Re: anti depressants

[Guest guest]

I saw my family dr. last week and told him I was suicidal and had been for

awhile, that my psychiatrist simply smiles at me the numerous times I've told

him, and would not give me another medication different from what I've been on

for three years. Without any hesitation, my family dr. gave me something to take

in addition to what I'm taking. My sister is in the process of helping me find a

private psychiatrist again so I can dump the one I've had since 1998 who doesn't

listen to me and never has.

[Guest guest]

Hi Dee,

I have taken all those, too, but the Lexapro was the newest and each one

worked better than the last. I was switched to Cymbalta earlier this year

as I was not doing as well on the Lexapro and the Cymbalta is supposed to

help the fibro also. I also have CFS but do fine that the Cymbalta works

well and I don't have any problems with any side effects.

Hugs, Michele - Nana to Twins is and , 3 yrs.,

Zachary, 5 yrs., Ethan, 9 yrs., and Tony, 13 yrs.

> -----Original Message-----

> From: deb

> Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 4:17 AM

>

> Hi, i have fibro and quite severe depression. There is a link

> i'm sure but depression has been with me for many years, even

> before fibro. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with

> taking Lexapro or Cymbalta (for depression, not fibro). Is

> there a big difference between the two, is one better than

> the other, are the side effects horrendous?

[Guest guest]

Dee, I also have both fibro and depression, the depression comin gfirst.

I am taking Cymbalta primarily for my depression but I think it may be helping

with the fibro as well. I had the usual side effects that one gets from many

SSRIs and SNRIs: a little nausea, etc., in the beginning but it went away. Now I

have NO side effects that I know of, other than early morning waking, which may

or may not be a side effect. I find that taking my second dose of Cymbalta

earlier in teh evening helps me sleep better.

Unfortunately antidepressants are trial and error and for some people like me

and perhaps you, they work only for a while, then one must try another one.

If you think you might benefit from Cymbalta, ask your doctor. I don't know

much about Lexapro, can't help you there.

Barbara

>

> Hi, i have fibro and quite severe depression. There is a link i'm sure but

depression has been with me for many years, even before fibro. I'm wondering if

anyone has any experience with taking Lexapro or Cymbalta (for depression, not

fibro). Is there a big difference between the two, is one better than the other,

are the side effects horrendous?

> I have tried things like prozac, effexor, paxil etc....in the past but they

don't work that well. I've heard Lexapro and Cymbalta have had quite good

results though. I know some people here hate anti depressants and thats fine,

but i am at the point where i need help.

> Many thanks,

> Dee

>

[Guest guest]

As a former professional counselor/mental health and addictions, I am appalled.

Even if you are in a " system, " you should have a psychiatrist who works with

you.

Please also keep the suicide hotline numbers and the clinic crisis number handy.

If necessary, assuming your doctor is not the medical director of the clinic,

contact the director and ask for another doctor until you find a private one.

Everyone deserves a doctor who takes him/her seriously.

Barbara

>

> I saw my family dr. last week and told him I was suicidal and had been for

awhile, that my psychiatrist simply smiles at me the numerous times I've told

him, and would not give me another medication different from what I've been on

for three years. Without any hesitation, my family dr. gave me something to take

in addition to what I'm taking. My sister is in the process of helping me find a

private psychiatrist again so I can dump the one I've had since 1998 who doesn't

listen to me and never has.

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Terri, thanks Michele, i appreciate your comments. Terri, your psych doc

sounds like a dick and you're right to find a new one. At least your GP is

taking you seriously. Sometimes they just loose the ability to listen, or

they're simply not that great at their jobs. Its unfortunate but i'm glad you're

going to move on and find someone new.

I'm glad the cymbalta is working for you Michele, is it making a big difference

to how your depression feels?

dee

>

> Hi Dee,

> I have taken all those, too, but the Lexapro was the newest and each one

> worked better than the last. I was switched to Cymbalta earlier this year

> as I was not doing as well on the Lexapro and the Cymbalta is supposed to

> help the fibro also. I also have CFS but do fine that the Cymbalta works

> well and I don't have any problems with any side effects.

>

> Hugs, Michele - Nana to Twins is and , 3 yrs.,

> Zachary, 5 yrs., Ethan, 9 yrs., and Tony, 13 yrs.

