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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Pippy on November 13, 2003, at 21:19:05
I've been seeing a psychologist for 3 months now. She recently brought up the subject of medication. It seems instead of making my therapy work for me, I'm using it to hate myself more than I already do. Didn't think that was possible.
I'm keeping an open mind, however, the thought of taking anti-depressants scares me a little bit. My therapist is hoping it will help me to deal with some of my "issues" better and help to again, make my therapy work for me. Of course I have to see a psychiatrist, but she's thinking prozac with wellbutrin to counter any side effects.
Any feedback and/or knowledge would be really appreciated!!!!
Posted by tensor on November 13, 2003, at 22:34:49
In reply to Pros and Cons of Anti-Depressants, posted by Pippy on November 13, 2003, at 21:19:05
Hi,
yeah, i remember the first time i was suggested to take AD's, i was a bit reluctant and a bit scared. Thinking, am i really this sick? It's good to hear you're open minded, but you shouldn't be scared to take AD's, they may significantly improve quality of your life. I don't know how depressed you are but if you have seen your therapist for three months and your depression isn't lifting then you should consider taking antidepressants.
However, keep yor mind open, it's always good to do a little research about AD's and your illness so that you're prepared when you go to see your psychiatrist. And always consider alternatives.Good luck
/tensor
Posted by tensor on November 13, 2003, at 22:49:24
In reply to Pros and Cons of Anti-Depressants, posted by Pippy on November 13, 2003, at 21:19:05
Oh, about the pros and cons, the pros of AD's would be, as the name suggests, antidepressing properties. Help lifting your mood, start to enjoy things again and get energy and motivation.
The cons are that they do not always work, you may have to test several meds before you find one that helps.
And of course the inevitable side effects which may include sexual dysfunction, fatigue, nausea and many more, this varies with the meds. Don't be discouraged by this. The side effect are often worst when you begin taking your AD and most of them will often diminish or even disappear after a few weeks./tensor
Posted by Pippy on November 14, 2003, at 5:43:22
In reply to Re: Pros and Cons of Anti-Depressants » Pippy, posted by tensor on November 13, 2003, at 22:49:24
Thank you tensor.
I know it takes a long time for most people to heal and become the person they want to be. I'm frustrated because I feel like I should be further along than I am in therapy. Ever since I started going, I just feel angry and resentful and my tolerance is 0 FOR ANYTHING.
I just am worried about putting all of those drugs into my body. By other options, what did you mean?
Posted by tensor on November 14, 2003, at 8:43:27
In reply to Re: Pros and Cons of Anti-Depressants » tensor, posted by Pippy on November 14, 2003, at 5:43:22
Hi,
there's another babble here where alternatives are discussed like fish oil, herbs, vitamins and minerals and so on. Sometimes a depresson is caused by lack of one or more of these. In my humble opinion it is not so often as i would like it to be. However, it is always a idea good to take a blood test before taking AD's to check that you are not low of some vitamins or minerals etc. B12 and magnesium are two ex.
Hope this help.
/tensor
Posted by john b stevens on November 14, 2003, at 13:28:12
In reply to Re: Pros and Cons of Anti-Depressants » tensor, posted by Pippy on November 14, 2003, at 5:43:22
I would look as your current depression and how you feel as a MAJOR "side effect" when weighing the pros and cons of being on medications. Do you want to continue living this way, to not use all the available tools to get better? I'm not saying you should take antidepressants, but if your arm were half broken and dangling--you wouldn't obsess about the effect of the splint so much. Also, regarding the effect on your body--if you ain't a macrobiotic, organic food vegan--I'd say you've eaten and put plenty of crap in your body in your lifetime.
Posted by vanessa33 on November 14, 2003, at 15:54:26
In reply to Pros and Cons of Anti-Depressants, posted by Pippy on November 13, 2003, at 21:19:05
> I've been seeing a psychologist for 3 months now. She recently brought up the subject of medication. It seems instead of making my therapy work for me, I'm using it to hate myself more than I already do. Didn't think that was possible.
> I'm keeping an open mind, however, the thought of taking anti-depressants scares me a little bit. My therapist is hoping it will help me to deal with some of my "issues" better and help to again, make my therapy work for me. Of course I have to see a psychiatrist, but she's thinking prozac with wellbutrin to counter any side effects.
> Any feedback and/or knowledge would be really appreciated!!!!I'm no expert or anything! But as an experienced anti-depressant user, I would say ...use them if you're so miserable that you don't want to "go on" anymore. But don't use them just to help therapy work! Get a new therapist! In my experience, the antidepressants can be life savers ... but they're for replacing happiness-capacity in the brain - not for replacing ineffective therapists!! Just my opinion.
Posted by jaynee on November 14, 2003, at 20:20:27
In reply to Re: Pros and Cons of Anti-Depressants, posted by vanessa33 on November 14, 2003, at 15:54:26
Before I took an anti-depressant, I was really afraid of them, but I got to a point where I had no choice and it was my only option, Celexa when I first took it basically saved my life. But I was very sick.
I also realize, that I am better on an AD, than not. My sister pointed it out to me, she said since youv'e been on AD's you are such a pleasure to be around. I just seem to be one of those people who needs some extra chemical help with my brain.
Good luck with your decision.
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