I'm supposed to know the answers. But I dont, so here goes.
I was diagnosed 15 years ago with depression. I have been on various anti-depressants with some success (and in therapy) tried to come off them, etc...
Long story short, Prozac seems to be the best fit for me. All I know is that I have a shot at relatively normal life on 30 mg a day. Have been on it now about 5 years.
I swear that if I go off these meds, I feel the tension and anxiety, irritability and being overwhelmed within a week. The books say this doesnt happen. If my dose is changed, I feel it within a week.
I've had a rough summer. Youngest going away to college, adjusting to new life, etc etc... I'm fighting hard to stay out of bed and go to work every day. My irritability is very high at times. My kids say I'm really ugly at times. Stupid things can really set me off (the laundry is suddenly just driving me wild, it HAS to be done, NOW.) I have no insurance (I'm per diem).
#1 Has anyone else heard of this rapid reaction to this ssri?
#2 Am I just hiding out from the possibility that I should be on anti-anxiety meds?
#3 Is it possible Ive just become too "used" to this drug and need an increase?
A visit to my doc would be my first choice if I had $60 for an office visit. But my meds cost me $80 a month. And, sigh, when you need your meds to work is a really bad time to change them around, since you dont have the tolerance to wait for it to take place. It really isnt an option right now.
Am I rambling foolishly? I guess I want to know if I sound familiar. Does anyone else go through this?
A nurse where I work lost her job last week due to a series of emotional breakdowns she has experienced that have compromised her work. My heart goes out to her. So many people seem to think that nurses should not get sick. ESPECIALLY emotionally. I dont see myself messing up at work, but I do tend to feel overwhelmed a lot at home.
I'm supposed to know the answers. But I dont, so here goes.
I was diagnosed 15 years ago with depression. I have been on various anti-depressants with some success (and in therapy) tried to come off them, etc...
Long story short, Prozac seems to be the best fit for me. All I know is that I have a shot at relatively normal life on 30 mg a day. Have been on it now about 5 years.
I swear that if I go off these meds, I feel the tension and anxiety, irritability and being overwhelmed within a week. The books say this doesnt happen. If my dose is changed, I feel it within a week.
I've had a rough summer. Youngest going away to college, adjusting to new life, etc etc... I'm fighting hard to stay out of bed and go to work every day. My irritability is very high at times. My kids say I'm really ugly at times. Stupid things can really set me off (the laundry is suddenly just driving me wild, it HAS to be done, NOW.) I have no insurance (I'm per diem).
#1 Has anyone else heard of this rapid reaction to this ssri?
#2 Am I just hiding out from the possibility that I should be on anti-anxiety meds?
#3 Is it possible Ive just become too "used" to this drug and need an increase?
A visit to my doc would be my first choice if I had $60 for an office visit. But my meds cost me $80 a month. And, sigh, when you need your meds to work is a really bad time to change them around, since you dont have the tolerance to wait for it to take place. It really isnt an option right now.
Am I rambling foolishly? I guess I want to know if I sound familiar. Does anyone else go through this?
A nurse where I work lost her job last week due to a series of emotional breakdowns she has experienced that have compromised her work. My heart goes out to her. So many people seem to think that nurses should not get sick. ESPECIALLY emotionally. I dont see myself messing up at work, but I do tend to feel overwhelmed a lot at home.
This is my first posting so please forgive me if I do something wrong. Why not get a job with health insurance? Then perhaps consider an evaluation of you medication. Like diabetes, many people with depression need to be on meds their whole lives.
I'm supposed to know the answers. But I dont, so here goes.
I was diagnosed 15 years ago with depression. I have been on various anti-depressants with some success (and in therapy) tried to come off them, etc...
Long story short, Prozac seems to be the best fit for me. All I know is that I have a shot at relatively normal life on 30 mg a day. Have been on it now about 5 years.
I swear that if I go off these meds, I feel the tension and anxiety, irritability and being overwhelmed within a week. The books say this doesnt happen. If my dose is changed, I feel it within a week.
I've had a rough summer. Youngest going away to college, adjusting to new life, etc etc... I'm fighting hard to stay out of bed and go to work every day. My irritability is very high at times. My kids say I'm really ugly at times. Stupid things can really set me off (the laundry is suddenly just driving me wild, it HAS to be done, NOW.) I have no insurance (I'm per diem).
