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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by saturn on January 13, 2007, at 23:59:29
Zoloft, Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine, Strattera, L-Tyrosine...have all caused me chest pain and high blood pressure or rapid heart rate. I think the same with Prozac also, but that was so long ago I honestly don't remember.
No problems with caffeine or low-dose Sudafed (30-60 mg).
I'm in excellent athletic shape and have seen several cardiologists who've all said that my heart is completely healthy. I have no heart problems when off meds (except for a mild conduction defect which rules out the possibility of trying a TCA). However, I do have *major* problems when I have tried the above mentioned meds--I'm talking about multiple emergency room visits, and not for anxiety but real chest pain or severe high heart rate. So I am afraid try just about anything except for a benzo prn.
I realize a beta blocker might counter some of these effects but I really wish to avoid one unless absolutely necessary due to a strong family history of diabetes and negative effects on my exercise.
Diagnoses are MDD, ADHD, SP. I suspect the MDD and SP may be related. I do not believe I have bipolar, but who knows.
Light therapy has been largely ineffective (and seeming to cause anxiety). EPA fish oil has been only marginally effective. Exercise provides only marginal and transient relief.
I realize how frustrating multiple med trials are for so many here. I, on the other hand, have become a complete hypochondriac with respect to trying new meds. I'll only take lunesta or ambien and a benzo prn. But these are only bandaids.
I'd love to try another SSRI or Provigil but my experiences have been such that I cannot see myself doing so.
Might anyone have any suggestions?
If not thanks for taking the time to read this rather long post.
Thanks...Peace...Saturn.
Posted by blueberry1 on January 14, 2007, at 1:32:55
In reply to Scared to try meds, posted by saturn on January 13, 2007, at 23:59:29
Yeah, I can relate. I am scared to try meds too.
You mentioned provigil. It's actually fairly tame in the side effects department. Some people get an anti-anxiety effect from it, and with other people it creates some anxiety. Don't quote me on this, but I do not think it has the effects on heart rate and stuff that the other stimulants you mentioned do. The good thing is that you can try one low dose (break a 100mg tab in half) one day and have a benzo prn handy. If all is well, go from there. To save on cost, just get part of a monthly prescription filled for maybe one week's worth. If you like it, go back and get the rest. Some people at remedyfind use provigil as their best and only antidepressant with hardly any side effects.
But yeah, like you I am scared. Whatever I do, it will be cautious and in moderation and with some xanax in my pocket.
Posted by saturn on January 14, 2007, at 8:47:07
In reply to Re: Scared to try meds, posted by blueberry1 on January 14, 2007, at 1:32:55
> Yeah, I can relate. I am scared to try meds too.
>
> You mentioned provigil. It's actually fairly tame in the side effects department. Some people get an anti-anxiety effect from it, and with other people it creates some anxiety. Don't quote me on this, but I do not think it has the effects on heart rate and stuff that the other stimulants you mentioned do. The good thing is that you can try one low dose (break a 100mg tab in half) one day and have a benzo prn handy. If all is well, go from there. To save on cost, just get part of a monthly prescription filled for maybe one week's worth. If you like it, go back and get the rest. Some people at remedyfind use provigil as their best and only antidepressant with hardly any side effects.
>
> But yeah, like you I am scared. Whatever I do, it will be cautious and in moderation and with some xanax in my pocket.Thanks Blueberry. You've actually kinda read my mind--I've had a 7 day supply of Provigil sitting in my closet for several months. And some atenolol and ativan. My understanding is that it has minimal cardiovascular side effects compared with stimulants. However so do SSRI's and I've had problems with them as well. But your suggestion is well-taken and probably my most reasonable option. Thank you.
Posted by Phillipa on January 14, 2007, at 11:23:18
In reply to Re: Scared to try meds » blueberry1, posted by saturn on January 14, 2007, at 8:47:07
Saturn will you report back? As I too am afraid of everything but benzos and lunesta too. I will take low dese luvox but not high enough to do a thing. Thanks Phillipa
Posted by saturn on January 14, 2007, at 15:17:46
In reply to Re: Scared to try meds » saturn, posted by Phillipa on January 14, 2007, at 11:23:18
>>> Saturn will you report back? As I too am afraid of everything but benzos and lunesta too. I will take low dese luvox but not high enough to do a thing. Thanks Phillipa
Sure, but it's likely I won't have anything to report. If I do you'll be the first to know though.
That's funny you also are only not afraid of lunesta and benzos. No problems there.
Peace...Saturn
This is the end of the thread.
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