Is there a psychologist out here that specializes in bi-polar/PTSD/and depression? I am having med's problems!

So the diagnosis I get is PTSD/ possible bipolar II(more depression less, ups) and Social anxiety disorder, G.A.D and general depression!





Problem I have been prescribed Zoloft, Lexapro, Lamictal,Clonazapan, and Effexor XR! With no success!


I have had bad reactions to all but the clonazapan but my pshycologist wants me to find a longer lasting med! I am reluctant to try more SSRI's due to the side effects (which is why I quit all of the above in the first place!) Side effects include loss of appitite to the point I have to remind myself to eat, sexual libito gone, And EXTREAM sweating/hot feeling, I cant wear a sweater even if it's twenty below! Should I see an Endocronologist, get tested for homrmone varients, or anything else?


I really need some answers! I had my first panic attack tonight B/C I am so upset about this!





Currently take: Yaz(b.control pills), Clonazapan 3xday(1mg) and weening off Effexor XR.


Looking to solve the heat problem 1st and foremost! Help if you can!

Is there a psychologist out here that specializes in bi-polar/PTSD/and depression? I am having med's problems!
I'm a Psyc major and i've worked with Psychologist and know a lot about the drugs you are and were taking. I wouldn't recommend taking Effexor. I've known many patients who react badly to this drug so weening yourself of this may be a good thing. Mixing Yaz with Effexor and Clonazapan can be a bad thing. It makes your hormones go out of wack which could by why you aren't reacting well to these meds for disorders. Yaz can make your hormones go out of wack without taking other meds also. I don't suggest an Endocrinologist b/c they can't really do anything for you. I would suggest that you go get your hormones tested to see how these meds are affecting and why.
Reply:You could possibly have a hormonal imbalance with all the problems you have-I would go see another doc and talk to him about this and see what they can figure out.
Reply:It sounds like you have a very sensitive body type and reaction to Meds.





I can relate.





It can take several weeks to know if a med is going to work for you. I would introduce a new med even slower than a doctor suggests. Its not going to harm you.





If they say start at a 10mg dose then go up to 20 and so forth, I would start at five then go up to Ten.





The dose and the speed you introduce a med to your body can make a world of difference as to how your body will react to it and clearly it sounds like you have a very sensitive body type.





I know how frustrating this can be





I wish you all the Best!
Reply:read this... http://www.cchr.org
Reply:Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. I don't know about the drugs but the following steps should help with the panic attacks, PTSD, GAD, depression and social anxiety:





1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.





2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! With all those disorders you need to be doing CBT. CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and social anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com





3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads in you put "progressive muscle relaxation" into Google (e.g. lots of universities have them as free downloads)





With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!