lonelyandfrustrated Posted November 4, 2008 Posted November 4, 2008 Our MC suggested that I seek treatment for depression, so I visited the DR and he gave me Lexapro. I just started taking it, but there's some weird effects that I have to say are exactly the same as the effects I suffered when taking Chantix to quit smoking. I'd like some input from others who have taken these or other sorts of 'head meds' (anything that works on the brain). Whether this is something that is normal and will go away. I quit taking Chantix because of it, after only two weeks. What's going on is...I get a taste in my mouth that is quite familiar. I remember it from 20+ years ago when I took a hit of acid. My jaw aches, too. But probably the most disturbing effect is that I constantly feel like someone is pressing against my forehead. Just imagine walking around with a palm pressed firmly against your forehead and that's how I feel. Come on, all you head-med-takers: anybody else get these feelings?
Tony T Posted November 4, 2008 Posted November 4, 2008 Come on, all you head-med-takers: anybody else get these feelings? If they did or they didn't, it wouldn't make any difference for you. Work closely with your doctor to get the right medication and the right dose. Depression is very treatable and there are MANY pharmaceuticals designed for that purpose. Surely one will work for you without dramatic side effects.
Author lonelyandfrustrated Posted November 4, 2008 Author Posted November 4, 2008 Yeah, Tony, I get that. I'm just concerned because I've only taken these two medications that affect the brain, and for them to be so different but give me the same effect concerns me. If other people report the same thing, I can feel like it's a normal effect, but I've read all the literature and googled for the symptoms and I can't find anyone reporting the palm-to-the-forehead feeling or the acid-like jaw problem. Perhaps my biggest concern, however, is that I don't believe I have a chemical imbalance, and the periods when I'm sad are very much tied to my life circumstance. To NOT be sad during those times would seem abnormal to me. But I'm willing to go along and try the medication to see if it helps. Still ain't gonna change the circumstances, though. I don't feel like a failure, I don't mope around, I get things done, I'm not suicidal...seems like the only time I feel 'foggy' is when I take the medication.
a4a Posted November 4, 2008 Posted November 4, 2008 Yeah, Tony, I get that. I'm just concerned because I've only taken these two medications that affect the brain, and for them to be so different but give me the same effect concerns me. If other people report the same thing, I can feel like it's a normal effect, but I've read all the literature and googled for the symptoms and I can't find anyone reporting the palm-to-the-forehead feeling or the acid-like jaw problem. Perhaps my biggest concern, however, is that I don't believe I have a chemical imbalance, and the periods when I'm sad are very much tied to my life circumstance. To NOT be sad during those times would seem abnormal to me. But I'm willing to go along and try the medication to see if it helps. Still ain't gonna change the circumstances, though. I don't feel like a failure, I don't mope around, I get things done, I'm not suicidal...seems like the only time I feel 'foggy' is when I take the medication. I think you are supposed to be depressed when you lose a loved one, your dog gets run over, you get laid off, you fail an exam - I don't think medication is called for unless those things cause you to want to kill yourself or wear tinfoil hats and proclaim yourself the king of the Zambakcwa planetary system. If you have financial problems you are supposed to worry..... now if you are worried their are monkeys living in your clothes hamper...... you need drugs. Go find a different shrink.... get another opinion. People are supposed to be sad sometimes. It makes being happy all that much better!
Author lonelyandfrustrated Posted November 4, 2008 Author Posted November 4, 2008 I think you are supposed to be depressed when you lose a loved one, your dog gets run over, you get laid off, you fail an exam - I don't think medication is called for unless those things cause you to want to kill yourself or wear tinfoil hats and proclaim yourself the king of the Zambakcwa planetary system. If you have financial problems you are supposed to worry..... now if you are worried their are monkeys living in your clothes hamper...... you need drugs. Go find a different shrink.... get another opinion. People are supposed to be sad sometimes. It makes being happy all that much better! LOL. Thanks!
You'reasian Posted November 4, 2008 Posted November 4, 2008 I think you are supposed to be depressed when you lose a loved one, your dog gets run over, you get laid off, you fail an exam - I don't think medication is called for unless those things cause you to want to kill yourself or wear tinfoil hats and proclaim yourself the king of the Zambakcwa planetary system. If you have financial problems you are supposed to worry..... now if you are worried their are monkeys living in your clothes hamper...... you need drugs. Go find a different shrink.... get another opinion. People are supposed to be sad sometimes. It makes being happy all that much better! I've heard of folks keep something of a level head during bad times in their life, without medications - how they do this is a wonder of the psychological world? I recall reading about how Arnold Schwarzenegger was in the middle of earning his 7th Mr. Olympian and that his dad had died. He obviously understood this, but was able to keep his head in the game and win his 7th. Some individuals are capable of keeping their mind and emotions focused during difficult times, I suppose.
