Posted by jerrympls on September 5, 2004, at 9:33:41
In reply to Re: Thanks all - I'm done., posted by SLS on September 5, 2004, at 9:23:23
> Hi Jerry.
>
> You have had much more than your share of difficulties to contend with. Your efforts to endure and find a cure are heroic and inspiring. I have no answers for you at the moment. Your case is quite challenging.
>
> > I've been on everything....so many combinations...so many meds...ECT, Vegal Nerve implant, MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs, trycyclics, heterocyclics, sims, benzos, anti-psychotics, anti-eplieptics, mood stabilizers, herbals, talk therapy, CBtherapy, opiate therapy (which works but my doctors pulled out of).
>
> Perhaps one place to begin is to list the treatments that you have had partial responses to, and which made your depression/anxiety worse (disregarding side effects).
>
> > I don't drink, smoke or use illegal dugs.
> >
> > I'm angry...and frustrated...and numb seeing life go by.
> >
> > For what it's worth - here's what I am on now
> >
> > 375mg Effexor XR
> > 56mg Concerta
> > 40mg Valium (in 4 divided doses)
> > .25mg Halcion
> > 3mg Melatonin
> > Synthriod
>
> I can see that anxiety is a prominent component of your condition. How would you describe your depression? Are you plagued with sad or melancholic thoughts, or is it more a loss of interest and motivation?It's more of a complete loss of interest and motivation - anhedonia - I think it's called?
>Is the Concerta for anergia/low-energy/fatigue or for ADD? How does it help you?
Concerta is to augment the Effexor and to help with low energy, fatigue and to get me through work. It helps me by raising my mood to where I have at least some interest in doing something and it helps me concentrate - but not from any ADD diagnosis.
>Have you ever been manic or hypomanic?
Nope, never been hypomanic or manic.
>How is your memory?
My memory can nbe really good and really bad. After ECT 8 years ago it screwed up my memory terribly. I had to relearn how to read music and I've been reading music since I was a child! I also lost a big chunk of my ability to conceptualize - which does NOT help out at work. It took a LONG time to rebuild my wit and get back what ECT took away. Still today I can be talking to someone and all the sudden blank out (this happens A LOT) anc ompletely forget what I was talking about or what I was trying to get across to the other person (again NOT helpful at work especially during meetings). But I don't know how much is due to depression/meds or ECT.
>
>
> - ScottI've always needed a stimulant - without them I am paralyzed.
poster:jerrympls
thread:385815
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040904/msgs/386621.html