DEPRESSION

[Cookie1124]

My depression/anxiety is making me want to scream ! I do not feel sorry for myself. I am not saying "Why me?" I just want to feel normal again, not so emotionally vulnerable, I am not striving to be HAPPY I just want to be able to get back to a comfortable place and a general feeling of well being. Does anyone have meds they are taking that help with this. i am taking Wellbutrin 150 mg and Clonazapan for anxiety. I also go for counseling. Please help with this if you can! I see my psychiatrist this week. I would love to hear what has worked for others and perhaps offer him some input on what has helped others. Thank you

[Cookie1124]

Oh, one more thing I am having a weight gain problem.Is this from the Wellbutrin? I have been on it about 1 month.

[Hitch2020 in reply to Cookie1124]

Yes, Wellbutrin will cause weight gain if your not careful. Between Wellbutrin and other antidepressants I tried I gained 70 pounds in less than a year. Now that I am antidepressant free I am back down to a healthy weight. I found that azilect helped with my depression it's not perfect but far better than typical antidepressants.

[Enidah]

I too miss that sense of comfort and well-being but that lack is bearable as long as I'm not also dealing with anxiety and depression. It sounds like you're doing the right thing as far as meds but how about exercise. I can't go more than one day without walking or hiking or biking. If I do then the anxiety and depression sets in. Also, getting out in nature helps immensely. I used to do pretty ambitious hiking out in the Hills where I live but due to the sense of vulnerability I tend to do my hiking now in town in big parks or even neighborhoods. Pushing myself physically gives me a sense of accomplishment and control and that is very important to me at this point. I can also get that from gardening or cleaning and organizing my house in addition to exercising. I hope that's helpful in some way.

[Cookie1124 in reply to Enidah]

Everyone tells me how good exercise is for depression. I wish I could get some of that. I ride my ex, bike and do some walking in the Am and by the PM when I have to do the "real life exercising ," like cleaning the kitchen,, laundry, shopping , cooking, walking inthe grocery store ,I feel exhausted!

What am I doing wrong?

[Enidah in reply to Cookie1124]

Are you getting enough of your PD meds? Your description sounds a bit like how I feel when my meds are not working well. I also find I have much more energy in the morning and that's when I try to do things.

[Cookie1124 in reply to Enidah]

Thank you for your response. I never thought of that! It does seem to worsen as my meds wear out. That's certainly worth consideration!

[Jb70 in reply to Cookie1124]

I take 5 HTP and findsbit makes a huge difference for depression

[Cookie1124 in reply to Jb70]

I'm sorry.i don't know what HTP and findshit is. Please could you explain.

[jenniferdunstan]

Have you tried a group meditation or retreat? I'll be going to another one in Dec. and I find them to be very helpful in raising my spirit and bringing a more positive mindset than doing without. I find I need to get to a retreat (usually lasting 5 or 6 hours) periodically so that I can remain relatively positive. Yoga helps too. A bit of this and a bit of that together is what I need to keep afloat.

Don't give up, there must be something better for you that works.

Jennifer D.

[Cookie1124 in reply to jenniferdunstan]

Thank for your reply and your encouragement! I was doing ti chi for awhile and that helped.ill have to pick that up again.. It would be hard for me to get away on a retreat but it's worth the consideration.

[etterus]

I also have the same problem plus apathy and abject fatigue. On a good day I have what I call “sick head syndrome “ which is an improvement and is usually temporary. In general I feel that the non motor symptoms are as difficult as the motor symptoms.

I also had Wellbutrin but found a weight gain that was rapid. Clonazapam is helpful but I struggle to not increase the dosage, it is a benzodiazepine. It’s helpful to control my foot dystonia. Rytary has been good for smoothing out the dopamine roller coaster which eventually is a primary cause of many problems.

What I find is the most helpful is a combo of out door exercise such as recumbent trike rides,walking with Nordic poles and hitting the gym when the weather is bad. Stretching and the BIG exercise routine are beneficial.

Next is meditations and accupuncture. I find meditation outside is preferable, even while walking. The ambient sounds of birds and flowing water are plus’s. I also meditate during Accupuncture which I have 2-3 times a month for autonomic symptoms such as urinary retention,constaption and orthostatic hypotension.

Finally I have had Cognitive Behavior Therapy.... CBT. It was better for me than all the psychiatric drugs except Wellbutrin. I think the challenge for me is to attempt to take in as much “good “ as possible and learn to lose without suffering knowing that losing is what will be. As Janis Joplin’s Bobbie Mcgee line ... freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose.

[Cookie1124 in reply to etterus]

Thank you for your response and for sharing a part of your life with me. I love the outdoors too. We are fortunate to live in Florida and are close to the beach and have a wonderful lanai and outdoor area. I too, try to ,as you said it, take in as much good as possible, see as much positive as possible. Did you have weight gain on welbutrin ? I went from 144 to 170 pounds in 2 months! I love your quote from Janis japlain . I try to find relief through humor which has helped me tremendously. But I still have a long way to go.

[etterus in reply to Cookie1124]

Yes Cookie I had to get off Wellbutrin before it wrecked my balance.

I also have found greater understanding through the work of Rick Hanson PHD author of numerous books such as Buddha’s Brain He is a Neuro psych that is exceptional in explaining the concept of Neuroplasitity. Ah. Yes .... laughter... crying...

[aspergerian]

Consider nortriptyline.

webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1071...

Search thiis group for nortriptyline.

[Cookie1124 in reply to aspergerian]

Thanks for your reply. I'll look into nortriptyline. Any side effects.?

