velveteen Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 I'm going to the doctor tomorrow morning. Things just haven't been right. I'm on 75mg of Effexor XR and have been for... I don't know 18 months or so? Prior to that I was on Seroxat (Paxil) for about the same amount of time. In the last 9 months, maybe more (I have issues with time), my general anxiety has gotten worse. Paranoia is worse. Mood swings are worse. Funnily enough the other "stuff" in my life has gotten better - I have a job I actually LIKE now, I have a great relationship with a guy who'd do cartwheels for me just to see me smile a bit, two great stepkids, a roof over my head, all the shit from the last couple of years is sorted... so why do I feel worse? I moved away from my pdoc who originally put me on Effexor. I live more than 130KM away so I can't just drop in. My GP is horrible, but she keeps giving me the script each month for my AD's. I need to tell her everything that is happening, but can I actually ASK for something else or do I have to go to a pdoc for that? If I could ask for something else, what could I take? Paxil worked fine for me, for a while... coming off of it was worse than my actual breakdown itself... Effexor has been a godsend... at least for the first year I guess... now, I just don't know... I need help. Anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelda Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 I'm going to the doctor tomorrow morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AirMarshall Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 There is no reason to suffer in silence! It is definitely appropriate to return to the doctor when things are not going well. It should be encouraging that you have seen meds do work and can make you feel better. I would suggest that rather than immediately ask for a particular med or adjustment, that rather you tell the doc things are not going well and describe your symptoms fully. The, let him respond with his thoughts and recommendations. It is better to let him make a decision with pressure from you. After that you can discuss his recommendations and your thoughts and preferences. Congratulations on your marriage and finding a good fellow. a.m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revlow Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 ...but can I actually ASK for something else...? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes, yes, yes. If I could ask for something else, what could I take?<{POST_SNAPBACK}> Since you mention your mood swings getting worse, have you considered a mood stabilizer? Also, agree with Zelda...lots of room to move up on Effexor. Excellent suggestions from AM. I have this sort of relationship with regular doc, and no pdoc. It is possible with a good doc, but you have to communicate your needs, what's going on with you, etc. Best, revlow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velveteen Posted April 24, 2006 Author Share Posted April 24, 2006 Thanks for your responses. I've got my list ready and my appt is in 20 min. I'm VERY anxious about it though... I have the feeling even if I get a referral or two, I may need to switch my GP anyway because I shouldn't feel like this before I see her. Or maybe that's just me and she's actually OK - I have no idea at the moment! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velveteen Posted April 24, 2006 Author Share Posted April 24, 2006 well, wouldn't you just fucking know it... I was in my doc's office all but 5 minutes when she got a call for an emergency. So, once AGAIN I did not get to talk to her about anything really. I have another appt on Thursday at 8am again. I was already upset on my way there, had some tears, and then lost it again when trying to make a new appt. THANK GOD R was with me so he could help me out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velveteen Posted April 24, 2006 Author Share Posted April 24, 2006 Something else: I do drink, probably more than I should, but less than an alcoholic or a binge-drinker, normally always red wine (usually only on weekends, *maybe* 8 units a week in total). Could this be having affect on me due to the Effexor? Also I just read that I should perhaps not take Melatonin - which I do take from time to time when I'm wound up and can not sleep. I take it instead of the sleeping pills my doctor gave me ages ago because those made me into a zombie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AirMarshall Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 Velveteen, I think most of us get nervous before any kind of doctor appointment, and especially one for MI issues. I've been seeing my pdoc who is very good, for almost 2 years. And I start worrying and thinking days ahead. Don't dump a good doctor. I'm very cautious, and skeptical, about most supplements. While I don't know much about melatonin, I would be concerned, since it does work directly on the brain. Particularly since you haven't got a firm diagnosis I would be hesitant about using it. Perhaps others who are more knowledgeable about melatonin can comment. We have to be very careful drinking alcohol. In years past, you may have been able to drink without any affect. Many of the MI meds can make alcohol unpredictable, getting intoxicated on one drink, or almost no affect after many. The major effects from alcohol are two. It is a depressant and most people report that it affects their mood for 2 -3 days afterward. Also, it is a sleep wrecker. While you may fall asleep more easily, and sleep longer, it alters your brain waves which provide the restorative sleep. Hence you will be more tired and mentally fuzzy the next day. It's best that we don't drink. Still, some doctors suggest that one drink, once or twice a week, is a reasonable limit. a.m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncc1701 Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Heya velveteen, Yes. And. From what I've learned - alcohol messes us up. Bla, others have more intelligent statements there. Talk to your FP about what's been happening -- write it down and be as *specific* as possible. It doesn't bother us (FPs) if we (patients) bring in suggested meds. If it makes sense. I hope you have a good chat on Thursday and that your doc's not on call!! --ncc-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bianca Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 I would always increase the dose of what I was currently on before trying another drug. You haven't given it time to reach its full potential. Well not time per say but theraputic dosage. Even though things are going great as they are for me as well you still have the disease. It won't just go away on its own. I hope everything works out for you. I like to drink wine as well. I start off slow and then all of a sudden the alcohol hits me. You really have to watch it. You almost feel like its non-alcoholic and then boom lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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