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Doing TMS... beating myself up that I had to start Effexor!!

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 1/1/2018 5:22 PM (GMT -5)
Hi all. So today is day 5 of 75mgs of Effexor XR. I feel ok just a little dizzy and some increased anxiety and irrational thinking. But I’m using coping skills and mediation and it helps. I’m just struggling at the fact that the DR doing the TMS really wanted me to try and ride it out before starting a new medication ( I was on Luvox for 2 months before, but had to quit due to nausea) to let and see if TMS would help. But I was so scared to try it without an AD as I have had a hard time with anxiety/ depression the last 9 months. So know I’m questioning myself and doubting the Effexor. I keep thinking what if it’s going to make me worse, cause suicidal thoughts, make me crazy every irrational thought I’m having. Just needed to vent and hear advice. Thanks and HNY
Posted 1/1/2018 8:21 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Mel B
May I ask what is TMS?
It’s shoukd to me that you are self aware or how you feel and your reactions which is to be condemned. Most don’t have this. So I’d say you are definitely off to a good start. My advice is give it some more time but watch the irrational thoughts and even a hint of suicidal thoughts contact you doctor ASAP. I think with all new drugs we have doubts and anxiety over how it might help or make things worse so you are not alone in this. Good luck Mel B. And hope you had a Happy New Years.
Sunflower98🌻
Posted 1/1/2018 8:40 PM (GMT -5)
Sunflower,
Tms is transcranial magnetic stimulation. It’s fda approved to help with depression. I’m doing 39 treatments 5 days a week. It’s a little coil that is placed in head and it produces small electric currants in the brain. I’ve done 16 treatments so far. It’s a big commitment as it’s 25 min from my house but im very hopeful. A lot of people get off their antidepressants after it, but like I said I was to nervous to chance it...
Posted 1/1/2018 8:48 PM (GMT -5)
Mel B
I haven’t heard of this but it’s very interesting treatment. I truly hope it works for you. I understand you are nervous about it and going off meds. But for you to try the TMS sounds to me like you are willing to try new things a take a risk which is wonderful. Like is said it sounds like you are very self aware of your self and your depression. So if after the TMS is over and you do go off meds I’m sure you will know if you still need meds. You seem very strong to me and I have faith in you.
Sunflower98🌻
Posted 1/1/2018 11:20 PM (GMT -5)
Mel,

It is a personal choice that you made for yourself. (the one who knows you and your needs the best!) Your therapist isn't living your situation daily...so I am glad you are advocating for yourself.

Many people get much more out of their therapy with the assitance of an Rx, acting as a tool to help them get to a place where healing is possible...since they are not incapacitated by the anxiety.

Stay the course. You are doing great and are going to reach your goals with time and continued efforts!

Peace and progress,

S.C.
Posted 1/1/2018 11:24 PM (GMT -5)
Sc,
Thank you so much, means a lot. I never think of that way. You are very right that not everyone deals with things the same. Hugs all
Posted 1/2/2018 3:49 PM (GMT -5)
Hang in there! Effexor was such a game changer for me! It's allowed me to live my day to day life in a happy, productive way. I'm not locked inside my 'anxiety brain'. I'm out LIVING and enjoying and interacting with people and giving back to the ones who stood by me when I was at my lowest. It is so worth hanging in there to find the right treatment.....whether through medication or therapy or both!!
Posted 1/2/2018 6:14 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you so much Beth. I love hearing positive things about medications. So 5 days is definitely to soon for effects of it?? Right?
Posted 1/4/2018 7:05 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Mel B,
Saturday I am going for a consult to talk with the Doctor and technician for TMS. Can you tell me about it? Does your insurance cover any of it? Is it done by a psychiatrist and what did they tell you on how effective it is? I have major depression with severe anxiety since August. its difficult to function. Have had episodes of Depression 7-8 times between the age of 40-60. have bounced back many times on meds but then tapered off. Been on 40 mg of Cymbalta..not helping. Have a hard time with other trials of meds... remeron, abilify were very difficult. what do you think of the TMS... big commitment everyday for two months
I also have chronic Lyme disease
Posted 1/5/2018 4:54 PM (GMT -5)
Emotions,

Hi there. So my insurance does pay for my TMA, thankfully. I have only done 20 treatments and have 19 left. I feel that it is helping out. I’m excited to see the end result. A psychiatrist is in the office but a tech does it. It’s a huge commitment that is for sure, it’s an hour round trip for me. I still take Effexor because I have awful anxiety and obsessive thinking. I think if your insurance covers it I say it’s worth a shot. Let us know how your appt goes.
Posted 1/5/2018 11:02 PM (GMT -5)
Mel B-

I am in the same boat as you so it has to be the medicine. I was getting discouraged yesterday and today because I was like “I feel possibly even more anxiety and irrational thoughts on the meds.” It just sucks but I’m thankful we are doing this together because I know I’m not alone.

Stay encouraged!!
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