additional medication

[dolly]

Hi

I have been to see my phychiatrist today who has prescribed a additional anti d to work with my current one venlafaxine. He has done this as he believes I have reached the theraputic dose of venlafaxine and not improved as much as he would like.

I objected strongly at first as I really want to get off these drugs as soon as I can, his argument is that the sooner I improve the sooner I come off the anti d's which makes sense I suppose.

The additional med is olanzapine. The main side effect is weight gain/increased appetite.

I'm really worried about taking MORE medication as I used to be such a naturally healthy person.

Has anyone else experienced a mix of meds???

I would be grateful for any feedback but nothing too scary

many thanks

dolly
xx

[Veritee]

Hi Dolly

And welcome back to the forum

Can you tell us a bit more about what your symptoms are - what they include, how long have you had them? I I have jsut realised you have posed before - but just remind me !!

As you probably know olanzapine is an Antipsychotic/antimanic medication

But if you do not have manic or psychotic symptoms , do not panic about this as drugs of this nature are quite often given alongside Anti Ds if you are suffering particularly form obsessive thoughts, anxiety , with PNI and other depressive illnesses.

There are others who have used this forum who have been prescribed this or similar acting medication - but I do not know what you are suffering to give any opinion as to whether this is over the top or not in your case

And please understand that as this is a self help and mutual support forum, anything any of us says on here is only our opinion.

As the administrator I can and do consult a GP who has experience of depression and PNI medications who is willing to advise behind the scenes,

but even he wants me to point out that as he can not have a consultation with anyone , even his advice is only his opinion based hypothetically on what you tell us..

That being said ......

If you tell us a bit more about what you are suffering I can ask the doctor who advises us and do some research myself .

I am assuming you have had PNI or even PP quite severely and for some time with obsessive thoughts or hallucinations ( I got these and I was not actually psychotic - this is surprisingly common with even moderate PNI)

and the medication you are on currently is not reliving your symptoms which are very distressing to you and interferes with the quality of your life .

But any way , you are welcome to use this forum for support, Its lovely to have you join us

All the best

Veritee

[dolly]

Hi Veritee

Thanks for your response. I had pretty severe PNI about this time last year bit have been coasting along on my venlafaxine since Jan. I would say I have been in very slow recovery.

I suffered obsessive thoughts that I would harm myself/baby, had panic attacks, could not be alone, nightmares etc. But long term since those symptoms have calmed down a lot I've had mainly anxiety and a feeling I'm dead inside. Just lately I have been getting frustrated that this is not going away and I want to get off the drugs. But the psychiatrist thinks I need some more healing power.

He did explain that this particular drug is used for psycotic symptoms but I'm on a very low dose which he said may help in my case.??

I'm not sure I want to know too much about it as I have scared myself in the past and don't want to again. I'm terrible for reading too much and convincing myself that I will be the small percentage that will get the worse possible side effect.

I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance that I'm doing the right thing.

I have to go back in 2 weeks to see how I'm getting on.

I've also been told to try and give up my glass of wine of an evening. Do you know what happens if you drink on anti d's?? Is it that you are drinking a 'depressant' on top of an anti depressant or can you have a bad reaction?? Nothing bad has happened to me while drinking on medication but I guess for full effect I need to try and give up the booze

many thanks

dolly
xx

[AUSSIE GIRL]

Hi dolly
I was perscribed Olazapine also along side my Andti-D to help calm my anxiety.
I am only on half a 5mg tablet a day. The shrink has asked me to try and come off them to see what happens so i'll keep you posted.
Aussie Girl Tracey