![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 39. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JACJ on January 5, 2005, at 7:54:26
My journey thru this drug ordeal has changed me. I have been off the drugs for about 10 months and am improving by the day. Right now, I am at a stage of fear and anger. I was depressed and b/c of that I ended up a total mess. I am against all psychotropic drugs and psychiatry. How do I get past this anger/fear? What if something happens to me down the road b/c of these drugs? i.e. neurological problems
All of this could have been avoided if I just would have researched about the drugs in the first place. I would have NEVER went on them. The drugs that scare me the most are the Anti-psychotics b/c of the damaging power. I read and research about these drugs and I can just get sick to my stomach. I need a break from all of this b/c it is comsuming my life. I have lost all faith in doctor's and will never trust again.For those who choose to be on drugs; why do you stay on them? Aren't you afraid of what they can do to you? I am not condeming you who do take drugs but just want to know your feelings of how why you take drugs? It seems as if drugs only work so long. I have been exposed to people who are extreme in their thoughts about drugs. (they hate them) I just wanted to talk with others who take them and get their side.
That is all I have to say for now.
Posted by CrazyCO on January 5, 2005, at 9:42:24
In reply to Would like to know how you feel...not a debate, posted by JACJ on January 5, 2005, at 7:54:26
I continue to stay on meds because I remember life before I started taking them and it was not bearable, and had I not started taking them I might not even be here by now. Also a lot of people stay on them because without them they aren't able to function around other people or in public or anywhere for that matter. So basically, yeah there are side effects to most every medication out there but if you have diabetes you take insulin, and if you have a mental disease you take psychotropics etc. No one would think twice about taking medication with negative side effects if it would help there "physical" ailments. Those are my thoughts on the subject, I hope you do well without yours but remember they are there if you need them, Good Luck.
Posted by Glydin on January 5, 2005, at 10:13:49
In reply to Re: Would like to know how you feel...not a debate, posted by CrazyCO on January 5, 2005, at 9:42:24
Hi JACJ,
We have posted with one another before and you know I am respectful of your views.
I, too as CC posted, use the med I use as it was life changing for me and I have been successful at avoiding some very real pitfalls associated with what I use.
I could not be living the life I'm leading - which is pretty good - without my med. I've tried it and it didn't work for me.
In terms of looking at long term effects, I do consider them, but I figure I have a finite number of days to be on this earth and I want to do what is necessary and workable for ME to live those days as best I can. Maybe, that's looked at a living for the moment, but that's really all we have, as I see it.
I can understand your anger and I do respect it. I have found anger can get me "stuck" and I have to find a way to put it down - I'm not a big fan of working though ALL issues - somethings I just have to let go and get on with living. I am repectful of those that disagree, but that is what works for me.
I am glad you are doing well and improving daily. Focusing on that improvement might be a positive way for you to grasp your reality now - not how things were in the past.
Sending all kindness,
Glydin
Posted by partlycloudy on January 5, 2005, at 10:27:37
In reply to Would like to know how you feel...not a debate, posted by JACJ on January 5, 2005, at 7:54:26
I have gone on and off antidepressants for over 10 years. Every time I crashed back into depression, it was a worse experience than the time before. Now that I'm "stable" (LOL), I plan to stay on the meds for as long as is necessary for my overall health; that is, as long as my doctor and I agree is necessary. I don't want to experience another crash and burn if I can help it by staying on my medications. I have proven to myself too many times how unstable and fragile I am without these drugs.
I am the type of person who consults with my p-doc over whatever medication I'm on; whether she prescribed it to me or another physician. It has meant trying many different combinations, dosages, lots of very uncomfortable side effects, and frustrations.
Thanks for asking!
Posted by banga on January 5, 2005, at 10:57:01
In reply to Re: Would like to know how you feel...not a debate, posted by partlycloudy on January 5, 2005, at 10:27:37
I tried psychotherapy, as well as supplement therapy, exersise, etc. for my unipolar depressions and anxiety for years before I tried medications. Though helpful, it was very very temporary. The way you feel about drugs is how I feel about therapy--and I am a psychologist so you can imagine what losing that faith means in my life! Tough some say well therapy doesnt have lasting effects, it does--as it dredges up all the environmental issues in your problems, you end up blaming yourself or your neighbor for your problems--when it is at least in part biochemical.