#1 Has anyone else heard of this rapid reaction to this ssri?
#2 Am I just hiding out from the possibility that I should be on anti-anxiety meds?
#3 Is it possible Ive just become too "used" to this drug and need an increase?
A visit to my doc would be my first choice if I had $60 for an office visit. But my meds cost me $80 a month. And, sigh, when you need your meds to work is a really bad time to change them around, since you dont have the tolerance to wait for it to take place. It really isnt an option right now.
Am I rambling foolishly? I guess I want to know if I sound familiar. Does anyone else go through this?
A nurse where I work lost her job last week due to a series of emotional breakdowns she has experienced that have compromised her work. My heart goes out to her. So many people seem to think that nurses should not get sick. ESPECIALLY emotionally. I dont see myself messing up at work, but I do tend to feel overwhelmed a lot at home.
Yes, I'm out here. I am 52 years old, have been a critical care nurse since 1986. In 1991 (nearing a divorce - married 22 years)....I was diagnosed with Clinical Depression....at that time I was given Doxepin (old antidepressant). It did work, as it brought me back to a relatively tolerable baseline. Since then I've been through a divorce, my children (now grown) have moved away. I have (had) 2 dogs who have been my constant companions.
Recently, I lost a friend (awsome ER nurse) to an accident that fractured his C-spine at C3-C4 (Christopher Reeve injury).......he asked to be taken off the ventilator and he passed peacefully into the next real, with his family and friends by his side......along with that grieving, last week I had to euthanize my 14 year old Brittany spaniel - I was with her during the process, and I have been crying daily since then. Then yesterday 8/6 - I was just doing some laundry and light housework, when a feeling of "pure terror" came over me, I walked around in circles for a few moments wondering what is happening? Then I had this feeling that I was going to die, that I couldn't stay here and take anymore, basically I was terrified.....didn't know what to do, so I took an extra Paxil and went to my bed (where I do find peace in my cocoon)..........I think I need to change my medication (but my psychiatrist says, "Paxil has worked well for you,so why change?" I have an appt on 7/18 and I plan to try and be more assertive about wanting to try another med. I guess one our big fears is that we won't be able to go to work, because as you know, we have to be AT OUR BEST at work......I am single and cannot lose my job. I took a few days off after my dog died, and that even worried the heck out of me. I still am crying daily over the loss of my sweet dog, who has been through so much with me.
Overall, I think we nurses hurt a lot emotionally, and the "lay" persons in our life don't have a clue. We need to support one another. :chair:
before zoloft, I would worry a work about home, and at home I would worry at home and feel bad because I wasn't working. Most of the nurses I work with are on ssri's also, effexor, prozac, zoloft...
spazzing out about the laundry is just a symptom. everyone has SOMETHING that sets them off. My son is nearly 20 and starts nursing school next week, he is driving me CRAZY...he hasn't bought any of his books yet; but yet he has time to drive from Atlanta to montgomery to hang out with friends for 3 days...drives me NUTS!!!!
hang in there...
can you go part time at a local facility (mine has a 6 day a month policy to have health insurance), that way you can get your meds and office visits at a reasonable cost...
bottom line, there has to be a doc at work you can talk to, usually at my facility they are concerned with the nurses well being (if we aren't healthy, we can't take care of their patients). they can hook you up with samples and such
Yes, I'm out here. I am 52 years old, have been a critical care nurse since 1986. In 1991 (nearing a divorce - married 22 years)....I was diagnosed with Clinical Depression....at that time I was given Doxepin (old antidepressant). It did work, as it brought me back to a relatively tolerable baseline. Since then I've been through a divorce, my children (now grown) have moved away. I have (had) 2 dogs who have been my constant companions.
Recently, I lost a friend (awsome ER nurse) to an accident that fractured his C-spine at C3-C4 (Christopher Reeve injury).......he asked to be taken off the ventilator and he passed peacefully into the next real, with his family and friends by his side......along with that grieving, last week I had to euthanize my 14 year old Brittany spaniel - I was with her during the process, and I have been crying daily since then. Then yesterday 8/6 - I was just doing some laundry and light housework, when a feeling of "pure terror" came over me, I walked around in circles for a few moments wondering what is happening? Then I had this feeling that I was going to die, that I couldn't stay here and take anymore, basically I was terrified.....didn't know what to do, so I took an extra Paxil and went to my bed (where I do find peace in my cocoon)..........I think I need to change my medication (but my psychiatrist says, "Paxil has worked well for you,so why change?" I have an appt on 7/18 and I plan to try and be more assertive about wanting to try another med. I guess one our big fears is that we won't be able to go to work, because as you know, we have to be AT OUR BEST at work......I am single and cannot lose my job. I took a few days off after my dog died, and that even worried the heck out of me. I still am crying daily over the loss of my sweet dog, who has been through so much with me.
