Hospice and Beyond

So . . . some of you more loyal listeners might remember previous blarticles concerning my wonderful father-in-law. A man who has, over the last 26 years, become my best friend. When I started this entry several weeks ago, I sat beside him, his old body feverish. His breathing rhythmic . . . slow . . . . → Read More: Hospice and Beyond

Worked The First Time . . . Why Not The Second?

“Confused” writes in with a question . . .

In the past I have been prescribed Klonopin 1mg 3x a day. This worked well for me until I built a tolerance. Several years have passed, I never experienced addiction or withdralls. I have been prescibed this medicine again for panic attacks, anxiety & being social . . . → Read More: Worked The First Time . . . Why Not The Second?

Prescribing Outside The Box

Kurt writes in with a very common question:

I was prescribed 70mg Vyvanse for debilitating chronic fatigue. The 70mg was totally ineffective. At 6′2″, 220 pounds, I think the dosage was too small. My psychiatrist will not increase the dosage. I self-titrated and found that 210mg will get me through the working day but I’m . . . → Read More: Prescribing Outside The Box

A Day of Great Significance . . . Not Just For The World

1-20-09 . . .

How long has THIS date been etched into your mind. The last few years have been so difficult and so controversial for so much of the world, that the impending arrival of this date was like the approaching finishing line . . . can’t wait to get there . . . . . . → Read More: A Day of Great Significance . . . Not Just For The World

What is Causing What? . . . Multiple Factors Contributing To A New Mom's Woes

I am a 27-year-old female with an extensive psychiatric history. I have been on almost every type of medication except tricyclics and stimulants. I am diagnosed with Bipolar I and Borderline Personality Disorder. Currently, I am seeing a new psychiatrist who is “pill-happy”. I feel like she doesn’t listen to me. Right now I am . . . → Read More: What is Causing What? . . . Multiple Factors Contributing To A New Mom's Woes

Tapering off Celexa (or any antidepressant) when you get pregnant

Please can you tell me how to alleviate Citalopram withdrawel? I need to reduce asap as I’m pregnant but doctor says just redude by 10mg every other day whereas Pharmacist says it’s not good to take during preganancy, So I want to stop taking it….any help appreciated.

So much controversy exists over the use of . . . → Read More: Tapering off Celexa (or any antidepressant) when you get pregnant

Against all odds . . . getting into the Christmas spirit

For all of you who do not celebrate Christmas . . . substitute your own holiday here. Regardless of where you live or who you associate with, this time of the year brings rituals of togetherness, reflection, thankfulness, giving, receiving and hope. The artificialness of this is annoying to many . . . perhaps most. . . . → Read More: Against all odds . . . getting into the Christmas spirit

Pollyanna waves the pom-poms

I have been accused of many things in my life . . . but none so on target as . . . (gulp) . . . an optimist . . .

YIKES . . . a rare breed, these days. What with the economic down turn, the violence in the world, the price of . . . → Read More: Pollyanna waves the pom-poms

Managing Bipolar During HepC Treatment Without Losing Your Liver

I have been on Interferon/Ribovarin (HepC TX) and also have Chronic Fatigue Sydrome separate from HepC. I have been on TX for 6 mos now and the depression is TRULY starting to come through. MY CONCERN is that I am 10 months drug/alcohol free, menopausal & bipolar. I have NOT taken anti-depressants since 2006 because . . . → Read More: Managing Bipolar During HepC Treatment Without Losing Your Liver

Getting past the urine drug screen while taking Vyvanse

A colleague writes in . . .

I am an RN in a recovery nurse program secondary to ‘emotional condition’ . . . I had some mental health issues that were not being treated. My psychiatrist, who is an addictionologist, prescribed Vyvance for ADHD since Strattera was not effective and led to flattened affect and . . . → Read More: Getting past the urine drug screen while taking Vyvanse