The important thing is to find what works for you; and when something doesnt or it backfires, try to compartmentalize it--"well it didnt work out last time around. I have learned I have to be respectful of the downsides of using medications. But it doesnt mean they couldn't be helpful down the road if I get in a tough spot, I may have to take the bad with the good." Antidepressants definitely have had adverse effects on people, but remember on a board like this we hear less of the people with success--for whom a med was a magic bullet, brought them out of the doldrums, maybe evern suicidal plans, and they went on with their lives much happier. They have no reason to post here.
And yet again, I say we are all different. I know of one miracle story of a person who spent her life more hospitalized and drugged up since age 16. Whe she was gotten off her meds and put on nutritional supplements, she got her life back. But also we change over our lifetime--what is appropriate at one stage may not be appropriate later on, and vice versa.
Today I truly fit the name "psycho BABBLE". Am I feeling philosophical or simply avoiding work???
Posted by Phillipa on January 5, 2005, at 16:55:13
In reply to Re: Would like to know how you feel...not a debate, posted by banga on January 5, 2005, at 10:57:01
I don't like meds either. I tried to live my life using vitamins, diet, excercise, etc. I did use beer at night to relax. Well, at age 22 I experienced my first panic attack and was started on valium and meprobomate. It took a while to work and as the years went by I gradually was able to reduce the amts. That was until my thyroid went and I had to take synthroid. The thought of a lifelong med make me vomit. It also, caused depression to occurr and the anxiety to increase. That started AD's. Ten mg of paxil worked with benzos, but when I switched meds {not my idea pdocs}, I have never been the same. Am trying to go back to only benzos, but having a hard time. Yes, I'm scared of meds, they are so powerful. Phillipa
Posted by thinkfast on January 6, 2005, at 3:02:37
In reply to Would like to know how you feel...not a debate, posted by JACJ on January 5, 2005, at 7:54:26
I'm saying screw them all...for the most part because of the unknown effects later in life. My dad ended up with parkinsons disease and has been on all kinds of AD's. I don't care what they say about the safety. There's just too much they don't know about these drugs and the brain. Seroquel is one of them I'm ready to be off of. I'm only going to take it when I can't bear the insomnia anymore...my 0.02$
Posted by TheOutsider on January 6, 2005, at 10:08:54
In reply to Re: Would like to know how you feel...not a debate, posted by banga on January 5, 2005, at 10:57:01
Its interesting how the prevailing attitude towards meds differs from one society to another.
I live in the UK, I get the impression that most people in the UK (including many doctors) see meds as 'bad' because they supposedly mask problems, and seem to instinctivly feel that supplements and therapy are 'good'.
This obviesly effects the way mental illness is viewed in the UK.
I personaly tend towards more of a biological explination for mental illness, and I find it somewhat annoying that most doctors seem to assume that there is some underlying Psychological reason for my problems.
Posted by Dan Perkins on January 6, 2005, at 11:11:29
In reply to Re: Would like to know how you feel...not a debate, posted by thinkfast on January 6, 2005, at 3:02:37
I'm with you, thinkfast. I just hate these meds so much and while they can offer some temporary relief, I really do think they just mask symptoms and don't do anything for any underlying problems.
What I mean by this is that I started taking ADs over 10 years ago, and now I feel like I am worse off than when I started. The ADs may make you feel better for a while but that is really just masking symptoms, it's not like they heal any of the underlying brain chemistry. So when you go off the meds, your back where you started, and in some cases (like mine) you are actually worse off because these powerful drugs have fried your brain (not literally fried, of course, I'm just saying that I really feel fried and burnt out after all these different meds).
