Posted by tensor on December 15, 2004, at 12:00:34
In reply to Re: After the appointment, posted by ed_uk on December 15, 2004, at 11:22:52
Hi Ed!!
> Regarding ECT..... I think it's too early to be considering ECT. There are so many other treatments that you haven't yet tried! If ECT produces an improvement, it generally only lasts about 4 weeks. To maintain the effect, you would need to have 'maintenance' ECT every few weeks.
excellent point!
> Reducing the dose of Remeron will probably make you feel a lot better! Do you have side effects from the Remeron? eg. drowsiness, weight gain.
just a little weight gain, nothing serious. Yes, i'm stepping down from this day.
> My experience of high doses of SSRIs (sertraline 200mg) is that they tend to be effective in 'numbing' unpleasant emotions eg. sensitivity to criticism, anxiety.
Thats good, but i have a feeling it won't lift my depression. But it's worth a try i guess as long as the side effects doesn't multiply.
> Lamictal could be a helpful drug to add to your current treatment. It can elevate mood and improve motivation. People often complain that it 'poops out' though...... Lithium is especially useful for people who are feeling suicidal.
Hmm.. poops out, that is what my drugs have done so far. How about the s/e of lithium?
> Other treatments to consider... nortriptyline (Noritren), Aurorix and the old MAOIs. Did you ask whether the MAOIs are on the market in Finland?
If i won't respond to sertraline 200mg + lithium/lamictal, then i guess it's hospitalization next. I forgot to ask about MAOI, but as far as i understand, they will only administer them at hospital to begin with. I asked about aurorix, but it's cleverest to try an 'add-on' to my current regime e.g. lithium first, because wash out of current meds is needed and then i'll have to start from scratch.
/Mattias
poster:tensor
thread:429845
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041211/msgs/429902.html