americandancer
06-21-2005, 12:43 PM
Can anyone give me any advice on a med for pmdd? I can't take zoloft and of course, I would prefer to be on anything that does not cause weight gain. I also have an anxiety issue, but really want to treat the pmdd symtoms right now. (irritability, mood swings, etc.) Thanks!
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molly123
06-21-2005, 01:23 PM
Paxil CR treats PMDD also but, at this time, it's unavailable and drs. are prescribing the generic Paxil instead which I don't know if it treats PMDD, (I assume would be the same). Check with your dr.
americandancer
06-21-2005, 02:22 PM
Thanks, molly123. Isn't paxil bad about weight gain?
Hopefully
06-21-2005, 04:55 PM
Can anyone give me any advice on a med for pmdd? I can't take zoloft and of course, I would prefer to be on anything that does not cause weight gain. I also have an anxiety issue, but really want to treat the pmdd symtoms right now. (irritability, mood swings, etc.) Thanks!
I don't know of any antidepressants that does not cause some weight gain. They are almost like bcp in that they can cause weight gain in some individuals, not everyone. The brief time that I was on Paxil I did not gain weight, but Lexapro caused me to crave carbs. Presently, I'm taking Wellbutrin XL and it's suppose to help with weightloss, in some individuals. I haven't lost a pound, but I am only taking 150mg and not the 300mg.
You might want to do a search on the 'net for antidepressants recommended for PMDD. When my dr. diagnosed me with PMDD (many years ago although I think it was just the early onset of perimenopause) she prescribed Prozac. It's not called Prozac (although it's by the same company and it's the same ingredient), I can not remember the new name, but it's the one that you take the week before and during your period and then you can stop until next month.
I don't know of any antidepressants that does not cause some weight gain. They are almost like bcp in that they can cause weight gain in some individuals, not everyone. The brief time that I was on Paxil I did not gain weight, but Lexapro caused me to crave carbs. Presently, I'm taking Wellbutrin XL and it's suppose to help with weightloss, in some individuals. I haven't lost a pound, but I am only taking 150mg and not the 300mg.
You might want to do a search on the 'net for antidepressants recommended for PMDD. When my dr. diagnosed me with PMDD (many years ago although I think it was just the early onset of perimenopause) she prescribed Prozac. It's not called Prozac (although it's by the same company and it's the same ingredient), I can not remember the new name, but it's the one that you take the week before and during your period and then you can stop until next month.
americandancer
06-21-2005, 11:36 PM
I think that's called sarafem. I asked my dr. about it and he said it might make me too jittery. He's prescribed me effexor, but I'm too worried about all the withdrawal effects. I have some lexapro from awhile back and also some wellbutrin xl that my gyn prescribed, but my gp says that might make me too anxious, also.
littlejmb
06-21-2005, 11:42 PM
Americandancer, I remember when I first joined these boards, you were taking Lexapro, and I had been on it for about a month. You started the thread that we kept going for quite a while, about Lexapro makes me so tired or something like that. I guess you stopped taking it, right? I was thinking that it was working for you, but maybe not. I am still on it and doing great. I went thru a two-week period where I was really hungry, but that has leveled off now (thank goodness)! I would be afraid of trying Paxil, it has worse side affects than the Lexapro from what I've heard.
Hopefully
06-21-2005, 11:52 PM
I think that's called sarafem. I asked my dr. about it and he said it might make me too jittery. He's prescribed me effexor, but I'm too worried about all the withdrawal effects. I have some lexapro from awhile back and also some wellbutrin xl that my gyn prescribed, but my gp says that might make me too anxious, also.
Thanks for refreshing my memory...it is called Sarafem. I just could not remember that name.
Effexor is a very good antidepressant, but it does require a very slow weaning. I know people who have weaned themselves from Effexor so it is possible. The key is to do is slowly, which is also the key with just about any antidepressant. Prozac was the only antidepressant that I stopped and I did not have any withdrawal effect. I've heard that because of the long half life of Prozac it's good to use to wean from Paxil. Unfortunately, I did not know this when I was misinformed to suddenly stop taking Paxil.