> I'm saying screw them all...for the most part because of the unknown effects later in life. My dad ended up with parkinsons disease and has been on all kinds of AD's. I don't care what they say about the safety. There's just too much they don't know about these drugs and the brain. Seroquel is one of them I'm ready to be off of. I'm only going to take it when I can't bear the insomnia anymore...my 0.02$
Posted by JACJ on January 6, 2005, at 13:56:32
In reply to Re: Would like to know ..not a debate thinkfast, posted by Dan Perkins on January 6, 2005, at 11:11:29
Hi and a big THANKS for those who replied to my post. It is interesting to hear from those who feel different feelings on this issue. I really hope everyone finds a happy medium. For me, these drugs have ruined my life for now. I think I will become a stronger person from this. Right now, I need support to get thru this. I think my biggest fear is what have these drugs done to me/or what consequences will I have to face? I FEAR TD! I know a handful of people who have this and it scares me b/c of it being irrevisible most of the time. I have been off the drugs for almost 10 months now. I just want to get on with my life but I don't know how.
These drugs have consumed my life for the last 5 years and I forget where I left off. I do have to get rid of this anger inside of me b/c that alone will shorten my life. For me, psychotropic drugs aren't an option. I tried therapy and other things. I am working on my diet which I think is a problem. I eat tons of sugar and caffiene. I think I may give all the forums and research a rest for now. That is all I do. I have been so consumed with this and it is time to rest. I am headed to Europe in Feb for 3 weeks so maybe that is a good start.
I can't drink either. I am giving my body a year to a year and a half to heal before I taste alcohol b/c this aggrevates my symptoms. Take care and I will be posting more.
Thanks,
JACJ
Posted by Dan Perkins on January 6, 2005, at 14:15:07
In reply to Re: Would like to know ..not a debate thinkfast, posted by JACJ on January 6, 2005, at 13:56:32
Hi JACJ,
That all sounds great to me. I think a sugar-loaded diet has been a major factor in my depression, so I think that is a great place for you to go from here. I would also ad exercise and sunlight to the mix, which may be easy to get while you're enjoying Europe.
Have a great trip and good luck,
Dan
> Hi and a big THANKS for those who replied to my post. It is interesting to hear from those who feel different feelings on this issue. I really hope everyone finds a happy medium. For me, these drugs have ruined my life for now. I think I will become a stronger person from this. Right now, I need support to get thru this. I think my biggest fear is what have these drugs done to me/or what consequences will I have to face? I FEAR TD! I know a handful of people who have this and it scares me b/c of it being irrevisible most of the time. I have been off the drugs for almost 10 months now. I just want to get on with my life but I don't know how.
>
> These drugs have consumed my life for the last 5 years and I forget where I left off. I do have to get rid of this anger inside of me b/c that alone will shorten my life. For me, psychotropic drugs aren't an option. I tried therapy and other things. I am working on my diet which I think is a problem. I eat tons of sugar and caffiene. I think I may give all the forums and research a rest for now. That is all I do. I have been so c
onsumed with this and it is time to rest. I am headed to Europe in Feb for 3 weeks so maybe that is a good start.
>
> I can't drink either. I am giving my body a year to a year and a half to heal before I taste alcohol b/c this aggrevates my symptoms. Take care and I will be posting more.
>
> Thanks,
> JACJ
Posted by ed_uk on January 6, 2005, at 15:51:06
In reply to Re: Would like to know ..not a debate thinkfast, posted by Dan Perkins on January 6, 2005, at 14:15:07
>I think my biggest fear is what have these drugs done to me/or what consequences will I have to face? I FEAR TD! ...........I have been off the drugs for almost 10 months now. I just want to get on with my life but I don't know how. .........I think I may give all the forums and research a rest for now. That is all I do. I have been so consumed with this and it is time to rest.
Hi JACJ,
It's good to 'see' you again :-)
I truly believe that it is time for you to let go of the idea that the antipsychotics may have done permanent damage. Antipsychotic drugs have been used widely for many decades and yet there hasn't been a single report of TD appearing 10 months after the end of treatment. I promise... you do not need to worry about TD now. Symptoms of TD first occur either during treatment with an AP or very shortly after the drug has been discontinued. I know that it's easy for me to say but please, try not to worry yourself sick. I know you're having a lot of anxiety at the moment, probably at least partly due to benzo withdrawal. I think that you are right when you say that it's time to have a break from the forums and the research. Although forums can be a great help to many, reading so much about side effects can be very harmful to a person suffering from anxiety. I think that's it's no exaggeration to suggest that reading too much about side effects may be doing you more harm than the medications did. Reasearch can at time provoke a lot of anxiety, at the moment you give a strong impression that anxiety is your main problem. Although benzo withdrawal can be very painful, you must have faith in your body's capacity to heal itself. Try not to think about permanent damage. If the antipsychotics were going to cause you a movement disorder you'd have developed symptoms a long time ago. Caffeine can worsen anxiety for some, could you try to cut down? It might help you a great deal. Why do you eat tons of sugar?