[Guest guest]

Your sister is very smart, costantly look for new help, even when you find a new

doc, keep looking and see another, maybe you'll like that one more.

 

In 26 months, my doctor count is now up to 24, I'm pretty much at the end of the

line now, I'll keep my PM & R who specializes in TBI, a neuro, my PCP and my pain

med doctor, but I like the fact that I did everything humanly possible to help

myself.  I will continue to seek any new idea that comes along.  Remember, doc's

work for you not the other way around.  If I would've received a smug look from

a doc after what you described, I would've simply stood up and walked out.  I

didn't hesitate to fire the doc that almost killed me on Paxil.

 

All doc's are are another opinion, you have to decide how you want to steer the

ship, don't let any doctor bully you, they are a dime a dozen, they don't like

to hear that but I could care less, don't forget, the doc's work for you not the

other way around. Good luck

[Guest guest]

My only advice is to be careful and make sure you're not on anything that can

interact with either I have had reactions to both both an interaction with other

meds AND a reaction to the medication itself. Everyone is different some people

it works well and others not. lexapro as far as I know is anti anxiety not anti

depression but I might be wrong??

----- Original Message -----

From: Michele Townsend

Hi Dee,

I have taken all those, too, but the Lexapro was the newest and each one

worked better than the last. I was switched to Cymbalta earlier this year

as I was not doing as well on the Lexapro and the Cymbalta is supposed to

help the fibro also. I also have CFS but do fine that the Cymbalta works

well and I don't have any problems with any side effects.

[Guest guest]

Yes, Dee, it is really making a big difference for me. That and prayer!! I

also think that it helps my fibro too, my pain has not been as bad and I am

able to keep it under control. My rheumy says that I no longer qualify for

fibro, as my tender points are no longer tender!!

Hugs, Michele - Nana to Twins is and , 3 yrs.,

Zachary, 5 yrs., Ethan, 9 yrs., and Tony, 13 yrs.

> -----Original Message-----

> From: deb

> Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2009 11:01 PM

>

> Thanks Terri, thanks Michele, i appreciate your comments.

> Terri, your psych doc sounds like a dick and you're right to

> find a new one. At least your GP is taking you seriously.

> Sometimes they just loose the ability to listen, or they're

> simply not that great at their jobs. Its unfortunate but i'm

> glad you're going to move on and find someone new.

[Guest guest]

Dee,

I've had depression/anxiety disorder for a very long time. The FM/CFS did

not cause it nor did the depression/anxiety cause the FMS/CFS. But......the

chronic pain, fatigue and other symptoms certainly entertained my

depression. In other words my depression is much worse when I try to deal

with the disease without any anti-depression meds. I take Cymbalta. Have

for over 2 years. The 30mg dose didn't do much for me, but when I increased

as my dr advised to 60 mg, it only took a few days to notice a big

difference in my mood and the pain of FM. Now, without it I am a

basketcase. Dealing with other stresses besides the disease is almost

impossible without Cymbalta on my side. I will also tell you I've tried

Zoloft, Paxil and a couple others. Zoloft was good for me, but nothing like

the relief Cymbalta gives me. You may have to try different ones to find

the one that's right for you. But, due to the FM treatment side of

Cymbalta, maybe you could try it first. Usually takes 3 weeks to get over

the blues, if you are way down. Otherwise you may see some relief with it

in a few days or more.

I hope you feel better soon! I'll be glad to be a shoulder if you need

one! I'm at the end of my rope, too. Maybe we can pull each other out of

the blues!

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Dee for the support. Night before last I was still suicidal even though

now I'm on two anti-depressants.

Terri

[Guest guest]

I have also had success with Cymbalta and Abilify after taking every other

antidepressant known to mankind. I also take gabapentin and recently my doc

almost doubled that dose for me. I get pretty dizzy and spacey (my sisters

accusations have finally come true!!lol) on this dose. I do take vicodin daily.

I have applied for medical cannabis which I hope to replace the vicodin with as

I have been taking 120+ a month of them. I was recommended that by three

different doc's for pain and depression relief so I thought I would go that

route.

Abilify is horribly expensive.

