I was just diagnosed with babesia duncani and lyme. I am into treatment for three weeks and due to my extreme anxiety/shortness of breath, my llmd wants me to go on an antidepressant or mood stabilizer. Is this normal protocol? I thought my anxiety was due to babesia and shortness of breath was air hunger, I am confused and not to willing to start either one of these meds. Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by Bartenderbonnie (Member # 49177) on :
limdanis
Lyme clinically presents with the most scariest symptoms. Every doctor I went to (19) said I was crazy when I mentioned I thought I might have Lyme. Finally I told my now ex-primary " I might very well be crazy because many before you have told me that. BUT I also have Lyme."
I would sleep with my phone already dialed to 9 - 1 waiting to dial the last 1 because of the extreme anxiety. It was terrifying !
I was prescriped many antidepressives, muscle relaxers, herbals, Lyrica was garbage. I finally tried Xanax and it saved my life.
I think you need to address your anxiety symptoms but what works for others, might not work for you. Unfortunately it's trial and error. And it doesn't have to be pharmaceuticals either.
Soft uplifting music helps. Epsom salt baths calm muscle pain. Essential oils to calm Melatonin
Posted by Christopher J (Member # 46401) on :
Do not take the antidepressants under any circumstances. They do nothing for the Lyme, they are a danger in many ways including depersonalization, and there is a huge dependency risk.
Go tell your doctor straight up that you will ONLY take medications to treat the Lyme, period. And that's whether or not he thinks you're 'depressed'. BTW Once you get on the Lyme antibiotics, your anxiety reduces.
Oh, and I wouldn't under any circumstances start taking Xanax ever. They push that like candy these days. Do you know how many of the messed up younger generations now casually say in passing 'Oh Im on xanax'?
Yeah basically 1% of them actually needed it, and 99% of them had nothing wrong but minor issues before they were prescribed it.
This 'mental illness' trend lately is about 10% real and 90% bs. As if somehow altering serotonin or GABA levels is treating some 'disease'. There is no disease.
This is the exact opposite of treating Lyme, which are actual bacterial and spirochettal diseases which antibiotics have a tangible effect on.
BTW Most of us Lymies have started out being told by some nutball doctor that we were 'depressed'. Then they proceed to pump you up with SSRIs while acting sympathetic.
Really they dont think you have an actual disease, so that is their solution. They think it'll make your Lyme symptons go away heh
(breaking this up for easier reading for many here)
[ 03-01-2018, 08:12 PM: Message edited by: Robin123 ]
Posted by lindadanis (Member # 51204) on :
thank you very much for your responses. I am taking Ativan, an anti anxiety med for the past year and I am wondering if this has increased my anxiety.
My llmd is the one who suggested an antidepressant or a mood stabilizer which I am very surprised at. She treated my daughter with lyme many years ago and gave her Ativan so maybe I am not surprised. She is treating me for babesia at the moment. Not sure if I am staying with her now, rethinking it all over.
(breaking up a paragraph for easier reading for many here)
[ 03-01-2018, 08:13 PM: Message edited by: Robin123 ]
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
I've been prescribed everything under the sun from ativan to xanax.
I take the prescriptions and pitch them.
one sister is addicted to ativan and another one to pain killers.
I'm fed up with drs.
oh sure they help some but for me, no
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- There are so many other approaches. I suggest, if at all possible, find a LL ND who will have broader education and experience - skill & tools - to help you avoid the potentially dangerous downside to psychiatric pharmaceuticals.
Decades ago, before lyme was diagnosed I was put through all the brain drug chemical stuff and, even on very tiny doses, it was a series of disasters for me.
When the problem is due to toxins or inflammation, psych drugs often can make things worse due to the added stress on the liver and how they mask things / block other things
Best to directly address the infections / conditions causing the problems . . . while ALSO nourishing / nurturing with support measures / lifestyle.
But, first, consider that - indeed - the inflammation and toxins from infections ARE likely very much the cause here,
in addition to the upheaval of health and life.