May I ask why you can not take Zoloft? I also can not tolerate Zoloft because it cause an adverse reaction. In other words it made my anxiety and depression worst. It just amazes me how we all react differently to medications. My SIL took Zoloft and it made her feel wonderful and she lost about 40 pounds. After weaning she regained the weight, which she lost again when she started taking Lexapro. Now that I think about it I also lost a lot of weight on Zoloft, but I believe it was because of the anxiety and depression that the Zoloft made worst.
I truly wish you the best in quickly finding the right medication, because it is a matter of trial and error.
Thanks for refreshing my memory...it is called Sarafem. I just could not remember that name.
Effexor is a very good antidepressant, but it does require a very slow weaning. I know people who have weaned themselves from Effexor so it is possible. The key is to do is slowly, which is also the key with just about any antidepressant. Prozac was the only antidepressant that I stopped and I did not have any withdrawal effect. I've heard that because of the long half life of Prozac it's good to use to wean from Paxil. Unfortunately, I did not know this when I was misinformed to suddenly stop taking Paxil.
May I ask why you can not take Zoloft? I also can not tolerate Zoloft because it cause an adverse reaction. In other words it made my anxiety and depression worst. It just amazes me how we all react differently to medications. My SIL took Zoloft and it made her feel wonderful and she lost about 40 pounds. After weaning she regained the weight, which she lost again when she started taking Lexapro. Now that I think about it I also lost a lot of weight on Zoloft, but I believe it was because of the anxiety and depression that the Zoloft made worst.
I truly wish you the best in quickly finding the right medication, because it is a matter of trial and error.
americandancer
06-21-2005, 11:55 PM
Hopefully, I have tried zoloft and it made me way to jittery. But....my dr. did start me at 150mg and maybe that was just too high.
Ga Lady
06-22-2005, 08:38 AM
I took zoloft in a tiny tiny dose. 12.5 mg with a small dose of xanax. I didn't experience any 'physical' side effects at all and had the best non anxious year of my life.....BUT my problem was that zoloft made me NOT care AT ALL. I didn't or couldn't even cry at the 'normal' stuff. If someone had told me the world was on fire I would of pulled up a chair and a glass of tea and watched it burn. My husband told my dr. I wasn't the 'wife' he had married so it was a touchy thing with the privacy act but I even knew something wasn't right. so I told my dr and he kind of say 'Whew!' cause he didn't know how to go about it without breaking his oath between two patients being husband and wife. He is now into research on zoloft for women due to the fact thathe had 5 women who ALL developed different characteristics with the drug. One left her family after numerous years...The other took up gambling...the other started shoplifting (she had money to buy) and then me. It took me over a year to get my emotions back to normal. I still take the xanax because that has been the only drug that helped my panic attacks and seems to help my pmdd (kind of) I am having other issues too with everything being out of balance right now. Just be careful with those anti's that stimulate...Dont take Prozac or Wellbutrin those wil make you edgier than you already are. Hope yu can find something to help you...and When you do ...Please post it. I would love to be 'Me' again!
ainfante
06-22-2005, 11:23 AM
I don't know of any antidepressants that does not cause some weight gain. They are almost like bcp in that they can cause weight gain in some individuals, not everyone. The brief time that I was on Paxil I did not gain weight, but Lexapro caused me to crave carbs. Presently, I'm taking Wellbutrin XL and it's suppose to help with weightloss, in some individuals. I haven't lost a pound, but I am only taking 150mg and not the 300mg.
You might want to do a search on the 'net for antidepressants recommended for PMDD. When my dr. diagnosed me with PMDD (many years ago although I think it was just the early onset of perimenopause) she prescribed Prozac. It's not called Prozac (although it's by the same company and it's the same ingredient), I can not remember the new name, but it's the one that you take the week before and during your period and then you can stop until next month.