Overall, I think we nurses hurt a lot emotionally, and the "lay" persons in our life don't have a clue. We need to support one another. :chair:
Hang in there. Yeah, new meds are in order - or supplemental something. Funny - it was laundry that sent me over the edge when I was first diagnosed, too....
I am so sorry that you have been suffering. Have you looked into Zoloft? A friend of mine was going through a lot of family issues and felt that the Paxil just wasn't effective anymore. They tried her on Lexapro but she said it made her feelings of dread worse. They put her on Zoloft and gave her 15 lorazapam for panic attacks while she adjusted to the Zoloft. She said she started feeling ,uch better in about a week. It is good to see the smile back in her eyes.
I took Prozac for years then suddenly began having panic attacks out of the blue, during a very stressful time of my life.
I posted my story on another thread as well as here. I have a family history of depression/anxiety troubles on my mother's side. Six months ago I wanted to die...life was too painful, the future held no hope or joy for me, I was afraid to go outside.
Now I feel joy everyday and the future is full of hope. I feel I can handle problems that come my way now, instead of feeling totally hopeless and overwhelmed.
A good therapist, a doc who takes the time, a change in meds (Zoloft) with adjustments to therapeutic dose, and tincture of time have been my 'healers.'
Please reach out and get the help you need and deserve. I am now a huge believer in biochemical depression and what miracles these meds can effect...I'm living proof! :)
I took Prozac for years then suddenly began having panic attacks out of the blue, during a very stressful time of my life.
I posted my story on another thread as well as here. I have a family history of depression/anxiety troubles on my mother's side. Six months ago I wanted to die...life was too painful, the future held no hope or joy for me, I was afraid to go outside.
Now I feel joy everyday and the future is full of hope. I feel I can handle problems that come my way now, instead of feeling totally hopeless and overwhelmed.
A good therapist, a doc who takes the time, a change in meds (Zoloft) with adjustments to therapeutic dose, and tincture of time have been my 'healers.'
Please reach out and get the help you need and deserve. I am now a huge believer in biochemical depression and what miracles these meds can effect...I'm living proof! :)
Think good thoughts for me...after fighting "the blues" for a few years, I am finally admitting that I have Depression and will be seeing a doc tomorrow for treatment. I had a "breakdown" crying jag at work and am feeling really isolated right now. I love being a nurse, but feel I have lost my professionalism in front of my peers anddon't know if it will ever be the same again.
Think good thoughts for me...after fighting "the blues" for a few years, I am finally admitting that I have Depression and will be seeing a doc tomorrow for treatment. I had a "breakdown" crying jag at work and am feeling really isolated right now. I love being a nurse, but feel I have lost my professionalism in front of my peers anddon't know if it will ever be the same again.
Hugs to you. Call HR and request a medical leave of absence; to heal and work on things.
I have been on antidepressants for about 12 years. Started on Prozac, then Doxipin, no Wellbutrin and Remeron. These are great drugs, but as I have to remind my family occassionaly, they are not miracles. They level the mood swings and the lows, but when things in your life are chaotic all of a sudden, what was working seems to have stopped working. I worked in a MD office for 6 years, call and talkto the office manager. Explain the delema of not being able to affort to come in, and that the Proza isn't helping that you feel you are right on the edge. Many times the doc can change a dose or drug without an office visit. Also, many drug companies are now giving free drugs to those without insurance and can show a financial need. With all the contraversy over these drugs, they may do just that. Find out the manufacturer and give them a call. Good luck, I have been at the very bottom of thepit when it seemed there was no way out. Say a prayer and HE will help.
OK
I'm supposed to know the answers. But I dont, so here goes.
I was diagnosed 15 years ago with depression. I have been on various anti-depressants with some success (and in therapy) tried to come off them, etc...
