Lars Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 First post I am on a combo consisting of Effexor XR 375MG, Surmontil 150MG and Lyrica 600MG daily. Doing ok I guess.Mood is a bit low and I'm worrying a bit about nonsense. Thinking about adding BuSpar to help the AD's work better and help the excessive worrying. Will this be too much meds? And do you think it will help my symptoms? I am not suffering from any side effects. Dx's: BPD, MDD and GAD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artemisia Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 First post I am on a combo consisting of Effexor XR 375MG, Surmontil 150MG and Lyrica 600MG daily. Doing ok I guess.Mood is a bit low and I'm worrying a bit about nonsense. Thinking about adding BuSpar to help the AD's work better and help the excessive worrying. Will this be too much meds? And do you think it will help my symptoms? I am not suffering from any side effects. Dx's: BPD, MDD and GAD. OK, 375 mg of Effexor may be exactly what you need, but it's a pretty hefty dose... Did you notice a marked improvement in mood in the first few months of Effexor? If so, then it's probably working... (although it might be getting less effective now...) What other antidepressants have you tried? If none or very few, I'd be tempted to start by swapping the Effexor for something else (for instance, the Wellbutrin). It's not that I think that that's too many meds, but I'm just wondering whether the Effexor has been working... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GroovyGwen Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 You're discussing this w/ your pdoc, right? Just checking... If you are already on a high dose of effexor, then I am suspicious of taking another to help it work better. Maybe there is one better suited for you as Artemisia said. If you feel that the effexor is really helping then adding another may not be a bad idea. There are plenty of people on 4 different meds. It's the "cocktail" effect of different meds in combination that bring about positive effects. I understand though. My doc wants to put me on topamax to get my weight down, and I'm hesitant. i take a bunch of pills already and am wary about taking another drug with more possible side effects or the potential to mess with whatever semblance of sanity I have now. You might as well give what your doc says a shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars Posted April 6, 2008 Author Share Posted April 6, 2008 You're discussing this w/ your pdoc, right? Just checking... If you are already on a high dose of effexor, then I am suspicious of taking another to help it work better. Maybe there is one better suited for you as Artemisia said. If you feel that the effexor is really helping then adding another may not be a bad idea. There are plenty of people on 4 different meds. It's the "cocktail" effect of different meds in combination that bring about positive effects. I understand though. My doc wants to put me on topamax to get my weight down, and I'm hesitant. i take a bunch of pills already and am wary about taking another drug with more possible side effects or the potential to mess with whatever semblance of sanity I have now. You might as well give what your doc says a shot. Yes I'm discussing this with my Dr. I feel that ALL my drugs have helped me, especially the Effexor. But I feel it isn't enough. It feels that I need a little mood boost and some more anxiolysis. Lyrica has killed a lot of anxiety and I love it for that. Effexor pulled me out of a black pit.And keeps me from being sucked down there again. Surmontil calms me down at night, and boosts mood. I've tried wellbutrin for a couple of months with no relief, it just felt like I'd drunk too much coffee. What I've been trying to ask is: Do you think Buspar will help some of my symptoms?And work well with my other drugs? I am Norwegian, and suck at English and using forums. Sorry for any inconveniance. Btw: I've tried zyprexa, seroquel, geodon, remeron, wellbutrin, solian, celexa, prozac, lithium, depakote, lamictal, truxal, nozinan, thorazine and I think there's lot more. The ones I'm on is the cream of the crop. But i feel I need a little lift. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsloony Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 Your english is very good - i never would have known it wasn't your first language until you pointed it out! I don't think its a question of how many meds are too many- its so complicated- whats more important is finding a combiation that works for you. I don't think buspar is an AD- I believe it is an anti anxiety at least that is what it seems to typically be used for. ( or tried for anyway, I've known only a few people who had success with buspar as an anti anxiety. I know it didn't do much of anything for me) Honestly I'm surprised that you've tried so many things without them helping. For me, when that happened with ADs, eventually I went back to square one, and started the very first one I'd tried years before. It actually worked much better at that point. I just mentioned this on another thread- have you considered an MAOI? the dietary restrictions suck, but it seems you are feeling that you are running low on choices at this point. might be worth talking to pdoc about this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars Posted April 7, 2008 Author Share Posted April 7, 2008 Thanks, and I know it's an anxiolytic. But I have heard of it being used as an add on to AD's to increase there effectiveness. I LOVE all my meds, and do not want to "trade" them out, but add something on. The only MAOI used in Norway is Aurorix (meclobemid) And my Dr. said it will likely increase my anxiety, and then I have to discontinue Surmontil and Effexor. And I do NOT want to do that. Without these drugs I would just lie in my bed and cry and being so depressed I start to hallucinate. And the anxiety is a chapter for itself... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars Posted April 13, 2008 Author Share Posted April 13, 2008 If anyone cares: Me and my doc decided to go for Abilify, 10 mg in the morning. Have had no other SE than sa mild restless feeling. My moods already feels a bit higher and more robust. Just wanted to share. