Posted by jay on October 29, 2002, at 10:04:08
In reply to Re: Jay--Add Antidepressant to Mood stabilizer?, posted by ROO on October 29, 2002, at 8:09:00
> Thanks Jay...just curious though...what did YOU try? Do tell!
Well, I try not to mention specific meds because I don't want people to try it and be dissapointed. BUT, this was a great little combo, which was Depakote, Topomax, and a bit larger dose of Effexor XR at bedtime. My doc wasn't crazy about Topomax though..and didn't like the tests needed with Depakote. (Stupid..I know..but I found a good alternative.) I am on a small dose of Risperdal, and 150mg of Effexor at bedtime, and a benzo prn. I must say..it REALLY turned me from a suicidal paranoid back to my relaxed self. Mind you, this is individual, so it's different for all folks off course.
But..I REALLY mean this..as I had suffered with horid side effects for 10+ years, and I *know* when something good comes along. Be creative...and treat ALL symptoms..be them depression, anxiety, AND agitation/dysphoria. (One I think doctors UNDER treat.)
I honestly think there are the proper meds out there for all of us, but we haven't hit many of the right combinations. I emphasize *right* combinations...because just adding a bunch of drugs without research on them is pointless. That's why I mentioned "two" mood stabalizers, as many doctors have mentioned, and utilizing small doses of antipsychotics WITH antidepressants. I will also mark my word with Effexor WITH mood stabalizers (atleast 2) and/or an atypical antipsychotic in small doses to be an excellent combination. I think SSRI's are too 'weak' to balance out these other meds.
Anyhow...my thoughts...and you have nothing to lose, and a ton to gain by trying. Have some faith too..I know it is hard as hell too, but with a right med mix, your world can turn around like you never believed. Make some goals for yourself too if you can...and you will find you actually *want* to do things. I am not Mr. Social Butterfly, but I now am like my old selfffff..with a new twist...in that I seek out others..plan with happiness for the future.
I know one thiing..I will NEVER go off my medicatioon..ever. I will take it at the SAME high dose until the day I die. That is what EVERYONE should be doing. We don't ask people with heart problems or diabetes to cut back and end their medication. Same thing! So, life is too DAMN short.
Anyhow..best as always...please keep me updated as to how you are doing..and any questions please fire away! I will likely still need myy support too...medication doesn't make us 'non-human'..despite what the Scientologists dream about.
Peace,
Jay
poster:jay
thread:125571
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021025/msgs/125660.html