![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 26. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by awatts on March 24, 2004, at 20:19:16
The whole idea here is to increase your quality of life. If you are not willing to risk a few weeks or maybe months of withdrawal, then maybe you are not uncomfortable enough (depressed, anxious, etc.) to really need ANY drug.
For me it's worth the risk to have gotten my life back. (I take Effexor XR and Klonopin.)
Posted by gabbix2 on March 24, 2004, at 20:46:54
In reply to Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by awatts on March 24, 2004, at 20:19:16
> The whole idea here is to increase your quality of life. If you are not willing to risk a few weeks or maybe months of withdrawal, then maybe you are not uncomfortable enough (depressed, anxious, etc.) to really need ANY drug.
>I don't know that that is generally the case.
I think for a lot of people who've tried multiple medications with no success, the thought of going on another drug that may not work and then having to turn around and go through a hellish withdrawal is really scary.
I know that's what my fear was, and it was justified, I lost another 5 mos of my life thanks to trying Effexor.
Posted by Sad Panda on March 24, 2004, at 23:27:43
In reply to Re: Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by gabbix2 on March 24, 2004, at 20:46:54
> > The whole idea here is to increase your quality of life. If you are not willing to risk a few weeks or maybe months of withdrawal, then maybe you are not uncomfortable enough (depressed, anxious, etc.) to really need ANY drug.
> >
>
> I don't know that that is generally the case.
> I think for a lot of people who've tried multiple medications with no success, the thought of going on another drug that may not work and then having to turn around and go through a hellish withdrawal is really scary.
> I know that's what my fear was, and it was justified, I lost another 5 mos of my life thanks to trying Effexor.
>
>Hi Gabbix2,
That's not really Effexor's fault that your depression is drug resistant is it.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by rainbowlight on March 25, 2004, at 5:06:04
In reply to Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by awatts on March 24, 2004, at 20:19:16
For some of us withdrawel can be serious possibly throwing us into a severe manic or depressive state possibly even requiring hospitalization. I don't think the fear involved in withdrawel should be made fun of. It is not fun and I don't think it is nice of you to assume people are weak or not sick enough if they are afraid of withdrawel symptoms.
Posted by Sad Panda on March 25, 2004, at 5:50:07
In reply to Re: Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by rainbowlight on March 25, 2004, at 5:06:04
> For some of us withdrawel can be serious possibly throwing us into a severe manic or depressive state possibly even requiring hospitalization. I don't think the fear involved in withdrawel should be made fun of. It is not fun and I don't think it is nice of you to assume people are weak or not sick enough if they are afraid of withdrawel symptoms.
>
>
>I read all the horror stories & decided that severe withdrawl sypmtoms actually sounded like fun compared to what I was feeling. Without the help of Effexor I would be dead. I use to enjoy having a cold or flu because it gave me a physical reason to feel bad.
Effexor is serious JuJu. I don't recommend it for people who are going through a rough time & just need a lift, but if you really need something that works, then Effexor is a good med.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by djmmm on March 25, 2004, at 8:51:50
In reply to Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by awatts on March 24, 2004, at 20:19:16
> The whole idea here is to increase your quality of life. If you are not willing to risk a few weeks or maybe months of withdrawal, then maybe you are not uncomfortable enough (depressed, anxious, etc.) to really need ANY drug.
>
> For me it's worth the risk to have gotten my life back. (I take Effexor XR and Klonopin.)I'm glad you have "gotten your life back"....but what now...do you think you will honestly be on Effexor and Klonopin for the rest of your life?
Antidepressants and benzodiazpines were designed to alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety...Klonopin was specifically designed as an anti-epileptic medication...and when the symptoms go away, YOu are supposed to do the rest of the work (therapy, etc)...
