Posted by SpaceFairy on May 3, 2004, at 2:19:59
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by bobbiedobbs on May 2, 2004, at 23:47:37
Hi there!
In my experience individuals react to medications in different ways & the tolerance level of the adverse side effect profile is dependent upon a number of different factors including severity, impairment in typical functioning, etc. The first thing that I would say is to seriously consider the comaprison of your ability to cope without the medication versus your ability to cope/function with it. In my case I was unfortunate in that it induced seizures & thus the decision was forced upon me to cease treatment (after all they were life threatening). However, for many people the medication provides relief for their condition and thus they decide to tolerate the adverse effects that they experience.
The second thing that you need to do is discuss your concerns with a medically qualified professional who (a) knows your history, and (b) has a good knowledge of the adverse effects of the medications (I found this to be a sticking point as it was my case that educated my doctors about the adverse effects - they had previously believed to highly biased results of clinical trials carried out by the pharmaceutical companies). Researching on the net for other peoples experiences and opinions enables you to gain a more balanced picture - but at the end of the day you really need advice from a professional who knows you, as everyone is unique.
I can tell you how I now manage my sypmtoms (which arise from PTSD with a transitory SA component). I generally stay away from benzodiazapines due to their addicitve potential - however, if my condition has seriously deteriroated & the anxiety is causing significant problems I will use them on a very limited basis. On a more regular basis I use beta-blockers. They do not alleviate any of the maladaptive thoughts, but significantly reduce the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. To help with the negative thought processes I use self-help materials (I'm currently working on Dr. Richards CBT course). Such materials aren't instant fixes & require determination & perseverance - but they have been demonstrated empirically to be at least as efficious as medications in the short term, and have a lower rate of subsequent relapse. I also use diet and exercise to help stabalise my symptoms - no caffiene/alcohol - plenty of fish - avoid/decrease nicotine intake - drink plenty of water - undertake either gentle/aerobic exercise (depending upon capablities and current state). I must point out that this is what works for me & you may well be different. However, I have found that looking at things in terms of the long-term rather than the short-term I have shifted my focus of priorities & the beneficial effects have not only been noticed by me, but by just about everyone with whom I come in to contact.
Good Luck with it all,
SpaceFairy
poster:SpaceFairy
thread:331128
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040429/msgs/342673.html