It's called Serafim. Prozac I know is good for PMDD. But Prozac's side effects can cause you to be a bit on the hyper side, it's all trial and error. Keep trying other things. Have you had your thyroid checked. Thyroid seems to be the culprit these days.
You might want to do a search on the 'net for antidepressants recommended for PMDD. When my dr. diagnosed me with PMDD (many years ago although I think it was just the early onset of perimenopause) she prescribed Prozac. It's not called Prozac (although it's by the same company and it's the same ingredient), I can not remember the new name, but it's the one that you take the week before and during your period and then you can stop until next month.
It's called Serafim. Prozac I know is good for PMDD. But Prozac's side effects can cause you to be a bit on the hyper side, it's all trial and error. Keep trying other things. Have you had your thyroid checked. Thyroid seems to be the culprit these days.
americandancer
06-22-2005, 01:41 PM
I have my thyroid checked yearly. My dr. said it would be so much easier if we could just find something wrong with it! But, it seems just plain old anxiety, stress and a severe case of pmdd. The lexapro was working, but I was so tired on it. I don't believe it helped the pmdd, but did help the anxiety/panic issue. I might have to go back on it again! But, I do like my energy too. I wasn't on it long enough to tell about the pmdd, though. All my friends each found their answer with different ad's, and they fuss at me for not giving meds long enough. I would like the wellbutrin to work because of the weight gain part, but I don't think it will be good for my panic and irritability.
ainfante
06-22-2005, 11:22 PM
I have my thyroid checked yearly. My dr. said it would be so much easier if we could just find something wrong with it! But, it seems just plain old anxiety, stress and a severe case of pmdd. The lexapro was working, but I was so tired on it. I don't believe it helped the pmdd, but did help the anxiety/panic issue. I might have to go back on it again! But, I do like my energy too. I wasn't on it long enough to tell about the pmdd, though. All my friends each found their answer with different ad's, and they fuss at me for not giving meds long enough. I would like the wellbutrin to work because of the weight gain part, but I don't think it will be good for my panic and irritability.
i hear you about the weight again. I want to quit Prozac for that reason but you are also right on how it helps with anxiety, etc. I guess something is better than nothing.
i hear you about the weight again. I want to quit Prozac for that reason but you are also right on how it helps with anxiety, etc. I guess something is better than nothing.
Hopefully
06-23-2005, 01:30 AM
I have my thyroid checked yearly. My dr. said it would be so much easier if we could just find something wrong with it! But, it seems just plain old anxiety, stress and a severe case of pmdd. The lexapro was working, but I was so tired on it. I don't believe it helped the pmdd, but did help the anxiety/panic issue. I might have to go back on it again! But, I do like my energy too. I wasn't on it long enough to tell about the pmdd, though. All my friends each found their answer with different ad's, and they fuss at me for not giving meds long enough. I would like the wellbutrin to work because of the weight gain part, but I don't think it will be good for my panic and irritability.
Talk with your doctor, but I know people who take Wellbutrin along with a SSRI antidepressant. Wellbutrin is also suppose to help with low/no libido. My dr. prescribed Wellbutrin to help with my very low energy level, no libido, weight gain and over all wellbeing due to perimenopause. It has helped my libido:D and energy level:bouncing:. No weightloss, but with the recent discovery that my thyroid is enlarged I'm thinking that's part of my problem.
Talk with your doctor, but I know people who take Wellbutrin along with a SSRI antidepressant. Wellbutrin is also suppose to help with low/no libido. My dr. prescribed Wellbutrin to help with my very low energy level, no libido, weight gain and over all wellbeing due to perimenopause. It has helped my libido:D and energy level:bouncing:. No weightloss, but with the recent discovery that my thyroid is enlarged I'm thinking that's part of my problem.
americandancer
06-23-2005, 11:31 PM
Hopefully, are you on wellbutrin only? The xl version? I agree with ainfante that I just need something to help....I can handle trying to counteract the weight gain with exercise, as long as I can muster up the energy lol. I agree that something is better than nothing. If I have to decide between biting my family's heads off or taking somthing that can help that, but might make me gain a little weight, I'll have to take the weight gain....as long as it's little, mind you! Here's what I have in my cabinet...effexor samples and a full bottle of 150mg., lexapro 20mg, wellbutrin xl from last year 300mg, zoloft 150mg, and I think that might be all! What should I do? I would like to pick one and give it at least 4 weeks.