You will certainly go through withdrawal if you are on either Effexor or Klonopin (especially klonopin) for an extended period of time...it's easy to say don't worry about withdrawal NOW, but when you no longer need the medication, you may think differently. Some aspects of drug withdrawal are serious, and often dangerous (alcohol withdrawl for example, or benzo withdrawal)
Posted by Dauphine on March 25, 2004, at 14:52:41
In reply to Re: Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by djmmm on March 25, 2004, at 8:51:50
Why is it that Effexor withdrawal symptoms are so bad as compared to other AD? If you are on a low dose through your entire treatment (say 75mg) and are on it for one year, why would you not have similar withdrawal symptoms from another serotonin action based drug? I have been on Effexor for over a week now, and I'm already starting to feel much better. It scares me to hear all of the horrible stories of withdrawal, and I know that I will have to experience them one day, but I don't like feeling suicidal and utterly depressed either which is the way that I have been feeling. It's kind of like taking a big leap and hoping you don't hit the ground too hard when it's time to go off the drug. It sounds like when you come off of Effexor, you should ask your Dr. to precribe something to alleviate these bad withdrawal symptoms. I can't live my life afraid of slipping back into depression once I'm off Effexor -- one day at a time I think is best.
Posted by T_R_D on March 25, 2004, at 15:39:20
In reply to Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by awatts on March 24, 2004, at 20:19:16
I tend to agree with the original poster. There are always risks involved when trying any new drug...be they side effects or discontinuation problems...but not all drugs have such horror stories for everyone.
If you're in a position where you could be thrown into violent manias or depressions perhaps that should be weighed before making the drug changes. I guess that's what it all comes down to...do things suck so badly now do I want to take a chance or is living how I am now good enough. I think for a lot of folks, the torture of the present state has been enough to try just about anything at one point of another! I certainly have been like that. I think that is where the original poster was going when he/she mentioned that perhaps the individual's illness wasn't that severe. For sure, these drugs aren't toys! But for people who are in need...they can be lifesavers. Hence the quest we all find ourselves on with our without good/bad result!
As for being on drugs for life...I will have to be as I am BPII...no meds for me and I go manic like that *snaps fingers* So for me to bop around and try this and go off that...it's no big deal as I will ultimately have to be on some drug...for me, it's a matter of finding which cocktail will work the best (and yes, it will be a cocktail as polypharmacy is the way to go when treating BP...)
Sure, discontinuation "syndromes" can sound scary but you have to remember that it is very rare for people to have life long trauma from taking these meds...discontinuation problems are temporary. Maybe some people will argue with me but statistically, it has been proven.
Posted by Angel Girl on March 25, 2004, at 16:18:23
In reply to Re: Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by T_R_D on March 25, 2004, at 15:39:20
> I tend to agree with the original poster. There are always risks involved when trying any new drug...be they side effects or discontinuation problems...but not all drugs have such horror stories for everyone.
>
> If you're in a position where you could be thrown into violent manias or depressions perhaps that should be weighed before making the drug changes. I guess that's what it all comes down to...do things suck so badly now do I want to take a chance or is living how I am now good enough. I think for a lot of folks, the torture of the present state has been enough to try just about anything at one point of another! I certainly have been like that. I think that is where the original poster was going when he/she mentioned that perhaps the individual's illness wasn't that severe. For sure, these drugs aren't toys! But for people who are in need...they can be lifesavers. Hence the quest we all find ourselves on with our without good/bad result!
>
> As for being on drugs for life...I will have to be as I am BPII...no meds for me and I go manic like that *snaps fingers* So for me to bop around and try this and go off that...it's no big deal as I will ultimately have to be on some drug...for me, it's a matter of finding which cocktail will work the best (and yes, it will be a cocktail as polypharmacy is the way to go when treating BP...)
>
> Sure, discontinuation "syndromes" can sound scary but you have to remember that it is very rare for people to have life long trauma from taking these meds...discontinuation problems are temporary. Maybe some people will argue with me but statistically, it has been proven.I have to agree. I am BP II as well. I know for a fact that Effexor XR and Depakote saved my life. Without them I would not be here today. I also, because I'm BP will have to be on whatever drugs work for me for the rest of my life. I certainly don't ever want to reside in the black hole again. At least now, I'm alive and trying to get my life back. Also, just because somebody else had withdrawal problems doesn't necessarily mean that you will DEFINITELY have them. Discuss it with your doctor and do it SLOWLY!!! I think each of us has to do what is best for ourselves and only we know what that ultimately is. If you need it take it, if not then don't.