[aspergerian in reply to Cookie1124]

Orthostatic hypotension occurs in some PwP. I've added 10 mg per day of nortriptyline. It's helped with sleep and anxiety, no orthostatic hypotension (yet).

[Teafor22]

Hi. I started on celexa take sinemet 5x a day. I spray lavender on my wrist to help me relax. I feel like you too. I see a counselor too once a week. I get anxiety in my legs when that happens I know I don’t feel good. Try lavender it helps a lot. Thank you. Dot.

[Cookie1124 in reply to Teafor22]

Thanks so much for your suggestions! I will talk to my dr. On Thursday.

[Teafor22]

Please let me no what he says. Ty

[Cookie1124 in reply to Teafor22]

Here's one I haven't heard of : Venlafaxibe HCL .ER 75 mg. I've been on it for just a few days. Results yet to be determined. So far seem to be a little better if that's possible in only a short while of taking it.

[JohnPepper]

I have found that exercise helps to deal with depression. Have you tried doing meaningful exercise? Look at my profile to see what I have achieved with FAST WALKING, it costs nothing and it is very healthy. It does not work for everybody but is certainly worth looking at.

[Cookie1124 in reply to JohnPepper]

I do a stationary bike in the am and walk a lot. Then when it comes to "life's exercises " like putting on my sox or just taking a shower never mind the housework, laundry, cooking etc. I,m exhausted. I was evaluated for pt by a parkinsons Physical therapist who said that I don't need additional pt, I get enough from daily life. I'm happy for you that you found something to help your depression and thank you for responding.

[JohnPepper in reply to Cookie1124]

I'm not a scientist but I do know that exercise produces endorfins, which make us feel good. Perhaps you don't get any pleasure out of 'Life's exercises', which I understand.

[rebtar]

If you have only been on Wellbutrin for a month perhaps it hasn't kicked in yet. Antidepressants can take quite a while to start working. It also may not be the best antidepressant for you. If one doesn't work, you try another one that your psychiatrist suggests. It can be a process to find what works. I know how hard it is to be patient when you want to jump out of your skin. Been there. I've heard it called emotional nausea and it's an apt description.

If you continue as you have been, with meds, exercise, keeping active and psycotherapy, you'll get to that better place you desire. When in depression and anxiety, your mind can be your worst enemy, making you feel that things will never get better. They will.

[Cookie1124 in reply to rebtar]

Thank you so much for your response. You said exactly what I needed to hear. Are you taking an antidepressant.? If so which one if you don't mind me asking. I had a very rapid weight gain with the welbutrin ! I went from 144 lbs to 170 lbs in less than 2 months and I'm freaking out over that. I went from normal body mass to being overweight In one doctors visit! This does not help my self confidence which is at an all time low. My head is shaved from the DBS on September 11. DBS helped my tremors but gave me some walking, gait and balance problems Ithat I didn't have before) so I look like a bald butterball who keeps falling on the floor. My Neuroligist is trying to get that corrected with medication. Meanwhile my husband had hip surgery and both of us are using walkers and trying to get through the days . We are lucky to have wonderful friends and neighbors who have been helping us since our family is up north in Connecticut and we live in Florida. My husband and I both recently turned the big 70.and sometimes I wonder if he is ready to fly the coop. This is probably far more info about me that you wanted to hear. Sorry to ramble on but I feel like I have such an emotional overload that I feel like I could just burst!

Thanks for listening!

[rebtar in reply to Cookie1124]

I'm glad my comments helped. Antidepressants are a very individual thing, what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. Working with your psychiatrist and therapist are the best strategy. I will p.m. you.

[answerseeker in reply to Cookie1124]

Hi Cookie. From what I have heard about DBS, if you have symptoms that have gotten worse, you may want to look into consulting with an expert programmer for the device. Often programming needs to be fine tuned. Ask your doctor about this. I know some people in this support group have run into this and have researched who it was worth traveling to see. Can anyone comment on this?

[mroll]

I suffered with anxiety for several years prior to my diagnosis. What has stopped my anxiety is Azilect 1mg tab every day. I would stay away from benzodiazepines as they are for temporary and not everyday use.

[Cookie1124]

Thanks so much for sharing that with me! I will talk to my doctor on thursday.

[Cookie1124]

I probably should mention that I was previously taking Prozac and Abilify and that worked for years until I changed neurologists and found that Abilify can exasperate parkinsons.so I went off of it about 6 months ago and haven't been the same since then.

[moonsake10]

Cookie-DO NOT STOP TAKING WELLBUTRIN WITHOUT TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR FIRST! Now, having given that disclaimer-immediately read this from webmd.com/drugs :

"Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.

This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (including brain scan for Parkinson's disease, urine screening for amphetamines), possibly causing false results. Tell laboratory personnel and all your doctors you use this drug.

Now for my experience..Wellbutrin acted on me as a stimulant. I tried it before my PD dx and after dx. Both times, same results. It was as if I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Constant negative thoughts, etc.

I know it seems like a paradox but many (if not most) medications can have side effects that actually MIRROR the very problem they are prescribed for. Another example is Clonazepam/Klonopin-this med after a few doses GAVE me anxiety attacks! I didn't know it until months later because the benefit of the medication was that it helped control tremors, aided me in sleep, etc. But like all opioids, I eventually needed more than just 1 mg. That's when I tried to ween myself off of it (that's a story for another day).

All this to say-CALL YOUR DOCTOR, especially if you are taking Azilect/Rasagiline.

PRAYERS AND HUGS!

[aspergerian]

Informative review.

A controlled trial of antidepressants in patients with Parkinson disease and depression.

Menza M, et al Neurology 2009 Mar 10;72(10):886-92.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/190...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...