Has anyone found if taking antidepressants make you feel worse or if there really isn't any change in symptoms?
I have not taken. BUT I have read that many people have success with amitryptiline or klonopin. Seems to help with the depression but also the anxiety this darn thing causes.
I take Alventa (Effexor XR). No side effects in my case, but took a month before my nervous system adopted the medication. I have no more anxiety. May be due to the reason that I am in a six month remission, whereas the previous one was only eight days. I also take antivirals (aciclovir) and full JOH regimen. Hope this helps.
Have tried various anti-depressants and cannot tolerate the side effects--so only Xanax helps me and I have to tell you--not alot! I find getting out and keeping busy is the best for me. Though at times I have to 'make myself' do even the least of those things. Mornings are the worst it seems. If I start out with no nausea or head pressure I do pretty well. But most days the pressure in the upper part of my head is bad and the nausea is bad. I have bad dreams--due to the Xanax probably. I only take 2 over a day (1/2 at a time). HOpe you find some help.
I have been taking Prozac since April and it has made a huge difference for me. My ear symptoms are significantly better. It took about 2 weeks before I noticed a change.
ps: I even tried the suggestion of Benadryl to help with sleep issues due to restless leg syndrome--and woke up after a really good night sleep yesterday, but was soooo nauseated all day and felt so drugged that I won't be taking that again. I just don't tolerate drugs well so what seems to help some just makes me worse. And my Cardio doctor just recently added some new vitamin type meds--OTC ones. A vitamin B complex, fish oil, and magnesium. I hope these help and don't cause any of my symptoms to be worse. It's a trial and error thing for me-- Already today, the nausea is with me, not bad so far. But, makes for a miserable day. I do understand the need for anti-depressants for many folks. Wish I could find one that I can tolerate. Anyway---
Klonopin isn't an anti depressant. Many antidepressants have dizziness as a side effect. I could never get past the first week with them.
When I was diagnosed long ago I thought my life was over and it was the end of the world, my wife wrote me a prescription for 20 mg of Celexa and I took it and felt better, less anxiety about the future and then she took me to work with her one day at Atlanta's Children Hospital where she works as an oncologist and she said "now these kids are sick and you don't see them complaining so snap out of it and get on with life" and so I did!!!
Klonopin may not be an antidepressent but many have taken it with relief. It helps to address the panic and anxiety that this disease causes.
Yes, I've heard this works like Xanax without some of the side effects--just takes a bit longer to take effect. I may ask my doctor about it.
I have taken Klonopin (the generic is clonazepam) for many years -- I started long before I became ill with Meniere's. It's a tranquilizer -- the effect is similar to Valium. I find it helpful in managing anxiety -- it also helps me sleep (I take a dose at bed time). It is not an anti-depressant, but is sometimes prescribed in combination with an anti-depressant since anxiety and depression go hand-in-hand for many people. I used to take an anti-depressant along with Klonopin -- eventually I phased out the anti-depressant but stuck with the Klonopin. It helps me manage the stress/anxiety that I feel with Meniere's. A good psychiatrist can advise you on the pros and cons of Klonopin. Vincent
After reading your post, I decided to make an appointment to discuss my issues with a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, my ENT/OTO has always been very resistant to xanax, klonopin, etc. Hopefully, the psychiatrist will be more receptive!
If they give me relief, I don't really care. I would only take meds on the really tough days, anyway.
I agree Tom and there are good meds that treat anxiety that are not addictive and do not cause problems with long term use as Benzodiazepines do. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/anxiety-help/201111/anti-anxiety-medications-explained https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/anxiety-help/201111/anti-anxiety-medications-explained
GLA - I believe that you - and only you - can make a determination with your dr as to what can help you. My personal opinion is that even if a medication is addictive, if it helps you to LIVE your life than one has to balance the pros and cons. My mom was on klonopin for years and it improved her quality of life and mental health. Also with this darn thing, every person handles it differently and while we all "know" what it is like, no one truly walks in your shoes. Whatever you need to do to make your life more enjoyable and livable is worth it...my opinion!
I have been taking Klonopin (clonazepam) since 1998, and I certainly don't consider myself a drug addict. My advice to anyone considering something like Klonopin or Valium is to find and consult with a competent psychiatrist. In my experience, ENTs know little about Klonopin. A smart psychiatrist can advise you on the pros and cons, and help ensure you're on the proper dosage. As I said in earlier post, Klonopin has been very helpful to me in managing anxiety.