BTW, when I refer to "you" in reference to expecting withdrawal problems, I'm directing that comment to the original poster, not the one I've quoted here. :)
Angel Girl
Posted by gabbix2 on March 25, 2004, at 16:29:24
In reply to Re: Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms! » gabbix2, posted by Sad Panda on March 24, 2004, at 23:27:43
> > > The whole idea here is to increase your quality of life. If you are not willing to risk a few weeks or maybe months of withdrawal, then maybe you are not uncomfortable enough (>
> That's not really Effexor's fault that your depression is drug resistant is it.Nowhere did I say it was Effexors fault.
I said "trying effexor"The original post claimed that people who fear the withdrawal of a medication might not need
medication badly enough to want to try to improve their situation. I had gone through repeated
trials and was terrified to go on yet another (Effexor) but I did it. It cost me another 5 months of my life because of the excruciating withdrawal.I was emphasizing how scary it can be to keep trying medications when you know you may have to
turn around and withdraw from them, something which is very likely with refractory severe depression. I was stating that the fear of withdrawal for many likely had little to do (as was stated) with not having a "bad enough depression" to need drugs.Effexor worked great for my sister I'm not knocking it as a medication, I was simply stating that my fear of trying yet another drug was justified in this case.
Posted by Angel Girl on March 25, 2004, at 16:49:16
In reply to Re: Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by djmmm on March 25, 2004, at 8:51:50
> > The whole idea here is to increase your quality of life. If you are not willing to risk a few weeks or maybe months of withdrawal, then maybe you are not uncomfortable enough (depressed, anxious, etc.) to really need ANY drug.
> >
> > For me it's worth the risk to have gotten my life back. (I take Effexor XR and Klonopin.)
>
> I'm glad you have "gotten your life back"....but what now...do you think you will honestly be on Effexor and Klonopin for the rest of your life?
>
> Antidepressants and benzodiazpines were designed to alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety...Klonopin was specifically designed as an anti-epileptic medication...and when the symptoms go away, YOu are supposed to do the rest of the work (therapy, etc)...
>
> You will certainly go through withdrawal if you are on either Effexor or Klonopin (especially klonopin) for an extended period of time...it's easy to say don't worry about withdrawal NOW, but when you no longer need the medication, you may think differently. Some aspects of drug withdrawal are serious, and often dangerous (alcohol withdrawl for example, or benzo withdrawal)
>
Not everybody who is on Effexor and/or Klonopin go through withdrawal. I weaned off of Effexor before and didn't go through the horror stories that have been stated here. I had no problems at all and my dosage was as 367.5mg when I started to wean off. However, after being off of Effexor for a little while, I needed it again so I'm back on it. I'm also currently taking Klonopin and accidently ran out of it and was without it for a week and I had no problems. Everybody is different and it's not fair to tell somebody that they will definitely have withdrawal symptoms because other people did.Angel Girl
Posted by gabbix2 on March 25, 2004, at 16:50:03
In reply to Re:Hang on a minute! » Sad Panda, posted by gabbix2 on March 25, 2004, at 16:29:24
I have a feeling with text and no tonal inflection that post could sound really harsh.
It wasn't meant to. It was a friendly "hang on a minute!" :)
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 25, 2004, at 20:31:37
In reply to P.S SadPanda, posted by gabbix2 on March 25, 2004, at 16:50:03
Posted by Jeano on March 25, 2004, at 20:57:30
In reply to Re:Hang on a minute! » Sad Panda, posted by gabbix2 on March 25, 2004, at 16:29:24
Sounds to me like I hit a raw nerve (pardon the pun)...
I've learned a lot from this forum and it has been quite enlightening. However, it can also be pretty scary for those of us on our first go round of AD meds.
I asked the question "What's your worst withdrawal on Effexor XR?"
