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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Ems on November 5, 2003, at 14:16:21
Hi
I've just started to take venlafaxine.
I have suffered several bouts of depression over the last few years - most for no apparent reason !
My GP is extremely unhelpful and unsupportive and has always made me feel like I am wasting her time and usually sends me away with a 'pull yourself together' and perscription for Cipramil.Although the Cipramil did help lift that awful feeling of blackness and just about enabled me to carry on with work and life (to a fashion) it left me feeling so exhausted I never wanted to do anything - which kind of makes you feel even more down.
After the last episode earlier this year I decided to pay privately (as my GP refused to refer me)and got an appointment with a clinical pychiatrist.
He was really helpful and I have now been diagnosed with severe Seasonal Adjustment Disorder (SAD). Now I think about it - I have all the symtoms and it all falls into a recurrent pattern of being unwell most of the winter and hitting rock bottom in January but its difficult to look at things objectively and logically when you are depressed.
I have now decided that my depression is something that I just have to learn to live with and I am doing my best to try and control it, just the same as if I was diabetic or something.
I am trying different medication this year (venlafaxine) and am hopeful that this will make things better. I have also been researching Omega 3 / 6 suppliments, changes in diet, the use of a light box and exercise.
I think the most important thing I have realised is that you have to try and recognise the signs early and do something about it before the depression gets a real hold. I am also trying to avoid situations that are likely to stress me out or chesse me off - easier said than done !
I just really wanted to say that things do get better, although I am by no means out of the woods, so to speak, I do feel more positive about my depression and for the first time in years I am beginning to feel like I am in control of the depression rather than it be in control of me. Yes I still do have good days and bad days but the good are starting to outweigh the bad. So for those of you in a bad place right now hang on in there !!
Well that's the end of my life story !!
If anyone has any useful info re Venlafaxine or its use for the treatment of SAD or even if you just want a chat I would be really interested to hear from you.
Take care
Ems
Posted by T_R_D on November 5, 2003, at 14:57:27
In reply to Venlafaxine, posted by Ems on November 5, 2003, at 14:16:21
Congratulations on your successful diagnosis and therapy! You have such a great attitude and that's really important when you're stuggling with depression. My sister suffers from a bit of SAD plus fibromyalgia. She also goes to tanning salons in the winter and she noticed it made a huge difference. Maybe you could try that? Also, sun lamps at home are a good investment.
I don't think I'm as SAD-stricken as I used to be...although I do remember "crashing" in the fall when I was younger.
Glad to year you're doing well!
Take care,
Karen
Posted by Ems on November 5, 2003, at 15:25:57
In reply to Re: Venlafaxine, posted by T_R_D on November 5, 2003, at 14:57:27
Thanks Karen,
I think the positive attitude comes from being very stubborn and refusing to give into this and let it take over my life anymore !! Also I think when you do hit rock bottom there is only one way to go and that's up !!
I have had the suggestion of tanning lamps from a couple of people in the past but I have to say I am not overly keen as I do worry about skin cancer.
I do try and take a holiday in the sun in Jan or Feb - for medicinal purposes !
But living in the UK means very LONG winter's.
Take Care
Ems
Posted by sfloridamatt on November 5, 2003, at 17:21:36
In reply to Venlafaxine, posted by Ems on November 5, 2003, at 14:16:21
i am currently on effexor xr. (venlafaxine) and wellbutrin sr. effexor was the only antidepressant that worked for me in combination with wellbutrin and with little to no side effects.
essential fatty acids also help with depression and i recommend taking 2 tablespoon's twice daily of Flax Seed Oil..not the capsules!! those don't have enough of the healthy fats you need. flax seed oil tastes nasty but has the highest amount of EFA's per serving. make sure when you buy it that it comes refrigerated. keeping it cold on the shelf helps keep it's potency. if there is a vitamin shoppe retail store near u i recommend going there as they have it a lot cheaper than anywhere else.
make sure you are taking a multi-vitamin. i take men's multi-vitamin that is compared to gnc's mega men. has extra b-vitamins, etc. that are helpful in depression, energy, etc. there is also a women's formula that target, walgreens, and the vitamin shoppe sells.
i also take 1500mg. of l-tyrosine daily in the morning on an empty stomach. l-tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine/norepenephrine.
good luck and hope u like effexor! i am on 300mg. effexor xr. and 450mg. wellbutrin daily
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