Running out of solutions

[brian3131]

I am a 23 year old male who has suffered from extreme panic disorder, medical issues and anxiety disorders. I have aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, underactive thyroid, aura migraines, asthma, vocal cord dysfunction, and a few other minor issues.

When I started taking my first antidepressant, I was 16 and house bound for two years. The medicine I started was Prozac. It was a miracle. I felt brand new, I wanted to go to school and I began having a social life again.

Unfortunately, the medicine lost its affect no matte how high the dosages went. Then I was put on Paxil. Again, a miracle moment. I felt better than ever and this time it lasted 3-4 years. I barely had anxiety, and I didn’t even need a benzo at the time.

After that medicine started working, I tried several more, hoping to get the relief again. I tried Zoloft, Cymbalta, Zyprexa, Valium, Elavil, Xanax (made me more nervous), Klonopin, Ativan (currently on), Abilify and Seroquel.

None of these medicines, on any dose took away my panic or anxiety.

I had a 24 hour urine collection to test for tumors on my adrenal glands, as well as my dopamine level, etc. But it came back normal.

I started taking Effexor, after doing some serious research of my own. After 3 days on the low dose, I felt healed. I felt amazing and incredible. I drove across the state, and actually went on vacation.

I came down with bronchitis and needed an antibiotic according to my doctor. So I took amoxicillin, and started to realize that my Effexor wasn’t working. I learned that the antibiotic actually cancelled out my medicine. I found that this happened to a lot of people who were in the same situation.

Ever since then, my Effexor never felt the same, and even after upping the dose, still nothing.

I know that whatever is wrong, is in fact in my brain. I have had MRI’s, MRA’s, EEGs..etc.

All negative.

I have tried for 15 years all natural ways of dealing with this, with not one once of difference. Books, meditation (I even meditated with a monk), breathing, exercising, diets. Everything.

What should my next move be? I currently am in therapy weekly and see a psychiatrist every few weeks, who always seems baffled.

I was told because of my childhood and life trauma, along with biological differences, that medicine might not work for me, the same way it does for someone else with the same problems.

My therapist recommends a PET scan, But my Psychiatrist disagrees...


My therapist was also talking about Genetic conditions that could play a role, since my biology is clearly "odd"

What would be a way to see if or which Genetic condition I might have? I was looking at this list:

http://www.kumc.edu/gec/support/

Can someone please help me?

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this.

-Brian

[lj340]

Sorry you have had such a horrible time. I would at least look into seeing a licensed naturopath doctor.
Here is a link you could use to find the closest one:
http://www.naturopathic.org/
I plan on making an appointment to the one I found close to me. I’m currently organizing all my medical records to take to her.
Also, here is a VERY interesting website where you can order a DNA test that will actually test for diseases that run in your family. Here is the website:
https://www.23andme.com/
I’m personally fascinated by this. Hang in there!!! NEVER give up! There is hope even though you may not feel it. Keep pressing on. Take one day at a time.
God bless!

[Red_Star]

SSRI's (select serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like Prozac do not increase the amount of serotonin molecules in the brain. SSRI's are thought to block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin by certain nerve cells in the brain and this theoretically leaves more serotonin available. If you have low serotonin to begin with these medications will not work well or work for a while then stop working.

Due to your symptoms, magnesium deficiency is the #1 suspect. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency are numerous but include anxiety, panic attacks, migranes, asthma, calcium build up (aortic stenosis is due to calcium build up).

Magnesium is a necessary element in the release and uptake of serotonin by brain cells. Over 70% of serotonin is made in the gut.  Taking antibiotics can lower the magnesium level and therefore the serotonin level.

Only 1% of the magnesium found in the body is in the blood which is why no blood test is accurate.  The most absorbable forms of magnesium are citrate, glycinate, taurate, or aspartate. Most people benefit from 400 to 1,000 mg of magnesium a day. If you have kidney problems check with your doctor before supplementing.


***

Excerpt from Integrative Psychiatry: Don't Just Treat The Symptoms, Treat The Cause: Serotonin...

"The following factors can cause low serotonin levels:

Alcohol
Artificial sweeteners (aspartame)
Caffeine
Cigarette Smoking
Diabetes
Dietary deficiencies of nutrient co-factors
Ecstasy, Diet Pills, and certain medications
Genetic Predisposition
Hormone Imbalances (thyroid, adrenal, estrogen)
Hypoglycemia
Insulin Resistance
Inflammation
Infections
Poor Diet
Lack of exercise
Lack of sunlight
Problems converting tryptophan to Serotonin
Problems with Digestion
Stress and Anger
High Cortisol Levels

Low Serotonin Symptoms

Low serotonin levels are often attributed to anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, obesity, fibromyalgia, eating disorders, chronic pain, migraines, and alcohol abuse.

Negative thoughts, low self-esteem, obsessive thoughts and behaviors, PMS, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are also symptoms of low serotonin."

[silverfox67]

    I am so sorry that your medications stopped working for you.  Have you tried seeing a Natural Healing doctor?  There are a lot of remedies that aren't listed in your list above.
      Aconite is the one recommended for anxiety attacks that make one feel like they are going to die.  
     Gelsemium is more for panic attacks like stage fright.
      You might have to see a naturapath to determine which natural remedy is right for you.  Valerian is also good for anxiety.
      I hope that you find the right homeopathic remedy for you.  Remember the drugs originally were made from herbs and plants.  The new ones seem to be made of chemicals and can cause a chemical imbalance.

         Wishing you the best