Coincidentally, these are fresh in my mind because I just got a 90-day supply of most of my prescriptions yesterday - big bill! So, here they are:
For Mood
Wellbutrin - 450 mg./day
Lexapro - 10 mg./day
For Sleep
Klonopin - 1 mg./night
Other Prescriptions
Propranolol SA - 60 mg./day (migraine preventative)
Evista - 60 mg./day (for osteopenia)
Clarinex-D - 24 hr. tablet (for allergies)
Flonase - daily (for allergies)
B-12 injections - 1/month (required because of gastric bypass surgery)
Non-Prescription Supplements
Multi-Vitamin for Women 50+ - 2/day
Vitamin D - 1000/day
Calcium - 1000 mg./day
It's a lot of pills!
Hi, Paul. The Klonopin usually works pretty well, but since I've started taking the Lexapro, it's about 100% helpful. Sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night and have a hard time getting back to sleep. I might be dependent on it, but my doc says if I don't increase the dosage I should be all right. I haven't tried too many times to go without it because if I can't get to sleep, then it takes a while to start working. The propanolol stopped my daily migraines (which weren't that bad and I didn't know that's what they were until the doctor diagnosed it), but my husband also takes it for his tremors (familial) which almost everyone in his family has. It doesn't work all that well for him. He also tried Myceline (sp?) with it, but was allergic to it. But, he thinks his tremors might be worse if he didn't take it. He has a hard time writing or things like lifting a cup to his mouth.
If you have any other questions, just let me know! Nice to hear from you!
Thank you very much, Judy. I see Klonopin mentioned a lot and was wondering how it helped you. I hope Merely Me does make this the subject of her next medication review.
Strange, the Ambien I use puts me right to sleep. Though I had to cut the dosage, I was doing things I didn't remember doing! I actually sent emails once and was surprised to get a response the next morning to emails I hadn't known about till then. :) Anyway, neither it, or the Amitriptyline seem to keep me asleep very long.
Thank you, again!
Paul, I didn't have much luck with the Ambien keeping me asleep, either. And I have heard about that side effect of doing things in your sleep that you don't remember. My doctor told me he had one patient who would do gardening at night and not remember it. With my luck, I'm surprised I didn't end up going to the refrigerator!
The Klonopin has been the thing that's helped the most, I think. I've even taken it during the day in the past, when I would get anxiety attacks, and I even took it once to have an MRI because I had claustrophobia. I think it just gets me relaxed enough so that my brain stops racing. Maybe you'd have some luck with it.
Hey Judy...
Well nowadays...it is my opinion that...it is not a lot of pills. We get older...we need more help.
I am very interested in the Klonopin. I will do a member medication review on this med but...would you say that it is better or worse than xanax? How soon before bed do you take it?
And the Wellbutrin...is it true what I have researched...that it did not have an effect upon your weight or libido? In all my research...I must say...if I chose to take an antidepressant...this would be my first choice. What are your thoughts?
Thanks Judy! Your responses are so helpful.
Merely Me, I've never taken Xanax but my guess is that Klonopin is less addictive from what I've heard. I take it 1/2 hour before I go to bed and I start nodding off while I'm reading, even if it's something interesting!
The Wellbutrin - I've taken it for years and have had no weight gain or libido problems from it. I think it's a great antidepressant but I know it has side effects for some people. I think one of them is memory lapses, like not remembering names, etc., and I do have some of that, but I'm also 61, so who knows??? It's worth it, anyway, in my opinion.
Dear Merely me, as somebody whose been on lots of different sedation, I'd like to say that Xanax is great as a 'once off' type med say for flying or during an interview or somewhere youre going to be full of anguish and fear, it has a slight anti-depressent effect, is quite akin to Ativan and is addictive but only if taken for months. Hope this is of some help, We dont have that Klonopin tab here at all, ive looked it up and its not under a different name eiter ! Strange.
