Buzzing under the skin??
 

Does anyone have this feeling? I don’t know what the heck is going on. I feel like I could actually light a light bulb with the tip of my finger if I wanted. My head’s buzzing and my legs and arms are buzzing. I’ve never had this before and don’t know what’s causing it.

I met my new pdoc on Friday. I was a nervous wreck so by the time I went in I felt a panic attack coming on and I’ve been feeling anxious ever since.

We started out slow with the usual intros and she asked me why I was there? I was floored and couldn’t think what to say so I said I’m bipolar and I need help controlling my feelings whether by meds or just somebody to talk to. After I got those words out I froze because I realized what I had said. I said I was BIPOLAR. I think we’re going to hit it off because she let me talk about what I wanted not like the other guy I had. I talked about my mom for 45 minutes are she urged me to keep talking. Yes I cried a lot but she said it was okay to let it out and I needed that.

My meds have been changed so maybe it’s one of those? I wasn’t taking anything except Effexor since I walked out of the other pdoc’s office. Now I have Depakote, Lamictal for depression, Seroquel to help me sleep and Klonopin. But all I’ve taken is the Depakote (750mg) about 3 hours ago. Or maybe I’ve let it go too long???

Hi BJ,

I'm glad you like this pdoc better. Sometimes it seems the woman docs are more receptive to me.

befuddled2

When did the buzzing start?
 

Dear Me BP,
When did the buzzing start?
Have you started the new batch of meds?
Call the pdoc tomorrow or Monday and let her know. She should be able to tell you what it is.
In the meantime, try not to worry about it.
Mari

Mari it started around 4:00 this afternoon. It's an odd feeling and one I never felt before. It just feels like my whole body is charged. I can't think of a better word to say but buzzing but that's what it feels like. I was supposed to take Seroquil but I'm afraid until I call her. I'm going to give it a few more hours and try to sleep. But I don't think that's going to happen. :(

hi there,
sorry about the buzzing..that must be a very strange sensation.
Does it hurt?
Placing a call to your pdoc on monday is a great suggestion.
If it really bothers you then call the on call doctor.
I do think you should follow what your new doctor has prescribed and the lamictal should be a small dose right 25mg to start, very low dose...and the seroquel will help you to sleep as well as helping to slow your thoughts down, this can also help with anxiety. These are really good meds and very helpful to control our symptoms...they just take time to get in our systems to start working for us.
You could also call a pharmacist to see if the tingling/zapping is side effect in the "PDR" the bible/reference for medications.
The only time I have heard of this is when someone was withdrawing off of benzodiazapines.
I can't remember how long you were without meds?
This could be from the discontinuing of effexor?
wishing you well.
(((HUGS)))
bizi

Hi,
A wild guess says that it could be paresthesia --
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/p...aresthesia.htm --
And that the Depakote is causing it. But I am not a pdoc.
The pdoc will know if this is a good reason to go off the med or if you should stay on the Depakote and see it if goes away after a while.


Most of the time, the side effects of these, while frightening, are harmless. As long as you let the pdoc know what is going on, you will be ok.

This is the hard part about trying new drugs.

Someone on our forum once told me to only try new meds in the MORNING -- not in the evening before bed.
That way I could monitor myself, call the pdoc, be able to call a friend to come over for example, or go to the hospital if that became necessary.

By the way, I have not heard of many people going to the hospital for short time side effects.
I'm trying to calm you down.....not sure if I am.

Here is what you can do:
1) call and get someone on call, perhaps wake up your pdoc.
2) call pdoc at a reasonable time in the morning (even if the side effect has passed/lessoned by then
3) call any pharmacist at an all night drug store and ask them to look up the side effect profile for you of Depakote and the other meds you have started.

I am sorry that you are going through this.
Maybe by now, you are sleeping. I hope so.
Check in on Sunday and let us know what is going on if you don't mind.
Mari

MeBP,
Back to what Bizi brought up --
When did you stop the Effexor? Is the Effexor withdrawals part of what is happening?
mari

I wish I was sleeping but my net went down at it just came back up.

I started weaning off the Effexor yesterday by half. I started on 25 mg Lamictal, 750 mg Depakote and I haven't taken the Seroquel yet because I'm afraid.

It doesn't hurt or anything it's more of an annoying thing. I almost feel like something is under there and my mind is racing terribly. I haven't slept at all because of the buzzing in my head and just being afraid. I'm afraid I'm getting manic again and my last one was terrible. I don't want to be like that again.

I didn't call my pdoc because I didn't want to disturb her, wanted to get off on the right foot. The pharmacy opens at 9AM and I'll call there and see what they have to say. Then if need be I'll call her.