Dietary changes might be a good start, too.
MAGNESIUM and other deficiencies can cause mood issues.
Artificial foods, too, as well as foods high in glutamate or other excitatory amino acids when out of balance. This is why MSG can cause ups & downs in some who are more sensitive.
GLUTEN, DAIRY. Consider.
When I stopped all gluten, fog lifted like magic. It did take a while, though, it was still very definitive. Turns out I had CELIAC.
Diary avoidance helps decrease inflammation in my sinuses and lungs. I can breathe better.
LIVER SUPPORT & ADRENAL SUPPORT are also good place to begin. Best if you can find a good LL ND.
For those considering complementary support methods / or other avenues entirely:
Herbal Safety considerations & reference books; etc.
BOOKS - Links to many articles and books by holistic-minded LL doctors of various degrees who all have this basic approach in common:
knowing which methods offer assertive & direct impact, which are only support and which are both. And when to use what, how to combine, & when to step back.
You can compare and contrast many approaches with links to articles, books, methods . . . -
[ 03-01-2018, 05:18 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by lymenotlite (Member # 33166) on :
I know the last shooter was on klonopin. I looked up the symptoms and they were saying that if you are feeling suicidal, be sure to tell someone. No word on what to do it you are feeling homicidal apparently.
I have a friend who is on painkillers and I know when she is on them because of personality changes. Please be aware of how what you take is effecting you. It could be worse than what you are experiencing.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by lindadanis:
thank you very much for your responses. I am taking Ativan, an anti anxiety med for the past year and I am wondering if this has increased my anxiety. My llmd is the one who suggested an antidepressant or a mood stabilizer which I am very surprised at. She treated my daughter with lyme many years ago and gave her Ativan so maybe I am not surprised. She is treating me for babesia at the moment. Not sure if I am staying with her now, rethinking it all over.
- Ativan can and WILL turn on you. If you decide to get off of it, go VERY SLOWLY!!! If you don't, your whole body will revolt and it won't be short-term.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
lymenotlite .. Klonopin is pretty much the "same" as Ativan. Extremely difficult to get off of. It works, until it doesn't.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Only you can decide if a psych med would be beneficial for you.
Before knowing I had Lyme, I went through many psych meds and was on numerous ones simultaneously at any given time. All were ineffective. Even 3 mg of Xanax a day didn't touch my anxiety.
Fast forward to after dx... Proper tx with abx and antimalarials did the most for the psych sx. I ended up deciding to try a small dose of Zoloft to help with some issues.
After a bit of lyme treatment, a half of smallest rx'ed dose every other day was more than plenty to have effects. Before Lyme tx, I once took 100 mg daily with no improvement. After, 12.5 mg once every two days.
Stopping any SSRI was always difficult for me, I get the head zaps real bad. For some people, an effective psych drug employed during active Lyme tx can be a lifesaver if needed.
I've been off the Zoloft a while, but I have found taking lithium orotate very helpful for calming and stabilizing. It is also neuroprotective. Also addressing inflammation with binders and herbs.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- gz, makes a good suggestion to explore whether lithium orotate might be right for you. This is not a pharmaceutical Rx (that is a totally different form used at higher doses).
This is more about replenishing a nutrient deficiency:
Lithium Orotate - informational links -
Posted by BobG (Member # 39642) on :
sertraline works well for many lymies, but low dose! Perhaps subclinical levels, e.g. 25 better to start low than high
Posted by BobG (Member # 39642) on :
Vote for lithium orotate as well- also as neurogenesis properties
Posted by MannaMe (Member # 33330) on :
If its depression: omega3's are very helpful. Our pharmacist said 80% of depression is caused by lack of omega 3's.
For anxiety there are several other non-med things to try and see what works for you.
L theanine Rhodiola rosea magnesium holy basil lithium orotate
This is what I thought of at the moment.... if I think of more I'll let you know.
Posted by stari (Member # 51259) on :
One of my doctors tried to give me something too, but I reluctantly tried it. I found that I could take a very tiny amount and still get by, like an eighth of a tablet. and it helped until I get the meds to address the lyme-like stari issue.
