[Mark in Idaho]

I have been having serious struggles with melancholy and even darker thoughts this past week. After fighting through it with little success, I decided to see if a pick-me-up would help. So, I took an Excedrin tablet. It has 65 mgs of caffeine.

It appears to be making a difference. I have done it twice and both times, I felt much better. The sense of hopelessness has reduced substantially. It sure beats the side-effects of taking an anti-depressant.

Since I am long beyond any healing or recovery stage with my brain, I doubt the caffeine will have any detrimental effects. If anything changes with this protocol, I'll let you all know.

My best to you all.

[Mokey]

Hi Mark. Sorry to hear you are having a tough week. Things will get better if you can weather the storm.

I think that the only rule for people with brain injuries and concussions is that they don't get another one! So if you find something that can help you and doesn't seem to harm you, that is great.

I use Excedrin for headaches. I try not to use it too much as it does a job on my stomach. In terms of caffeine, would a green tea be good for you? High in anti-oxidants which are great for the brain and for neuro-transmission and it is not too high in caffeine.

Hang in there!
M

[Vanilla Bean]

Hi Mark,

I'm really sorry to hear about the melancholy, but glad you've found some relief. Things WILL get better. Please let us know how you're doing.

Have you had melancholy prior to these last few weeks? Have you noticed any stimulants or situations that have brought it on? I am a pretty depression-prone person but I haven't had melancholy that much since the accident. A huge sense of defeat, yes, but melancholy and dark thoughts not as much.

There is a test the upper cervical chiropractor did measuring my flight or fight response I guess as a measure of anxiety. My reaction was a bit slower than a healthy reaction should be. Wondering too if this has anything to do with it. I'm not explaining it well, but I'm happy to scan it and send it to you to look at, pm me if you're interested. Are you still going to an upper cervical?

How long the Excedrin relief last?

Remember things WILL get better.

[Mark in Idaho]

Mokey,

I took the Excedrin precisely for the caffeine. I had it in the cabinet because years ago I used it to overcome the somnolence from Klonopin until the doc read me the riot act about combining the two.

65 mgs of caffeine is about like a weak cup of coffee. (95 mgs in a normal cup of coffee).

I am not a tea drinker so the green tea is a no go.

Oddly enough, the caffeine did not keep me up. After taking it late, I still could go to sleep.

Regarding triggers for my episode. I spent 3 hours digging with my diesel tractor. It is loud and rough riding. Maybe too much from that activity. I had to stop when I realized I bent a $500 part. That was a certain downer. The frustration of searching the country for a replacement part was exhausting.

I am also waiting to see if my legal case will get resolved. The stress has not been good for someone with PCS.

Thanks for all your concern.

[dagma1]

Mark,

I'm so sorry to hear you are having a rough time.

You are such a massive help to everyone here but please look after yourself, hope you feel better very soon.

[Arty]

Have you considered tapering down gabapentin?

[concussedlawyer]

Mark,
You/ve given so many people support on this board, I'm glad to be able to return the favor. Hopefully some of the melancholy has dissipated. Did you check out the link on Integrated Listening systems that was posted above on the what's new section? I have no idea if that would be helpful for your injury, but the whole idea that there was a significant recovery after 11 years was very heartening for me. Best to you!