meds keep pooping out

[Sue357]

Hi.  I am a 54 year old woman who has suffered from depression, on and off, since I was 9.  In 1995, I was hospitalized with a nervous breakdown.  I was placed on 100 mg. of Zoloft which worked for years.  Then, after a major surgery 3 years ago ( colon resection) about 5-6 months later I began to have symptoms of anxiety/depression.  I was placed on .5 klonapin 3 times a day and my pdoc put me on Cymbalta.  Well, I couldn't take it as it made me really nauseas and dropped my bp I almost passed out a few times.  That began  a vicious circle of trying different meds which work for a while and then poop out.  Dosages get upped but eventually it is the same thing.  Now, I am on quite a combo of drugs( diagnosed GAD and possible bipolar 2).  I am afraid to list the drugs I am on as everytime I do so,,,,people don't try to give suggestions they just freak me out by saying things like Wow you are a walking medicine cabinet, etc.... But I will try and hope that people understand: Lexapro 30 mg. Lamictal 300 mg. klonopin 1 mg. three times a day, deplin ( methofoliate (sp?) 7.5 mg a day...which is classified as a medical food, to help augment the meds. and Seraquel...200 mg. in pm.  I was doing really well for 4-5 months but now they don't seem to be working...oh forgot  ativan .5 mg. as a prn when I am in a horrible anxiety attack.  I only take that about 4-5 times a month. I know that you are not to mix benzos but it does help. My pdoc says i have treatment resistant depression.  Has anyone else had experience with meds pooping out all the time?  Thanks.

[Sue357]

i have another question:  my pdoc is switching me to prozac from lexapro.  We are titrating the lexapro and adding the prozac.  i was on 30 mg of lexapro and am down to 20 and added the 20 mg prozac.  Tomorrow I will be dropping the lexapro to 10 and keeping the prozac at the same dose.  I have had this doc for years and really like and trust him.  The problem is that I am feeling very depressed.  he said I would be feeling better in 4 to 7 days but that has not happened so far.  Has anyone experienced this?  Thanks.

[Sue357]

Hi.  I had a physical last summer and a complete lab was done. My thyroid results came back normal.  I sleep very well at night,,,as a matter of fact, on the weekends I take about 2 hour naps.  I know it's because of the anxiety and depression. One thing I am going to check out is my heavy snoring.  I am going to my pcp, next week, to talk about perhaps getting a cpap.  I had a sleep study done about a year and a half ago and it came back that it showed that I only stop breathing about 5 times an hour.  At that time, they didn't think I qualifed for a cpap as they said that it needs to be about 15 times an hour.  I ( and my hubby) feel that I am snoring more now.

[DreamNaut]

Hello, have you made sure there is no physical causes of your depression i.e. thyroid, vitamin deficiencies, other health issues?

Although its not a permanent solution sleeping 4-5 hours will improve your depression. They use to sleep deprive people before AD's were developed. Sleep deprivation can be dangerous though :)  If you havn't had your thyroid checked please get it checked, thyroid disease mimics bipolar disease.

God bless,

JB

[spikerusty]

yeah both Lithium and T3 can be used separately with other antidepressants to increase their therapeutic effects as was considering this myself until feel more settled now on a combination of venlafaxine 375mg & escitalopram 20mg which appears to be suiting me better. I take the Omega 3 fish oil 950mg active EPA  tablets from holland & Barrett in the UK and 5-HTP Tryptophan again from that store. Think the fish oils are good as think they have made a difference but there big!! Lithium's got a long history of treatment for depression as appears to be successful for such severe and hard to reach cases. what about other SSRI / SSNI/ NaSSa etc combinations, Wellbrutin & venlafaxine if suffering from melancholic depression characterised by lethargy, excessiveness sleepinesss, social withdrawal and over eatting etc.. increases serotonin and dopamine ( to increase levels of activity & alertness) ??