I don't think that doing any more research into side effects of psychotropic drug will help you at all, it will most likely worsen your anxiety..... and your anxiety seems to be your main problem. I know it's hard, but try to concentrate on getting better, not on psychiatric drugs. Perhaps you could go to a different therapist. Maybe you would benefit from taking vitamins supplements as well. Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) might help, it has been discussed on the alternative board recently- have a look. When you go on the internet in future, please don't look up drugs, research the things which might help you to recover. Sometimes it is harmful to concentrate too much on the past. Read about vitamins and nutrients if you are interested, you could even ask Larry Hoover for advice! Most of all, try not to be angry, anger is very destructive. I'm sure the doctors who prescribed you the meds wanted to help you. They just didn't do it in the way which would have been best for you. It is easy to see that in hindsight.
Best Wishes,
Ed.
Posted by banga on January 6, 2005, at 17:43:23
In reply to Re: Would like to know ..not a debate thinkfast, posted by ed_uk on January 6, 2005, at 15:51:06
Good luck to you, I think a break always helps--whether it's from work, the usual routine, drugs, anything! I haven't followed your story in detail to say anything very specific (you know, my mind doesn't work very well, esp. memory. The up-side of this is that I can spend less on novels--if I keep them around, I can read them again a year later and not remember what the content was!)
Do keep in mind that our body is built to be resilient. Given any blow, it can repair a LOT--especially the brain has been underrated in terms of repairing itself. Just be good to your body, try not to stress too much over feelings and thoughts like you are damaged and you'll never be normal again. Not only are they possibly wrong, but they stress you out and harm you even more by stressing over them. The trip sounds wonderful. You could give yourself a break, your body too, give it all time...remember, time does heal a lot, physically and spiritually.
Posted by JACJ on January 6, 2005, at 22:42:24
In reply to Re: Would like to know ..not a debate thinkfast, posted by banga on January 6, 2005, at 17:43:23
Thanks Banga and Dan for the encouragement. I really need it now and hope to find more in the future. I will continue to come here but just want to take it easy. I am going to sites where the negativity is so bad and the posts and news just scare me so much. I feel like a medical student. They say medical students go thru a phase where they think have every disease cause they are constantly reading and studying about them. I wish you luck too.
Thanks,
JACJ
Posted by JACJ on January 6, 2005, at 22:53:57
In reply to Re: Would like to know ..not a debate thinkfast, posted by ed_uk on January 6, 2005, at 15:51:06
> Hi JACJ,
>
> It's good to 'see' you again :-)
>
> I truly believe that it is time for you to let go of the idea that the antipsychotics may have done permanent damage. Antipsychotic drugs have been used widely for many decades and yet there hasn't been a single report of TD appearing 10 months after the end of treatment. I promise... you do not need to worry about TD now. Symptoms of TD first occur either during treatment with an AP or very shortly after the drug has been discontinued. I know that it's easy for me to say but please, try not to worry yourself sick. I know you're having a lot of anxiety at the moment, probably at least partly due to benzo withdrawal. I think that you are right when you say that it's time to have a break from the forums and the research. Although forums can be a great help to many, reading so much about side effects can be very harmful to a person suffering from anxiety. I think that's it's no exaggeration to suggest that reading too much about side effects may be doing you more harm than the medications did. Reasearch can at time provoke a lot of anxiety, at the moment you give a strong impression that anxiety is your main problem. Although benzo withdrawal can be very painful, you must have faith in your body's capacity to heal itself. Try not to think about permanent damage. If the antipsychotics were going to cause you a movement disorder you'd have developed symptoms a long time ago. Caffeine can worsen anxiety for some, could you try to cut down? It might help you a great deal. Why do you eat tons of sugar?
