Posted by Simcha on August 17, 2003, at 9:37:16
In reply to Re: Withdrawl from HELL, posted by EmmaL on August 17, 2003, at 2:13:02
Dear EmmaL,
I'm so sorry you are suffering so much. I thought that for me EffexorXR was a wonder drug. It worked wonders alleviating my depression. It helped me to realize that I've been depressed my entire life. I wish I had sought psychiatric help sooner in life.
My parents did not like psychiatrists because they seened to be able to do much for my Dad's brother who was bipolar with psychotic episodes. He started treatment back in the early sixties. Then things were not so good for him and the drugs back then did horrible things to him. He died only about three years ago. I think that had something to do with the not so good treatment he had received when he was first getting treatment. They did not have as much as they have now to help us.
My parents were always terrified that I'd end up like my Uncle. Well, I have Major Depressive Disorder with OCD tendancies. It's not the same illness my Uncle had. I finally sought psychiatric treatment when I was 30. I'm 33 now. I'm much better. I got a better deal because now they have better treatments.
Well, I really hope you find something that works well for you without nasty side-effects. As for me, when I was put on EffexorXR, even with being numb from the waist down, I felt I was better than before without treatment.
This is a tricky business finding the best treatment. I hope you don't have to suffer much longer. I hated being depressed. Then again, who doesn't? My psychiatrist has told me not even to think of getting off of my medication for at least five years. He says we can re-evaluate where I am then. Even then he hinted that since my family has such a long history of depression that I might have to be on medication for the rest of my life.
I'm now OK with that. I never want to go back to the hell that was my depression.
Really, I hope you find what works best for you soon. I have a life now thanks to a mix that works well for me for now.
AM Dose:
40mg Celexa
200mg WellbutrinSR
(Strong coffee LOL)PM Dose:
600mg of NeurontinIt's been explained to me that these medicines are not a cure and that it is vital that I follow a consistent regemin with my medication. I go to therapy once a week and I attend 12-step meetings. I really need all the support I can get to remain well balanced enough to function in everyday life. I also eat a balanced vegan diet and I try to do as much walking as I can.
I've finally come to an acceptance that my mental health is extremely important and that I must do something everyday to maintain mental health.
Medicine is the cornerstone of my treatment. I also believe that the other support I have in my life helps the medication to work better.
Blessings,
Simcha
> Dear Simcha,
> Thanks for the insite and wishes. I finally decided to stop seeing my "primary doctor" and will be seeking advice through another as soon as I can get in for a follow-up appointment with another which will not be until September. I believe that your physician is very wise to be employing a partner approach. I will be taking your experience into consideration. Thanks! Take care!
> Sincerely,
> EmmaL
>
poster:Simcha
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030812/msgs/251531.html