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChemistryExperiment Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Glad the abilify is seeming to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LikeMinded Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Hi Lars-- I, like others, didn't note that your first language wasn't English until looking at your location. Honestly, I wish I could communicate as well in my second language (German). In any event, I'm glad you have found a combo of meds that will help you. I can safely say that "psychopharmacology" really is in its infancy (still), no "perfect drug" exists, and that many MIs will have to be on large "cocktails" that fit all of their chemical needs. For now, providing that you can tolerate the side effects and that you feel everything's effective, then there's really no need to worry -- if you have any other concerns, check them out with your psychiatrist. As for me, nothing lifted me out of dark depression until I added trazodone to my Cymbalta (the latter which you may know as duloxetine or Yentreve as well). It also helped me sleep a little better. However, one neurological infection later, I found myself on at least 8 medications (and I'll be getting a few more once they find the responsible organism!). So, at least to me, the idea of taking four meds doesn't seem so bad in general. Then again, it just depends on the med/s involved. While I was on Zyprexa (olanzapine), that one med was enough to (ironically) drive me crazy (with akathisia, that is). Anyways, again, glad you found the right combination, and keep us posted as to how this "cocktail" keeps up on you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChemistryExperiment Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 However, one neurological infection later, I found myself on at least 8 medications (and I'll be getting a few more once they find the responsible organism!). So, at least to me, the idea of taking four meds doesn't seem so bad in general. Then again, it just depends on the med/s involved. While I was on Zyprexa (olanzapine), that one med was enough to (ironically) drive me crazy (with akathisia, that is). First off, I read bolded word as orgasm and I was like WHAT THE FUCK!? yeah. kind of confused there for a minute. On to the real topic. I totally agree with you... The idea of four meds doesn't seem so bad. And Zyprexa is The Devil. so.... yeah. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars Posted April 14, 2008 Author Share Posted April 14, 2008 I have another question. How long does it take for Abilify to reach its full effectiveness? And is my dose sufficient for mild to moderate depression, mild paranoid/distorted thinking and suicide prevention? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars Posted April 16, 2008 Author Share Posted April 16, 2008 Aaand I just traded out my Surmontil 150mg in favor of 45mg Remeron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GroovyGwen Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Woohoo! You having fun on the medication carousel? Or med-go-round as it is sometimes called. Wheeeeee! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars Posted April 17, 2008 Author Share Posted April 17, 2008 Woohoo! You having fun on the medication carousel? Or med-go-round as it is sometimes called. Wheeeeee! Lol. No, I am just trying to find something to make me feel less crappy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artemisia Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 Woohoo! You having fun on the medication carousel? Or med-go-round as it is sometimes called. Wheeeeee! Lol. No, I am just trying to find something to make me feel less crappy. I can only assume that Supergwen's comment was sarcastic... Although I think "med rollercoaster" would be more appropriate. Then again, some people do "recycle" their meds, and the rollercoaster analogy doesn't really convey that cyclicality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars Posted April 17, 2008 Author Share Posted April 17, 2008 Woohoo! You having fun on the medication carousel? Or med-go-round as it is sometimes called. Wheeeeee! Lol. No, I am just trying to find something to make me feel less crappy. I can only assume that Supergwen's comment was sarcastic... Although I think "med rollercoaster" would be more appropriate. Then again, some people do "recycle" their meds, and the rollercoaster analogy doesn't really convey that cyclicality. Yes, agreed I switched from remeron to surmontil to avoid the hunger, but then i needed to get higher and higher on surmontil, then got the same hunger PLUS urinary hesitancy, sooo, i switchet back to remeron. Hallo chocolate and cake!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GroovyGwen Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 Yup, I was being my typical sarcastic self. It all gets very tiring to be constantly tweaking. Cheers on the chocolate and cake! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars Posted April 18, 2008 Author Share Posted April 18, 2008 Yup, I was being my typical sarcastic self. It all gets very tiring to be constantly tweaking. Cheers on the chocolate and cake! And you're just lovely! Is there anything to do to stop "the munchies" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artemisia Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 Is there anything to do to stop "the munchies" Supposedly, some people can use their iron will not to consume extra sweets... Perhaps you can ask your doctor (or pharmacist*) about an appetite suppressant that woudn't interfere with your current cocktail? *here in the U.S., your average pharmacist knows more about drug interactions than your average doctor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GroovyGwen Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 Yup, I was being my typical sarcastic self. It all gets very tiring to be constantly tweaking. Cheers on the chocolate and cake! And you're just lovely! Is there anything to do to stop "the munchies" I dunno - I have a script for Topamax, which cuts the appetite with some people. I haven't filled it yet so we'll see. Meanwhile I just ate 2 mcdonald cheeseburgers, a fat free hotdog, a bag of low fat popcorn and half a pear muffin for lunch. I may puke. Or my jeans may bust. Either way it is badness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars Posted May 18, 2008 Author Share Posted May 18, 2008 When I look at my first post, I see I have made a lot of changes in my meds. Well, I feel better than ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artemisia Posted May 18, 2008 Share Posted May 18, 2008 When I look at my first post, I see I have made a lot of changes in my meds. Well, I feel better than ever. I'm happy for you. It's awesome to learn that someone just found a cocktail that works for them. (The trial-and-error phase is really annoying, and some people go through long periods of it...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars Posted May 18, 2008 Author Share Posted May 18, 2008 Thank you Arthemisia. I just hope it will last, it seldom does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artemisia Posted May 18, 2008 Share Posted May 18, 2008 Thank you Arthemisia. I just hope it will last, it seldom does. I'm not one for false assurances, but perhaps it will last... ...or at least, last longer than any previous periods of stability... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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