Hopefully
06-24-2005, 12:44 PM
Hopefully, are you on wellbutrin only? The xl version? I agree with ainfante that I just need something to help....I can handle trying to counteract the weight gain with exercise, as long as I can muster up the energy lol. I agree that something is better than nothing. If I have to decide between biting my family's heads off or taking somthing that can help that, but might make me gain a little weight, I'll have to take the weight gain....as long as it's little, mind you! Here's what I have in my cabinet...effexor samples and a full bottle of 150mg., lexapro 20mg, wellbutrin xl from last year 300mg, zoloft 150mg, and I think that might be all! What should I do? I would like to pick one and give it at least 4 weeks.l
American, Wellbutrin XL 150mg. is the only antidepressant that I can tolerate, an I've tried a few.
I must say that it wasn't the antidepressant that made the biggest change in my road back to feeling somewhat "normal", but the use of bcp. Wellbutrin gave me more energy which I was truly lacking.
When I use to hear people talk about chronic fatigue I had no idea just how drained and run down I could feel. My fatigue was so bad that when I was able to get my butt off the sofa I felt as if I had to concentrating on putting one foot infront of the other in order to walk. Imagine dealing with this fatigue and teaching prekindergarten students!!!!!!! It was the grace of God that sustained me, because looking back I'm amazed that I was able to make it through the school year.
OKay, I'm detoured from the original topic :D, let me get back on track.
Have you tried any or all of those antid. that you have in your cabinet? I would first talk with a pharmacist before taking anything that is a year old. I know that this is such a difficult decision to make, but as I mentioned before this antidepressant experience is all a matter of trial and error.
I'm not one to insist that anyone take or not try a particular brand based solely upon my own experience. We are all so unique and one woman's happy pill is anothers poison. My sister is taking Effexor and doing well, unfortunately Effexor did nothing for my symptoms (although I only took one pill and since it made me feel "weird" I didn't take anymore).
What does your dr. suggest?
American, Wellbutrin XL 150mg. is the only antidepressant that I can tolerate, an I've tried a few.
I must say that it wasn't the antidepressant that made the biggest change in my road back to feeling somewhat "normal", but the use of bcp. Wellbutrin gave me more energy which I was truly lacking.
When I use to hear people talk about chronic fatigue I had no idea just how drained and run down I could feel. My fatigue was so bad that when I was able to get my butt off the sofa I felt as if I had to concentrating on putting one foot infront of the other in order to walk. Imagine dealing with this fatigue and teaching prekindergarten students!!!!!!! It was the grace of God that sustained me, because looking back I'm amazed that I was able to make it through the school year.
OKay, I'm detoured from the original topic :D, let me get back on track.
Have you tried any or all of those antid. that you have in your cabinet? I would first talk with a pharmacist before taking anything that is a year old. I know that this is such a difficult decision to make, but as I mentioned before this antidepressant experience is all a matter of trial and error.
I'm not one to insist that anyone take or not try a particular brand based solely upon my own experience. We are all so unique and one woman's happy pill is anothers poison. My sister is taking Effexor and doing well, unfortunately Effexor did nothing for my symptoms (although I only took one pill and since it made me feel "weird" I didn't take anymore).
What does your dr. suggest?
americandancer
06-25-2005, 02:15 PM
My gynecologist prescribed the wellbutrin. My gp wants me to take the effexor. I am scared of the withdrawal experiences I've heard about with that one. The wellbutrin does make me a little shaky, so I probably can't take that. The lexapro made me too tired....I teach pre-k also! Three year olds! So, I can't be tired either, but I can't be stressed out as well! My gp won't prescribe me paxil, because he says it does cause weight gain. I think that might work, though. It looks like it might be the effexor.