I truely meant the question to gather personal info since, after reading some of the threads on this site, I have been struggling with what to do. Should I continue taking E-XR or ask my doc to change me to something else?Therefore, I was kind of surprised by the thread "Don't worry about withdrawal symptoms".
I ask you, how can a person NOT be concerned with something so serious? I mean, who amoung us can judge whether someone is suffering enough to be put on AD meds? You don't know me and I don't know you. So, whether it be a short term freak out or something much more severe, your doctor is the one who prescribed the meds and he/she knows why.Again, I'm more concerned with the side effects of E-XR and also what I can possibly expect later on. My question was never intended to discount another person's condition.
Good Luck to all of you!
Posted by Damien on March 26, 2004, at 2:31:39
In reply to Re: Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by rainbowlight on March 25, 2004, at 5:06:04
While I agree with the points raised by the poster of the message quoted below, I think I'm missing the point somehow. The same way doctors don't worry about addiction when prescribing pain medications for people with cancer, etc, because the medication is necessary pretty much for the rest of a person's life, why is it that someone just stops taking a medication that is improving the quality of their life? I personally take stimulants for ADD and Wellbutrin for depression. These are not temporary fixes - these are the medications required to restore my neurotransmitter balance to some semblance of normal. They don't "fix" the problem where I can eventually stop the meds, as it is the actions of the medications that create the normal balance. Thus this is a life-long issue. If I want to be "well" then I continue taking medication.
I don't believe that someone with biochemical depression is going to magically have their brain chemicals fall back into proportion and no longer need medicine.
This is one of the issues that has created the so-called "revolving door" of mental health. People get well because of meds, then think since they are well, they don't need meds. So they stop taking meds and the whole cycle has to just begin again.
Anyway, if I'm coming across wrong, I apologize. I am slightly off-topic, but I'm curious as to what others think about antidepressant medication. And why people stop taking it if its helping.
Thanks.
> For some of us withdrawel can be serious possibly throwing us into a severe manic or depressive state possibly even requiring hospitalization. I don't think the fear involved in withdrawel should be made fun of. It is not fun and I don't think it is nice of you to assume people are weak or not sick enough if they are afraid of withdrawel symptoms.
Posted by Sad Panda on March 26, 2004, at 5:42:24
In reply to Re: Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by Damien on March 26, 2004, at 2:31:39
> While I agree with the points raised by the poster of the message quoted below, I think I'm missing the point somehow. The same way doctors don't worry about addiction when prescribing pain medications for people with cancer, etc, because the medication is necessary pretty much for the rest of a person's life, why is it that someone just stops taking a medication that is improving the quality of their life? I personally take stimulants for ADD and Wellbutrin for depression. These are not temporary fixes - these are the medications required to restore my neurotransmitter balance to some semblance of normal. They don't "fix" the problem where I can eventually stop the meds, as it is the actions of the medications that create the normal balance. Thus this is a life-long issue. If I want to be "well" then I continue taking medication.
>
> I don't believe that someone with biochemical depression is going to magically have their brain chemicals fall back into proportion and no longer need medicine.
>
> This is one of the issues that has created the so-called "revolving door" of mental health. People get well because of meds, then think since they are well, they don't need meds. So they stop taking meds and the whole cycle has to just begin again.
>
> Anyway, if I'm coming across wrong, I apologize. I am slightly off-topic, but I'm curious as to what others think about antidepressant medication. And why people stop taking it if its helping.
>
> Thanks.
>
>
Hi Damien,I think you have summed it up nicely for a lot of people. I don't anticapate giving up Effexor until I am forced too. In the meantime it is helping me in ways that I didn't know was possible.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by Sad Panda on March 26, 2004, at 6:07:06
In reply to P.S SadPanda, posted by gabbix2 on March 25, 2004, at 16:50:03
> I have a feeling with text and no tonal inflection that post could sound really harsh.
> It wasn't meant to. It was a friendly "hang on a minute!" :)
>
>No Worries! :)
I am not looking forward to the time when I have to give Effexor up, hopefully it's a long time away. Every drug has side effects and/or withdrawl problems.