>
> I don't think that doing any more research into side effects of psychotropic drug will help you at all, it will most likely worsen your anxiety..... and your anxiety seems to be your main problem. I know it's hard, but try to concentrate on getting better, not on psychiatric drugs. Perhaps you could go to a different therapist. Maybe you would benefit from taking vitamins supplements as well. Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) might help, it has been discussed on the alternative board recently- have a look. When you go on the internet in future, please don't look up drugs, research the things which might help you to recover. Sometimes it is harmful to concentrate too much on the past. Read about vitamins and nutrients if you are interested, you could even ask Larry Hoover for advice! Most of all, try not to be angry, anger is very destructive. I'm sure the doctors who prescribed you the meds wanted to help you. They just didn't do it in the way which would have been best for you. It is easy to see that in hindsight.
>
> Best Wishes,
> Ed.
(((Ed)))
So good to hear from you as always. Your post really put me in a positive mood. For the last two days, I have been reaching out for support and understanding. I haven't been doing that and boy has it made the difference. I have been thru hell and back in the last five years. In the last four months, I have moved across country, bought a new home, new job etc. Everything that could go wrong has but yet I survived. I feel sorry for my husband b/c he is just so exhausted with me. He has taken care of me for so long that we can't live the normal life. How do I get that back?I try to forget about TD but it is so hard. I think my fear and anxiety make it much worse. I am still going thru w/d? Why is it taking so long? I know so many others who still suffer after 2+ years. Would it be more likely the benzo is doing this instead of the AP? I think TD scares me b/c other meds can cause it like anithistamines and what if I take a med that has something in it that causes a side effect like it. I really worry.
Let me ask you a question. Being on these drugs and coming off them will my brain chemistry go back to what it was pre-drugs or has it changed? I wished I knew. I eat tons of sugar b/c of the self soothing factor. That also goes for caffiene too. I am substituting it for the drugs I use to take. I don't know how to re-enter my life and I am scared.
Right now, I am looking to see a functional med doctor who can get me on the right track but am afraid to trust anyone. I am still so bitter and angry. You are right, hindsight is 20/20. What other alternatives have you experienced that help besides drugs? thanks for listening.
Your pal,
JACJ
Posted by banga on January 7, 2005, at 18:13:10
In reply to Re: Would like to know ..not a debate... For Ed, posted by JACJ on January 6, 2005, at 22:53:57
I went through a program called Health Recovery in Minnesota--for help with both alcoholism and depression. They essentially believe we can right our bodies through vitamin and amino acid supplementation--reduce cravings for substances, and alleviate mental illness. In the fisrt few weeks they said I was going through "biological repair"--aside from aiming to help depression and alcoholism they were greared to repair damage from alcohol. They have a few books out --Joan Larsen is the head of that clinic and is also the author of that book.
It helped me repair; the program did not alleviate my depression, but it was probably extremely healthy to get off medications for a while and do megasupplementation to repair things.Just a thought to look it up--perhaps you could even do phone consults to decide whether/what they could recommend for you.
This is just a brief answer-since this is really alternative medicine, further discussion would be directed to th other board--but thought I'd quickly mention this to you.
I can relate to you about fear of damage (physically and emotionally). I feared I had damaged myself by using alcohol and meds at the same time. I had various cognitive problems, tingling, dimming of vision, etc. It turned out to be B vitamin depletion. It took time but supplements corrected the condition. Medications are helping me slowly on the mood and anxiety front. So again, much can be healed with time and proper treatment.
We ARE resilient both physically and psychologically.
Ok Ill stop..take a good break from it all, and rethink options when you return.
Posted by ed_uk on January 7, 2005, at 18:31:54
In reply to Re: Would like to know ..not a debate... For Ed, posted by JACJ on January 6, 2005, at 22:53:57
Hi JACJ!
>I am still going thru w/d?
Possibly. Do you have any other symptoms at the moment apart from anxiety? Why was the Ativan prescribed? How bad was your anxiety before the benzo was first prescribed? Why were the APs prescribed?
>Would it be more likely the benzo is doing this instead of the AP?
Yes, it would most likely be the benzo.
>Let me ask you a question. Being on these drugs and coming off them will my brain chemistry go back to what it was pre-drugs or has it changed?
