Posted by Racer on April 16, 2006, at 18:14:25
In reply to Re: How Long is a Fair Trial for an AD? Please Advise, posted by bipolarspectrum on April 16, 2006, at 17:17:49
First, I think Tom Twilight is seeing a GP because the NHS has a ridiculously long wait to see a pdoc. I'm doubting that he's seeing a GP by choice. (And my understading is that it's very, very difficult to see a pdoc self-pay over there, too, as well as very expensive.)
Anyway, I'm in total agreement with everyone else: 6 months is absurd.
What I've read, which isn't as up to date as what blueberry seems to have found, is that there should be *some* benefit within about 3 to 4 weeks. That doesn't have to mean full remission, it just means that something good should be happening to continue the trial. Even minor benefit in that time frame should mean giving it a longer trial.
At that point, if there's any benefit whatsoever, either increasing the dosage or augmenting with another medication are probably appropriate.
And it's probably only worth sticking it out for six months if there is significant improvement.
So, Tom, how long have you been on what? And I'm very sorry you're having such a rough time of it.
poster:Racer
thread:633904
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060412/msgs/633922.html