Author lonelyandfrustrated Posted November 4, 2008 Author Posted November 4, 2008 You'reasian, I keep a level head in the sense that I don't fall into deep despair over things...people closest to me (other than my H) tell me that they admire my strength in the face of adversity. Where I do fall off is with the boundary between assertiveness and aggression. Which p's off the H. So he says I'm mental. Ah well, the Lex is supposed to be good for controlling anger and aggression, too, which should come in handy while we dig outta this ditch. I cut today's pill in half and just took that, about two hours ago. Wanted to go vote first, in case it affected me badly again. It didn't. I want to give it a chance, so I'll keep on the lower dosage for a few days and then try another full. I'm seeing another DR next week...was going to cancel that appt, but I think I'll keep it now.
a4a Posted November 4, 2008 Posted November 4, 2008 You'reasian, I keep a level head in the sense that I don't fall into deep despair over things...people closest to me (other than my H) tell me that they admire my strength in the face of adversity. Where I do fall off is with the boundary between assertiveness and aggression. Which p's off the H. So he says I'm mental. Ah well, the Lex is supposed to be good for controlling anger and aggression, too, which should come in handy while we dig outta this ditch. I cut today's pill in half and just took that, about two hours ago. Wanted to go vote first, in case it affected me badly again. It didn't. I want to give it a chance, so I'll keep on the lower dosage for a few days and then try another full. I'm seeing another DR next week...was going to cancel that appt, but I think I'll keep it now. So you are not depressed you are just pissed? then you are pissed and you communicate this with aggression and assertiveness? I think your H wants a kinder gentler you and dopin' you up is a quick fix. Do you beat him or what? I sound like you but my H's shrink called me articulate.....
Author lonelyandfrustrated Posted November 4, 2008 Author Posted November 4, 2008 So you are not depressed you are just pissed? then you are pissed and you communicate this with aggression and assertiveness? I think your H wants a kinder gentler you and dopin' you up is a quick fix. Do you beat him or what? I sound like you but my H's shrink called me articulate..... LOL. Yeah, I have the same thoughts as to doping me up. I don't beat him. If anything, he is way more physically aggressive than I am, busting things, not me. Ya know, he's cool as a cucumber if I'm shrieking (aggressive), but when I slip into 'assertive' mode (calm, determined, using all my dollar words) he gets all bent out.
a4a Posted November 4, 2008 Posted November 4, 2008 LOL. Yeah, I have the same thoughts as to doping me up. I don't beat him. If anything, he is way more physically aggressive than I am, busting things, not me. Ya know, he's cool as a cucumber if I'm shrieking (aggressive), but when I slip into 'assertive' mode (calm, determined, using all my dollar words) he gets all bent out. Is he on meds? and if not..... why not?
Author lonelyandfrustrated Posted November 4, 2008 Author Posted November 4, 2008 Is he on meds? and if not..... why not? Because I didn't beat him enough? No, he will not admit that he has any problem. He will say that he has anger issues, but of course, just like me, it's the other person's fault. I dunno what he's going to do after I've 'chemically rebalanced' myself. He's going to have to pick up another piece of armor.
carhill Posted November 4, 2008 Posted November 4, 2008 OP, if not already done, get a formal dx from a psychiatrist (preferably one referred to you by someone you trust) and have him or her manage your psych care. Brain care is a specialist area. Don't leave it to your GP. Make sure your doctor is aware of any other meds you are currently taking or occasionally take (like OTC pain relievers, for example). Contact your doctor before altering your dosage or ceasing the medication. SSRI's suddenly stopped can cause "bad trips". It may take a month or more to see a positive effect. Give it time. I experimented with a few such meds whilst managing my mom's care, since I had access to some pretty strong psych meds. "Pressure" in the head was a common feeling for me, along with a "foggy" feeling..... After reverse titration, those feelings disappated. Journal your observations and share them with your doctor. Read up on serious side effects and what to do. Your pharmicist is a good source of all kinds of info on this medication. Good luck!