What really helped was when I got a refilling prescription for Omniceph, and could take a bit when needed. Literally one table would set my mode right.
I do not like those mind altering drugs; it caused issues.
Posted by lindadanis (Member # 51204) on :
thank you, what is omniceph?
Posted by pjmrees (Member # 50119) on :
quote:Originally posted by lindadanis: I was just diagnosed with babesia duncani and lyme. I am into treatment for three weeks and due to my extreme anxiety/shortness of breath, my llmd wants me to go on an antidepressant or mood stabilizer. Is this normal protocol? I thought my anxiety was due to babesia and shortness of breath was air hunger, I am confused and not to willing to start either one of these meds. Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by pjmrees (Member # 50119) on :
quote:Originally posted by lindadanis: I was just diagnosed with babesia duncani and lyme. I am into treatment for three weeks and due to my extreme anxiety/shortness of breath, my llmd wants me to go on an antidepressant or mood stabilizer. Is this normal protocol? I thought my anxiety was due to babesia and shortness of breath was air hunger, I am confused and not to willing to start either one of these meds. Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by pjmrees (Member # 50119) on :
Yep, been there done that and still in it 3 years now. I was given zanax by primary care doctor. But she doesn't believe in lyme.
I know it's no help but i have anxiety every day and breathlessness 24/7. I have lyme, babesia and rmsf.
Just keep chipping away at it, you are not alone!
Ps i think sida acuta has helped with the air hunger maybe 25-40% anything is better than nothing.
Posted by lymenotlite (Member # 33166) on :
I'd forgotten that lithium orotate was very helpful for me, very calming. If I had to go somewhere, I'd take some and things would go well. The first brand I took contained magnesium stearate and that bothered my gut. I ended up with Pure Encapsulations 5 mg.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Just a few years ago, one of my immediate family members attempted to take my life & the lives of the rest of my/our family in a most unimaginably horrific & gruesome manner.
That person planned to commit suicide after taking our lives.
I believe with all my heart & all my being that God interrupted that family member’s “perfect” plan. If that day had gone as expected, as usual, I would be dead.
Instead, I ended up saving the life of the one who intended to kill me.
I’d never felt such a palpable visceral fear as I did that day as I approached my loved one to care for them. Seeing that weapon clutched in hands, fully across torso.
Everything inside of me screamed “run”. I had to help because I still loved them.
This person did survive after extensive medical intervention, long ICU stay, then transition to court ordered psychiatric hold for 7days.
My life will NEVER be the same because this loved one refused to accept their diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.
When manic, life was great, they were untouchable! Sadly that all consuming black hole of monstrous depression had taken over. They lost all friends & pushed close family members away.
Friends, I haven’t spoken publicly about this incident. I’ve needed extensive counseling to get where I am today.
After experiencing such trauma, I suffered from severe & frequent panic attacks. Thank God my PCP believed me. By trial & error we found that Ativan, taken as needed, helped me the most (no side effects).
At first I needed Ativan all the time. Then gradually needed less & just stopped it no problem. Took it at least 18mo.
Other family members found various antidepressants to be most helpful.
*****Anxiety & Depression are real! They can be caused by trauma, infection, etc... *****
If you don’t believe me, just ask Dr. Google. Have fun reading. That LLMD might have good reason to prescribe an antidepressant.
Posted by lindadanis (Member # 51204) on :
thank you all for responding to my post. However I have decided not to take any antidepressants or mood stabilizers. I am just going to treat babesia and then lyme and deal with this anxiety. One of my biggest issues is air hunger which in turn, makes my anxiety sky high. I am praying that the mepron along with ABABS will attack the babesia in time and these issues will resolve themselves. I am still taking Ativan, however, I am tapering down. I believe the Ativan can cause Ativan dependence/tolerance issues and I think its the culprit also for my anxiety at times. When the Ativan wears off, that is when I am the worst. Its a vicious circle. Thanks again for all the replies.