NP recommending medication now
 

My neuro psychologist is recommending I start taking effexor to help with my anxiety/panic attacks and possible depression. I have been trying to increase time spent out of my house and have been very unsuccessful due to my brain "shutting down" from being overloaded. She said this is an anxiety response and the emotional center of my brain is stronger than the thinking part and is overwhelming it.

I'm probably not explaining this well! Anyhow, she says I need to calm the emotional response in order to allow the thinking part to heal and get stronger so that it will not be overwhelmed anymore. If I keep letting the emotional center react then it will get stronger and stronger (from being used) and the thinking part will keep shutting down and not get better.

I don't like medication. I don't want to take it but I feel she's right and I have no choice here. She says that once the brain heals I might be able to stop taking the medication again. Has anyone here recovered and been able to go off their medication? Any opinions about effexor? I'm going to do some searches but thought I'd put the question out to you guys.

She also recommends I get a very small prescription (10 pills) for Ativan for times when I know I will be overloading my brain and this way I can shut off the emotional center so it does not get stronger and I can get through whatever it is I have to do. I know benzos are not recommended but this sounds like a great way to get through something we have to do and absolutely can't avoid that will be too much for us.

I have very low tolerance to medications. When I was experimenting with drugs to try to cure my fibromyalgia I had a lot of bad reactions to anti-depressants and this is scaring me but I don't feel I have any choice to get better.

Any thoughts appreciated! I hope you are all having a good day.

CC

Cyclecrash,

If its any help I was also uncertain about taking medication, I have only been on Cymbalta for a few weeks and it has helped with both the emotional side and the pain, and now I am going back to work. I know little about antidepressants, so can only comment on Cymbalta, which helped me straight away. From what I have been told the psychological side influences the physiological symptoms of PCS, so if you can get the emotional side calmer hopefully your symptoms will reduce in turn, as one feeds into the other and vice versa. Best of luck!

Sounds like odd advice, in a way. The brain is overloaded and that is why one feels overwhelmed.

If you (or the NP) has not seen this, it helps to explain a bit what happens. I don't have anxiety ....but I do hate not being able to function because of a physical reaction in my brain!
http://www.brainlinemilitary.org/con...y_pageall.html

Would love a drug that makes it all better! Let us know!

Hi C.C,
Your post was helpful to me. That is what happens to me also. I try and leave the house and get shut down by symptoms. The way you explained it makes perfect sense. I try to force myself to tolerate it and that ends up worse. I think the Ativan will help a lot. I know many people that need this help with sudden anxiety and this medication is very effective. I have also tried a lot of anti depressants for my chronic pain and had very bad reactions. I know how you feel about being scared to try the medication. If I was to try out any other medication at this point it would be Effexor. I have heard a lot of people say that this medication really helped them. I think it is a little different then most the anti-depressants. I think it is more for anxiety but has anti depressant qualities. You just get to the point after so long that you have to try medication you know? Anything that helps us to live a more normal life is good. I don't think anyone is stuck on any kind of medication ever. You have to know how to come off the medication the right way by cutting down gradually and stepping off slowly. The problems happen when people try to abruptly discontinue the medication.
I hope that these medications help you. As always I am pulling for you.
Brain :hug:

Thanks everyone for the advice and well wishes.

Interesting article Mokey. I'm going to go back and read it some more. I just wanted to mention that she is saying it is definitely a physical response caused by the overloading creating an anxiety response which pulls all the blood away from the brain to allow a fight or flight. When the blood is pulled away the confusion sets in and the brain "shuts down".

One answer would be to avoid all situations that cause this.. and believe me I'm trying but EVERY attempt to leave the house or try something new is causing this reaction and it's getting stronger and stronger. We need to retrain the brain that these are not Scary things I'm doing and that it does not require a flight/fight response. Kind of like Vestibular therapy training where you're teaching your body that it does not need to be dizzy in this situation.

I have also been having more moodiness to the point my husband has said he's had enough and talked about leaving. Something needs to be done. I can't seem to move forward on my own. I'm doing meditation, what little exercise I can on the stationary bike, and using cognitive therapy techniques but it's just not enough.

I think if I didn't have the eye problems and dizziness I would be able to exercise more and wouldn't have as much overstimulation and dizziness. Hopefully when those are all better I can come off the medication again.