a4a Posted November 4, 2008 Posted November 4, 2008 Because I didn't beat him enough? No, he will not admit that he has any problem. He will say that he has anger issues, but of course, just like me, it's the other person's fault. I dunno what he's going to do after I've 'chemically rebalanced' myself. He's going to have to pick up another piece of armor. sounds like it's Tater time at your house. sorry...... but don't dope yourself up just to cope with him and his tude. Not worth it. perhaps you should start putting your meds in his kool aid?
quankanne Posted November 4, 2008 Posted November 4, 2008 sounds like it's Tater time at your house. :lmao: in a LOT of houses, A ... LAF, they say you're supposed to give any meds a two week period to "take," but I don't think being made to feel pressure or pain is a good indication of how it's going to work! I got lucky, the Wellbutrin I was first prescribed went smoothly, though I've had people tell me they had problems with it. And that they had to try several different A/Ds before they found one that worked for them. This is probably what you should suggest to your doctor. as for the *need* for anti-depressants, stress can throw your blood chemistry off-kilter and turn you into someone you don't recognize or who has trouble functioning because of the funk. The A/Ds merely help your blood chemistry correct itself during the time your body is unable to do it itself. Some people need them long-term, other people just need that short-term (1,2,3 year) "fix" until the body can take over production levels of what's running low.
a4a Posted November 4, 2008 Posted November 4, 2008 sounds like it's Tater time at your house. :lmao: in a LOT of houses, A ... LAF, they say you're supposed to give any meds a two week period to "take," but I don't think being made to feel pressure or pain is a good indication of how it's going to work! I got lucky, the Wellbutrin I was first prescribed went smoothly, though I've had people tell me they had problems with it. And that they had to try several different A/Ds before they found one that worked for them. This is probably what you should suggest to your doctor. as for the *need* for anti-depressants, stress can throw your blood chemistry off-kilter and turn you into someone you don't recognize or who has trouble functioning because of the funk. The A/Ds merely help your blood chemistry correct itself during the time your body is unable to do it itself. Some people need them long-term, other people just need that short-term (1,2,3 year) "fix" until the body can take over production levels of what's running low. How the hell do you know which chemicals are out of balance unless you are tested (like blood work) for a chemical issue.... sounds a bit like quackery to state..... hey you get pissed easily you must have a brain chemical issue.
You'reasian Posted November 5, 2008 Posted November 5, 2008 How the hell do you know which chemicals are out of balance unless you are tested (like blood work) for a chemical issue.... sounds a bit like quackery to state..... hey you get pissed easily you must have a brain chemical issue. The original poster must have a PhD or MD.
Author lonelyandfrustrated Posted November 5, 2008 Author Posted November 5, 2008 The original poster must have a PhD or MD. ? Me? Have one, like on my office wall, or have one like, at the Dr Office, and I have to make an appointment to see it? (wow, how's them for some commas? lol) I did wonder if there's some test for unbalanced chemistry. So far all I've gotten is a "Hm, you seem depressed, get some drugs!" and a "Hm, this stuff seems to work, here, take it!" Very scientific, I must say.
carhill Posted November 5, 2008 Posted November 5, 2008 Besides a complete physical (and, yes, blood work), a competent practitioner will perform depression-specific psychometric tests as well as a directed interview of the patient. I learned of this type of diagnosis regime when my mother was analyzed for dementia. In her case, in addition to psychometric and physical evaluations, a complete family genetic history was taken and MRI and CT scans performed. The only thing we did not do was sample her cerebro-spinal fluid (there are evidently demential markers which can be evaluated) due to her condition. Research into the chemistry of the brain is still in its infancy, but, no doubt, one day, we'll be able to "test" for conditions we now just guess at, and thus proactively treat them. One can hope
Author lonelyandfrustrated Posted November 5, 2008 Author Posted November 5, 2008 So could they rule out depression with blood work?
carhill Posted November 5, 2008 Posted November 5, 2008 To my knowledge, blood work cannot confirm or deny presence of depression markers. It can, however, detect physiological anomalies which have psychiatric effects. A great example of this is thyroid function (TSH), which can affect mood and cognition. The proper function of the thyroid became even more critical when I was managing my mother's dementia, as she was hypothyrodic as well (predating dementia), and proper dosing of medications and monitoring affected her demeanor far more than prior to becoming demented.
