Posted by LostBoyinNC1 on July 10, 2002, at 22:50:10
In reply to Re: What do you do when meds don't work?, posted by bookgurl99 on July 1, 2002, at 20:22:12
> Have you looked for organic causes of depression, such as a thyroid problem, diabetes, or low adrenal function?
Yes, this is the first thing that should be done when your antidepressants "poop out." Checking the thyroid is particularly important in women. In men, particularly older depressed men checking testosterone levels in addition to thyroid should be done. Basically a full physical done by your family physician is in order, although you may find that having your psychiatrist test your thyroid is best.
Also check vitamin B levels, B-6 and folate.
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> Have you tried changing your diet and habits -- allergies you may not be aware of, coffee, cigarettes, and a lack of fruits and vegetables, plus sensitivity reactions can make us all more prone to depression.No...diet and coffee habits have nothing to do with depression or whether or not your antidepressants activate good. The only diet related factor that could cause your meds to not work good is if you drink booze. Drinking even small amounts of booze can make antidepressants not work effectively. Also, I have read that the artificial sweetner Nutrasweet can cause depression. So its probably a good idea to avoid Nutrasweet. But as far as foods, smoking, coffee, etc. no that has absolutely no bearing on antidepressants.
Coffee can aggravate anxiety however.
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> And then, there are the studies proving that daily exercise is as effective as antidepressants.For mild depression sure, daily exercise maybe all thats needed. But exercise is never a replacement for medications in severe forms of depression.
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> I know it can be harder to do all this with less money. But you may be able to try some changes that are inexpensive.
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> good luck! i hope you find joy in life.After youve been checked out physically, if everything checks out OK and meds do not work the usual thing to do is to have ECT. Some may respond to MAOIs. But generally, ECT is the treatment reserved for people whose medications "poop out" severely.
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> bookgurl99
poster:LostBoyinNC1
thread:485
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020702/msgs/578.html