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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Linear on September 12, 2002, at 19:47:01
I only recently found this site and am thrilled to
have found it but it also brings to mind 'too much
knowledge can be a bad thing'. Experiences with
different drugs, side effects, painful withdrawal
symptoms, etc. I struggle with all of this and
find myself denying that my depression was ever
so bad. I question being on medication, hate the
weight I've gained on Effexor due to fatigue and
an increasingly poor diet, and wonder if I
haven't tried hard enough to accept life on lifes
terms. I suggest to my psychiatrist that maybe I
would like to ease off the AD's and try going
natural to which he strongly advises against. Who
do you trust? He's only a doctor, not God. I
cannot stand to be at the mercy of someone like
this and find it so difficult to accept that I
suffer from depression, a legitimate disease (or
is it called a condition). I'm really interested
to hear how others feel about this, as I feel
really alone and mixed up sometimes. Sometimes,
with these side effects (which are thankfully few)
I wonder if I am not doing my mind and body a
disservice. What long-term effects DON'T we know
about? Thank you so much for listening.
Posted by Phil on September 12, 2002, at 20:36:48
In reply to Your opinion matters, posted by Linear on September 12, 2002, at 19:47:01
We know that untreated depression gets worse. To me, the future isn't here yet. And depression in the here and now is what I'm concerned with. The future? Who knows?
I'm like you though, I think about getting off meds to find my baseline. I've been on meds so long, it's hard to remember how bad the depression was. Although I do remember that my pdoc and therapist had me in their office weekly. They knew.
Posted by mopey on September 12, 2002, at 20:40:56
In reply to Your opinion matters, posted by Linear on September 12, 2002, at 19:47:01
Yes, I know what you mean. I'm not on meds right now, and am aware of sinking lower into depression this week. Often I don't understand how bad it was until I'm out the other side.
I was wondering today how you are supposed to make rational decisions about meds etc. when your mind is not allowing you to think rationally.
I'm scared to start Wellbutrin, but is that a rational fear or part of the illness? Should I trust my doctor and go for the meds?
I don't have any answers, just lots of questions!
Posted by joy on September 12, 2002, at 20:43:22
In reply to Your opinion matters, posted by Linear on September 12, 2002, at 19:47:01
Hi, You are at the mercy of no one. While you need the medication, then do the best you can on it. As one who tried all the 'natural' remedies; forget it, they do not work for real depression, only for the mildest of cases or not at all. I was on Paxil for a while which worked very well for me. Later I was on Prozac for well over a year. It did help me, I also took Xanax when needed, especially for insomnia. I have a friend on Prozac 10 years; it works for her. I am down now just to Xanax for sleeping, and off the AD meds since I was able to destress my life and stop working [I'm early retired]. Take it one day at a time. You have a voice and support on this Message Board.
Regards,
Jy
Posted by BrittPark on September 12, 2002, at 21:30:30
In reply to Your opinion matters, posted by Linear on September 12, 2002, at 19:47:01
> I only recently found this site and am thrilled to
> have found it but it also brings to mind 'too much
> knowledge can be a bad thing'. Experiences with
> different drugs, side effects, painful withdrawal
> symptoms, etc. I struggle with all of this and
> find myself denying that my depression was ever
> so bad. I question being on medication, hate the
> weight I've gained on Effexor due to fatigue and
> an increasingly poor diet, and wonder if I
> haven't tried hard enough to accept life on lifes
> terms. I suggest to my psychiatrist that maybe I
> would like to ease off the AD's and try going
> natural to which he strongly advises against. Who
> do you trust? He's only a doctor, not God. I
> cannot stand to be at the mercy of someone like
> this and find it so difficult to accept that I
> suffer from depression, a legitimate disease (or
> is it called a condition). I'm really interested
> to hear how others feel about this, as I feel
> really alone and mixed up sometimes. Sometimes,
> with these side effects (which are thankfully few)
> I wonder if I am not doing my mind and body a
> disservice. What long-term effects DON'T we know
> about? Thank you so much for listening.In short my philosophy is do what works. If medication keeps you happy stick with it (especially if you've suffered more than one episode). I sympathize with your desire to "go natural". All of us wish we were just normal and didn't have to take pills, but for many of us, and maybe you, we are fated to take meds all our lives.
So think carefully about what you want to do. Do you trust your Doctor? If so carefully consider his/her suggestions. If not, you should be looking for someone new.
Whatever you decide to do, remember that one way or another you will get better.
Wishing you peace and contentment.
Britt
This is the end of the thread.
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