1. Giving up Prozac was a piece of cake, but all it did for me was give me extreme agitation & a total inability to sleep.
2. TCA's are supposed to be great if you can stand the side effects. I haven't tried them (yet) but they are supposed to be easy to withdrawl from.
3. MAOI's may be the best drug for most problems, but you have to watch what you eat & what other drugs you take every single day which in itself would be a bummer.There is no such thing as a free lunch as far as drugs are concerned.
I am happy with Effexor mostly because he hasn't given me many other problems, mostly I feel like a happier version of the old me. :)
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by djmmm on March 26, 2004, at 8:08:39
In reply to Re: Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by Damien on March 26, 2004, at 2:31:39
> While I agree with the points raised by the poster of the message quoted below, I think I'm missing the point somehow. The same way doctors don't worry about addiction when prescribing pain medications for people with cancer, etc, because the medication is necessary pretty much for the rest of a person's life, why is it that someone just stops taking a medication that is improving the quality of their life? I personally take stimulants for ADD and Wellbutrin for depression. These are not temporary fixes - these are the medications required to restore my neurotransmitter balance to some semblance of normal. They don't "fix" the problem where I can eventually stop the meds, as it is the actions of the medications that create the normal balance. Thus this is a life-long issue. If I want to be "well" then I continue taking medication.
>
> I don't believe that someone with biochemical depression is going to magically have their brain chemicals fall back into proportion and no longer need medicine.
>
> This is one of the issues that has created the so-called "revolving door" of mental health. People get well because of meds, then think since they are well, they don't need meds. So they stop taking meds and the whole cycle has to just begin again.
>
> Anyway, if I'm coming across wrong, I apologize. I am slightly off-topic, but I'm curious as to what others think about antidepressant medication. And why people stop taking it if its helping.
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> > For some of us withdrawel can be serious possibly throwing us into a severe manic or depressive state possibly even requiring hospitalization. I don't think the fear involved in withdrawel should be made fun of. It is not fun and I don't think it is nice of you to assume people are weak or not sick enough if they are afraid of withdrawel symptoms.
>
>So your position on depression is based on the monoamine theory (which, for the most part I agree with) yet, you are ignoring HAlf of what is behind the monoamine theory...
You believe that it is a "chemical imbalance" yet you dont believe in the consequence (based on scientific evidence) of taking medication long term (receptor downregulation, disruption of other neurotransmitter systems, discontinuation syndromes, etc).
Depression, anxiety, etc dont have to be life long illnesses...thinking this way only seems to be setting you up for failure, which seems like a greater contributer to the "revolving door" of mental health that you speak of. It's true that some people contribute to this cycle by stopping medication the minute they feel better...but I think that sometimes we fail to realize that the main goal of medication therapy is to let us get to a place (symptom free) where we can better deal with the problems that contribute to why we are feeling depressed, anxious, etc.
Posted by T_R_D on March 26, 2004, at 11:33:28
In reply to one more blessed thought, posted by Jeano on March 25, 2004, at 20:57:30
> Sounds to me like I hit a raw nerve (pardon the pun)...
> I've learned a lot from this forum and it has been quite enlightening. However, it can also be pretty scary for those of us on our first go round of AD meds.
> I asked the question "What's your worst withdrawal on Effexor XR?"
> I truely meant the question to gather personal info since, after reading some of the threads on this site, I have been struggling with what to do. Should I continue taking E-XR or ask my doc to change me to something else?
>
> Therefore, I was kind of surprised by the thread "Don't worry about withdrawal symptoms".
> I ask you, how can a person NOT be concerned with something so serious? I mean, who amoung us can judge whether someone is suffering enough to be put on AD meds? You don't know me and I don't know you. So, whether it be a short term freak out or something much more severe, your doctor is the one who prescribed the meds and he/she knows why.
>
> Again, I'm more concerned with the side effects of E-XR and also what I can possibly expect later on. My question was never intended to discount another person's condition.
