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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 Penny on October 6, 2003, at 13:09:31
I've been following this board off and on for about 2 years, found it while searching for info on meds, as I'm sure many folks did.
I've been around the block on meds - have tried meds for sleep, depression, anxiety, etc., including all the SSRIs (except Prozac and Luvox), Effexor XR, Wellbutrin SR, Buspar, Remeron, Lamictal, Topamax, Ativan, Hydroxyzine (Atarax), Trazodone, Provigil, Adderall, Ambien, Sonata, Seroquel, Geodon, and, probably some others. And I've had major side effects and experienced withdrawal (especially with the SSRIs and Effexor), and I'm still looking for something to control my depression.
My question is this - why is it that there are so many posts lately from folks who keep talking about "wanting to feel normal again" after trying psych meds (esp. SSRIs and Effexor) - did you feel normal before taking them? If so, WHY were you taking them to begin with?
I started taking ADs b/c I was depressed. And despite my trials with so many different meds and despite not having found the right combination yet, I have not given up hope. I would, however, despite my horrible experiences on some of these meds (Paxil was the worst for me) be extremely hesitant to tell someone else that they shouldn't give it a try. In some cases, as it has been in mine, it is a life or death situation. And I *know* that certain meds work for some people.
Everyone who tries a psychotropic medication - I don't care *which* medication - needs to realize that another person's experience will most likely not resemble your own.
And if you're not finding the answers you want, if you feel like you're suffering for no reason, if you aren't finding compassion with your doc - by all means, find a new doc!!!! I know that's not always possible, but there are good ones out there (I have one) who will listen to you when you tell them about side effects and will give you the lowdown on your meds before you take them.
But, more importantly - if you're not suffering from mental illness (be it a mood disorder or something else), don't ask for meds! They won't fix your life, and you shouldn't expect them to...
Sorry - just had to get that off of my chest. It concerns me that some folks might be missing Dr. Bob's warning "Don't necessarily believe everything you hear." Use this board as a reference, but try to remember that everyone's experience is different.
P
Posted by Nissy on October 6, 2003, at 13:42:50
In reply to May I ask a question?, posted by Penny on October 6, 2003, at 13:09:31
My question is this - why is it that there are so many posts lately from folks who keep talking about "wanting to feel normal again" after trying psych meds (esp. SSRIs and Effexor) - did you feel normal before taking them? If so, WHY were you taking them to begin with?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I can only answer for myself. So here goes.....
If I were to say I want to feel normal again it would mean that I want to feel the way I did prior to the time I became depressed and had to take medication for depression. Or it could also mean that my meds are no longer working like they once did and I need them too so I can feel back to normal meaning feeling "good".
Hope this helps you in some way.
Nissy
Posted by John1022 on October 6, 2003, at 13:54:39
In reply to May I ask a question?, posted by Penny on October 6, 2003, at 13:09:31
Hi Penny,
I am trying AD's because I have some kind of chemical imbalance. That chemical imbalance comes out of know where and isn't your typical depression. I don't feel down, sad or guilty, I just feel out of wack.
I have been 100% normal most of my life. I am almost sure my imbalance has to do with a seretonin imbalance that causes my sleep to not work, increased axiety and mood swings.
It was once fixed by Effexor in a matter of weeks and I was back to so-called normal. Now they all are all having horrible effects on me, almost opposite effects of making the depression worse.
When I am off them, I "almost" feel normal except for just not being able to go to bed (something still wrong with my seretonin and not quite what I would call normal, meaning it needs to be fixed) and I kept trying AD's because Effexor did work once. I don't want to have to rely on a sleeping pill the rest of my life.
I think I am done with them now as I can cope with feeling a little off and maybe having to take a sleeping pill the rest of my life, but I cannot cope on how the AD's are making me feel now.
I am trying 5HTP again (came close to fixing everything, but the doctor scared me off with his toxin claims and not knowing what was in it). I will let the board know what happens with 5HTP. For now, I am done with the AD's because of what they are doing to me, although they worked for me once and I know they do work for a lot of people. Take care
Posted by Penny on October 6, 2003, at 14:32:19
In reply to Re: May I ask a question?, posted by John1022 on October 6, 2003, at 13:54:39
> I am trying 5HTP again (came close to fixing everything, but the doctor scared me off with his toxin claims and not knowing what was in it). I will let the board know what happens with 5HTP. For now, I am done with the AD's because of what they are doing to me, although they worked for me once and I know they do work for a lot of people. Take care
Here's hoping that the 5-HTP will work for you - my pdoc actually recommended it to me. I think it's interesting that one doc will recommend it while another will warn against it...
P
Posted by Harvester of Eyes on October 6, 2003, at 17:06:30
In reply to May I ask a question?, posted by Penny on October 6, 2003, at 13:09:31
I am as guilty as the next person of tending to over-rely on meds and under-utilize collateral practices for treatment. For me, such practices include sleep regulation, therapy, AA meetings, meditation, massage, and self-discipline about cleaning house and bathing.
It can feel like quite a load, but so can life when you rely only on pills to help you.
Meds are a popular tool these days, but if they were a minor and uncommon tool, this board would be all about some of the other treatments, from therapy and trauma treatment to ECT.
My opinion only.
Posted by Still Hurting on October 6, 2003, at 22:04:33
In reply to May I ask a question?, posted by Penny on October 6, 2003, at 13:09:31
i took Cipramil as an antidepressant...Penny i may have missed your message but I found that to be a good med for depression.
This is the end of the thread.
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