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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by BRC on October 1, 2004, at 6:02:42
Hi, I have been on many antidepressants for the past five years. Old ones new ones. Stayed on them for the right length of time. Have had all kinds of combinations of different meds. I have never done drugs in my life. But over the course of the past five years I have swallowed hundreads and hundreads of pills to treat anxiety and depression related illnesses.
The recent recall of the drug Viox has people questioning the safety of medications available to the public.
The FDA has recently stated that antiedepressants are not effective in children and could even cause them to have suicidele thoughts and wants the antidepressant manufactures to add this warning to their labels.
So my question after reading alot of post on this board for months and other internet sites is that the medication is either not working or, has horrible side effects, or coming off of the medication is horrible.
So, if so many people are having trouble and from my own experiences I must question "Does this medication really work". I never miss a dose of my medication because my doctor tells me not to. And I was brought up to believe that you do what your doctor tells you or jepordize your health. But with so many people having so many problems on these medications what is a person to do or believe.
I would like to know if anyone has received any relief from their medications? And does their side effects justify their well being from these meds.
Thanks,
BRC
Posted by ghost on October 1, 2004, at 8:14:46
In reply to Please Read!! Do Antidepressants Really Work?, posted by BRC on October 1, 2004, at 6:02:42
One of the things that keeps pharmaceutical companies in business is the fact that not everything works for everyone in the same way (or at all). If there was one pill that fixed everyone, we'd all be taking the same magic happy pill and there'd be no drug business.
Pretty much everything you take has side effects. Taking anything into the body has risks and benefits-- orange juice gives me heartburn, but sometimes I really need the vitamin C, so I drink it anyway. It's just a matter of what side effects you're willing to put up with for a medication that works.
If I may be so bold, I think that you should play a more active role in your medication maintenance. DO question your doctor. DO stand up for yourself. DO say "I don't think this is working."
I took paxil for awhile, and it made me manic. It also decreased my sex drive. I wasn't willing to put up with these side effects. This wasn't the right drug for me. I took abilify for awhile and it worked, but increased my anxiety level (we countered that with xanax PRN)-- in fact, I would still be taking it now, but financial hardships have kept me from staying on it. Currently maintaining my Lamictal, and that works great... side effects: potential killer rash and seizure, but I'm willing to put up with that if it keeps my moods from swinging so drastically. It also drops my blood pressure, but not too dangerously, so I'll put up with that, too. I just have to be careful when I get up.
I think you just haven't found the right "cocktail." Yes, drugs are dangerous. But they can save lives just as easily as they can hurt them.
Good luck,
ghost
Posted by linkadge on October 1, 2004, at 9:09:59
In reply to Re: Please Read!! Do Antidepressants Really Work?, posted by ghost on October 1, 2004, at 8:14:46
Thats right,
"these meds" is really a generalization.
Coctails seem to be the way to go these days.I would certainly keep trying. Also stay in therapy. I've heard stories of people who were resistant to every medication in the book suicidal even, then they changed professions and their depression remitted.
Approach it from all angles, exercise nutrition, therapy and hopefully one day a med that works.
Linkadge
Posted by King Vultan on October 1, 2004, at 11:37:02
In reply to Please Read!! Do Antidepressants Really Work?, posted by BRC on October 1, 2004, at 6:02:42
I've tried 12 different drugs now for depression, and the majority of them did provide a definite and positive antidepressant response. However, some made me feel emotionally numb in the process, such as Zoloft and Effexor, and others were better in the emotionality area but failed to relieve my anhedonia symptoms (desipramine, Nardil). The problem for me has been to try to find one drug, or even a combination of drugs, that provides enough antidepressant efficacy while also addressing the problems I have in other areas. Of course, it would also be good if the med did not have intolerable side effects. In my case, I do believe that Parnate is actually going to do what I'm looking for, based on my experience so far. And if it doesn't, hey, there's always something else to try. That may or may not be such a good thing, as this med switching thing can get somewhat obsessive-compulsive, but I do feel that I am much better off overall than I was a few years ago when I was just existing on the low doses I could tolerate of drugs that were mainly just working on serotonin.
Todd
Posted by yznhymer on October 1, 2004, at 12:37:02
In reply to Please Read!! Do Antidepressants Really Work?, posted by BRC on October 1, 2004, at 6:02:42
I'll also add that this board probably reflects a skewed sample of people... treatment resistant depressives and those with other co-existing conditions. My guess is that those people who benefit from meds get on with the more rewarding aspects of life instead of sharing their success stories here.
Nevertheless, I think there is some merit to your larger question. Clearly meds aren't always the answer, or the only answer, or the best answer. They are an important and useful resource, however, within a larger arsenal for treating mental health problems.
> Hi, I have been on many antidepressants for the past five years. Old ones new ones. Stayed on them for the right length of time. Have had all kinds of combinations of different meds. I have never done drugs in my life. But over the course of the past five years I have swallowed hundreads and hundreads of pills to treat anxiety and depression related illnesses.
