OK Then! I take 225 mg of Effexor XR and Klonopin .05, (two in the am, one between noon and two and one at 5-6 pm. I still have panic attacks, but I can deal with them.
Hope to see you posting more often. Welcome, (although I see you joined some months ago) to you.
I've been taking Wellbutrin for about 3 yrs. DH's diagnosis, aggression, delusions, and meanness came upon our household right after my Mom passed away, and I never had the time to grieve properly. I was about to completely break down and lose my mind when I made the appt with my pcp, told him about home life, diagnoses, loss, etc. I too, do not know if I would have survived had I not started on something.
Does anyone use Cymbalta? I have a lot of chronic pain from my back, neck, and right arm. I had to have an indoscopty (spelled wrong) and it showed gastritis and the Dr. told me to not take my Celerbrex for a month. I didn't realize how much it helped the aches and pains. Cybalta is supposed to help with the pains but it kept me from sleeping when I tried it several months ago. So I stopped taking it but now I have decided to try it again and I have a prescription for Zanax that helps me sleep at night. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will help.
It's important to know that it takes about three weeks for Zoloft, Cymbalta, Effexor, etc. to really settle in. Initially, most of them will have some side effects, dizziness, nausea, etc. They will help the chemical balance in the brain. Give it time.
Be careful with Celebrex if you have any kind of heart problems. USDA warns (and my doctor adamently agrees) that it is not recommended if the patient has a heart condition, especially CHF.
Oh, Lord, he has lost his billfold again. He hides it and then can"t find it. All he has in there are old cards and $97.00, and outdated driver's license. I removed his credit cards a long time ago. I better go join the treasure hunt. Wonder why I have STRESS.....
I finally told DH his wallet was permanently lost. Although I have found it some time ago I never told him........and he no longer obsesses over it, nor does he accuse everybody and their brother of stealing it.
We still haven't found the third lost money. Actually I shouldn't say "we" because I haven't looked for it and I don't intend to. He "lost" this one while I was in hospital and if he didn't put it in a place easy to remember after the first two I am not spending my time looking. It will turn up sometime. And no, no one has been in the house or they would have taken a lot more than his money.
I really envy people who are able to take antidepressants. I am one of the fairly rare people who, when they take antidepressants, get much more depressed. I mean much, much, much more depressed—like “locked up for their own safety” depressed. After the last time I was hospitalized because of an adverse reaction to an antidepressant, my psychiatrist told me that he would never again prescribe them for me, because it was too dangerous.
I also got the very rare response that when I had “laughing gas” at the dentist, it worked in the opposite way. Instead of not caring what the dentist was doing because I was so euphoric, I didn’t care what he was doing because I was crying like I had lost my last friend.
This is a terrible disease to deal with when pharmacology is your enemy, and not your friend. The doctor I am seeing now (very limited options because of insurance) acted like I wanted a prescription for heroin when I asked about xanax. I don’t think she has a clue what being a caregiver is like, and in a very short office visit there’s no time to explain. I wish that when our loved ones were diagnosed we got little “I am a caregiver” cards to give to doctors, that would explain that this is not just a middle-aged woman being a little emotional about something. (If one more person tells me that I just need to learn to deal with the stress, you are going to be hearing about us on the 6:00 news!) This is a life-changing situation that goes on and on and on......
Bama, my DH takes Cymbalta. It seems to have helped some with his pain and it has helped a lot with anxiety and depression. He has very bad arthritis and takes Lodine. The Cymbalta plus Lodine works pretty well for him. I don't think any medicine really does away with the pain of arthritis but it dulls it enough to let you function.
I am not much on taking anti-depressents, but I feel right now I am at my wits end. I am having bill collectors calling at least 7 times a day. All the bills are in his name and I am having a hard time keeping up with all payment. I went to see a lawyer regarding claiming bankrupt on his accounts, but he has never contacted me back. in the meantime, bills keep piling up..he is over $33,000.00 worth of credit card debt. I was thinking of taking the easy way out...suicide, but then I looked at my 3 dogs and 10 cats and decided that I was needed for them. I know I am rambling on but I need to just use this board as a sounding board..so just bare with me. Right now my head is splitting wide open with this pounding headache. Thank you for listening, if anyone is even reading this.
