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Posted 2/10/2016 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
cry

Haven't posted much and not for a while so quick check in. Depression, anxiety (constant choking feeling). I'm getting frustrated with all the med changes and how imperfect of a science it is. One med causes one side effect so my doc puts me on something to target the side effect, etc.

Started on Zoloft, never felt better, so was put on Effexor, which seemed to cause restless leg in me. My doc then added Ambien for the restless leg... I took it all of 5 times before I realized it's dangerous for me due to the "hang over" effects the next day. I was on the lowest dose! He took me off of Ambien and put me on Belsomra, but that didn't do anything for my restless leg. So we got off of Effexor and he put me on imipramine (sp?) which caused me to develop a sort of mania. But I actually felt GOOD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS! I reported the manic symptoms to him and he freaked out and yanked me off that and now I'm on Lamictal and Belsomra. Belsomra sort of works for me (although now that I don't have restless leg... it's for my mania? Not even sure), but it sucks. Minutes before I fall asleep on Belsomra, my feet itch like crazy. It's maddening. THis happens for hours before I finally get up, defeated. The moment I get up, no more itchiness. No one seems to be reporting this as a side effect, but I called Merck just to be sure.

I've taken up some new hobbies. Working out, betta fish keeping (addicting hobby!), I quit my mental health job and have had a really promising interview last week for a special ed position in a high school. My throat has been doing really well, unfortuately I attribute it to the imipramine. Despite the manic symptoms, I barely ever felt suffocated on the drug. Now that I'm off imipramine, I have mild throat feelings.

Did a full esophagram and thyroid ultra sound, found to be completely healthy despite mild acid reflux. Doesn't explain the choking throat. Should I be happy? Probably will get another call to be prescribed another medication. Since my adventure started in October, I've started and stopped an alarming number of medications. I have bottles of unused meds just sitting there. Quite a collection. I should get it all out of my house.

As far as I know, Lamictal is a mood stabilizer, which makes sense for my recent bout of mania due to imipramine, but I was never manic before (i'm not bipolar), so I'm confused as to why he put me on this, but not another antidepressant! And what about my anxiety?!

I'm so confused. Turned into a rant about medications. Less than a year ago, I took Aleve PM for occasional sleepless nights, and that was it. Look where I'm at now.

tinypixie
Posted 2/10/2016 4:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi TP,

Welcome back and thanks for the update/checking in. :)

It sounds like you have had some ups and downs...as to be expected with your med changes and trying to find the right Rx's for your management plan. Hang in there...it can be a difficult process.

Do you see a P-doc, or are you being prescribed by your GP? If you are not currently seeing a psych, you may want to ask for a referral...as they have the best knowledge of psychotropics and could help you find your best match!

How about your coping skills regimen? I hope you are able to make time for this, as it will help any start up and/or transitions easier...as well as giving you invaluable tools for daily anxiety management.:)

How about therapy? Sorry I can't remember if you are currently seeing someone? If not, and this is a possibility...I highly recommend it.

I hope that you hear soon about the job, and that you are made a great offer! Keep us posted on that...

...and I am also sending positive thoughts about your throat symptom staying mild and even becoming a thing of the past!

Be encouraged...there is help and hope. Doing all that you can for your recovery will see you feeling your best again soon.

S.C.
Posted 2/10/2016 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much, SC.
I'm seeing a psych doc and a therapist. Coping skills.... My therapist is on me about that all the time! My old job, all I would do is tell the patients to "use your skills!" but in reality, it's really hard. I guess I just thought I was above that. So not the case. Need more kicks in the pants I think. I know a lot of DBT but thinking CBT might be more suited for me.

Today is a positive day for me, It's incredibly cold where I live but the sun is out, and I'm almost through cleaning the entire house. Getting my 10,000 steps in!

xoxo
Posted 2/10/2016 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
tinypixie,

To possibly save money and waste you might consider asking your Dr. about sample packs of the medication(s) he wants you to try. The sample packs are given to Physicians by the drug Reps. Just a thought :-)
Posted 2/10/2016 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
Great idea. We did that with the belsomra, but none others.
Posted 2/11/2016 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
Great job of pushing forward towards your recovery!

I can see from your positive outlook and all that you are doing, that you are going to be successful! :)

Keep us updated, so we can keep you on support!

S.C.
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