Thanks again for all the support. You guys are my biggest support and I don't know what I would do without you all!

CC

The post from the Military site is optimistic.

The reserve portion of the pie is very optimistic, actually - I would guesstimate the it is more realistic that any of our reserves is more likely 2/3's less than they portray.....especially you mom's out there.

That would then be more to the degree they are saying "Your energy reserves at this point are almost nonexistent. "

But it is a good article.

Biggest problem for any of us I have found, is getting family members to actually read what is being said, getting past the first few phrases and seeing the whole.

I have gotten to the point that they can believe me or not......I am me now, and this is what they have to deal with, and I am working forward from here as best I can.

I gave them their life as they have gotten used to, and now they will deal with my new me, while I adjust to my new me, and I will give all the fight I can to return to as much new me as I can as, close to my old normal as possible.

Anxiety, Depression, Loss of whatever I lose, Lapses or not, Shrieks in the ears, Insomnia or whatever..........I will move on.

:grouphug:

Well said Concussion. So glad you are back. That is right. We are trying to adjust to our new selves and they can deal with it or hit the road. I am through with trying to make them understand. They can either read the information and try to understand or think whatever they want. I don't have the energy to worry about them anymore.
So sorry you are going through this in your relationship C.C.
We have it hard enough without all this pressure from family members. Don't they think we are trying as hard as we can?
I am grateful for all of you. I would have no support if not for you guys.
Brain :grouphug:

Hi CC,

Very sorry to hear of continued struggles and particularly the stress of ultimatums from your partner who is clearly going through immense stress as well. Feeds a cycle of emotion in itself!

I have no experience with Effexor but I've been on antidepressants before in my life, for post partum and again after my divorce. I successfully weaned off each time as well without significant problems. I believe that sometimes we need chemical assistance when our tissues no longer produce the chemicals we need to cope. That's how I explain it to myself. It's no different than if I had a damaged thyroid I'd need synthetic thyroid medication... My brain isn't performing as it should so I may benefit from chemical help.

Not sure any of that makes sense, I'm pretty dim today but I'm trying.

The logic and reasoning given to you for trying this, seems a bit weird to me but maybe I just don't understand. In the end all that matters is how you feel, and if you're ready to try some medication to move forward. It doesn't seem like status quo is an attractive option, what with anxiety and relationship stresses making things worse.

Thinking of you and wishing you peace in your heart with whatever path you choose. :hug:

A bit about Effexor, and all those drugs.

They are needed when they are needed.

Mark has reached his decided end-point and has decided to wean off.

A key about Weaning/Withdrawing from any of those medications is to do it with control - he has chosen his method - with much fore-thought; others with Paxil have taken a much slower withdrawal plan, but to each their own - as long as it works without the withdrawal syndrome raising its ugly head.

1. Effexor is slow to reach its working dosage in many, and takes time to have noticeable effect in many; in some its fairly quick, in others its weeks; don't give up , be patient as long as you are not having ill effects.

2. Effexor is a decent drug in those for whom it works, once its effect is showing effect.

3. Again, if/when you are ready to stop it, do not do so suddenly - withdrawal syndrome is not nice; unless its an emergency and done with your physician's help to cover the ill effects from the syndrome effects - have him aware you demand his attention at all times, at the ready.

4. Do not let them substitute the new drug, Pristiq, in its place - it is the drug company's (same company that makes Effexor), replacement since Effexor is ready for the generic market - Effexor can have dosage increases with increase effects noted if / when necessary; however that has not been the case with Pristiq in any study to date. (Note: what I mean is- sometimes when you are on a drug awhile, the current dose seems not to do what it use to do, so your doc increases the dose a bit for more effect, and it works again; well with Pristiq, the studies haven't shown that to occur with it.

Hope any of this is helpful.

Best Wishes.

:grouphug:

I haven't read all the posts
 

Because my eyes are bugging me, so forgive me if this has already been said, but i wanted to makes sure you know that you should never stop taking Effexor cold turkey. You need to be weaned off of it under a Drs. supervision. I took Effexor for depression many years ago before I ever had a concussion. It didn't work out for me, but the way these drugs are, it's different for everyone. Even when I was weaned off, I had some pretty bad symptoms. Apparently if you go cold turkey it'll make you sick. Don't let that stop you from trying it. I have taken antidepressants off and on for my entire adult life. Sometimes they can be really helpful. Just because one doesn't work for you doesn't mean another one won't help you!