Long story short, Prozac seems to be the best fit for me. All I know is that I have a shot at relatively normal life on 30 mg a day. Have been on it now about 5 years.
I swear that if I go off these meds, I feel the tension and anxiety, irritability and being overwhelmed within a week. The books say this doesnt happen. If my dose is changed, I feel it within a week.
I've had a rough summer. Youngest going away to college, adjusting to new life, etc etc... I'm fighting hard to stay out of bed and go to work every day. My irritability is very high at times. My kids say I'm really ugly at times. Stupid things can really set me off (the laundry is suddenly just driving me wild, it HAS to be done, NOW.) I have no insurance (I'm per diem).
#1 Has anyone else heard of this rapid reaction to this ssri?
#2 Am I just hiding out from the possibility that I should be on anti-anxiety meds?
#3 Is it possible Ive just become too "used" to this drug and need an increase?
A visit to my doc would be my first choice if I had $60 for an office visit. But my meds cost me $80 a month. And, sigh, when you need your meds to work is a really bad time to change them around, since you dont have the tolerance to wait for it to take place. It really isnt an option right now.
Am I rambling foolishly? I guess I want to know if I sound familiar. Does anyone else go through this?
A nurse where I work lost her job last week due to a series of emotional breakdowns she has experienced that have compromised her work. My heart goes out to her. So many people seem to think that nurses should not get sick. ESPECIALLY emotionally. I dont see myself messing up at work, but I do tend to feel overwhelmed a lot at home.
before zoloft, I would worry a work about home, and at home I would worry at home and feel bad because I wasn't working. Most of the nurses I work with are on ssri's also, effexor, prozac, zoloft...
spazzing out about the laundry is just a symptom. everyone has SOMETHING that sets them off. My son is nearly 20 and starts nursing school next week, he is driving me CRAZY...he hasn't bought any of his books yet; but yet he has time to drive from Atlanta to montgomery to hang out with friends for 3 days...drives me NUTS!!!!
hang in there...
can you go part time at a local facility (mine has a 6 day a month policy to have health insurance), that way you can get your meds and office visits at a reasonable cost...
bottom line, there has to be a doc at work you can talk to, usually at my facility they are concerned with the nurses well being (if we aren't healthy, we can't take care of their patients). they can hook you up with samples and such
good luck to you and hang in there!
atlantarn
Last night I woke up at 3 am (which happens frequently), once I wake up my mind starts going around and around about everything. So I decided to write a "heart felt" letter to my doctor and deliver it to his office today. I can't get an appt until 8/18.....I tried to honestly tell him everything that is happening along with the panic attack (which literally scared the heck out of me). Anyway, I told him I want to try a different medication. He doesn't like to give me xanax because he says, "you need to FEEL your feelings", no cover them up. I agree, but sometimes a small dose of xanax helps me let go of the terror long enough to function (go to work) etc. Believe me, it doesn't cover up the feelings, especially when my feelings are so acute as they are now. My eyes brim with tears, many times a day lately - and you sure can't work like that!
In December, my daughter, son-in-law and grandson moved from Atlanta to Virginia and are living with me until they can buy a house. I was soooo glad to have them nearby. My children were raised in Auburn, Alabama (where I went to nursing school), we lived in Alabama for 20 years, before their Dad and I divorced......my son still lives in Auburn and I worry all the time about him. I believe he is depressed and medicates himself with alcohol. I know he drinks too much and for the past few months has hardly communicated with me. I call and leave messages on his voice mail, he never calls back. In the past he and I have been very close and talked about everything from karma to politics etc. Then I had to euthanize my 14 year old Brittany spaniel last week, less than a week after losing a wonderful nursing friend to a freak accident. My brother is bi-polar, and my family of origin is very dysfunctional, so no real help there. I am angry this morning, angry at what? Angry in general that I have to feel this way, and angry that my doctor has not been more aggressive in my treatment.It seems I can't convince him of how "low" I am.
Hugs to all here...I am thinking good thoughts for all of you today.
I remember how it felt to be deep down in the pit of despair and want to reinforce to all who are in that place now that it WILL get better IF we reach out, take the chance to ask for help. We cannot get out of the pit alone. Isolation breeds despair.
I neglected to give glory to God in my post. Reconnecting to my spiritual core was essential for me when I was at my worst; and prayers were answered.
Moishe Pupik
7 Posts