Topsail

I don't know much about medications and how they work so I'll just tell you about my experience with Xanax 13 days ago. My doctor would not prescribe the sleep medication I so desperately needed so I went to the ER. The ER doctor felt better prescribing Xanax for some reason, maybe I was showing signs of anxiety as well, can't say really why, he just did. The next morning I woke-up feeling better than I have felt for a very long time. I went 11 days without any POTS symptoms, although I was tired I have to consider all the activities I did doing those 11 days. I have not had 11 days in a row of feeling good in 13-15 years. I am starting to think that my POTS symptoms are activated by not getting proper sleep. I was diagnosed at the Cleveland Clinic in 2001 but know I have had it since my early teens, I'm now 50-years old. When I went to 3rd shift my life went down hill and I have never until my resent visit to the ER gotten decent sleep for years. Everyone is different what kicks your symptoms in are probably different from mine. At the moment I'm fighting with my psychiatrist over this because he has diagnosed me with Bipolar. He has told me that Bipolar is common and that POTS is rare, I felt he was indicating that I couldn't have POTS because of how rare it is. My psychiatrist would not give me a prescription for Xanax, he gave me one for Clonazepan instead. I didn't get much sleep at all last night so we'll see what happens.

Thanks everyone for your response! Anna...There are no family members with Autism. Since my psychiatrist would not give me sleep medication I went to the ER a little over a week before my doctors appointment. I was so surprised that in the small town in which I live the intern at the ER was well informed about POTS. My psychiatrist is also well informed and certainly knows more than I do. What was upsetting to me on the 16th my psychiatrist told me that POTS is very rare and that Bipolar is very common, I felt he was indicating that I couldn't have POTS because of how rare it is. I have told him several times I was diagnosed with POTS at the Cleveland Clinic and that a tilt table test was done. Getting back to my ER visit, I was given a prescription of Xanax to help me sleep, the next morning I woke up a different person, I actually felt like getting out of bed. I was able to do several actives that usually are very difficult for me. I went 11 days without any POTS symptoms. I have never had 11 normal days in a row for at least 13-15 years. The 12 day I had an appointment with my therapist, he went over the doctors notes and I was upset about them as he made it sound like I was refusing treatment. I had told the psychiatrist that I really feel the lack of sleep for so many years is causing my POTS symptoms and I wanted to try the Xanax for 4 weeks, if I crashed in that time period I'd take his advice and go on a mood stabilizer and back on the Cymbalta. I told him I didn't need a prescription of Cymbalta since I had enough if I felt I needed to go back on it if I felt depressed again. The stress from the my appointment today brought on a few slight POTS symptoms, dizziness, anxiety, and of course depression. Since the prescription of Clonazepan he prescribed isn't work as it's just after 1am I feel I will probably crash again soon. Thanks for reading my post.

I was diagnosed with POTS in 2001 at the Cleveland Clinic. For years I have been seen by several psychiatrist due to being depressed. Over the years I have been depressed simply because I do not feel well and I'm not able to do the things I need or want to do. I do not get adequate sleep therefore there are times that I am moody. Once in awhile I have a good day, when I do I'm happy and enjoy the moment. My psychiatrist has done some research on POTS and I know he understands it better than I do, but I don't feel he is listening to me. He has diagnosed me with bipolar 2. My chief complaint has always been extreme fatigue, depression, dizziness, brain fog, and not being able to sleep well, all these are symptoms many POTS patients have. Below is a list of bipolar symptoms; beside each one I have typed in if it applies to me or not. I would greatly appreciate it if you'd read the symptoms of bipolar and respond to the symptoms I said applies to me could relate to my POTS symptoms or if they apply to you as well. Thank you! Manic phase of bipolar disorder Signs and symptoms of the manic or hypomanic phase of bipolar disorder can include: Euphoria (no) Inflated self-esteem (no) Poor judgment (no) Rapid speech (no) Racing thoughts (no) Aggressive behavior (no) Agitation or irritation (sometimes) Increased physical activity (only when I push myself) Risky behavior (never) Spending sprees or unwise financial choices (I'm a penny pincher) Increased drive to perform or achieve goals (I wish) Increased sex drive (don't have the energy or drive) Decreased need for sleep (I want to sleep all the time) Easily distracted (yes) Careless or dangerous use of drugs or alcohol (never used drugs or alcohol) Frequent absences from work or school (yes) Delusions or a break from reality (no) Poor performance at work or school (yes) <p> Depressive phase of bipolar disorder Signs and symptoms of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder can include: Sadness (yes) Hopelessness (yes) Anxiety (yes) Guilt (no) Sleep problems (yes) Low appetite or increased appetite (sometimes) Fatigue (all the time) Loss of interest in activities once considered enjoyable (yes, only because I don't have the energy) Problems concentrating (yes) Irritability (yes) Chronic pain without a known cause (no) Frequent absences from work or school (yes) Poor performance at work or school (yes)

Thanks for the input...I'm going to try it. Carol

I went to the ER this morning because for a week I've been having pain in my back and just below my rib-cage making it impossible to sleep. When the ER doctor came in I told him it probably was stress or POTS related. His response back was that POTS has to do with blood pressure and then he printed a POTS article off for me. I understand that the hallmark symptom of POTS does have to do with heart rate and blood pressure but that isn't the only symptoms as there are many. Last year I went to a different ER and asked the doctor if he knew what POTS was, he answered yes so I asked him "what is it?" I don't expect the doctors to know however I do expect them to look it up if they do not know. Is that too much to ask? I ended up leaving the ER that day simply because the doctor couldn't answer my question after telling me he knew what it was. Anyhow after the test were done today I was told I have a gallstone, I agree that is probably the case. My question to the form would it be better to tell ER doctors that you have a Dysfunctional Autonomic Nervous System rather than POTS? Thanks, Carol

I've lived in Ohio all my life. Carol

Hi Madeline, Riding has helped me get back into physical shape, it helps me mentally as well. I've ridden for years and when I stopped I actually got worse. Are you going to be taking lessons at a therapeutic riding facility? Be sure to tell your instructor about your condition. Don't forget to wear a riding helmet!!! I'll be looking forward to hearing how your lesson goes. Have a GREAT ride! :-) Carol P.S. The Parelli natural horsemanship program has helped me a lot with focus and balance.

Hi Dawn, I've been on Cymbalta for a couple of months now and it is giving me more energy. I use to sleep a lot and not be able to get anything done. I have also changed several things in the last couple of months that seems to be helping. I'm trying to do Pilates every night before I go to bed. I'm also drinking LOTS of water and eating better meals. I gave up drinking Pepsi. I still have to push myself hard but I'm hoping that I'm on the right track this time. I'm in a hurry since I have an early morning doctor appointment with Dr. Grubb tomorrow. I have to be there at 9:00am. Toledo is almost a 3 hours drive from my place. Let me know how it works for you. Take care, Carol

Thanks for the information. I must have been having a few good days since the medication doesn't seem to be helping me now. Although I'm going to stay on it awhile longer just to be sure. Thanks again, Carol

Hi Group, Does anyone here know if Cymbalta has ever been used for treating POTS? I started taking this about a week ago for depression but have noticed that my POTS symptoms are also getting better. Thanks, Carol