Posted by linkadge on December 16, 2003, at 14:54:26
In reply to ADs, Diminished brain-power, Dr.Bob, posted by daisymm on December 16, 2003, at 14:18:41
I am a student who faces many of the problems you have mentioned. I was taking a combination of Lithium and Celexa for a while.
For the most part it did help but I did not feel fully normal.
Firstly you've got to let go of who you were. I too was close to the top in my high school and in university was doing very well. You need to find a course load you can handel. Drop courses if necessary to get yourself back on track. When you're 75 years old you're not going to give two hoots if you took an extra year or two in university.
Secondly what I have found with some of the medications you have tried. They certainly do help but you've got to master the timing and the doses to get anywhere.
First of all, BUY FISH OIL. In addition to celexa, this has helped me get my brain back. The brain composed of more fat than anything else, and many neurological problems can be greatly helped by eating more omega 3's. Secondly add folic acid to your regiment.
Take 1mg of folic acid in the morning. This is another neutrient that is very low in people with depression. It also is very good for cognition.
Thirldly, if possible take your medications in the evening. I weened myself down to 10mg of celexa by adding the fish oil and the folic acid. My mood was good enough to stay on a reduced dose of celexa, which was low enough that I could take in the evening. Expecially in depressed women, folic acid can boost SSRI responce dramatically.
Anyhow, of course things might not be exactly the same between two cases, but for heaven sakes stop blaming yourself. The ONLY way to improve is by first assesing and accepting where you are. The brain has the remarkable ability to repair itself and regenrate lost neurons, its called neurogenesis, and its part of how medications and excercise work for depression.
Best of luck
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:290590
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031213/msgs/290619.html