, health wise. That way there are no > surprises for you. And as each year goes by, it will get easier. You’ll > learn about what I call the "red lights", little actions/reactions you will > find yourself doing that will tell you if you are heading towards mania or a > depressed state.
Thank you so much Compucat. You are right in that I am still trying to get past the first big hurdle and I know there are many more to come. It does help me to know what I am dealing with and one of the things that has bothered me is that there is no definite test for bp. I want to know what I have so I can know how to best treat it and also so my kids can know what runs in the family so maybe they can deal with things better. The red lights you mention – I can see where learning those can be helpful. That is something I will work on as I can. I am still coming to recognize them in the first place and there are still many I am unaware of I’m sure. > Although I am fighting my way out from nearly being hospitalized in > December, I can still see light, because I know I eventually come out of > these depressed states. I hope that will be the case for you – that your > degree of BP will mean that you may sway high or sway low, but that you will > always be able to get off the ride to take a break.
I hope you are doing much better now. Your words are very helpful to me and I hope that knowing that can help you as well. > There will always be challenges, but you’ll face them with your strength and > the support of those close to you. I have a challenge coming up when I go > back to work (tentative for May). People will be wondering where the > previously tack sharp mind went (I was in a hypomanic phase) and how it got > replaced by a blonde bubble head. Oh well, what’s the worse that can > happen… I get less stressful assignments? I am not assigned 5 junior > analysts to baby-sit and attempt to train while I do the work of 2 senior > analysts? Heck, bite me! *grin*
Good luck with going back to work. I will be keeping you in my thoughts that all goes well for you. You have a good attitude about it. > Take good care Bonnie, k? > biggest hugs, > Compucat >^+^<
Again, thank you so much. You have much helpful to share here and I appreciate you sharing it with me. Hugs, Bonnie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I keep wishing I knew the right thing to say but I don’t. It seems > whatever > I say or do is wrong one way or another. It’s been a hard week. I’m > learning to recognize more aspects of bp in myself that I previously > failed > to see. How long does it take to come to see this for what it really is > in > yourself? For me it’s been a few months since I was diagnosed and I’m > trying to see and accept it for what it is but you know it just doesn’t > come > overnight does it? How come I have the same type of mental/emotional > reactions for years yet I am still having so much trouble seeing those > reactions for what they are now that I am diagnosed? Even though I am > consciously not in denial is it possible that my subconscious is still in > denial? How long does all this recognition and acceptance last anyway? > How > long does it keep surprising you when you least expect it? And keep > hurting? > Bonnie
Response:
I understand what you are saying here Eric. I wish I had been diagnosed sooner, but in some ways I am glad I was not. I guess that is the two sides of me speaking here. Who knows. Bonnie
> I was ill for at least 2.5 years before I was diagnosed. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m likely to say my diagnosis would have been made worse 2.5 years earlier > had I had one 20 years before I was diagnosed. Just a lack of being > diagnosed, made knowing I was getting iller unknown.
Response:
March 1, 2002
Question:
Newbie question…anyone out there on this puppy? Works pretty well for me but I get some uncool side effects like an increase in stomach acid production. Basically I was wondering if it was ok to take antacids along with imimpramine. I can’t find any contraindictions and my doctor isn’t terrifically helpful… Any answers appreciated…thanks! ~tarage
Response:
Use the drug interaction checker on http://www.subscriberx.com/iqhealth/searchdrug.html
Response:
>Newbie question…anyone out there on this puppy? Works pretty well for >me but I get some uncool side effects like an increase in stomach acid >production. Basically I was wondering if it was ok to take antacids >along with imimpramine. I can’t find any contraindictions and my doctor >isn’t terrifically helpful… >Any answers appreciated…thanks!
I’ve been taking imipramine since 1986, with occasional switches to try other drugs, but I’ve always come back to imipramine because it works. Yes, it has all sorts of side effects: dry mouth, constipation, urinary hesitancy, blurred vision, etc., but I’ve learned to live with them. As for antacids, I don’t think there are any specific problems of interaction with imipramine, but you should not take antacids for more than about two weeks without your doctor’s approval. Prolonged use of antacids can have nasty effects, including diarrhea, bacterial infections due to lowered intestinal pH, and vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia. Don’t go there. S. suricata
Response:
hi… I was on Imipramine many many moons ago. It was very effective for me at the time, as it really helped with my depression and some of my OCD tendencies. Unfortunately, the shakiness it caused me was a major problem with my work. At the time, Prozac had come out, so I switched. Interesting regarding the stomach acid problem you are having. I am 43 and took the Imipramine for about 4 years, starting when I was about 23. It seems I have always had a problem with stomach acid, but as I can’t specifically remember when it started happening, could it have started then? About 2 years ago my doctor prescribed Losec (similar to the American brand Prilosec) for GERD – Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disorder/Disease (hope I got that right). When I was laying down/sleeping at night, I would be awoken by some of the acid coming up into my throat – very uncomfortable. The Losec has worked like a charm. My pdoc has indicated there is no problem on taking the Losec. I am now taking it in the evening, making a conscious effort of not taking it too close to my Effexor or Gabapentin. So, you might want to ask your doc about these drugs and if they are compatible with your Imipramine. — regards, Compucat
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Newbie question…anyone out there on this puppy? Works pretty well for > me but I get some uncool side effects like an increase in stomach acid > production. Basically I was wondering if it was ok to take antacids > along with imimpramine. I can’t find any contraindictions and my doctor > isn’t terrifically helpful… > Any answers appreciated…thanks! > ~tarage
Response:
I have been taking imipramine for about 10 years. The side affect of the anti-chloric variety have had the following consequences: The lack of saliva has destroyed my teeth; caused a lack of saliva to my stomach which has created gastric reflux because saliva neutralizes stomach acid. I take prevacid for m stomach acid problem which costs about $3.50 per day. I also have gained weight which I attribute to the imipramine. I tried prozac a couple of years ago, but it stopped working for me after six months. Good luck to you. Pat – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Newbie question…anyone out there on this puppy? Works pretty well for > me but I get some uncool side effects like an increase in stomach acid > production. Basically I was wondering if it was ok to take antacids > along with imimpramine. I can’t find any contraindictions and my doctor > isn’t terrifically helpful… > Any answers appreciated…thanks! > ~tarage
Response:
February 2, 2002
Question:
I have been taking Effexor 300 mg / day for depression + a high dose of sodium valporate, and increasing my effexor dose brings additional tremors after a year my depression is still here so i am considering a switch to remeron. do other people find valporate to be a depressant and recommend i get off that first? or should i change ADs ? can someone tell me the procedure for switching from effexor to remeron?? … right now i am taking 300 mg at night
Response:
I found that valproate was a definite downer. I am currently on lithium and neurontin. I use a trycyclic antidepressant (imipramine) because it doesn’t "wire" me like Effexor or Wellbutrin. But, you know, that’s just me. — Val in Boise
Response:
January 30, 2002
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