> Good Luck to all of you!Hi Jeano, I understand your quest for knowledge and wanting to hear experiences from others. In answer to your question, the worst for me were the "brain shocks" and a really bad flu-like feeling. Taking Benadryl got rid of the latter and Prozac the former. The brain shocks are hard to explain...I sort of equate it with my brains (already feeling like scrambled eggs) being thrown against a brick wall. It's not a constant thing...well, sort of constant but intermittent. One day I counted from the time I woke up...later in the afternoon, somewhere well over 200 I just gave up. It was pretty icky at the time but I made it through.
Take care,
Posted by Englebrite on March 26, 2004, at 14:23:52
In reply to Re: one more blessed thought, posted by T_R_D on March 26, 2004, at 11:33:28
I was on my second week of Effexor XR when I found out from my doc that I have an imbalanced thyroid. He took me off of E-XR because, in reality I need to be on thyroid medication. He said my depression symptoms should subside with treatment. I wish now the doc would have waited for my test results before prescribing something for my emotional wack out. What a big bummer!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I won't experience the bad withdrawals.
Posted by T_R_D on March 26, 2004, at 15:27:27
In reply to Re: Don't worry about withdrawals?, posted by Englebrite on March 26, 2004, at 14:23:52
> I was on my second week of Effexor XR when I found out from my doc that I have an imbalanced thyroid. He took me off of E-XR because, in reality I need to be on thyroid medication. He said my depression symptoms should subside with treatment. I wish now the doc would have waited for my test results before prescribing something for my emotional wack out. What a big bummer!
> I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I won't experience the bad withdrawals.What thyroid meds did/do you have to take? Effexor should be compatable? Actually, I was on Cytomel (T3) for a while as a booster to Effexor...
Posted by TexasChic on March 26, 2004, at 16:08:51
In reply to Re: Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms! » djmmm, posted by Angel Girl on March 25, 2004, at 16:49:16
I was on Effexor several years ago and I don't remember any withdrawals. I don't even remember why I stopped taking it - from what I can remember it did a good job. I do remember it making me feel lightheaded and headachey when I missed a dose, but I was able to make it through the day with some ibuprofen. I know other people have had bad withdrawals, and I'm not trying to discount that or anything. I just thought with all the bad stories I should share mine.
Posted by Englebrite on March 26, 2004, at 17:25:11
In reply to Re: Don't worry about withdrawals?, posted by T_R_D on March 26, 2004, at 15:27:27
> What thyroid meds did/do you have to take? Effexor should be compatable? Actually, I was on Cytomel (T3) for a while as a booster to Effexor...
To: T_R_D
My doc hasn't prescribed thyroid meds yet. We are still testing. I have to go for a thyroid ultrasound next week. We go from there. In the meantime, I'm looking into natural alternatives. Thanks
Posted by Damien on March 26, 2004, at 18:25:45
In reply to Re: Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by djmmm on March 26, 2004, at 8:08:39
DJMMM -
Thanks for your comments. The points you raise are certainly valid, although I'm not as well-versed in the monoamine theory or the deleterious effects of antidepressant therapy on neural function. Perhaps I'm less concerned about disrupting other neurotransmitter systems since mine are largely "disrupted" to begin with.
While perhaps in my way I'm contributing to the pharmaceutical companies by believing that I'll need to take stimulants and an antidepressant for the rest of my life to function normally, I don't see any other treatment modality as being a viable option.
I'm not depressed because of any particular circumstances or events in my life, nor have my life-long (I'm pushing 40) problems with ADHD responded very well to conventional therapy. Yes, I've learned to be employed at an ADD-friendly job and various skills to make coping easier, but it is medicine that brings the biggest benefit, allowing me to focus, stay on task, and do seemingly simple things like complete this posting without being distracted by the other open windows on my PC.