[Sue357]

Thanks.  I have had my thyroid checked at my last physical, last summer, and it was normal.  i am not sure if he is going to put me on another bp drug like depakote.  He mentioned it at our last visit but opted for the the Prozac 20 mg, instead.  I am on Lamictal which I think is a mood stabilizer. He also said that he was putting me on the lowest dose of Prozac as we may up later. Have you ever heard of fish oil mood therapy pills?  I was taking those but stopped awhile back.  The fish oil was bothering my stomach but if it works I will start again.

[TheLightSeeker]

T3 is a Thyroid Hormone. It functions as a metabolic factor and most importantly as a neurotransmitter booster increasing serotonin production, which may help in certain brain/mental issues.
Lithium is antagonistic to T3 measurements though.
Lithium is  commonly prescribed for bp, as it has mood stabilizing properties.

Blessings to all
Nikodicreta

[Sue357]

Thanks. I was on Wellbutrin for years and even was put up to 300 mg.  It made my anxiety go through the roof!  I am hoping the Prozac works.  I saw my pdoc this week and he says that I have bipolar 2.  I am not familiar with that as I have only heard of bipolar ( manic-depression).  I have heard of lithium but what is T3?

[spikerusty]

sometimes revisiting old medication types that worked for some time before can actually work again i've read as worried that i may run out of options myself in the future and read about this on line. what about other augmenting strategies such as lithium or T3 or even the wellbrutin califionia rocket fuel option perhaps ??

[Sue357]

Thanks.  I will look at the health food store for the items you mentioned.  Right now I am on a low fat diet.  For dinner, it is mostly trial and error.  If I eat something that doesn;'t agree with me, I sure know it in the morning.  It has been 4 weeks since my surgery and I thought I would be back to normal by now.  As for the anxiety and depression, my pdoc is titrating down the Lexapro and switching me to Prozac, as I had that 15 years ago and it helped.  I took my self off because of feeling better and went into an episode so bad I ended up in the hospital!  Have you heard of Deplin?  It is a "medical food" methofoliate...it is supposed to augment your meds.  He upped that too.  I use to be into holistic meds, years ago, before I started this roller coaster.  I will keep you posted.  If you want, you can message me and we can talk more...thanks.

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi Sue!
Hang in there my dear.

Once a gallbladder is removed it is very important to be on bile salt  (animal based) supplements. They need to be taken with each meal in which fat is consumed otherwise your fats will not be properly processed by your body.

f what you do, fails to relieve diarrhea and other symptoms like bloating, then the next step t is to use bile acid "neutrilizing" supplements, like activated charcoal capsules.

Fat is the main stimulant for bile acid production. On a low-fat diet much less bile acid is produced by your body.  So please watch your fat intake.
(I suggest you try Virgin Organic Coconut Oil to replace other oils, specially cooking oils as they are pro- inflammatory - just ease into it - for its wonderful healing qualities- my daughter regained a big part of her health b'cause of coconut oil -she had severe G.I  and digestive issues-).

Mostly plant-food based (high-fiber) diet is  important - since dietary fibre helps "calm" the bile acids.

Please check though, with with a good Holistic Nutritionist.

Most Doctors, usually, ( I  get to interact  with a few of them as I know them on a personal basis), do not know or do not suggest these approaches as it not in their protocol (unfortunately).

I have a friend that is going trough a rough time after his gallbladder removal.
He's never been open to holistic or alternative health, and now he's opening up to it,
-slowly- since he's gotten worse actually after the surgery.

I  always recommend holistic, natural, safe and tested efficient approaches.
If you have any specific questions please leave me a note.

But please do your own research first before you decide anything.

Hope this information helps you with some of your physical issues.

God bless,
Nikodicreta

[Sue357]

Thanks so much.  i definatey worry about stuff too much, for sure.  My therapist and I are working on that.  Things seem to be complicated now after my gall bladder surgery.  Some mornings I wake up sick as a dog and hard to even think about trusting in my healing. I appreciate all of your good insight.  As for forgiving myself, that is something else we are working on as i still have a lot of guilt over the circumstances of Ryan's death.  I go see my pdoc today and will let you know what he says.  

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi Sue.

