Does this ever get easier?

[Unisudmaccmom]

I have been battling a bad couple of months. November I was diagnosed with Seratonin Syndrome and spent a few days inpatient. I was ok for awhile but I couldn’t sleep. I went to the ER on the 22nd of December and got a med that made me manic, I am not manic. The 24th I was back in the ER, there were not beds so I spent 52 hours in a room behind the ER with a 1on1. Tried a few other meds and finally found a good combo. Was then sent 40 minutes away to an actual inpatient hospital with a bed. I got out on the 28th of December. Things were going well until Friday when my pmdd kicked in. I am now terrified that I won’t be able to control myself again. Is there hope? I see my therapist twice a week and a med doc monthly.

[Lazy_dog_lover]

Yes, it gets easier. The meds take a while to kick in and if they get adjusted then just be patient.

Can I ask you one thing? It took me a very long time to figure out that I needed this focus change. When you talk to a therapist, do you focus on your history and just venting? I felt that I absolutely needed to figure this out before I could progress.

Focus on what you want to move towards. You may or may not already know your triggers, so coping strategies are always a good topic, but you always want to set a goal in front of you instead of behind.

Slow, deep belly breathing is more important than you think. You are making progress even if it does not feel like it right now.

[MM08]

If you don't mind sharing, what specifically was it that caused the serotonin syndrome?

[Unisudmaccmom in reply to MM08]

My old med doctor put me on a high does of viibryd, which was horrible by itself, but also kept me on 40 Celexa and 45 buspirone. Along with my night meds. Temazepam and Xanax. I am happily now off all of that. My second hospitalization put me on klonapin, which helps more, fluoxetine, cutting back to 15 Buspar, Clonadine and Temazepam and night.

[Unisudmaccmom in reply to Unisudmaccmom]

He actually did it to 2 other people I know. I have a new med doc now.

[MM08 in reply to Unisudmaccmom]

Wow, thanks for being so open. I am on 20 mg of Desipramine, 55 mg of effexor, and my doc wants to add Prozac to help me wean off effexor. I'm worried about serotonin syndrome as well, but really need help. My pharmacist said that since they are all low doses, I should be okay.. What are people's thoughts on this?

[catsrock]

I'm sorry you are having such a bad time. Yes, there is hope - keep working at it and taking your meds and going to therapy. I hope things improve soon.

[RS1974]

Yes it does get easier. Find a psychiatrist that you trust,take the meds as prescribed and be med compliant and be positive, journal and see your therapist .Good luck

[Operalady in reply to RS1974]

yes it does! Like the other person said talk to your doctors, take your meds as prescribed! Gods blessings to you!! Also pray! I will give a prayer too!

[RS1974 in reply to Operalady]

Yes and thank you 😊 Good bless 🙏

[Unisudmaccmom in reply to RS1974]

I Love my therapist and see her twice a week! She is very helpful. I take my meds as prescribed, my husband helps with that for now. I need to journal more positive. It has been hard to stop intrusive thoughts though.

[RS1974 in reply to Unisudmaccmom]

Sounds like you have a great headstart. Yes intrusive thoughts are difficult to deal with and harder to control. Wishing you the best.

[Sankissjuice]

I've experienced similar process. It's been 23 years for me. I had pmdd too. We just have to face it day by day. There are some good days, some awful ones, and in between.