Posted by SLS on August 16, 2006, at 8:26:08
In reply to Re: Sibutramine (Meridia) - Day 10 » SLS, posted by Racer on August 16, 2006, at 4:46:41
> > It is difficult for me to evaluate how the sibutramine is affecting me otherwise. I had a very stressful day dealing with emotional issues, so there has been some sadness and anxiety to deal with.
> >
> > Overall, I cannot report any improvement in depression.
> >
> Could the sibutramine be protecting you from going further down because of the emotional stress?I don't think so. For me, the two types of depression usually feel different enough so that I can tell the difference as to their relative contributions to my current state. I did have to work hard to reduce my anxiety stress level and emotional depressive pressure so that I didn't spiral downward too far. I don't want to sabotage the drug's chances of working.
> Sometimes that's all I get from a "successful" A/D: it gives me a sort of emotional floor, that keeps me from going farther down into the darkness.
> That's obviously a rather warped definition of success,
I'm sure that my emotional floor is dependent on how bad my biological depression is. So I guess in that way, your definition of success is very appropriate.
> I'm still doing whatever I do that passing for praying for you, Scott. I really hope this ends up helping you.
I feel very fortunate that there are people whom care enough about me that they should do such things on my behalf. I don't really have many friends IRL. Depression has pretty much removed me from society. PB has provided an important component of my support system over these last few years.
> Any adverse effects?
Some initial dysphoria. I think this is an idiosyncracy of my biology that I would not expect to see in the majority of people. A wierd feeling of "muddiness" that has persisted for a few days. I guess this would be considered to be a cognitive side effect of sorts.
> Any weight loss?
Actually, I think my appetite has increased somewhat. I haven't stepped on the scale. One of the mechanisms by which this drug produces weight loss is the increase of metabolism. It turns on the BAT furnace.
> Is it improving cognition do you think?
Not yet.
> And about the Topomax: I've read so much about the cognitive dulling from it, the "Dopomax" effects, and you say that it's actually improved cognition for you. Any idea why that might be?
Well, I guess it is true that using a very gradual titration schedule can eliminate or at least minimize cognitive adverse effects. I am under the impression that once they appear, they tend to linger, so it is best not to provoke them in the first place. Regarding pharmacodynamics, I cannot guess as to why Topamax has provided me with an improvement in mental energy and focus.
> Any hair loss?
None that I have noticed. I didn't know that this was a possible side effect.
> Basically, since that's an option that's been brought up for me -- "Well, if you start to gain weight, we'll just put you on Topomax" -- I'm curious about adverse effects from it. And, of course, beneficial effects as well...
I have found Topamax to produce two bothersome side effects:
1. Taste perversion. Soda tastes particularly bad.
2. Fatigue and breathlessness. My muscles fatigue quickly, and even the slightest of exertion produces breathlessness. This is extremely displeasing. The added mental energy had provided me with incentive to return to the gym, but these side effects pretty much discourage me.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:673646
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060810/msgs/677010.html