Posted by AIK on September 30, 2004, at 14:02:23
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q » AIK, posted by Bubblehead on September 30, 2004, at 10:51:05
Have you been educated about Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement for mood swings? Since my early twenties I was diagnosed as being "bi-polar". Mis-diagnosed at that. Flipping out here and there, then becoming very happy (and along with it a sex drive). Until 7 years ago. I was talking to a pharmacist about my condition. She asked me to keep track how long my depression lasted (along with the onset and end of my menstral cycle) and my happy, good-feeling times. After the second month the pattern was evident. My mood changes were consistant with my cycle. I was a tyrant for 2 weeks prior to getting my period. During my period I would start to become more rational and more tolerant of my surroundings. The day following the last day of my period, I'd get this "sex drive". Unfortunately for my husband that is the one day that it is extremely powerful. The next 2 weeks I was in my "happy mood"...then I'd ovulate, and the crap mood came back until I got my period again. Some gals get in worse moods than I and others less. All I can say is that if it wouldn't have been for that pharmacist, I'd still be living a yo-yo life. If you go on the web and type in bio-identical hormone replacement mood swings, you can some info there. The formulations they use are not the cancer causing synthetic estrogens or synthetic progestins (progesterone is the natural chemical that is in your body already). Adjustments are made at some points when my body ages. Check it out. Glad to hear you're having a better day! AIK
> > Like I said before, you don't have to tow this load alone. I have been through counseling at certain stages of my life.
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> I guess I failed to mention that I have been through various types of counseling during my life. I'm not afraid to call one when I need to. I actually still have a close enough relationship with one to have and action plan, just in case I ever think I might follow through with my thoughts. I also have mmy pastor and his wife to turn to. They are good family friends.
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> > Since you mentioned that you have gotten support from your church (if of the Christian or Jewish faith), then you need to hold on to what the walk and talk with what God asks of you. That is not to take your own life. Life is the most precious thing that we have been given; you, me and the guy next door. We all are a part of God's plan, and if you leave us, we would all lose by you not being here. Do you know how wonderful it is to me that you answered my post? I know that some readers out there might think this sounds "hokey"; this is for you, me and the rest that are seeking survival for God's will, as we know him.
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> I am Christian and do rely upon God. I just get caught up in the flesh of this world sometimes. I have suffered with depression all of my life. I do have actual chemistry related depression but a majority of it comes from circumstance. The garabage from those circumstances is in my face daily, not because I won't let go but because I still live in the town I grew up in. The depression is differnt this time though. I don't know if it is the withdrawl or if the Effexor changed my chemistry. The depression sort of reminds me of Bipolar. I am have extremely high and happy days and I am having very low and down days. You caught me on a low day with that post. On the low days, I feel like a demon has moved into my house and taken over my body and mind. I am not myself. Those are the days God carries me. I know that God is letting this so that I will move closer to him and learn from it. I'm just not there yet.
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> > The important thing here is your survival during withdrawal. Do you know that during severe withdrawal symtoms, a doctor can put you on another drug to get you through it?
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> Yes, my Doc put me on Zoloft. Unfortunatly, he did not give me a ray of hope with it. Here is his point to me, "I'll put you on the Zoloft but, like the all other antidepressants you have tried, it either won't work or you'll have the exact same side affects as you had with them all. Which therefore means that you will have to go on the old time drugs and learn to deal with those side affects." Lovely huh? I am on NO antidepressants (I am scared of them now). I am taking 1200mg of fish oil a day and it has helped some. I am going to a naturalist (who is also a very close Christian friend) who will help me find the right combination eventually.
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> >I don't know your age, however, could your depression or change in behavior being placed on Effexor initionally, be due to the fact of hormonal changes? Pre-or post menstral symptoms, pre-or post menapause symptoms? I know of a gal who is going into early menapause, and she hasn't even hit 30 years old!
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> I'm 29 and was placed on the Effexor for major depressive disorder/Post tramatic along with postpartum sycosis. I tried many other Ad's that failed before the Effexor. The Effexor actually was stressing my body so much that I was going into peri-menopause.
> My Mom went early so I know I will, but 29 is just crazy.
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> > I want the best for you, Kelly, that the future has to offer. I will do the best that I can to get you through this. Write me back. AIK
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> Thank you. Your spirit is uplifting. I'm in a time of transition and I know God will see me through. He already is, he placed you in my path! Thank you. Kelly
poster:AIK
thread:12459
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040927/msgs/397306.html