Hi--I am taking_1 60 mg. Cymbalta-O-120 of Wellbutrin _1 of thyroid replacement- and also-cal mags-1500-vit d-1000-3000-fish oil-b12-250mg sublinguial and also aspirin or tylenol when needed-all with lots of hope and prayer-Sandy
Hi MerelyMe, Have been encountering probs posting so here's hoping this arrives safely, its a long list -
Head - Lexapro 20mg Depression/Anxiety/Phobias
Sleep Zopiclone 2 nightly
Anxicalm 1 or 2 daily
Body Difene 50mg twice daily for Rheum.Arth Dont take it except v bad.
Crestor for my High Cholestrol
Coverysl Argenine, an ace inhibitor for high blood pressure
Ferrograde C - For anaemia due to Rheum.Arthritis
Aspirin 1 daily [because of TIA].
You still there ? 
MultiB vits Folic Acid n B12.
VitD Organic 2 daily [lack of sunlight]
ZOTON - to help my Stomach deal with all
the Meds. esp for Arthritis.
wow what alota meds. BRINGS A NEW MEANING TO 'bottle blonde'
Hey Rosemarie
I have not heard of some of these...like Anxicalm...does it help?
How are you liking the Lexapro?
Like I was saying to Judy...nowadays...we all take something for what ails us. I think it is good that we have these choices and advances in medicine. Our life span keeps growing...we are staying healthier longer.
Can you tell me what tech problems you are experiencing? I really thought things were better. Let me know.
Thanks for sharing...this has been very interesting and helpful to hear what all people are taking and what works for individuals.
Hi Merely Me, Sorry, I usually change the name we use here for our meds like Seroxat instead of Paxil etc., Anxicalm is plain old Valium, I was put on it years ago and now its an addiction. Coming off, weaning off has brought on fits etc., so Docs have decided to keep me on low dose [usually 5mg daily] and it helps pain in Rheum Arthritis[was put on this highly addictive sedative at 12 yrs of age and since its Morphine in it, its v hard to come off. ~
PROBLEM is, I try to log in as member, I gave my name username,password etc., and sent you some posts and a post to Michel and somebody else and it never got there. The only way I can access the Site is by coming in as a visitor, so in order for this to reach you, if I try coming in as member [which I re-filled in a day or so ago] it wont, it goes into nether regions, so its easier to just go in as guest !! my email is warrriorrose4@gmail.com. So, Ive registered but it hasnt registered if you get me !! Finally I agree with you, those tabs are helping us stay alive longer and give us a better quality of life by cutting risks of heart attacks, strokes etc.,
Hey there Rosemarie
I am wondering...have you tried creating a new profile and new password...would that help? Or a different email address? I just have no clue what could be causing this problem. Have you contacted tech support here at all?
You are a saint for keeping on trying to get on here...and I hope you never leave. We need you!
I did that, the profile, different password etc and still cant get in without being a Guest, so to keep myself from flinging the laptop out the window [expensive bit of anger !] I 'll continue to sign in and do the neccessary stuff. If anyone wants to post me something private Im happy to give out my email warriorrose@gmail.com .
I really don't take an antidepressant, though I have tried them all, mostly, under poor direction. I had a psychiatrist who switched my medications every other week.
It wasn't until I came to this site that I found out that these drugs take time. Always wondered why I never felt better. Just undesirable side effects with Prozac and Pristiq.
I now take Neurontin, 3600mg a day
Lipitor, 10 mg a day
Amitriptyline 25 mg aday, forever it seems.Decades. It was marketed as Elavil until the patent ran out. Now it is only available in it's generic.
I was having trouble staying asleep, waking up ten or more times a night. It was a wonder drug for allowing me to stay asleep. I still stay asleep - just not long enough now.
I once tried a dose normally used for depression, about 300mg, if I remember right. I couldn't move, I was so tired!
Ambien CR on those hard to get to sleep nights.
Have used a lot of prescription drugs. I should try some other substances, like Sam-E, and Melatonin. Perhaps once I move on Saturday and get settled, I shall. I appreciate seeing what the other members are doing, the combinations, the frank sharing of what works, and doesn't. It's kind of them and could be helpful. My list is not much help.
Hey Paul!