Of course, that doesn't mean I'll remember where this tangent was headed in the first place ;-D
Guess I simply feel that medication improves the quality of my life, has few (noticable) side-effects, and thus I've no present reason to stop taking the medicine.> > While I agree with the points raised by the poster of the message quoted below, I think I'm missing the point somehow. The same way doctors don't worry about addiction when prescribing pain medications for people with cancer, etc, because the medication is necessary pretty much for the rest of a person's life, why is it that someone just stops taking a medication that is improving the quality of their life? I personally take stimulants for ADD and Wellbutrin for depression. These are not temporary fixes - these are the medications required to restore my neurotransmitter balance to some semblance of normal. They don't "fix" the problem where I can eventually stop the meds, as it is the actions of the medications that create the normal balance. Thus this is a life-long issue. If I want to be "well" then I continue taking medication.
>
>
>
> >
> > I don't believe that someone with biochemical depression is going to magically have their brain chemicals fall back into proportion and no longer need medicine.
> >
> > This is one of the issues that has created the so-called "revolving door" of mental health. People get well because of meds, then think since they are well, they don't need meds. So they stop taking meds and the whole cycle has to just begin again.
> >
> > Anyway, if I'm coming across wrong, I apologize. I am slightly off-topic, but I'm curious as to what others think about antidepressant medication. And why people stop taking it if its helping.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> >
> > > For some of us withdrawel can be serious possibly throwing us into a severe manic or depressive state possibly even requiring hospitalization. I don't think the fear involved in withdrawel should be made fun of. It is not fun and I don't think it is nice of you to assume people are weak or not sick enough if they are afraid of withdrawel symptoms.
> >
> >
>
> So your position on depression is based on the monoamine theory (which, for the most part I agree with) yet, you are ignoring HAlf of what is behind the monoamine theory...
>
> You believe that it is a "chemical imbalance" yet you dont believe in the consequence (based on scientific evidence) of taking medication long term (receptor downregulation, disruption of other neurotransmitter systems, discontinuation syndromes, etc).
>
> Depression, anxiety, etc dont have to be life long illnesses...thinking this way only seems to be setting you up for failure, which seems like a greater contributer to the "revolving door" of mental health that you speak of. It's true that some people contribute to this cycle by stopping medication the minute they feel better...but I think that sometimes we fail to realize that the main goal of medication therapy is to let us get to a place (symptom free) where we can better deal with the problems that contribute to why we are feeling depressed, anxious, etc.
>
>
Posted by Angel Girl on March 26, 2004, at 18:59:44
In reply to Re: Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by Damien on March 26, 2004, at 2:31:39
> While I agree with the points raised by the poster of the message quoted below, I think I'm missing the point somehow. The same way doctors don't worry about addiction when prescribing pain medications for people with cancer, etc, because the medication is necessary pretty much for the rest of a person's life, why is it that someone just stops taking a medication that is improving the quality of their life? I personally take stimulants for ADD and Wellbutrin for depression. These are not temporary fixes - these are the medications required to restore my neurotransmitter balance to some semblance of normal. They don't "fix" the problem where I can eventually stop the meds, as it is the actions of the medications that create the normal balance. Thus this is a life-long issue. If I want to be "well" then I continue taking medication.
>
> I don't believe that someone with biochemical depression is going to magically have their brain chemicals fall back into proportion and no longer need medicine.
>
> This is one of the issues that has created the so-called "revolving door" of mental health. People get well because of meds, then think since they are well, they don't need meds. So they stop taking meds and the whole cycle has to just begin again.
>
> Anyway, if I'm coming across wrong, I apologize. I am slightly off-topic, but I'm curious as to what others think about antidepressant medication. And why people stop taking it if its helping.
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> > For some of us withdrawel can be serious possibly throwing us into a severe manic or depressive state possibly even requiring hospitalization. I don't think the fear involved in withdrawel should be made fun of. It is not fun and I don't think it is nice of you to assume people are weak or not sick enough if they are afraid of withdrawel symptoms.
>
>
DamienI think you hit the nail on the head, speaking of one who's been there done that. Some people stop taking a med that's working because they think that they are better and don't need it anymore. However, it may be that the drug is working so well that it is masking the underlying problem that you aren't aware is still there. So when they come off of it, the depression comes back and hence the revolving door you mentioned. JMHO!!!
Angel Girl
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.