Posted by J Kelly on March 8, 2016, at 19:11:09
In reply to Re: Magic Pill, posted by Tabitha on March 8, 2016, at 12:31:44
> None of these pills are magic, but these are the ones that made a dramatic difference
>
> 1) Prozac. The first SSRI that worked for me. It lifted a very heavy and long-standing depression. Ultimately it was too activating and I discontinued it.
>
> 2) Cytomel. A thyroid hormone that I started as an augment to anti-depressant (off-label). My thinking was a lot clearer on it and it didn't have the usual AD side-effects. It was working so well I fell prey to an "alternative" doctor who diagnosed me with a bogus thyroid disorder and I became convinced that was my problem all along (rather than bipolar). Wishful thinking on my part. I went off it because it's probably not safe for long-term, my pdoc quit using it, and my GP was very opposed to it since it made my blood levels of thyroid hormone very abnormal.
>
> 3) Seroquel. Very helpful for obsessive thoughts, although too sedating to use regularly.
>
> 4) Lamotrigine. Helped depression with no noticeable side effects. Depression returned in a couple years.
>
> 5) Cymbalta. Worked well as an anti-depressant and really helped chronic joint pain. Depression returned in a year though. Also had bad sexual side effects that did not go away.
>
> 6) Fetzima. Replaced the cymbalta, worked well as an anti-depressant without sexual side effects. Depression returned though.
>
> 7) Lithium. Probably the last med I ever wanted to try, but it lifted my mood dramatically in about four days. I'm hoping this one will stick. Side effects are noticeable but manageable (tremor and water retention).Hi Tabitha,
Thanks so much for this list. Certainly gives me (and I'm sure others) some meds to consider. Glad the Lithium is working for you, I may give it a try.
Jade
poster:J Kelly
thread:1086859
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20160306/msgs/1086918.html