Posted by Lorraine on July 11, 2001, at 10:35:22
In reply to Re: taking new directions in depression treatment » Lorraine, posted by shelliR on July 10, 2001, at 23:16:35
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> Hi Lorraine.
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> That's really bad news about the neurofeedback.Extremely disappointing to me. It clearly has an effect. But they moved the receptor sites all around my head--(does this remind you of different drug trials?). So maybe it would work but it is hit and miss and I am running out of time and money.
> > It is always good to have the next step planned.
Boy are you right. I try to have a long term sort of plan. First, this, then that drug, if things get bad hospital (haven't done this yet) and if none works then ECT and so forth. I have two books to read if I become suicidal (written for people who are actively suicidal-- one if "Suicide, the Final Decision"). You have to develop these plans while you are in a good place, because, as you know, your judgment and perspective are the first thing to go when times get rough.
> >Is this your first try at a tricyclic?
Yeah, it will be. I'm hoping that Desipramine will have minimal side effects.
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> BTW, what type of estrogen did you try? And did you try it in conjunction with an antidepressant?I'm on estratest, but I am going to go see a naturapathic doctor and revisit that issue along with having my thyroid re-examined as well as adrenal glands. Estratest is causing me to lose some hair (male pattern baldness from too much testosterone). My guess is I end up on estriol (the natural estrogen, which is weaker--thereby providing less heart and osteoporosis protection (neither run in my family), but has less associated breast cancer (which does run in my family) and doesn't require opposing progesterin (which is associated with depression). Yes, I took it with Wellbutrin and Serzone initially--it has helped my cognitive functions. So I kept it on even while the rest of my meds change.
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> There's nothing I can do during the washout period, but the oxy is helping a lot. I just hope I don't become habituated to this dose.How long is your washout? I guess all you can do is lay low and watch the storm clouds from a distance.
> > I was getting worried about that, but I think when I dropped the concerta, the oxy seemed stronger again. Don't know the dynamics chemically.
Yeah, the addiction stuff scares me because I hate unpleasant withdrawals.
So next is to talk to gyn and then to research (on PB and elsewhere) if parnate is the best choice for an MAOI.
From what I have read Parnate sounds like a good choice. It is on my list.
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> I can't believe this will ever end.Hey, you and me both. Why can't they just put the lazy suzan on the counter and let us get through these drug trial quickly--life is passing us by.
The first depression I tried tricyclics and became disoriented. But this was in the late 70s, so I don't know if newer ones have come on the market.
I think the newer ones are supposed to be better.
> >Then I tried nardil and that's been the only thing so far that has significantly worked for me.Nardil is on my list as well. (weight gain? sexual dysfunction?) How were these for you.
> > I am convinced that it does have to do with age and hormones, but that is no guarantee for the estrogen. But it does seem worth a try.
Hormones effect everything and I believe that they are closely associated with depression. I hope it works for you.
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> Good luck to both of us. ShelliMy thoughts exactly--nice to know I'm not the only one playing medication roulette.
poster:Lorraine
thread:68633
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/69717.html