This was very helpful and interesting indeed! I am sorry that your past psychiatrist would keep changing meds on you...what is the point of that?
I had taken Amnitryptiline...I know I did not spell that right...some years ago when I was in a severe depression. It did help for the months that I took it...it got me over the hump if you will. But I didn't know that it is also used as a sleep aid. So this is new to me. It is interesting that some of the meds used for depression or anxiety are also used for sleep aids.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience...I am learning tons from these discussions.
I spent all afternoon trying to get tired, hungry, hyperactive 4 to 10 year old girls sit still, be quiet, and sew. Is there a medication for that (either for them or for me? LOL)
I take:
Trazodone, 75-150mg every night for sleep
Klonopin .5mg in the morning and at night for restless legs
Wellbutrin SR 300mg for depression
Zoloft 200mg for depression
Zyprexa 7-15mg at night for schizophrenia (also helps me get a sense of general
wellbeing physically as well as mentally)
Nexium 40mg twice a day for acid reflux
Norvasc for high blood pressure
Synthroid for low thyroid
It is my goal to lose about 25 or 30 lbs -- my doc says that may enable me to get off the acid reflux and blood pressure meds. I actually hate taking medication and am often noncomplaint with the Zyprexa because of unwanted side effects. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Donna
Hi Donna
This is all fascinating to me. My mother had taken so many different meds for her schizophrenia...none of them seemed to work. Back in the day...she took Haldol. I remember that. So this Zyprexa works for you...that is so great. Some of these medications...are truly life changers.
Okay so you take Klonopin for restless leg syndrome? How does it help when you take it in the morning? Does it make you sleepy? Does it help with your anxiety?
Thanks for telling us about what works for you. Whatever you are doing...it is apparent that you are doing well. I am glad you are here to talk about it.
As I have posted elsewhere, I am having a problem with fatigue. So if I am already fatigued in the morning, I either take only half a Klonopin or none at all, for fear it may make me even more tired. But when I don't take any, I can feel the lack of it begining about 3pm. I start feeling kind of "wild" inside and agitated.
With schizophrenia I think doctors usually ascribe every unwanted symptom to that. It is a catch-all disorder. And you are left with the feeling of being unheard or you see that skeptical look on the doctor's face like maybe you are lying. And you know you might as well just forget it and keep on suffering.
(Does it sound like I am out-of-sorts today? Yes. I am. I am tired of meds and doctors and not feeling well. I imagine since you have MS and depression you feel that way yourself not infrequently.)
Donna
Hi MM,
I do and have been taking anti-depressants for about 20yrs:
currently:Effexor 300mg (at least 10 yrs.)
Paxil 10mg (about 4 mos.)
to sleep:Amitryptiline 10mg (years)
anti-colestorol:Zetia 40mg (3yrs)
pain relief:Aleve 220mg (1 yr)
supplements:Alpha Lipoic Acid 100mg
Phosphatidylserine 100mg
N-Acetylcysteine 600mg
Glucosamine Chondroitin 1500mg
Vitamin B-12 500mcg
Vitamin C w/rosehips 2000mg
Multivitamin Multimineral w/ Antioxidants
B-complex 100's
Acetyl L-Carnitine 250mg
DHA 100mg
ToCoQ10 60mg
Folic acid 400mcg
Vitamin E 400 IU (3 yrs)
That's all...
Ric
I do and have been taking anti-depressants for about 20yrs:
currently:Effexor 300mg (at least 10 yrs.)
Paxil 10mg (about 4 mos.)
So...is the Effexor still effective? Sometimes you hear about some of the antidepressants losing their effectiveness...so it is great that it is still working for you. Does the Paxil help?
to sleep:Amitryptiline 10mg (years)
anti-colestorol:Zetia 40mg (3yrs)
pain relief:Aleve 220mg (1 yr)
You are yet another person taking Amitryptiline for sleep...I had no idea it could be used for this purpose.
supplements:Alpha Lipoic Acid 100mg
Phosphatidylserine 100mg
N-Acetylcysteine 600mg
Only if you have time...could you tell us what these three supplements do?
