Re: Re: Medication Question

[Guest guest]

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

> > ilducks2004 wrote:

Amitriptyline

HCI,

> > Leazapro and Celebrex.

==================================================

Tim,

I have been on Lexapro and Celebrex before myself.....Celebrex in 2001...and Lexapro in Feb and March.

The Celebrex made me feel exactly what you described...that drunken, hangover headache feeling. And, like most of those kinds of meds....it didn't work diddly squat for me.

The Lexapro....well, If I had stayed on it and could of gotten the dosage upped....it might have worked...I dunno. I was on the starting dose of it.

I was on Paxil 80mg/day (60mg/day is the highest safest limit) on Feb. 18 and on Feb 19, I was on 10mg Lexapro. Talk about a HUGE change!

I think that maybe if the jerk would of started me out on a higher dose of it instead....it might have worked better.

Good luck...and I hope those pesky side effects go away!

Tonia

____________________________________________________ IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here

[Guest guest]

Tim,

I am really sorry that this stuff is giving such a bad reaction. Take them at night, that is what my doctor told me to do. It is suppose to lessen the reaction more, but I had shaking and felt like my brain was stuffed with cotton. It lasted around 4 days. If you are having a reaction that it is causing you not to sleep then if you are taking it at night switch to taking it in the morning. It really will be worth it once your body gets used to it. However, if you keep on with these reactions for more than a week, call your doctor and let him know.

I hope you feel better soon.

ilducks2004 wrote:

,I was up and down all night, I never had problems falling a sleep before, just woke up a lot due to pain, its been 24 hours since I last took them and jeese still feel cruddy. Getting ready to take them again see how tomorrow goes.Tim> First off I apologize if I haven't replied to previous messages the > last few days, bad week.> >

I went to my new Doctor and he has placed me on Amitriptyline HCI, > Leazapro and Celebrex.> > The pain has not subsided and I am now in this funky fog. I feel like > I am a few steps off. I know Lexapro and Amitriptyline are aniti > depressents and when used in combination tend to block pain receptors > but how long doese it take to work.> > Just feeling this way for two days is enough and there is no pain > relief so whats the point. I rather have the pain than to feel this > out of whack. The only way I can describe it is its like a really bad > hang-over without the pounding headache.> > The doctor wants to see me weekly until I start experiencing pain > relief so I can hang with this for another week, just wanted to know > if any others experienced this and is it a short term reaction?> > Hope you are all well!> > Tim>

> > >

[Guest guest]

Okay, I'm going to play social worker here and type out some stuff from the DSM-IV the "bible" for the diagnosis of psychological disorders. This may only serve to further gum up the works, but it may offer clarification. Please note the only recognized official diagnoses for substance-related issues are "Substance Dependence", "Substance Withdrawal", "Substance Intoxication" (or a variation of these based on the specific substance that is involved such as "______ Abuse"). The diagnostic criteria for Substance Dependence is as follows:

"A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three or more of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12 months period:

(1) tolerance, as defined by either of the following:

(a) a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication

or desired effect

( markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the

substance

(2) withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:

(a) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance (refer to.....the

criteria sets for Withdrawal from the specific substance)

( the same (or closely related) substnace is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal

symptoms

(3) the substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was

intended

(4) there is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance

use

(5) a great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (e,g,

visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), to use the substnace (e.g. chain-

smoking), or recover from its effects

(6) important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up to reduced

because of substance use

(7) the substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent

physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated

by the substance (e.g. current concaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced

depression, or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse

by alcohol consumption)"

The specifiers of "With Physiological Dependence" or "Without Physiological Dependence" are also added to the diagnosis to indicate evidence (or lack thereof) of either tolerance or withdrawal.

"Addiction" is not used an offiicial diagnostic label in the nomenclature, but rather is used as a societal label or used by the lay person interchangeably with dependence. The actual diagnoses that are recognized are only the ones stated above. Safe to assume that the term "addiction" is the way "dependence" is negatively connoted by society. Addiction is not a formally recognized clinical diagnosis but rather an informal reference used by supports groups (AA/NA) and in day-to-day informal conversations by clinicians as they talk about people who have the formal diagnosis of "Substance Dependence"

Okay, taking the social worker hat off now and donning my gardener cap. Barbara

[Guest guest]

Barbara, If it is ok with you I am going to print this off and show my doctor. Thanks for the information.

BARBARA TORREY wrote:

Okay, I'm going to play social worker here and type out some stuff from the DSM-IV the "bible" for the diagnosis of psychological disorders. This may only serve to further gum up the works, but it may offer clarification. Please note the only recognized official diagnoses for substance-related issues are "Substance Dependence", "Substance Withdrawal", "Substance Intoxication" (or a variation of these based on the specific substance that is involved such as "______ Abuse"). The diagnostic criteria for Substance Dependence is as follows:

"A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three or more of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12 months period:

(1) tolerance, as defined by either of the following:

(a) a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication

or desired effect

( markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the

substance

(2) withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:

(a) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance (refer to.....the

criteria sets for Withdrawal from the specific substance)

( the same (or closely related) substnace is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal

symptoms

(3) the substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was

intended

(4) there is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance

use

(5) a great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (e,g,

visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), to use the substnace (e.g. chain-

smoking), or recover from its effects

(6) important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up to reduced

because of substance use

(7) the substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent

physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated

by the substance (e.g. current concaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced

depression, or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse

by alcohol consumption)"

The specifiers of "With Physiological Dependence" or "Without Physiological Dependence" are also added to the diagnosis to indicate evidence (or lack thereof) of either tolerance or withdrawal.