I hear you maryann so go ahead and vent. Venting is a great release. I am glad you did not keep thinking of the s.. word. You are a valuable asset to a lot of people. I don't have personal experience with bill collection but I am sure there are others here who can help advise you. I think it would be wise for you to see your pcp and get a antidepressent to see you through this rough patch and later you can wean yourself off of them if you feel you don't need them any longer. I know when I was supervising building our house 3 years ago, I was in over my head with stress, and expenses and my pcp prescribed Celexa and Zanax and it literally saved my life.
Thank you Imohr, I feel like such a baby rambling on and complaining. I know I am needed by my pets so it was dumb of me to even mention the s..word. Thank you for being out there for me, just knowing someone is out there for me makes me feel so much better.
maryann, collection agencies are not allowed to harass you. Screen all calls via an answering machine and do NOT NOT NOT talk to them. Don't answer any call or even call them back if you don't recognize the caller -- they'll try all sorts of tricks. Use the reverse phone number search on Google to determine who is calling you. You'll frequently find all sorts of complaints about their illegal activities.
I shall now trot off and find a link for you that will talk about this.
Don't wait for the lawyer to call you back, find another one. Get references, make sure the lawyer is someone good to work with.
Talk to a lawyer again. Give that another chance. The bills will drop off your/his credit report after 7 years once they are charged off." But negotiating, or partial paying will keep the clock restarting on that 7 years. I don't encourage people in general to bale out on their bills, but in some situations, especially when they are those of a dementia loved one.............well, what is a person to do?
I realize I am probably one of the lucky ones, but my husband lost interest in dealing with the finances years ago. He started leaving everything up to me. Gradually he stopped shopping alone, and ordering stuff. In his old "early retirement, drinking days, bored out of his skin days" he nearly bankrupted us ordering things to increase chance of winning sweepstakes, foreign lotteries, and junk from TV adds. That whole thing put me into a very bad depression that I almost didn't make it out of....mentally.
New Realm is right, the bankruptcy laws are there for a reason. You're not allowed to discharge just because you feel like it ... you have to be in serious trouble. But if you ARE in serious trouble, then why not avail yourself of the laws? Many of these creditors are predators who deliberately allow you, even CAUSE you to, get so deep in debt you could never climb out otherwise.
I had an employee go through this, which is why I started looking into the illegal activities of collection agencies -- they kept calling him at work, and they said some pretty disgusting things to me. Some of these people are the scum of the earth.
Would you believe, within days of receiving his Chapter 7 discharge, he was receiving all sorts of offers of credit cards, loans to buy a new car, you name it?
Maryann....Suicide is a permanent solution to a temperary problem. I am praying for you. Hang in there. Hoping that God sends some sunshine into your life today.
It is only money, and at the rate things are going it won't be worth much anyway. Our country is borrowing itself into self destruction. I would not let the bill collectors get to you. Have you ever listened to Dave Ramsey on talk radio? I think he gives good financial advice for someone in your situation. You have to the blood suckers know that you do not have the funds at this time. Do not give them access to your bank accounts and do not use the services of these bill consolidation. I encourage you to take it one day at a time. I pray that you might find strength to face the situation.
maryann, ramble away, vent all you need to. You're in a very safe place. It's even okay to talk about suicide, so long as you don't act on it. If you think you might, get professional help pronto. Otherwise, we're all here holding each other up, there are no forbidden topics, and sounding off can be very therapeutic.
Maryann, I was so distraught the other night that I threatened to go drive into the lake, my friend who was talking with me on the phone, paused, laughed and said, Susan.....the lakes are frozen. Sh_t! We all understand the financial strain to some degree. I had to stop working to be home caring for my DH and Mom and grandson. Now my Mom has to contribute to the household income way more than I ever wanted her to. But, that's life. Everything is sooooo expensive and we all have to cut back and just spend on the necessary things. It's a crappy way to live, but I just saw another report on Dafur. We are lucky. Sucks, huh.
i may need something asap. i think AD rubs off?? i just got notice of overdraft charges..hahah...went back and checked numbers. sure enough made a whopping 1000 mistake! ouch!! and at 30dol a pop fee..sigh. and i was so proud of myself this month having some 'left overs'..HAHA!!!!!! divvi
I'll join you divvi. This evening our family (11) were all going out to dinner together. I told one daughters family the wrong steakhouse and they were sitting waiting on us at one place while we were waiting at the other. They called me and wanted to know where we were and we were waiting for them. They tipped their waiter and got back in the car and we finally got our dinner.
