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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ScottZZZ on April 16, 2002, at 16:37:37
I am writing this as encouragement to anyone who is suffering. Keep trying!
For the last 16 months I have been unable to function. It started as mild confusion and memory loss. It progressed until I was unable to work, be with my family or enjoy life. Doctors said maybe it was depression and my Hep C. I tried all sorts of antidepressants and did not repond. I started Interferon treatments for the Hep C and became COMPLETELY depressed. About a week ago I tried 20 mg Remeron at night and 75mg Effexor in the morning. I can think and function again! I feel like 2001 and the first 4 months of this year never happened. I was missing in action. It is good to be back. I went to 6 psychiatrists, 3 neurologists, 3 gastroenterologist 4 therapists, 2 ENT's, an allergist and 2 internists. Keep trying!
Posted by rainbowlight on April 17, 2002, at 0:06:43
In reply to A combination that WORKS. There is hope., posted by ScottZZZ on April 16, 2002, at 16:37:37
Scott, congratulations! I know exactly how you feel. Almost a year ago I discovered my magical combo to, after 14 years of searching. It makes it all worth it though huh? I am glad others are finding the right meds too!
Posted by geno on April 17, 2002, at 16:49:43
In reply to Re: A combination that WORKS. There is hope., posted by rainbowlight on April 17, 2002, at 0:06:43
scott,
remeron is my magic drug. Boy does it help me sleep. Along with zoloft 50mg titrating up with some klonopin 1-2mg a day, this is my magic combo.
Without remeron, id never be able to sleep. It also keeps me out of dark depression. It didnt make me happy go lucky, so my doc added zoloft to help with mood. Remeron also helps anxiety, but not full blast. Klonopin keeps me stable through the day and focus. I just hope when i reach 100mg of zoloft, im more outgoing and social.geno
Posted by k9lover on April 22, 2002, at 13:40:14
In reply to Re: A combination that WORKS. There is hope., posted by geno on April 17, 2002, at 16:49:43
Me too - it took ten years, but zyprexa, buspar and paxil have given me back my life. I actually feel joy and sadness - the full spectrum of emotions. Now if I can just stay on them instead of playing that game of "I'm feeling better, gonna go off my meds"...
Posted by Zo on April 22, 2002, at 17:53:54
In reply to A combination that WORKS. There is hope., posted by ScottZZZ on April 16, 2002, at 16:37:37
This is interesting too because I used to become suicidally depressed whenever I had the flu, I mean, actively suicidal. . .Then my pdoc explained that high interferon levels in the brain can be profoundly depressing.
I get flu shots--and pray.
Congratulations on your perseverence and recovery!
Zo
Posted by Elizabeth on April 23, 2002, at 23:33:17
In reply to A combination that WORKS. There is hope., posted by ScottZZZ on April 16, 2002, at 16:37:37
Scott,
I have a friend who has hep C (he's hemophiliac), and he says the alpha-interferon makes him depressed, too. Adding an antidepressant -- Zoloft, I think -- fixed it for him.
It's definitely a common side effect. Don't doctors warn you about this before starting you on interferon??? Jeez! Well, I'm glad you're doing better. Best wishes to you.
-elizabeth
P.S. Zo: I never thought about this, but you've given us all another good reason to get the flu shot. I've been getting them for the last 5 years or so. I haven't had the flu in ages, so I don't recall if it affects my mood, but I don't want to find out!
This is the end of the thread.
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