Cyclecrash,

This is definitely a great road to start on. The medication will help, definitely. If this one doesn't work, hold on! There are more out there. I tried so many meds till I found my two! Once they started working, it was like someone switched on a light! Paxil and Remeron are my combo. Paxil is used for my anxiety and Remeron is used for the nausea and sexual side effects Paxil has. I love Remeron, though for this as I take it at night for sleep and wake up peaceful. Feel better soon! :)

Concussion
 

Could you explain this to me better please and thank you.Because this is my medication.Is it not better to need dosage increases and increases.Sorry little confused.

4. Do not let them substitute the new drug, Pristiq, in its place - it is the drug company's (same company that makes Effexor), replacement since Effexor is ready for the generic market - Effexor can have dosage increases with increase effects noted if / when necessary; however that has not been the case with Pristiq in any study to date. (Note: what I mean is- sometimes when you are on a drug awhile, the current dose seems not to do what it use to do, so your doc increases the dose a bit for more effect, and it works again; well with Pristiq, the studies haven't shown that to occur with it.

Pristiq works basically at the recommended dose, and if you try to go higher, it won't do anything. Nada. Zero. Zilch. I think that's what he means. Not sure though. Even I am confused lol!

Yes that is what the studies have shown.

Pristiq will not show improvement of effect with increasing the dosage like Effexor does.

Pristq is Effexor - supercharged - a chemical alteration of Effexor. However , the studies have shown that increasing dosages of Effexor will show increasing effects for the patient , while increasing the dose of Pristiq will not.

You can find more info in this Pristiq link. < This guy is constantly updating his information, and his resources, so you can always recheck the info.

Sorry for the late edit: If Pristiq is working for you, Great, Im not saying it isn't a good drug; as the link shows. And further studies may eventually gather enough to finally give it the ok on increasing dosage vs. effect, we can hope, for those on it.

C.C,
I would recommend you read about Effexor on a website called crazy meds. It looks like this med has a real bad withdrawl syndrome when trying to come of it. As well as some bad side effects that I did not know about. I would definately check out what people are saying about this med on that website.
I don't know why the doctors keep trying to treat us with psychiatric medication. I absolutely refuse them after trying so many for chronic pain and having horrible results. Just an F.Y.I.
Brain

Brain I got a bone to pick
 

Every medication has side effects.The reason and purpose of us needing these is for a crutch to our brain.When the central nervous system is moved around everything that is connected is moved.I refused all pain medicine and antidepressants till I got a diagnosis.And I must say that I am nowhere near dwelling on negative like I used to.But I still got Love for ya lol:hug:

PS I could not leave the house either till I got on my crutch and went

No offense meant Mia
 

I know everyone is different and medication is needed. I am on medication. I am not saying anything negative. C.C asked if anyone knew about Effexor. I read some information about it that she might want to know about. We all have to make our own decisions about medications. We all react differently to medications. What helps me may make you feel terrible. I am not saying anything bad about needing medication. I have to take MS Contin, Clonazepam and Ambian myself. Pain and sleep disorders are the main problems that I have to control. I am not against medication. I am only giving information for consideration.
Brain

Also, you do not have chronic pain. You telling me that you did not leave your house either until you got on your crutch and went is like me telling you to just overcome brain damage with positive thinking.
Brain

Absolutely.

The meds are useful. Some are tolerated very well. Some are not.

Please remember. We are individuals... and one thing we have to bear in mind is sometimes our PCP's are busy, under pressure by us, and tend to forget alot of the information is available to them.

That is why I posted that its not a bad thing to present them with the information about plans, like withdrawals regimens if/when you are ready to stop these meds - because there are really no true plans plotted out other than those tried by others like us and their docs.

Just like places like CrazyMeds points out, there is information about these drugs out there that until its forced out of the drug companies, even the docs haven't heard about it.

If they are working for you, great; its not to worry now. If you are worried, then talk it over with your PCP, and begin planning to withdraw, sensibly... NEVER Cold Turkey, unless its an Emergency, and never without Medical attention.