I think it will go back to how it was before... but it will take time :-)
>Right now, I am looking to see a functional med doctor who can get me on the right track...
Why do you want to see a med doctor?
>What other alternatives have you experienced that help besides drugs?
Well, I once went to a psychologist but he said he couldn't help me! I must admit that I don't know very much about alternative medicine. You really need to ask Larry!
Regards,
Ed.
Posted by JACJ on January 8, 2005, at 18:45:59
In reply to Re: Would like to know ..not a debate, posted by banga on January 7, 2005, at 18:13:10
Thanks Banga for the support. I will look into the Min. health clinic. Also, did you get tested for your what you were lacking in vitamins? I don't know what I am going to try.
Please keep in touch with me.
Posted by JACJ on January 8, 2005, at 18:54:18
In reply to Re: Would like to know ..not a debate... » JACJ, posted by ed_uk on January 7, 2005, at 18:31:54
> Hi JACJ!
>
> >I am still going thru w/d?
>
> Possibly. Do you have any other symptoms at the moment apart from anxiety? Why was the Ativan prescribed? How bad was your anxiety before the benzo was first prescribed? Why were the APs prescribed?ANSWER: I prescibed ativan b/c of my anxiety. The doctor loaded drugs for every symptom. I still remember him saying we will just try everything until something works. UGH. The anger I feel. My anxiety was not really bad but they wanted to make me feel better. My anxiety while on the drugs and coming off them are 10 times worse then pre-benzo.
I was prescibed the AP's b/c of hearing voices but come to know the other drugs I was on were causing this. I only heard voices once or twice. I don't know the other reasons I was on the AP. They sadi do you want to try it and I said yes. I asked about side effects and they said there were none. Then I remember signing a paper. I didn't even question it. The drugs made me like a zombie. I feel so betrayed.
>
> >Would it be more likely the benzo is doing this instead of the AP?
>
> Yes, it would most likely be the benzo.
>
> >Let me ask you a question. Being on these drugs and coming off them will my brain chemistry go back to what it was pre-drugs or has it changed?
>
> I think it will go back to how it was before... but it will take time :-)
>
> >Right now, I am looking to see a functional med doctor who can get me on the right track...
>
> Why do you want to see a med doctor?
Answer: I want to see a doctor to check a physical and find someone I like and trust.
>
> >What other alternatives have you experienced that help besides drugs?I have found nothing that really helps and that is why I feel so lost.
>
> Well, I once went to a psychologist but he said he couldn't help me! I must admit that I don't know very much about alternative medicine. You really need to ask Larry!
>ANSWER: I will have to contact Larry. How come you quit school? Will you go back? I hope so. You are a great person for med advice.
> Regards,
> Ed.
>
Posted by dancingstar on January 8, 2005, at 20:54:42
In reply to Would like to know how you feel...not a debate, posted by JACJ on January 5, 2005, at 7:54:26
Hi JACJ,
Just a quick note because I've promised myself I won't spend any time on on this for a while :-)
I am on a mission of my own to have prescribing rules changed regarding specifically Wyeth's Effexor since I am one of the people that innocently stopped taking it three months ago to see if it was causing some weight gain, only to get brutally ill AND to find out that EFFEXOR was what was causing me to be sleeping my life away and in pain all day and night for the last three years and not some dread disease that no one can find. I stop taking it, and lo and behold, I'm awake, and every muscle in my body no longer aches.
Psychotropic drugs -- I've been afraid of them all of my life, since I watched what happened to a neighbor when I was a child. I can't believe that I was fooled by one with such an innocent-sounding name, Effexor. Yes, I do have neurological damage, at least now. I do feel that I lost three years of my life because I didn't know what symptoms to look out for. My world is in shambles. I've hung on by the skin of my teeth, wondering every day what the heck was wrong with me that didn't show up in bloodwork. I'd make plans day after day, never being able to keep them because in the end I was always too tired to leave my house. I feel as though I were poisoned, badly, and I'm trying to recover from it, and I'm mad as h*ll.