[Guest guest]

So you dont't have any side effects from the Cymbalta. I was prescibed that

recently and after reading up on the side effects I shyed away from it. How

long have you been on it?

Dee

>

> Hi Dee,

> I have taken all those, too, but the Lexapro was the newest and each one

> worked better than the last. I was switched to Cymbalta earlier this year

> as I was not doing as well on the Lexapro and the Cymbalta is supposed to

> help the fibro also. I also have CFS but do fine that the Cymbalta works

> well and I don't have any problems with any side effects.

>

[Guest guest]

My rheumatologist changed me back in the spring. Of course, having been on

Lexapro and other anti-depressants for the past 20+ years may have an affect

on my side effects. I really don't notice any. I was taking it at night so

that I would feel better in the morning, but recently moved it to the

morning and now I am sleeping better so keep that in mind of you decide to

take it.

Hugs, Michele - Nana to Twins is and , 3 yrs.,

Zachary, 5 yrs., Ethan, 9 yrs., and Tony, 13 yrs.

> -----Original Message-----

> From: dee112233

> Sent: Thursday, December 10, 2009 1:34 PM

>

> So you dont't have any side effects from the Cymbalta. I was

> prescibed that recently and after reading up on the side

> effects I shyed away from it. How long have you been on it?

> Dee

[Guest guest]

Terri

How long have you been on your anti depressants? Most of them dont show an

improvement for a few weeks. You will have to try and get bad thoughts out of

your head until they kick in.If you have been on them for a while, maybe they

are making things worse for you.

Please see your doctor and he/she will help you medically. If you need someone

to talk to, i am here and am a good listener.Email me privately if you wish but

please see a doctor.Sending hugs to you.

Merry Christmas everyone......

[Guest guest]

I've been on this particular kind since 2006 but I've been on antidepressants

since 1993.

To: CFAlliance

From: simplytortoise@...

Terri

How long have you been on your anti depressants? Most of them dont show an

improvement for a few weeks. You will have to try and get bad thoughts out of

your head until they kick in.If you have been on them for a while, maybe they

are making things worse for you.

Please see your doctor and he/she will help you medically. If you need someone

to talk to, i am here and am a good listener.Email me privately if you wish but

please see a doctor.Sending hugs to you.

[Guest guest]

I've been suffering since April. My psychiatrist won't listen to me.

To: CFAlliance

If you having a flare of depression, I suggest calling your doctor sooner rather

than later, particularly if you are having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of

harming yourself in any way at all.

As you probably know, sometimes for unknown reasons, a particular drug just

seems to stop working for a particular person without any notice. It may be time

to change your dose or medication.

Please don't wait and suffer.

[Guest guest]

Hi Dee I am currently on Cymbalta and it has helped me tremendously. If I were

you I would try them and give them a little bit of time.As far as depression

goes remember it is temporary feeling and will get better.

Debbie Breehl

>

> Hi, i have fibro and quite severe depression. There is a link i'm sure but

depression has been with me for many years, even before fibro. I'm wondering if

anyone has any experience with taking Lexapro or Cymbalta (for depression, not

fibro). Is there a big difference between the two, is one better than the other,

are the side effects horrendous?

> I have tried things like prozac, effexor, paxil etc....in the past but they

don't work that well. I've heard Lexapro and Cymbalta have had quite good

results though. I know some people here hate anti depressants and thats fine,

but i am at the point where i need help.

[Guest guest]

Can't get in to see my psychiatrist till Jan. 22 but he doesn't listen to me

anyway.

To: CFAlliance

From: simplytortoise@...

Please go see your doctor, they obviously arent working, you shouldnt be feeling

like this.

I am here to chat if you want to.....

[Guest guest]

Terri

I know this is not the most easiest sometimes not possible thing to do but would

it be possible for you to find another psychiatrist/councellor/psychologist who

WILL listen to you??

