Rx Treatment...

[guamhaze]

The other day I got my meds (non-VA) I was prescribed Celexa and Propranolol, do any of you guys have any experience with these? This is the first time I've ever been on these type of meds ever (anti-anxiety and SSRIs).... Any crazy or extreme side effects that you know of or have experienced? Are any of these addictive in nature? I know anything involving Serotonin and Dopamine can be... I noticed one thing: I yawn all the fu*king time! I do feel a bit better walking around in crowds (I'm now a full time student), I noticed my heart isn't pounding as much, not as much scanning as I used too and frankly I just find myself not giving a fu*k about the people around me or what they are doing... But I do feel zombie-like and zoned out which isn't a bad thing... I think my co-workers thought I was high all day at work...but all in all I guess the meds are "working" for me...

Another quick question, I've applied for VA healthcare and I am waiting for approval (but being a OIF vet I do not think I will get denied-within 5 years of deployment). Now will the VA recognize my outside Psychiatrist's prescription and diagnosis of PTSD and anxiety? I completely understand if the VA does not, but just something I wanted to check on...I know everything at the VA is a long straining process to say the least, but I was wondering if this treatment that I received already is going to help that process or even prolong it...? I frankly do not care about the diagnosis or the ability to get a SC %, but so far the medication seems to help and that is enough for me, simply being able to walk around campus has helped me feel somewhat "normal" again and I just wonder if the VA can provide that for me as did this outside clinic...Thanks and sorry for the rambling...

 

[Sarg]

Guam,

Yes, your P-Doc's diagnosis will help toward a VA claim, however he will have also defined a severity of your illness in order to determine a percentage of disability. Probably, the VA will recognize certain meds your P-Doc prescribes, but you must provide all his records to the VA to do so and they may still refuse to fill certain ones.

Additionally, your P-Doc will have to unequivocally state that your time in Iraq was a direct cause of your illness, establishing service connection.

I would strongly suggest that you go to www.hadit.com and talk to the folks over there. They will guide you on how to properly put your claim together for a better chance at success.

As to the meds, I would do some very in depth research on SSRIs and especially a condition called Tartive Dysphoria. I'm not trying to jade you on meds your Dr. prescribes, only that you get all the information you need for an informed decision.

Best of luck.

Sarg

 

[JarHed]

Hey Guam

I was on Celexa for about a year and a half. It really helped my depression at the time. Only side effect that seems to affect everyone, some downstairs difficulties. If you get my drift. Other than that no others. Oh, and those 'difficulties' end when I stopped using it. WHEW!!!!!!! It really helped though.

Document all your treatments that you have done outside of the VA for your claim. All therapy is helpful, so if you're getting some now, don't stop. If they rate you for PTSD, you should be able to get your meds through them as well.

Nice to feel a bit normal, hope it goes well for ya'

Jar

 

[guamhaze]

Thanks Sarg and Jar for the great advice, I will be sure to use it. I truly understand that everything comes at a price and I know full well that these meds have side effects that can and probably will effect me, so with that I know one day I'll be off them for good (strictly working with my therapist). I will definitely follow your advice on the VA procedures, I just recently found out that I should make a "treatment journal", and write down all my experiences, thoughts and procedures that I had for that session. As well as get official documentation of that visit. Thanks again gentlemen, words cannot express how glad I am that I found this website, I'm sure you guys have literally saved peoples lives...