neurologist? need help

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
neurologist? need help
5
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 12:12pm
hi, i've been on the board since 1999-2000 & have done v. well for the last 3 yrs.

but - again i'm not functioning.

i have been through therapy & seen counselors/psychiastrists.

i reacted really badly to all the SSRIs & do not want to take meds if i can avoid it.

my psychiatrists have always said my body is very 'intolerant' of SSRI medications.

my body seems to be "drug-resistant" (i get mega side effects).

my internist said maybe i should see a 'neurologist' for my insomnia.

my depression only reappears a couple times a year so i don't want to go on an old-style strong anti-depressant (the kind that can cause heart murmurs).

Lithium or something older-fashioned seems so extreme when i have mostly insomnia & generalized mild anxiety.

but i need help & seems like there's no middle ground. i'm scared.

 Katrina
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 12:27pm
i'm super consistent in my lifestyle therapies:

healthy diet, daily exercise, full 8 hrs. of sleep, journaling, walking, no alcohol, no caffeine, etc.

i hear that med's lose their effectiveness over time - i don't want to feel drugged or nauseous & have to keep switching meds or upping the dosage.

if i can't go to a psychiastrist- then what do i do to lower my anxiety, depression & insomnia?

i've tried many meds that didn't work- they've only made me much more anxious (like lexapro, effexor, zoloft, paxil, prozac).

i really appreciate any help.

i am hoping for feedback that others have been able to find meds that work & that kept working.

Thanks! Kat

 Katrina
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2004
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 3:43pm

Hi, Kat!

AcornLeaves
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 5:02pm
Thank you Barbara!

I've ordered the personality/character book you recommended & definitely will now get the Dr. Drummond "Overcoming Anxiety" book.

(I don't have panic attacks- just overall anxiety.)

It can be hard to define the difference b/n anxiety & depression according to my psychiatrists & I really get a lot out of this board. Especially b/c some period of depression comes back - eventually.

I've felt guilty lately that I don't work really (part-time from home) - guilty that I don't have/want children, guilty that I don't have enough "of a life"...

I'm understand the value of self-acceptance but what if I'm really not doing good enough?

Is there a standard I should meet? I don't want to be some mousey, lazy hermit lady.

But I'm artistic in nature & independent-- not a typical career woman (plus, I had a very corporate career for 15 yrs. & don't want it again).

Are there minimum standards we're supposed to meet? I can't even decorate well (esp. with no salary to buy furniture!)LOL.

Any insights very appreciated. Kat


 Katrina
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2004
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 10:35pm

((((((Kat)))))), I want to ask a favor of you.

AcornLeaves
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
Tue, 03-30-2004 - 4:15pm
Hi Barbara,

Sounds great!

Love your board! Kat

 Katrina