Confused?

[cntrymom08466]

First off a little about myself. I was diagnosed in 2001 with a breakdown basically walking in circles with anxiety bad, post partum set it off found out later my kids dad had been abusing my daughters for several years. Had been with him since I was 18, so mental manipulation and verbal/mental abuse on me as well. He was also found bi-polar shortly before I broke down, had a lot of things happen before I had the melt down, kids grandma on dad side killed herself.
Anyway, they put me on zoloft, trazodone and busiprone at that time, I have since gotten off of first trazodone, then busiprone, and switched from zoloft to celexa. Was on 40 mg. celexa and now finally am at only 20mg celexa and taking topimax 100 mg for mood and pain.
Hadn't seen a psychiatrist or therapist in several years, because I was told I wasn't severe enough and not good insurance. So just md did most of the prescribing. So now I actually have feelings and that. Also 51 going through change and now been told I probably have PTSD. Cause now having some flashbacks, possibly due to hormone changes.
So new PCP sent me to therapist and psychiatrist, psychiatrist tried me on cymbalta, 30 mg and taking off of celexa. Tried to go down to 10 mg. celexa and I became almost suicidal and cymbalta also cause constipation and made more depressed. So I quit taking it. I only took it for a few weeks because I just didn't like not feeling and after the last bit of being almost suicidal I said NO. Now, hurting more and moods are all over the place, up and down up and down. I don't know whether to get on anything or not. Definitely have energy without anything and I feel emotions..sometimes too much.lol. Like the good feelings..not all the bad. Anyone have any suggestions...I'm just confused and don't what to do? I don't know that anyone here can help, but thanks for listenting.

 

[joeylittle]

Hi - I'm sorry to hear about your struggle. Getting the right meds is hard.

What are you doing in therapy, as far as managing the intensity of the emotions? That piece will play an integral part in whether or not you need/want to add meds into the mix. It'll also help you get more specific about what needs managing.

Is PTSD your current diagnosis, according to your psychiatrist?

 

[Snowflakes]

@cntrymom08466 You will get a lot of different opinions on what to do or not do. That is good because what works for one may, or may not, work for another. We share our experiences and hope it can help.

First, I would see a therapist as soon as you can. It doesn't matter that someone else told you that you were not severe enough; what matters is that you came here confused and not knowing what to do. That alone is reason enough to see a therapist you can trust and can help you. If your insurance isn't good enough, ask the therapist if they have a sliding scale due to your income.

Meds like the ones you were/are taking do take a while for a psychiatrist or PCP to figure out the correct type and dosage that works for your condition. In my past, it took almost a year for the doctors to find the right combination.....and even then they would be adjusted as I went through therapy. Now days, I'm caring for my sufferer and the doctors are still trying to find the right meds that will help her. The point being, it's a process and requires working with a doctor who will take the time to work with you.

The side effects you described are "normal" in the sense that a lot of these type meds will have those side effects until the type and dosage is adjusted to minimize them. A good doctor will tell you what side effects to look for and which ones to call him/her immediately if they occur.

I hope I was able to help you. Take care.

Edit: I was typing as @joeylittle was posting.

 

[cntrymom08466]

Finally figured out how to reply to post on my phone lol. I just started therapy about the same time as seeing psych. Therapist is working on cognitive therapy I think. Only had a few sessions so far. I am wondering if my emotions are more erratic because of coming off the cymbalta. I want to feel but I don't want the emotions to be so erratic. Does that even make sense. Lol I don't know anymore.

 

[cntrymom08466]

@Snowflakes can I ask what did you mean by caring for your sufferer?
And maybe I should have given cymbalta more time I just didn't like how I felt. I don't know. Today I feel a little better, not hurting as much. Still some anxiety this morning probably about deciding what to do. I am seeing therapist not real comfortable with her yet and psych didn't say anything about side effects not sure I trust him either. Seeing pcp right now to talk it out before seeing psych.again this afternoon.

 

[Snowflakes]

@cntrymom08466 I am a veteran who suffered from PTSD before the term was understood (VietNam veteran) and years later was put on meds and received psychological help. Both helped and I manage fine. My wife has been diagnosed with C-PTSD from past trauma in her life. I care for her to the extent her illness prevents her from working in addition to a few physical medical issues. With respect to this forum, I'm here as a supporter. I dropped into your thread momentarily because I understand medication personally from my past and presently because I'm a supporter for my wife with C-PTSD.

What you are going through is a process that takes time. Sharing stories and experiences help. In my case, it was my faith and trust in my doctor and therapist that kept me from giving up because I was an impatient person back then. If the meds didn't work, I wanted to hit the road. It took about a year for the doctor to find the right meds and dosage for me. Over time my therapist helped me so that most of the meds were eliminated. Today I take 1 med daily and another 1 PRN. What works for one may not work for another.

I do not have experience with Cymbalta so I can't answer that question. I hope this helped you. Take care

 

[cntrymom08466]

@Snowflakes thank you for explaining. I appreciate any help and any response. I had just not the term "my sufferer" before and with my past history it triggered a different thought and I'm sorry. I am glad you are here to help and are able to help her. My husband is patient he doesn't understand but he tries. I do appreciate your response and input it did help. Thanks

 

[cntrymom08466]

The psychiatrist gave a script for effexor now and I look up medication you shouldn't take with it and I take one of them. I already take 50 mg tramadol 3 x a day. It's a small dose of effexor that was supposed to be added to my celexa so now I don't know whether to get it. I may have to wait until Monday to talk to dr.

 

[cntrymom08466]

I was just wondering the psych just prescribed me effexor and I haven't started it yet. But I noticed online it says not to mix it with tramadol which I already take. I've only seen this psych twice and don't know much about him. So I'm just wondering what if anyone else has taken both and if so what kind of problems if any or if I should talk to my md first before taking

 

[joeylittle]

I was just wondering the psych just prescribed me effexor and I haven't started it yet. But I not...

Definitely check with your doc before starting the Effexor. Some of the problems that could arise are dependent on other health conditions, and if you don't have those it's not a worry. But the increased risk for Seratonin Syndrome is a thing. SS is rare, but very serious.

Are you on immediate release Tramadol as needed, or extended release?

 

[cntrymom08466]

Immediate release not xr. Does that make a difference?

 

[joeylittle]

It might be why your prescriber is not a complete idiot - still, they should have talked with you about it.

I'd strongly recommend - still - talk to your doc specifically about it, and be ready to be very detailed about how often you use the tramadol.