"Addiction" is not used an offiicial diagnostic label in the nomenclature, but rather is used as a societal label or used by the lay person interchangeably with dependence. The actual diagnoses that are recognized are only the ones stated above. Safe to assume that the term "addiction" is the way "dependence" is negatively connoted by society. Addiction is not a formally recognized clinical diagnosis but rather an informal reference used by supports groups (AA/NA) and in day-to-day informal conversations by clinicians as they talk about people who have the formal diagnosis of "Substance Dependence"

Okay, taking the social worker hat off now and donning my gardener cap. Barbara

[Guest guest]

Reprinted with permission.

Thanks Barbra,

Use full to see in print.

Happy gardening!!

Laurie

[Guest guest]

,

Hang in there babe. I know how it's hard not do normal things. One day you can

and the next your down for the fight. It's a roller coaster effect.

Hope they can adjust medication for you.

Laurie'

[Guest guest]

No problem. barbara Shoemaker wrote:

Barbara, If it is ok with you I am going to print this off and show my doctor. Thanks for the information.

BARBARA TORREY wrote:

Okay, I'm going to play social worker here and type out some stuff from the DSM-IV the "bible" for the diagnosis of psychological disorders. This may only serve to further gum up the works, but it may offer clarification. Please note the only recognized official diagnoses for substance-related issues are "Substance Dependence", "Substance Withdrawal", "Substance Intoxication" (or a variation of these based on the specific substance that is involved such as "______ Abuse"). The diagnostic criteria for Substance Dependence is as follows:

"A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three or more of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12 months period:

(1) tolerance, as defined by either of the following:

(a) a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication

or desired effect

( markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the

substance

(2) withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:

(a) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance (refer to.....the

criteria sets for Withdrawal from the specific substance)

( the same (or closely related) substnace is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal

symptoms

(3) the substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was

intended

(4) there is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance

use

(5) a great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (e,g,

visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), to use the substnace (e.g. chain-

smoking), or recover from its effects

(6) important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up to reduced

because of substance use

(7) the substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent

physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated

by the substance (e.g. current concaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced

depression, or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse

by alcohol consumption)"

The specifiers of "With Physiological Dependence" or "Without Physiological Dependence" are also added to the diagnosis to indicate evidence (or lack thereof) of either tolerance or withdrawal.

"Addiction" is not used an offiicial diagnostic label in the nomenclature, but rather is used as a societal label or used by the lay person interchangeably with dependence. The actual diagnoses that are recognized are only the ones stated above. Safe to assume that the term "addiction" is the way "dependence" is negatively connoted by society. Addiction is not a formally recognized clinical diagnosis but rather an informal reference used by supports groups (AA/NA) and in day-to-day informal conversations by clinicians as they talk about people who have the formal diagnosis of "Substance Dependence"

Okay, taking the social worker hat off now and donning my gardener cap. Barbara

[Guest guest]

Thanks, I am on Neurontin and they did increase it but thats all. I am trying to get someone to help me, no one yet.

"lroepke@..." wrote:

,Hang in there babe. I know how it's hard not do normal things. One day you can and the next your down for the fight. It's a roller coaster effect.Hope they can adjust medication for you.Laurie'

[Guest guest]

Tim,

I know by this time you have probably gone back to your doctor, but I wanted to respond to your e-mail regarding the new meds and that you can't concentrate because of the pain, not because you are depressed. I am on Lexapro 10mg at night, and the way it was explained to me was the med works on the part of your brain that registers pain, and is also supposed to help me sleep. So if your doc prescribed it for you more than likely he is not using it to treat depression, but is using it to treat the pain which in the long run will hopefully help you concentrate. I don't know that it is helping me a whole lot and I know what you mean about not being able to concentrate because of the pain. This happens to me when I'm trying to work, and it is a battle I have to face every day. I feel like I'm not doing my job as well as I used to, and it makes me feel terrible. I live in fear of getting fired every single day. I feel like they will "find me out" that I can't do a great job anymore. But I try and so far they still seem satisfied with the amount and quality of work that I accomplish. It is very hard though and I find myself crying my way through each day - some due to pain and some due to frustration. As for the side effects, I have been on many different anti-depressants because I can't handle the side effects. When I started the Lexapro, my doc had me start with only 1/4 of a pill to try and minimuze the side effects. I gradually increased the dose over time and now I can take a whole pill without too much problem, so maybe you should start out a little lower - just something to ask your doc about maybe. Anyway, even though I'm late I wanted to let you know that you are not alone with the lack of concentration and yes, it is so very frustrating. Hang in there. I'm down to about 400 e-mails guys so bear with me, but I have to go to work now...ugh. I hope everyone has a good day and I'll talk to you all later.

<Big Hugs> Lori