For me the buzzing is from my FM and other nerve problems. If I remember you have FM too right? If not sorry if I confused you. As for the BP, I don't have the physical manifestations like that.
I do have a question for you, I just started on Depakote last week, how is that working for you?

Hi Wendy it's nice to "meet" you but sorry about the circumstances. As far as having fibro, it's one of the things that has been kicked around but no definitive diagnosis yet. My primary suggested I see a rheumatologist but I haven't gotten around to it yet. I go through periods where I hurt from head to toe but that could also be depression so I'm not sure yet. I just need to get my meds straighted out and then I'll make that appointment.

As far as the Depakote I just started it yesterday so the verdict is out. I'm not sure if this buzzing is from that or not. This is a new pdoc, I fired my other, and I've been off meds for a while except for Effexor which I'm weaning off now. What a messed I've caused. :(

Time to call CVS. I hope the pharmacist is in.

I am sorry about the buzzing that you are having. I hope that you get feeling better soon!! I am glad that you like your new doc though. That is important to have a good relationship with the doc. Hope things get better for you soon! *hugs*
Wishful

Hi, Did you get in touch with the pharmacist? It does sound to me like a side effect of a medication.

I hope it has worn off by now. I hope you got an answer too.

Don't forget to call your p-doc too.

Good Luck, Nikko

The pharmacists isn't in yet. He won't be in until 11 so I'm told.

I'm still buzzing like crazy and it's so frustrating. I'm soooo tired but I can't sleep. I need to shut down my mind and my body. I hope he has some answers. If not, I'll call my pdoc. I just hate to bother her on a Sunday.

The pharmacist just called back and he said I should call my pdoc ASAP. He's thinks it might be from the Depakote but he's not sure and shouldn't take it until I hear back. Gosh, I feel like lab rat here with all these meds. :(

Glad you got an answer. Call your p-doc ASAP even though it is Sunday, they are on call, that is what they are there for.

Keep us posted.

Hugs, Nikko

I'm glad that you called the pharmacist.
Did you hear back from your pdoc yet?
Is the buzzing still happening?
Mari

Does your new pdoc know about this possible diagnosis for you?
The depokote may have...may have...triggered the buzzing?
I really don 't know.
Hopefully you will hear from the pdoc ASAP!
(((HUGS))))
bizi

I finally heard back and she thinks it's the Depkote causing it. Some people have this reaction to it. I forgot the word she used para something. She doesn't want to cut me back yet because I've gone too long without anything. She's hopeful it will be just a temporary thing. But I should take the Seroquel because she said it might knock me out and keep taking the Lamictal. Now that would be a good thing. :D If I still have it tomorrow to call and she might have to adjust it but at this point she doesn't want to. She thinks this will be a good combo for me. We'll see. :confused:

I did mention the possible fibro and she said I should get in to see someone about it and to get a referral from my primary. Interesting she said lots who are bipolar also have fibro.

Let's hope I buzz off because I'm exhausted but relieved I guess.

paresthesia
 

Hi,
That's great that you heard from the pdoc and that you feel more relieved now.

I used to get paresthesia from some of my meds. It freaked me out. My pdoc didn't think it was a big deal but I went off them anyway.

The seroquel will help you sleep.
Do you have to be up early on Monday?

Mari

I'm glad I'm not the only one that has had this Mari (but sorry you did). She didn't think it was a big deal either but it's not her feeling like "things" are under your skin. :eek: But what's keeping me awake is the buzz in my head. It's so annoying but I'm trying to block it out.

Unfortunately, I have to be up at 5:45AM for work. I just hope I can get some sleep. But it's either this or another episode which I'm trying to avoid.

Hi,
I've never taken Seroquel but I have heard that people have a hard time getting up.
It might depend on how much you take.
It might also depend on how long you are on it -- after a while your body gets a little used to it maybe.
Be careful driving.
Mari

The seroquel should help you to sleep, maybe you could take it now so that way you cna tell if it is going to help you go to sleep and it will be long enough away from when you have to get up...that is awfully early!
I could not get up that early.
poor you.
bizi

Well isn't that a kick in the head! So I guess people with FM are really all wired wrong! Sigh....geez, do I have anything else wandering aimlessly in this body of mine????
By the way, you really should get to a rheumy about the FM....it could help you.

Still buzzing away but I did sleep for 2 whole hours and for me that is good. :D My mind is wandering and won't shut off though and I'm wearing myself out.

I'm picking up a referral today and then I'll call one that my primary suggests. I don't know a whole lot about FM but I'll soon find out of that is part of what's going on. :(

Good I am glad. Now remember, FM is a diagnosis of exclusion. There is NO blood test to confirm or deny FM. Not to say that getting blood work is a waste of time, but at least you can weed out what is and isn't wrong with you.
Good luck...oh and remember, rheumys are notoriously knows for having the personality of a rock so don't take offense if he/she isn't very friendly. Don't going in saying I think I have FM, say your doc feels that may be the case...as I said rheumys are weird that way.