Thank you everyone for being so nice. After I sent that message I went to the post office to check my mail and I received a letter from the lawyer...he is ready to begin prcedures to file bankruptcy for my husband, wish me luck, there is so much paper work to fill out that I don't even know where to start, but I am certainly going to try. All of your kind words helped me a great deal.
maryann, that's GREAT! The paperwork is a pain (you ought to see what it's like for a company filing for bankruptcy!) but getting rid of the strain of those blankety-blank collection agencies ... priceless.
maryann, hearing from the lawyer is encouraging. Please do check back here often and let us know how things are going. We're all rooting for you, for your situation to improve.
I have another appointment with my doctor on Thursday. I have checked on all the meds everyone here mentioned and it seems they all have the same side affects, drowsiness etc. Plus it seems they are for depression. I am not depressed I just want something to help with the stress when DH goes "off". I know my BP shoots up at those times and I thought if I could get something to ease the stress my BP would not go crazy. Lord knows I don't need more problems with my BP. If anyone knows of anything for stress please clue me in. Thanks. Jean
Jean21 a number of us have had good results with Bach's Rescue Remedy. It's an all natural floral essence that really works. Now don't get turned off-but vets prescribe it for animals with separation anxiety. You can get it at most good health food stores. If you Google it you'll get plenty of good info.
I probably don't have enough stress in my life so just received a little bit more. I told you before about my brother's rage problems. He also has some significant medical problems. His woman friend and I have become quite good friends via e-mail the last couple of years. Brother has just disappeared a couple of times--he's not wandering--she just can't locate him and she gets all upset. Calls me and between the both of us, we spend a lot of time looking for him. She wants me to research and get one of those medical alert necklaces for him. Well, I don't have a problem with that--but I don't know of brother would wear it. And then this particular one costs $99 to set it up and $30 a month to activate it. So far, she hasn't said anything about helping me out with it financially. Oh, yes...he has fainted a couple of times and been taken to the hospital.
Like I said--I need more stress. But rather than take another antidepressant, I think I'll just go pet my little black kitty.
I'm on celexa for anxiety, not specifically depression. When I first started on the celexa it did make me drowsy for a little bit. I take it at night before going to bed. It no longer makes me drowsy but it does help by evening out the ups and downs. Before I was placed on it I went through a month of not being able to eat any solid food. Couldn't get myself to swallow anything other than liquids. It took about 2-2 1/2 weeks but I did start to feel better, I used xanax at night just to get through till the other med started to work. I don't take a large dose; just 20 mg. I started it slowly--10 mg for a week and then to 20 mg where I have stayed.
deb , my celexa prescription says to take it mornings and mine doesn't make me sleepy either11111 My husband is on Wellbutrin SR and his says to take it mornings too. Wonder why?
lmohr, My doctor had me take it in the evenings because it did make me sleepy at first. Now, I think it's just habit--he didn't prescibe it to take at a specific time. My husband takes his anti-depressant in the morning.
Mawzy - if the expense for the medic alert is too much, he can get an ID tag sort of like a dog tag that would have vital contact info on it. In the 60s ID bracelets were a big thing for kids. When my kids were young I search hi and low for them. I don't remember where I found them but they had no problem with them. My daughter had the bracelet and my son had the necklace. He just pretended they were his military ID.
My husband wears a dog tag necklace with his name, our home phone number, my cellphone number and his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia on it. I had no problem getting him to wear it--just explained that it was in case something happened while he was out walking and couldn't talk or answer questions. It did help that my dad showed him his necklace which my dad wears for diabetes and cardiac problems. It has the medicalert symbol on it--I ordered it online for about $22.