You've done amazingly good so far.
And I bet, you are not giving yourself enough credit.
There's purpose and meaning to our suffering, that it like a blessing in disguise.
I know, the manifestation of those physical, emotional and mental symptoms,
drags us down. Sometimes way down, to the point that our faith gets challenged, and we seem to lose our hope.
But there are special lessons, that are learnt, only this way, the hardest way!

You are this unique person that has a purpose in this life. And you have special help to fulfill this, despite the issues you are facing.

Start  with forgiving yourself (that is a big step) for anything that you may
be blaming yourself.
If that is difficult to do on your own (it is for most),then please consider my suggestion on Energy Spiritual Psychotherapy ( Feb 13 post).
This step is the first step toward true healing.
Practice using your intuition more and your mind less.
And your Spirit Guides will point you to the right direction (when you're ready) !
They are around you Sue!

Blessings
Nikodicreta

[Sue357]

Hi.  Thanks for answering.  I have never gone back on a drug after it pooped.  I was on Wellbutrin for a long time but it pooped and the doc even thought it was causing more anxiety as it is a stimulating drug.  I don;t know if I mentioned that I have ativan, 1/2 mg. as a "rescue drug", although my doc doesn't like me to take it, only if I have to, as it is another benzo and I am aready on klonopin.  Some of the drugs you mentioned I have not heard of, like cogentin and concerta.  I'm glad they're working for you.  When my meds are working, I am great.....doc has even toyed with the idea that I may have bp2.

[Sue357]

Thanks so much.  I pray you are right.  I am feeling so horrible now, depression and anxiety again.  I can't wait to go to see my pdoc tommorow.  What I don't look forward to is that he will probably adjust meds, change, ect.  We have done this dance so many times i am frustrated with it.

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi Sue.
Yes it is him!
He will continue to be there for you
and give you strength.
As I'm writing this , I feel a  powerful chill running through my body!
Not all the time (psychic)

gtg though.
Blessings
Nikodicreta.

[Sue357]

I was thinking about what you said about a male who is around me.  Like I said, my son Ryan, age 19, was murdered in 1997.  It's interesting what you said about a male being around me....I hope and pray that it is him.  I miss him so much, even after all these years.  i also have a surving son who is 28 now, married and I have a 2 1/2 year old grandaughter who brings me joy.  Are you a psychic by any chance?  I was curious that you said that.  Thanks.

Weezer:  You are on more meds than I am.  Do they work for you?  I see  pdoc and a therapist.  I see my pdoc this wednesday and will discuss with him.  Thanks.

[weezer555]

I get offline comments from general practitioners about my "many meds"
tegretol, lamictal,wellbutrin, abilify, cogentin,klonopin,concerta alt. with adderall,pristiq
I have to change anti depressants when they stop working. This per my psychiatrist is not unusual. I find that the stimulants work incredibly well for my depression. This is often last resort.
I researched meds and chemicals that helped with my depression and found that those targeting dopamine worked best. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant in its own class and has helped me.    Why not write a list of meds and non prescription chemicals that help, you may find a pattern/or your Doctor if youre not familiar with pharmacology and brain function.
Sometimes it can also be situational and no antidepressant can help that.

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi Sue,

Well, I was not surprised with your answers.
You are sure holding enough inside you.

  My  past life - as it feels like it was another life- was marked with events, illness, accidents,   dysfunctional enviroment, name it, it manifested in my younger years! Long story!
  It must be for my good Karma credits and or my Spirit guides, that somehow managed to get out of this sh.., smelling like a rose!  
Enough about me.

The suggestion that I will make, has to do with the real reasons, why our lives are what they are, with all the events and all the challenges that we are presented with.

One of the most profound healing modalities, that I have worked with, is  Energy Spiritual Psychotherapy.
Please take time to explore this area, as it may hold the key to unlocking events, emotions, energies, all being held deep inside you, and manifesting into everything you mentioned in your original post( and probably more).

The possibility of experiencing a shift towards true healing lies within us.
What would be  most important, is  finding an intuitive and caring enough Therapist in this specific area of Psychotherapy to facilitate this for you.
In AZ there must be a few such special people. Just do a search.
As I am from Canada, I personally  don't know anyone in AZ,
but I'm hopeful I'll connect with some in a conference coming up in the spring.

