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
poster:Penny
thread:265972
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031004/msgs/265972.html