Hopefully
06-25-2005, 03:08 PM
I understand about you being concerned about the withdrawal effects, but right now you have to think more about feeling better. Just remember that many people have been through withdrawal from Effexor and Paxil and they are alright. I'm a witness to the Paxil withdrawal. Looking back I'm not really sure how many of my symptoms were from the Paxil or just coming into severe perimenopause. I know 4 people, including myself, who quit Paxil cold turkey (NOT RECOMMENDED) and are doing fine today. I am telling you all of this for encouragement. If you wean slowly from Paxil or the Effexor you might experience some discomfort, but you will be alright. You can cross that bridge when you come to it, right now you need to feel better. Do some more research to give yourself more peace of mind, then let us know what you decide.
My ob/gyn also prescribed the Wellbutrin and my internal med. dr. wanted me to try Effexor. Looking back I wish that I had tried the Effexor, it might have saved me a year or two of anguish.
Don't you just love prekindergarteners? When I was feeling my worst they really did pick up my spirits with their candidness, abundance of love and hugs, boosting my ego by telling me how pretty I am (especially when I felt like poop) and how much they love me. I miss my babies :). I've since switched positions, but I'm still in the education field.
My ob/gyn also prescribed the Wellbutrin and my internal med. dr. wanted me to try Effexor. Looking back I wish that I had tried the Effexor, it might have saved me a year or two of anguish.
Don't you just love prekindergarteners? When I was feeling my worst they really did pick up my spirits with their candidness, abundance of love and hugs, boosting my ego by telling me how pretty I am (especially when I felt like poop) and how much they love me. I miss my babies :). I've since switched positions, but I'm still in the education field.
americandancer
06-26-2005, 04:54 PM
I appreciate the support. My anxiety is getting worse as my peiod gets closer, so I'll probably try the effexor. I searched for meds for pmdd, and the ones "approved" for pmdd are zoloft, paxil and prozac (sarafem). But, I did read on a site that effexor and lexapro may help with the sypmtoms of pmdd.
I do love my babies at pre-school! They are so sweet, and they really do pick me up when I'm down! They love unconditionally!
I do love my babies at pre-school! They are so sweet, and they really do pick me up when I'm down! They love unconditionally!
Hopefully
06-27-2005, 01:17 PM
American, have you tried the Effexor? I was thinking about you.
americandancer
06-27-2005, 03:04 PM
I actually took one of my 37.5 out of the starter pack this morning! I researched some last night and I did read that it takes above 200mg of effexor to help anxiety. My dr. prescribed the 150 after I finish the sample pack. I was teetering between the lexapro and the effexor last night. I know the lex made me feel better when I took it, and other people seem to have so much luck on it, but I just don't know....I remember that tired feeling all too well. I am really going to try and keep this up at least for 4 weeks or so and see how I am. That will be about the time I go back to work after the summer break. If I don't like it, I'll stop right then and maybe the withdrawal won't be so bad. I just don't want to have any problems right as I'm going back to work and getting my own kids back to school.
sunny27
10-02-2005, 12:10 PM
Hello everyone! Americandancer, are you still taking the effexor? I've been following the PMDD threads here hoping to find some answers for myself. I was diagnosed a couple of months ago, but am having trouble choosing a medication I can be happy with. The Dr. gave me 20 mg. of Paxil, but after a few weeks, I stopped because I felt very flat, I didn't look forward to anything. The dry mouth was a bit annoying too. I slept great on it and it did calm me down wonderfully before my period. It also stopped my stress eating which was great. The she gave me Lexapro, which I found to be no help at all. In fact, I felt more irritable and anxious than normal on it. Now I'm thinking of going back to Prozac and asking the doc for something to help me sleep (the vivid dreams/nighmares are just too much). Anyone on meds more than a couple months, please post a progress report!
Thanks!