Glucosamine Chondroitin 1500mg
Vitamin B-12 500mcg
Vitamin C w/rosehips 2000mg
Multivitamin Multimineral w/ Antioxidants
B-complex 100's
Acetyl L-Carnitine 250mg
DHA 100mg
ToCoQ10 60mg
Folic acid 400mcg
Vitamin E 400 IU (3 yrs)
Now...I have L-Carnitine...is there a difference between this and Acetyl L-Carnitine?
Sorry for so many questions...this is just all so interesting to me and I am sure...to others.
Thanks so much for sharing!
I try to take as little medication as possible and would love to be able to take none; but I know this is not possible.
I take: Seroquel 125 mg twice a day
Benadryl as needed to sleep. I do not take this very often
Trilipex for high cholestoral - hoping to get off this soon
Centrum for Women multivitamin
Fish Oil Capsule - 1000 mg 2x
Flex-a-min (glucosamine/chondrotin for arthritis)
Reservatrol 100 mg vegetarian for energy
Tylenol Extra Strength for arthritis pain - only when pain is bad
So of this list the only medications I cannot stop without Dr's permission are the first three. But I have noticed that I really feel better when I take the multi-vitamin and Fish Oil. I know that dieticians etc. have the overall philosophy that we are better off if we can get all the nutrition we need from the food we eat. But unless you can eat all organic food and all the right foods all of the time; this is usually not feasible. But I do believe that a healthy diet is a good goal to press towards.
Hi Anne
I tend to agree with you...it is good to get our vitamins from food but...for some things it just doesn't seem possible without a supplement.
How is the Seroquel working for you? Any side effects?
and...Resevertol? Can you tell me about this one for energy...do you feel it is effective?
This is great information...I am learning so much just talking to you guys.
I agree about the supplements and I do mention to my Dr. what I am taking.
I do not see too many side effects from the Serroquel. When I was on a dose of 200mg twice a day; I did feel kind of zombiesh. Of course, I do have weight gain but I am trying to combat that with diet and exercise. A Psychiatrist once told me that the weight gain associated with most anti-depressants is due to inactivity not any chemical reaction to the drug. I guess that makes sense but it is often the anti-depressant that is affecting your activity level. So I think it is one of those chicken or the egg issues.
As far as the Reservatrol goes...It is actually billed as an anti-aging supplement and for that very reason I refused to take it at first. I don't believe any one thing can prevent aging. But I saw some people on a Health show; it might have been the Doctors (I can't remember) saying that it gave them energy and reduced their appetite. Now that I found very appealing so I am giving it a try. I have noticed an uptake in my energy and a slight decrease in my appetite so I will continue to try it for a while. The brand I am taking is organic and vegetarian. This mainly comes from red grapes and is the ingredient in red wine that is supposed to be so healthy. But since I can't drink; this is a way to get that benefit.
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Hi M/M & all!
What's in mine? Let's see...St. John's Wort (1 daily until empty) & a bottle of Effexor XR (150mG); not touched since January 2nd.
Still doing the Hormone Replacement Therapy (T'rone) & taking a daily 1/2 pill of Arimidex (= 1/2mG) to offset Estrogen zapping the T'rone, which I'm told is quite common.
So far, so good! I'm mostly depending on "talk & act therapy" VS Rx. Lots of hard work (at times very intense), but it's nice to 'feel' again rather than be 'numb' to all things around me.
Carl
Hey Carl
So...with the St. John's Wort...would you say it is helping with your mood? For me it made me sleepy...do you have that side effect?
Sounds like you are doing very well! What do you think was the turning point for you...when things changed for the better?
Thank you so much for sharing...I am always interested to hear how you are doing.
Hi M/M,
ALWAYS a pleasure! I haven't experienced any real drowsiness per se.
My turning point? I would say my Hormone Replacement Therapy (T'rone). Note of caution - if you do this, be SURE to take Calcium supplements as T'rone shots will deplete Calcium reserves, causing VERY sore muscles.
Carl