Posted by kalypsa on June 11, 2003, at 17:06:29
In reply to Alternative Ways of dealing with Depression, posted by BJ on April 26, 2000, at 23:02:33
I have had depression/anxiety most of my life. I've been in traditional therapy for many years and was even hospitalized once. I've tried hypnosis (relaxing, but that's about it), acupuncture (also relaxing and makes you feel really good, but effects seem temporary), mood elevating herbs (also temporary) and relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, etc.
After trying Prosac about five years ago and hating it (made me a total insomniac and gave me night terrors), I was hesitant for many years to try any other meds. But basically, I feel like I am at the end of my rope. So, when my therapist recommended Effexor, I decided to do it.
I've only been on it for 2 1/2 weeks and so far I can tell I'm much less anxious, but I still feel depressed. So, I'm hoping that gets better the longer I'm on it. I am worried about gaining weight (since I used to be anorexic) and I'm also worried about it causing bruxism becauase I already have a major problem with that (my teeth are grinded down to little stubs). So, if anyone knows anything about these things, please post me back. Thanks!
> Has anyone here tried (consistently) any other methods for alleviating depression/ocd/other related before you started taking the Effexor? If so, what have you tried?
> It makes me wonder, too, how many psychiatrists, upon meeting a patient for the first time, ask them what methods (if any) they've tried first.
>
> This whole dialogue really makes it crystal clear how INCOMPETENT many psychiatrists are and that we, as consumers, need to look at other means to help ourselves, before we start putting stuff in our bodies.
> It is painfully obvious too many psychiatrists don't even both to tell us the withdrawal effects.
> If they did, would we still take the drug, and if not, then they are out of a job basically?
>
> These are real questions we need to be asking ourselves before we submit to any drug. Especially one that has not had long-term studies to determine any lasting negative affects. If you read the July 97 article in the Washingtonian, you will see what I mean. It's on-line at:
> www.washingtonian.com -- check it out.
>
> KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
poster:kalypsa
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030609/msgs/233239.html