Antidepressants and TS

[Tina]

Hi,

I’m new at this forum and found so much helpful information, thanks to everyone.

I’ve had TS for 28 years but living in Russia never even heard about it until recently. Last month I was diagnosed for the first time, and my doctor (neurologist) prescribed antidepressant Trazadone (Desyrel) after I mentioned my anxiety, mood swings, and sleeping disturbances. He said that treating my sleep problems would hopefully reduce the tics. Now I’m reading about all possible side effects of this drug and withdrawal symptoms and I’m really scared to even start taking it. Have anyone here taken trazadone before (or other antidepressants of the same group) and what was your experience?

Also, can anyone recommend good doctors in Los Angeles area? This neurologist I’m going to was referred by TSA as experienced in treating TS, but I have doubts about him as he seems negative about alternative treatments.

[Guest]

Hi & Welcome Tina,

 

I'm really glad that you found this forum before you started the Trazadone. I really feel that people need to be careful when considering medications for TS. I haven't had any experience with Trazadone, but have had bad experiences with other antidepressants. For example, Paxil caused me to go into a manic condition as a child. I feel that antidepressants change the person in many cases. For example, my mom simply became depressed about twelve years ago. In my opinion, considering the rough times that she was going through with my TS, having the needs of three other children to take care of, and all of us children constantly fighting was a true reason for someone to become depressed. She got treatment using antidepressants and a few years later she had a diagnoses of Bipolar (no signs of Bipolar before this). I believe that the meds for depression caused the Bipolar to begin.

 

I think that I would consider trying some natural treatments first for the tics, anxiety, mood swings, and sleep issues. A good place to start would be to look at Chemar's post about what's helped her son: http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=687

 

Claire's post about helpful tests: http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?...755&hl=test

 

and other posts.

 

Pyroluria is something that may be worth while to look into since that can affect tics, sleep, moods, and anxiety.

 

As for doctors in the Los Angeles area, I would suggest trying to find one from Sheila's Finding Medical Help post. http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=565

These doctors that will treat TS and related conditions naturally. When I was little we had no other option than to use doctors off of the TSA list, and we went to many doctors including Yale Hospital. They all treated me with medications that I commonly had bad reactions to. I'm very thankful for my two excellent natural doctors that I'm lucky to have now.

 

Carolyn