I can understand this almost from a personal perspective because I have had

suicidal thoughts (not now but in the past but I had people who listened to me,

things changed and now while I have depression its not like that anymore BUT I

did basically stop seeing my pschologist (but I have other people to speak to)

simply because she wasn't listening to me, she ignored my plea for helping me

deal with my recently acquired disability of dystonia which meant I became a

wheelchair user. She basically told me to get on with my life and while I

understood this (and to be honest I was already doing that anyway) my point was

that I was trying to deal with using the wheelchair, I had (and still have) very

little understanding of dystonia and thats what I wanted to fix I wanted to see

a new specialist who would not be able to cure it but more educate me about what

it was what to do about it the likelihood of it being a chronic/long term or

permanent condition and you know I still dont have those answers but it hasn't

stopped me from being as happy as I can be under the circumstances and trying to

" get on with my life " she tried to tell me there was no difference between

herself and me I mean she can walk, work, cook, shower herself, drive, do pretty

much whatever she wants whenever she wants, she doesn't have pain fatigue, shes

not on medications etc etc etc AND she tried to tell there was no difference

(other than me using a wheelchair) which obviously creates its own issues like

accessing buildings, negotiating the environment at the time I was unable to

drive now I can go 5-10 mins if I am not tired So I thought despite her knowing

me for 2-3 years shes seen me deterioate etc etc she has NO idea about my

physical disabilities which were affecting me psychologically. I can always ring

her if I need her, talk to my GP (although he has No idea either) or talk to

friends and a councellor friend I know. So this long story was merely to show

you that you are not alone and even though you might feel like you can't go on I

hope with the right treatment and support which you are obviously not getting at

the moment you will be able to go on and learn to cope with your disabilities.

[Guest guest]

I have been there some of my doctor have told me that I would be outlived by my

parents because I would most likely die of organ failure.

I had my first cat for almost twenty years and now I have had my second for a

year.

A pet can be enough of a reason to keep on going.

[Guest guest]

Terri don't go to a Psychiatrist if he does'nt listen to you. I also have been

in and out of counseling since I was 12. Obviously my childhood was less than

pleasant. One thing I did learn is you have to find a psychiatrist or

psycologist you can trust. Please do not give up because the way you feel now is

temporary. I know sometimes that is hard to believe but over the last 30 years I

have learned this. I believe in the power of prayer and you are in mine

constantly....If you want to talk let me know and I will give you my phone

number.

very gentle hugs,

Debbie Breehl

[Guest guest]

Yeah, if it weren't for my pets I would've done it a long time ago.

To: CFAlliance

From: eugene_carlson@...

I have been there some of my doctor have told me that I would be outlived by my

parents because I would most likely die of organ failure.

I had my first cat for almost twenty years and now I have had my second for a

year.

A pet can be enough of a reason to keep on going.

[Guest guest]

I know you mean well, but we who have been taking antidepressant for 20 or more

years are not having a depression that is temporary and that gets better easily.

When people on antidepressants are not getting better, they need to demand to

see their doctors or talk on the phone as soon as possible.

Speaking for myself, I would not see any psychiatrist who does not include me in

my own treatment planning, or any doctor for that matter. After all, who knows

me and how I feel better than me?

Barbara

> >

> > Hi, i have fibro and quite severe depression. There is a link i'm sure but

depression has been with me for many years, even before fibro. I'm wondering if

anyone has any experience with taking Lexapro or Cymbalta (for depression, not

fibro). Is there a big difference between the two, is one better than the other,

are the side effects horrendous?

> > I have tried things like prozac, effexor, paxil etc....in the past but they

don't work that well. I've heard Lexapro and Cymbalta have had quite good

results though. I know some people here hate anti depressants and thats fine,

but i am at the point where i need help.

>

[Guest guest]

I have been on cymbalta a few days now and am feeling quite sick with side

effects. I guess its just a matter of getting used to it or hoping the side

effects wear off in a couple of weeks.

I have nausea, my whole body feels like its shaking on the inside (if that makes

sense) and i have the worst insomnia. Oh, and i'm sweating constantly....just

sitting still i start to sweat..bloody awful. Did anyone else have these side

effects and did they eventually stop? Doc said he'll give me two weeks on them

and if they haven't stopped we'll try something else.

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb:

Maybe starting on a lower dose  might help.  I couldn't tolerate cymbalta at

all.

I can't remember all the side effects now. But  Worse Fatigue and brain fog  &

insomnia

stick out.  I remember  I tripped  and broke my knee while on it!!