Thanks for the heads up Wendy. I've already been tested for Lyme's and that was negative. Then the bipolar diagnosis and it's been down hill ever since. I have an appointment on the 8th and we'll see what happens. Gosh I hope she doesn't have the personality of a rock.:eek: I've had a bad experience with my past pdoc and I certainly don't want to go through that again. My emotions are frayed as it is.

I'm still buzzing in my head and I called my pdoc and she said to cut if in half until I adjust. Hope this helps it stop because I couldn't even concentrate at work and everyone thought I was out there.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((MEBP)))))))))))))))))) ))))))))))))))))))

Hang in there, hopefully the side effects will lesson as the med gets adjusted to your system.



Nikko

Hi,
I'm new to this site but when I read your post I felt really strongly about replying to you. I hope you don't mind. I have a son with bipolar he was diagnosed when he was nine and is now 16 years old and finally doing well on his meds. He took Seroquel for several years and although it helped alot he is no longer taking it as they found a better drug combination to meet his body requirements. I would definitely call your doctor if you have concerns about the medicine and if you don't feel comfortable with it maybe he or she could suggest something else to help you out.Seroquel is a drug that will calm you and with it my son found it so much easier to deal with life and all the anxiety that goes with it. He has been through so much in his life already but now is stronger for it. You know what is right for you. You are smart that you are realizing you don't want to go into a maniac phase.. at least you realise what is happening here. Alot of people with bipolar disease unknowing slip into a maniac phase so call your doctor and don't worry about bothering them without you the patient they would be out of business. They are working for you so don't feel like you are bothering them. I'm sure they would want to address your concerns. This of course is your decision and only yours ..but I hope it might help you to know my son took the same med without any side effects for several years. Maybe that might put your mind at ease if not he is taking a medication now that has really stabilized his moods and helped him so much it is called abilify. That and Tenex manage his bipolar disease now and he is off the Depakote he was taking since he was diagnosed at age nine. I'm not a doctor so I don't know what is right for you but maybe you can discuss the options available to you and you and your doctor can come up with a working plan for your meds. Best of luck I hope everything turns out well for you. Just keep your environment as low stress as you can until you have a solid med change ready and you are doing better. That has always helped my son when he felt like he was going to go over that edge and he hates it too. :wink:
Robyn

Hi Robyn and welcome to NeuroTalk. You're going to fit right in here because it's a great place to give and get support.

I'm glad your son has found the right combo of meds. to help him. The thread you responded to is from November of 06 and lots has happened in the meantime.

I'm glad you've joined us. :hug:

Welcome Robin

Please feel free to post on any of the threads here. We are a great
group and welcome anyone that would like to join us.

I am Donna and have grown relatives and children who are bi-polar.

Sending you hugs and hoping to hear from you again.

Glad your son's meds are working. I know exactly how hard sometimes
we work to make our kids meds work right. It took me 16 years to find
the right diagnosis for my now 26 year old. When he was 16 they
found the right combination and changed his life. Thank goodness.

Donna

Hi there Robyn, and welcome to NeuroTalk from me as well.

I'm pleased that you found us. Do look around the board and join in anywhere you fell comfortable.

[QUOTE=BJ;42167]Does anyone have this feeling? I don’t know what the heck is going on. I feel like I could actually light a light bulb with the tip of my finger if I wanted. My head’s buzzing and my legs and arms are buzzing. I’ve never had this before and don’t know what’s causing it.

I met my new pdoc on Friday. I was a nervous wreck so by the time I went in I felt a panic attack coming on and I’ve been feeling anxious ever since.

We started out slow with the usual intros and she asked me why I was there? I was floored and couldn’t think what to say so I said I’m bipolar and I need help controlling my feelings whether by meds or just somebody to talk to. After I got those words out I froze because I realized what I had said. I said I was BIPOLAR. I think we’re going to hit it off because she let me talk about what I wanted not like the other guy I had. I talked about my mom for 45 minutes are she urged me to keep talking. Yes I cried a lot but she said it was okay to let it out and I needed that.

My meds have been changed so maybe it’s one of those? I wasn’t taking anything except Effexor since I walked out of the other pdoc’s office. Now I have Depakote, Lamictal for depression, Seroquel to help me sleep and Klonopin. But all I’ve taken is the Depakote (750mg) about 3 hours ago. Or maybe I’ve let it go too long???[/QUOT

Hi Stacy

Welcome, hope you continue to post. And find it welcoming here.
We are a good community and will do what we can to help you too.
Just like your new pdoc. What a treasure you found too.


I'm so glad you found someone that is great.

Donna