Thanks!
americandancer
10-05-2005, 12:03 AM
Hi sunny, I haven't checked this board in awhile, and was suprised to see my thread still going. I am now currently back on zoloft...took 50mg for 2 weeks and have been taking 100mg for the last 2 weeks. I am going to make myself take it for at least 8 weeks and see how I feel. So far, I am more anxious, but take a little bit of alprazolam to counteract that. I want to continue it through my period to see if it helps with the pmdd. I loved lexapro! both for anxiety and pmdd....but I was really tired and did also eat more... I truly think because I felt better and was just more relaxed. I did have hives that I thought were from the lexapro, but I sitll get them on the zoloft, so it must just be plain old stress or my detergent, fabric softener, whatever. Back to your question, I am not on the effexor. I guess I stopped too quickly without giving it a chance. If the zoloft doesn't really kick in during the next few weeks, I'll have to decide whether to go back on lex or effexor. I had way more energy on the effexor and in reality, it probally would have worked had I stayed it with it and not read all the negative posts about it. I would like to try paxil myself, but my dr. doesn't really want to prescribe it. Good luck and let me know what you decide. Don't know if I helped or not.
julie39180
10-09-2005, 05:46 PM
hello,
i have been on 60 mg of cymbalta for over 6 months and the med was working pretty good for me unto now... so i started to wing myself of of it and was taking it every other day and after about 2 weeks the my moods were worse so i started taking it again everyday and so far its working again... whooooo, although i have been feeling a litlle on the edge... my dr. has been putting me on depression med. for abot 5 yra and i have been telling her, it has to do with my pms.... its really bad pms and i dont feel this way all the time... i havent been to a regular gyno. in yrs so i finally made myself go and.... whooo i now have a title NO DEPRESSION i have PMDD ..... fianlly someone listened to me... by the way im 35 yrs old.. the gyno. also is doing blood work and once i start my period, 3 days on, i go back for more blood test.. SHE SAYS NO MENOPAUSE BUT COULD BE PERIMENOPAUSE .. (MY MOTHER WAS IN MENOPAUSE AT 30 YRS OLD AND ME AND MY MOM ARE OH SO MUCH ALIKE...)
anywaz the dr. also gave me a estregen patch to wear for a week at a time. (climara)
i havent put it on yet... ANYONE HAVE ANY WEARING ONE OF THESE????
WELL I HOPE THIS HELPS. ill keep u posted....
i have been on 60 mg of cymbalta for over 6 months and the med was working pretty good for me unto now... so i started to wing myself of of it and was taking it every other day and after about 2 weeks the my moods were worse so i started taking it again everyday and so far its working again... whooooo, although i have been feeling a litlle on the edge... my dr. has been putting me on depression med. for abot 5 yra and i have been telling her, it has to do with my pms.... its really bad pms and i dont feel this way all the time... i havent been to a regular gyno. in yrs so i finally made myself go and.... whooo i now have a title NO DEPRESSION i have PMDD ..... fianlly someone listened to me... by the way im 35 yrs old.. the gyno. also is doing blood work and once i start my period, 3 days on, i go back for more blood test.. SHE SAYS NO MENOPAUSE BUT COULD BE PERIMENOPAUSE .. (MY MOTHER WAS IN MENOPAUSE AT 30 YRS OLD AND ME AND MY MOM ARE OH SO MUCH ALIKE...)
anywaz the dr. also gave me a estregen patch to wear for a week at a time. (climara)
i havent put it on yet... ANYONE HAVE ANY WEARING ONE OF THESE????
WELL I HOPE THIS HELPS. ill keep u posted....
americandancer
10-12-2005, 03:06 PM
Hi julie. I think I remember when you started the cymbalta. I tried it also, but for a very,very short time. I am sure I didn't give it long enough to work....I seem to have that problem. How is the estrogen patch working or have you used it yet? I am curious to see how it does. I am having my period every 2 1/2 weeks for some reason, so I feel like I am in a constant state of pms. I know I suffer from pmdd, but my system is so out of sync now that the zoloft probably can't even help it.