Best Wishes

:grouphug:

Brain
 

I did have chronic pain from a dislocated Jaw/TMJ on top of a TBI.I tried the pain meds and I still hurt,then my PCP put me on 4 muscle relaxer at one time.That did not last but a month or two.I had to live with the pain until now.Sorry if you got offended.I was not directing it to you at all.I really was meaning that I wish I was smart enough to look at withdraw before since I am on Pristiq and I take valium.

I am not offended. I know you don't understand what I mean by chronic pain. I don't have just normal pain. I have so much pain that there is no not taking medication. Without it I am moaning, screaming, swearing, sweating mess that no one could live with. I don't know if you have ever seen a person in SEVERE pain. It is not a pretty site. This pain cripples me even with morphine. It is very hard to live in pain like this. I am unable to read or even talk at times. That is why this is the thing I most have to control. I am not saying that you have not had pain and I know you do have pain at times but you have not experienced pain at my level.
Brain

why I need meds....
 

Now now, lets not get into a disagreement about who's in more pain or who has the worst brain injury! Nobody can know what another person is going through :wink: :hug:

I have done my research on effexor and I'm terrified of the withdrawal symptoms especially because I've had to go off my teeny tiny dose of Amitriptyline (10mg) before and had horrible withdrawal symptoms even with tapering. But I have to give something a shot and this one has good success when you're on it. I guess I'll worry about going off it when it happens.

I'm not being prescribed an anti depressant for chronic pain or sleep (that's what my amitriptyline is for) it's being prescribed because the chemicals in my brain are out of whack and I'm having terrible anxiety and panic attacks. My brain is reacting to everything as if it's dangerous (possibly due to the dizziness and blurred vision) and is setting off a fight or flight response.

The fight or flight response is causing very real, very horrible symptoms of my brain shutting down, then comes the shaking and increased dizziness and blurred vision. Then a full blown panic attack could happen with chest pains, trouble breathing, etc. It's very frightening and making it difficult for me to move forward and increase my activities.

As I've been trying to go out of my house I've been having much more dizziness, blurred vision, crying for no reason, feelings of sadness and frustration and possibly the worst one is fear. I'm afraid to go out alone (almost got hit by a car), I'm afraid of the panic attacks, I'm afraid I'm not going to get better, I'm afraid I'll never return to the job I love. I don't like these feelings and they're getting stronger and stronger.

Like I've said, I meditate every day, I eat extremely well, I take my supplements, I use cognitive behaviour techniques and these feelings are getting stronger and stronger. I cannot ignore medications anymore no matter how much I don't want to take them.

I trust my NP and she has said no to meds all the way till now (9 months) and we have done everything else. She has seen the change in me and says it's time for meds. I trust that.

I have just taken my first pill, we are starting low at only 37.5mg, so lets hope there's no immediate reactions and then I can slowly work my way up.

Thanks everyone for all the advice and support. I look out my window and spring is coming, this is time for joy not fear.

Have a great day!
CC

Cyclecrash,

Good luck with this, when people are struggling with symptoms and getting better then medication can help some people. Both my mood, symptoms and pain have all improved since taking medication, I just am thankful that I was honest with my doctor about my mood, because he has taken note of all my symptoms and prescribed the correct medication for me.

Sorry
 

Sorry for the outburst guys. Having a bad pain day. My fault. I apologize.
I do know what you mean C.C about the panic and fear issues. I wonder all the time if this is more of a problem then the pain with trying to get out and do things. I too have gotten lost trying to get home and have flight/fight instincts kicking in. I won't go anywhere alone either. If I was not already on so much medication and I did not have bad reactions to anti-depressant type meds then I would try one also. When it is this bad then you need medication. I think all of us know that and all of us have tried not to get on medication until absolutely necessary. That is what smart people do and we are all smart people. I hope this works for you. We should save the worry about getting off meds for later. We may need them for life so it is not worth much consideration. I hope all of us can find anything that helps. Whatever that may be. I am not judging. I am glad if it helps. I did notice that the clonazepam I was prescribed for seizures also helps for the anxiety, fear, fight/flight issues. That is a plus.
Brain :grouphug: