Posted by Spoc on June 14, 2005, at 8:03:35
In reply to Re: Depression while getting on Strattera?, posted by Jazzed on June 13, 2005, at 15:52:15
> My doc is older, and seems very open minded. More concerned with how something did or didn't work for me, than how it's supposed to work. If I experiment a little, he doesn't seem to mind. I'm pretty saavy about my healthcare though, so maybe that comes through, and I'm definitely not an addictive type.
That describes me pretty well too; mainly *ability* to grasp and assess data on the first (rather than current range of knowledge); and ditto on the second. But I guess I have to give him time to know those things, since he just met me.
I think when I hit a point where I can tell we are on the right track, that something is at least helping me somewhat, I may start tweaking a bit on my own. I am pretty comfortable doing that too, and have managed to keep my head above water while not seeing anyone that way.
Well anyway, pdoc called me back last night, told me to stop rather than go down on the Strattera ("never say never," but not now). Indicated that those who have an immediate problem or problem with that dosage tend to have the things like stomach upset, sleeplessness or tiredness, not what I felt. I did sneak in that I'd seen a great deal of "anecdotal" evidence that many need to start at the pace of hair growing; and that I saw that insufficient norepinephrine or problems with MAO can be culprits... That I saw l-tyrosine amongst other things might help... And... while he didn't cop an attitude about it, I can see that (very unfortunately IMO, but I DO understand) he would not exactly welcome hearing that kind of thing often.
I suppose if I adopt a policy of taking whatever anecdotal evidence I want him to comment on and trying to support it with at least something from a fairly reliable source too, he may "have to" listen. (For instance, here, the fact that apparently the Amen Clinic agrees on the dosing thing. That one would be easy, and I may try to find something to print out, but am conflicted about trying the Strat again.) But I don't know if I have it in me now to be doing that regularly, as we run through what will probably be lots of things.
And, all evidence so far is that he really is a "top-notch" guy; and while young, he has very close access to his mentor, a very seasoned top-notch guy. So unless nothing goes anywhere for eons, maybe I should force myself to let him drive. ;-)
So. I am scheduled to see him next on 7/1, and he said he will consider everything carefully and make a plan of action. After two days off the stuff I still felt pretty rotten, but I think it's finally getting better. I still wonder if it's possible that coming off the tramadol underneath it could have been a factor, but it really was just so low of a dose... However I suppose I should be tough and not revert to that in the next two weeks, so I don't ever have to even wonder again. (Drat! I know it would get me out of the red and at least to zero, and after the last week I could really use that. Oh well.)
Can't remember if I mentioned this but another "funny" thing is that I was driven to binge on sugar and simple carbs big time while on the Strat. But I suspect I was only trying to feel SOMETHING besides misery, and to distract myself, rather than actually having cravings. I am the type to use food for comfort when stressed.
Sorry to ramble and thanks for your support and interest, I appreciate it. :-)
poster:Spoc
thread:510941
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050611/msgs/512478.html