Check RoadID, i got an ID bracelet and a dog tag for my DH with name, address, home number, memory impaired, call chris and my cell number. I was afraid he'd be insulted, but he was flattered that I went to that much trouble not to lose him, so he happily wears them. I also have a cell phone on him, which I can call and hopefull he'll either answer it, or someone else will. I'v e told him if he's lost, "look for a woman ( a mommy) and ask her to call me. his cell phone is programed with our hom and omy cell and son and daughter numbers, so if someone finds him, they'll know who to call, in addition to ICE)
BTW Zoloft is my drug of choice. i tried doing without for a few days, and found myself crying, literally over spilt milk. If you need it, take it. If you didn't need it, you wouldn't be asking.
if you have a "things remembered store" in your mall, they have id bracetlets or ID tags too and you can have it engraved in an hr and have them wearing it the same day!.. i just did one over the weekend for a relative. most on line will engrave them as well.divvi
Oh, the "things remembered" is a great idea! Thanks so much. You people know so much more than I do. I really feel quite ignorant. But, I'm learning. :)
I don't take any medication for stress, but I do have a glass of wine before dinner Monday through Friday. It calms me down and helps me cope with my shadow until bedtime. It's good for my heart and circulation too. <grin>
When I need to calm down, I have a trick I have taught myself - I can sit back in my recliner, pull up the footrest, close my eyes, and remember sitting in the chaise lounge under the shade tree about 15 feet from the ocean - I'm in Jamaica at the Sandals resort and I am relaxing with my husband and our best friends (we lined the four chaises under the tree each morning before going to breakfast so we could lie there afterwards), reading our books or talking or watching the waves - sometimes with a pina colada in my hand......and I relax. It's even helped me lower my blood pressure! (We spent spring breaks there for five years - until two years ago. It was wonderful!)
Joan isn't set up for the medic alert dog tags as yet. To help her, just send her a check as a gift, or send through PayPal.
I went back to my doctor today and he gave me samples of Celexa, enough for 3 weeks. I tried one this afternoon and I didn't fall asleep. Too bad I didn't have it last night when dh was going on about the stuff he's taking for his bowels. I still don't know what he was trying to say. Finally I told him we were going around in circles and just forget it until he goes back to that doctor next month.
Yes, you can copy and paste this link for all of Amazon's ID bracelets, etc. http://astore.amazon.com/wwwthealzheim-20/search?node=3&keywords=Medical+ID+bracelets&preview=
As for stress medicine - my PCP's specialty is geriatrics, and even though at 60 years old, I still don't consider myself in that catergory (LOL), he is very understanding about caregiving. He first prescribed Xanaax to be taken as needed. When it became needed constantly, he prescribed Zoloft. That was making me very tired during the day, so I started taking it at night. Seems to work pretty well. Still take a Xanaax when things get out of control.
My problem is more of a depression ragher than stress and anxiety. I have trouble getting out of bed and being productive. I have taken Cymbalta and Xanax. None seemed to help. Now I take Lexpro and it does give me more "git up and go" I don't get uptight or nervous. My son says I get meloncholy. I have Atrial Fib so I take lots of medicine. My LO and mine take nearly an hour each Sat. to get the weak organized.
Like some , I too am reluctant to take any kind of anti-anxiety meds. but after spending 4 hours on Friday in the ER for heart palpataions I have reconsidered. It started out as a calm day nothing really to worry about then all of a sudden my blood pressure was over the top! I was at work at the time , which is really my release. The doctor gave me a RX for Lorazepam 0.5mg. , said I was stressed out, I haven't taken any as of yet, but I am sure at some point I will be tempted to do so..my heart is feeling a littler fluttery as I type this. Does anyone out there take this med.? Or can anyone tell me anything about it? Thanks for listening.
This medication is used to treat anxiety. Lorazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. This drug works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
If directed by your doctor, this drug may also be used to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and for sleeping trouble (insomnia).
How to use Lorazepam Oral Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
If directed by your doctor, use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time (more than 1-4 weeks), if it has been used in high doses, or if you have a history of alcoholism, drug abuse, or personality disorder. In such cases, if you suddenly stop this drug, withdrawal reactions may occur. Such reactions can include seizures, trouble sleeping, mental/mood changes, increased reactions to noise/touch/light, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, hallucinations, numbness/tingling of arms and legs, muscle pain, fast heartbeat, short-term memory loss, and very high fever. Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately. When stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.
Do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
When used for an extended time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. Do not increase your dose without first talking to your doctor.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.