>
> The recent recall of the drug Viox has people questioning the safety of medications available to the public.
>
> The FDA has recently stated that antiedepressants are not effective in children and could even cause them to have suicidele thoughts and wants the antidepressant manufactures to add this warning to their labels.
>
> So my question after reading alot of post on this board for months and other internet sites is that the medication is either not working or, has horrible side effects, or coming off of the medication is horrible.
>
> So, if so many people are having trouble and from my own experiences I must question "Does this medication really work". I never miss a dose of my medication because my doctor tells me not to. And I was brought up to believe that you do what your doctor tells you or jepordize your health. But with so many people having so many problems on these medications what is a person to do or believe.
>
> I would like to know if anyone has received any relief from their medications? And does their side effects justify their well being from these meds.
>
> Thanks,
>
> BRC
Posted by woolav on October 1, 2004, at 15:43:20
In reply to Re: Please Read!! Do Antidepressants Really Work? » BRC, posted by yznhymer on October 1, 2004, at 12:37:02
I understand your candor, but as a frequent Dr Bob visitor, I was offended by your comments. Everyone that posts here is not a "failure" in their pursuit for happiness. We are all just trying to find what meds work for us and get advise from someone else who has "been there". I think your response was a little cold.......
:(
Posted by BRC on October 1, 2004, at 15:48:49
In reply to Re: Please Read!! Do Antidepressants Really Work? » BRC, posted by yznhymer on October 1, 2004, at 12:37:02
Hi, if anyone gets this message I just want to say thanks for taking the time to answer my post and to share your stories and insight.
When I wrote this particular post it was at about 5:00 am this morning and I was upset and angry because I could not fall a sleep. And I really haven't rested all week. So, I was a little frustrated.
I have spent thousands of dollars on doctor visits, counseling sessions, hospitalizations, and very expensive medication over the last five years. It literally bankrupted me. That is why I get so frustrated when the medication doesn't work.
I have been told as one poster mentioned there is no magic bullet and I quess that is what I was searching for when I became ill. For me all I wanted to do was go back to my old self again. But I know that is not possible.
Thanks again everyone I guess I just needed to blow off a little steam.
Posted by flipsactown on October 1, 2004, at 21:20:48
In reply to Please Read!! Do Antidepressants Really Work?, posted by BRC on October 1, 2004, at 6:02:42
Hello,
I have been on ADs for over 12 years. I attribute my use of Prozac for 7 years that saved my life. I was clinically depressed and my therapist recommended Prozac. Of course, 12 years ago, there was a big scare about Prozac and I was very hesitant in taking in. Fortunately, I was so depressed and desperate that I went ahead and took Prozac. That was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. After seven years, the Prozac finally pooped out and I was switching from one AD to another. I have taken Zolot, Paxil, Celexa, Effexor, Wellbutrin,Lithium, Lamictal, Elavil and Nardil. Currently I am on Lexapro, which turned out to be the second best decision I have made in my life, as Lexapro has been as effective as Prozac was before it finally pooped out. Although it took 45 days to take effect, Lexapro has been an excellent effective AD for me these last 4 months. Yes, for me ADs really work!
FST
> Hi, I have been on many antidepressants for the past five years. Old ones new ones. Stayed on them for the right length of time. Have had all kinds of combinations of different meds. I have never done drugs in my life. But over the course of the past five years I have swallowed hundreads and hundreads of pills to treat anxiety and depression related illnesses.
>
> The recent recall of the drug Viox has people questioning the safety of medications available to the public.
>
> The FDA has recently stated that antiedepressants are not effective in children and could even cause them to have suicidele thoughts and wants the antidepressant manufactures to add this warning to their labels.
>
> So my question after reading alot of post on this board for months and other internet sites is that the medication is either not working or, has horrible side effects, or coming off of the medication is horrible.
>
> So, if so many people are having trouble and from my own experiences I must question "Does this medication really work". I never miss a dose of my medication because my doctor tells me not to. And I was brought up to believe that you do what your doctor tells you or jepordize your health. But with so many people having so many problems on these medications what is a person to do or believe.
>
> I would like to know if anyone has received any relief from their medications? And does their side effects justify their well being from these meds.
>
> Thanks,
>
> BRC
Posted by Wraith on October 2, 2004, at 12:16:25
In reply to Re: Please Read!! yznhymer!, posted by woolav on October 1, 2004, at 15:43:20
> I understand your candor, but as a frequent Dr Bob visitor, I was offended by your comments. Everyone that posts here is not a "failure" in their pursuit for happiness. We are all just trying to find what meds work for us and get advise from someone else who has "been there". I think your response was a little cold.......
>
> :(
> Woolav - Reading yznhymer comments I don't think it was meant that everyone here is a failure but rather that when one has found what one is looking for, then the searching stops. Why else would one continue looking?Speaking of myself if my Psychiatrists scripts had worked then I would not be aware of Dr Bob.
Warm regards
This is the end of the thread.
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