Author lonelyandfrustrated Posted November 5, 2008 Author Posted November 5, 2008 Thanks, carhill. Your info about the pressure helps, too. I can find lots of people reporting pressure at the back of the head, coming from the inside, but man, mine's bass-ackward. Perhaps my brain really is twisted, lol. Meh, I figure it ain't gonna kill me to give the meds a shot, right? I've taken more potent stuff for FUN.
jgaz3124 Posted November 5, 2008 Posted November 5, 2008 I am actually really glad that I came across your post. I am going a very simular thing with my now ex boyfriend. When times are tough I am not always happy but however I am not unhappy all the time. Whenever my bf and I get into a fight he has been saying that I need help and meds but I do not. I just get pissed and voice my opinion which if it is different from his he thinks I need help. Now I have no problem going to get help if I needed it but I don't and I think he is constantly trying to cut me down by convincing me that there is something wrong with me. Not to mention that he equally flips out on me when he is angry and the killer of it is, is that he is on meds, which clearly are not working for his anger so he should be one to talk. Ok I didn't mean to get carried away but I just wanted to reply as it is nice to know I am not the only one going thru this.
Author lonelyandfrustrated Posted November 5, 2008 Author Posted November 5, 2008 jgaz, thanks for sharing. Ah, if only I were in a BF situation! I'd do the old cut-and-run, lol. I think it's just a form of psychological abuse, and I don't know that they really mean for it to be abusive, but these guys seem to have a real problem accepting responsibility for pain that they've caused, so it's real easy for them to deflect that on us: if we weren't mentally unstable, then we wouldn't hurt. So the reason we're hurt is our own fault. If we were just 'normal', then we could accept 'normal guy behavior', like they believe other men's wives do. See, my husband believes the public face that people put on in RL. Or, well, he did. Over a recent disaster where I put him out (or, truthfully, the police did, after HE called them), H ended up at a friend's house where the H and W recently went through the same thing we're going through. Opened his eyes a bit. And then another friend approached my H with a recommendation for a book to read; it was the same book I'd been trying to get him to read (Five Love Languages). H went, "Wow, I never knew these guys were going through the same stuff. Guess a lot of people struggle in their marriages." I'm like, yeah, ya think? H had to hear it from his friends that you can't have a successful and happy marriage if you ignore your wife and only think about yourself.
a4a Posted November 5, 2008 Posted November 5, 2008 jgaz, thanks for sharing. Ah, if only I were in a BF situation! I'd do the old cut-and-run, lol. I think it's just a form of psychological abuse, and I don't know that they really mean for it to be abusive, but these guys seem to have a real problem accepting responsibility for pain that they've caused, so it's real easy for them to deflect that on us: if we weren't mentally unstable, then we wouldn't hurt. So the reason we're hurt is our own fault. If we were just 'normal', then we could accept 'normal guy behavior', like they believe other men's wives do. See, my husband believes the public face that people put on in RL. Or, well, he did. Over a recent disaster where I put him out (or, truthfully, the police did, after HE called them), H ended up at a friend's house where the H and W recently went through the same thing we're going through. Opened his eyes a bit. And then another friend approached my H with a recommendation for a book to read; it was the same book I'd been trying to get him to read (Five Love Languages). H went, "Wow, I never knew these guys were going through the same stuff. Guess a lot of people struggle in their marriages." I'm like, yeah, ya think? H had to hear it from his friends that you can't have a successful and happy marriage if you ignore your wife and only think about yourself. His reaction is not that unusual. Now are you depressed or are you just unhappy about the way somethings are in your life? So you can take meds and numb it and keep doing what you are doing or you can change the things that are making you unhappy. Your H doesn't need meds he needs a swift kick in the ass. This whole thing reminds me of all the kids on meds because they are hyper or behaving badly. Quit feeding that brat sugar and get the wooden spoon out of the drawer. Get the kid out of the house to wear themselves the hell out not vegetate with refined sugars in the bloodstream in front of the TV. His behavior will change.
quankanne Posted November 5, 2008 Posted November 5, 2008 So you can take meds and numb it with depression, it's not a matter of "numbing" but trying to get blood chemistry back into whack. I'll be the first to admit, it was going to be hit or miss when my physician first prescribed Wellbutrin, but fortunately, it did the job. See, I wasn't numb ON the meds, I was numb OFF them ... well, more like distanced from what was going on around me, like I was surrounded by water and though I could see things and experience them, I was emotionally and psychologically removed. The meds actually got me back into the mainstream, so to speak. yes, there is a problem with overmedicating people who don't need those meds ... but it's a catch-22 when the folks who need that medicinal boost aren't getting it for fear of being overmedicated.
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