Psychopath and Narcissist Survivors Support Group

littlecat2 · Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 8:24 pm Post subject: ~ the value of a good doctor ~

During these awful times of dealing with and breaking away from the N's in our lives, we are often faced with emotions we either have never felt before, or which show up for the first time. For me ... depression has been part of my life since I was a child, but only 12 years ago did I decide to do something about it. Having been on Zoloft and Wellbutrin for all that time, my therapist (bless that man) felt I should seek the advice of another Psychiatrist - one who would see and "hear" me with new eyes so to speak, as he felt these 2 meds. were no longer working. Well, I knew that, but not being one who likes change very much, I dragged my heels, for one full year. Well, about 2-1/2 months ago I relented and went to the doctor he suggested, and as feared (for me!) he began the process of changing my meds. Now, I'd red horror stories of people coming off of Zoloft, especially when at the full dose (200 mg.) for that long, so believe me .... I was really scared. Well, bless that man ..... he went about this so wisely, slowly (and I mean very slowly!) reducing the Zoloft and discontinuing the Wellbutrin, and slowly adding Cymbalta, that all I noticed in the beginning was a mild headache and a few days of just not feeling like myself! I am not only on Cymbalta, and free of the Zoloft and I have to say it is possible to not go through horrible withdrawal from these meds. But, they key is having a doctor who really knows how and what they are doing. Just a bit of encouragement for those of you who may find yourself in the same spot.
abby
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oaktree · Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 360 Location: Minnesota

I was just going to ask--I changed Pdocs to one closer to work. I have PTSD.

Dr A (saw 3 yrs) had prescribed Clonazepam, Wellbutrin XL, and Traz for sleep. After about 2 yrs I began to feel more anxious and had more lengthy panic attacks. I was also dealing with some tough issues in therapy so I stayed the course for another year. This winter I had two very lengthy panic attacks and she made no changes. After two more weeks, I started feeling anxious almost continually. So I called her and she added Xanax and took me off the Clonazepam. She was annoyed that I wanted to get off the Clonazepam. She said I didnt have to come in for six months. I didnt think that was such a great idea because every thing I read about long term use of Xanax was not good.

Fast forward to Dr. B: Dr. B said I should not be taking benzo meds at all and she didnt like Wellbutrin XL for me either. She prescribed Effexor XR and continued the Traz for sleep. Today is my third day(I have done no driving since starting until today) and I woke up at 5:30 (abnormal) all perky, showered(abnormal-I always shower at night), and got my clothes on and started driving to work. Only problem was, I went 6 miles with the "Lutheran hour" on the radio before I realized it was Sunday!! Now I am having a flushed feeling and dizziness.

Has anyone taken Effexor XR and if so can you share your experience? Could the symptoms above be from the Effexor or is it just because I am changing meds? Makes me scared to drive to work tomorrow!

Oak
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Once You Have Been Bitten By A Snake, You Are Very Cautious, Even Of A Coiled Rope.

The Dalai Lama

littlecat2 · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:00 pm Post subject:

Hi there .... I have not taken Effexor, but I know you can find out a lot of information about it, not only from the flyer that comes with the meds. (I'm assuming you got one), but on line. Whenever I'm starting a new med - no matter what it's for - I literally go on a world-wide search for info. I've found out some pretty interesting things that way. You may have said, but I just want to be sure you're seeing a Psychiatrist for your medications ... my original P-doc was a recommendation from my then-family doctor, and my new one was a recommendation from my Psychologist. I'm always very careful when starting a new psych. med. as it takes awhile to know just how it will react in my system. When I started the Cymbalta and deleting the Zoloft/Wellbutrin, I planned to pretty much stick close to home til I knew how I'd be feeling, even to the extent of canceling a trip to see my kids.
abby
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