There's plenty of ways for people improve even their mental health, but things like SAMe and good B vitamins get to be more expensive than taking prescription drugs because of the way things work, and a daily walk or jog is too much trouble to be bothered with, though it lightens the mood as well as any stupid, potentially lethal pill ever can. And love...how about that for improving one's frame of mind when added to the other two?
Sorry, but that's how I feel...oh, sheesh, another rant. I told you, I haven't recovered yet. Really, I am sorry...a lot of good that...is this going to get me into trouble even though I left off the "e"?
Posted by dancingstar on January 8, 2005, at 20:57:23
In reply to Re: Would like to know how you feel...not a debate » JACJ, posted by dancingstar on January 8, 2005, at 20:54:42
p.s. what is AP?
Posted by dancingstar on January 8, 2005, at 20:58:58
In reply to Re: Would like to know how you feel...not a debate » JACJ, posted by dancingstar on January 8, 2005, at 20:54:42
I'm sorry, I mean TD. What is TD? Thanks.
I'm afraid that I'm afraid of everything at this point. :-)
Posted by JACJ on January 8, 2005, at 21:21:00
In reply to Re: Would like to know how you feel...not a debate, posted by dancingstar on January 8, 2005, at 20:58:58
I'm so sorry that you are suffering at the hands of psychotropic drugs. They are evil, IMO. I understand how upset you are but you have to let it go b/c if you don't you will end up a mess. You have to accept what has happened and move on. Believe me, it is harder than hell but you can do it. I find myself a mess alot but get support anyway you can. I am going to take a break from all the forum's and drug research b/c it is doing my mind in. I am going to Europe for a month in Feb and this will be my break. The last 4 years have been consumed with this. I feel I have learned so much about myself and feel stronger. You will get to a point where you will feel it too. Just have faith. How do you know that you are damaged? Just curious.
TD is Tardive Dyskinesia. Do a google search and you will find plenty about it. TD is a weak spot for me and I am terrfied by it so I don't like to talk about as much. Ed is an excellent person who knows alot of TD. I know so much on TD but it is one of my phobias. I get upset talking about neurological diseases.
www.tardivedyskinesia.org
Good Luck,
JACJ
Posted by JACJ on January 8, 2005, at 21:36:01
In reply to Re: Would like to know how you feel...not a debate, posted by JACJ on January 8, 2005, at 21:21:00
Dancing Star,
My motive is not to scare you. My goal is just to inform you. If I was informed, I would have never went on the drugs because to me it wasn't worth the risk. TD is mostly caused by neuroleptics (antipsychotics, gastro meds, i.e. Reglan) But Dyskinesias have been linked to other meds as well such as antihistamines. But the risk is not big. It is very small. All drugs have side effects. I am very against psych meds but I do not condem those who are on them b/c if they work for others then that is great. I am not here to make everyone get off psych drugs but just to add what I went thru and be here for others who want off meds.Hang in there and with time it does get better.
JACJ
Posted by ed_uk on January 8, 2005, at 21:51:24
In reply to Re: Would like to know ..not a debate... For Ed, posted by JACJ on January 8, 2005, at 18:54:18
Hi J!
It sounds like your doctors were not very knowledgeable about side effects. IMO, many pdocs do not know much about the side effects of drugs- as a result they are often very casual about prescribing them. Remember, your pdoc was only trying to help you feel better, try not to be angry. It is never possible to predict for certain how a person will respond to a drug. If your pdoc had known how badly you would suffer s/he would not have prescribed the medication.
>I have found nothing that really helps and that is why I feel so lost.
Herbs and even vitamins can sometimes cause side effects though- so take care, I'm sure you will. You should post on the 'alternative' page and ask Larry for suggestions...
There are several supplements/vitamins/herbs that you could try for your anxiety, here is a list of some examples:
1. Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3)
2. A vitamin B complex
3. Taurine (an amino acid)
4. L-Theanine (an amino acid)
5. St John's Wort (a herb)
6. Valerian (a herb, not in any way related to Valium- a benzo)
7. Folic acid (a vitamin)
7. Passionflower (a herb)
8. Picamilon (vitamin B3 bound to GABA)
9. Melissa (a herb)
Other things you could try...1. Get the advice of a nutritionist
2. Go to see a psychologist (eg. for CBT)
Ed xx
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