Please post your opinion and should you have any questions,
please feel free to do so here, anytime.

This might be difficult for you to answer, but if you are up to it
please give it a try : What was your relationship like, with your Dad, your Mom
and your oldest Son.

The 15 min. therapy is good for you, but why is it so short?

Blessings
Nikodicreta



  

[Sue357]

Thanks.  Nikodecreta.  My parents died when I was in my 20's, but I believe my mom suffered from depression too.  Back then, all they did was put her on Librium.  My dad was an alcoholic, so I think he was self medicating.  Also, I never thought about the GI problems.  They started in sept. 07.  I for got to mention that my oldest son was murdered 13 years ago, at the age of 19.  Funny thing is I got through that fine, as far as meds were concerned.  I am going to see my pdoc on Wednesday and see what he wants to do.  I also just had my gall bladder out 3 weeks ago.  I am not sure if that has anything to do with it. It is so frustrating to have drugs work for a while and then stop. I love my pdoc, he has been my doc for years now ( med maintenace) until a couple of years ago.  I am also in therapy.  I counted it it was about 10 years since Ryan died that i started experiencing these issues.  The part that is bad is that I only get 15 minutes with my doc so I have to talk fast.  Thanks for all the good feedback everyone, it is good to know i am not the only one.

[finsright]

I have a problem with drugs working for a while and then stop working. I was afraid I'd run out of opions but what my phy and I discovered is that I tend to build up a resistance to a drug after about a year or so depending on drug. But the good news is after a break from the drug I can switch back and it will work for me so I just have to keep changing around. I also understand about the "medicine cabitnet" peole think I'm a drug addict but when they live with differnt health problems as I do they can say something. My mother is the worst and she has been a prescription addict since I can remember! Just remember we need what we that and if others object give them your drs phone number and tell them to take it up with them, the doctor has a degree friends and family don't. Don't give up all that keeps me going is the hope that one day my dr will find the perfect "cocktail". Good Luck

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi Sue.

No, I'm not interested in making any judgments. It serves no useful purpose.

I will present you  though with one challenging question: Why have you been suffering so much, most of your life, and still suffering ?
And of course, I don't expect a clinical or medical answer.

  My second question is : Do you know what your mom's state of health was
( emotional and physical)  while pregnant , carrying you?

My third question is : How early did you experience serious G.I. and/or Digestive issues?

My attempt - or better put, my intuition - to answer your question is as follows:
Your body is not unable to assimilate certain chemicals in your meds, rendering them
useless ("pooping out" as per your own description)
And this is because of your compromised absorption at the G.I. level.
Certain other meds are simply too reactive in your body that -for your own protection of sorts- bring about severe symptoms. This results in discontinuing these drugs.

I am not  very familiar with medications and pharmacology. So I have no opinion on specific  drugs that may or may not work.
Everything I suggest is natural and holistic.
And if you have the patience and determination, I will offer you some suggestions.

One part of  you has  an extremely strong constitution - despite all your issues- and that keeps you going. And that is the part that my suggestions will be directed to.
(Hmm ! It feels as if there's another person who is around, and helping you!
Male, I think, but not clear. Somebody who has passed on. Somebody that cares and is giving you strength.) Any ideas who that might be?

  For now please consider answering the above questions, as much as you are able to.

  Blessings,
Nikodicreta

[internetgirl]

"I am afraid to list the drugs I am on as everytime I do so,,,,people don't try to give suggestions they just freak me out by saying things like Wow you are a walking medicine cabinet, etc..."

I can relate as my family calls it my "mobile pharmacy" and it is quite annoying. I once took Elavil and it stopped working, so I switched to Pamelor (another drug in the same class). I know that I in my lifetime many allergy drugs have "stopped working" for me. Even though they are hard to resist, benzos (that I took for pain) sent me on a vicious rebound cycle so I have to avoid them all together. Right now I am dealing with various medications interacting and "canceling each other out." So yes, your situation is possible, and really what I have found is to keep trying doctors (even though that is really annoying!) and keep researching on your own. No one knows how you feel except you. Good luck!