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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Anna5 on April 9, 2006, at 11:29:13
I have been off Lamictal since Friday evening March 24th and Wellbutrin SR for two weeks. I have feeling tired, not depressed. Otherwise I am feeling much better. It will be great to find out what I am really like after the medications are completly out of my system.
The worst medication I ever withdrawed off of was Paxil, the intense symptoms (static in the ear, sensitivity to light and sound)lasted a week and took me a year to fully recover from it. I was on that medication for four years. I started on psychatric medication Sept. '96. I have been through symptoms of overmedicated, 100lb weight gain (I did lose the weight-have the streitch marks as a reminder), dystonic drug reaction, hair lose, etc. I hate it when doctors thinks they know what is best for you. I have been through a lot in my 27yrs. Currently, working on my psychology degree, would like to become a metal health advocate. I believe alternate approaches should be used first before medications. I have dealt with trauma due to abuse as a child, and then ontop of that dealing with the psychatric system. If you would like to know how I am doing or what my opionions are please let me know and I will be happy to share them with you.
Posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2006, at 12:05:20
In reply to I am TIRED of medicaition and the system!!!!!, posted by Anna5 on April 9, 2006, at 11:29:13
See my thread above the long one. Love Phillipa blindly following a doctor
Posted by Anna5 on April 9, 2006, at 12:22:18
In reply to Re: I am TIRED of medicaition and the system!!!!! » Anna5, posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2006, at 12:05:20
I have already read it.
Posted by zazenduck on April 9, 2006, at 12:42:09
In reply to I am TIRED of medicaition and the system!!!!!, posted by Anna5 on April 9, 2006, at 11:29:13
I agree with you.
How did you get into the "system" in the first place?
How long did it take you to lose the weight you gained? What did your Pdoc have to say watching you gain the weight? Did he ever address the health implications?
Is this the first time you will be totally med free since you started taking them?
Are you taking any alternative treatments?
Are you in therapy? Do you think that is effective?
Do you still think your problems are biologically based but that the meds are not effective or do you believe you never had an illness?
Feel free to ignore any or all questions :) but I'd like to hear any experiences or thooughts you'd like to share. I hope getting off the meds is the start of something better for you. I think tho it may take a couple of years before the effects of the drugs are totally gone. I think the the brain adapts to the drugs and the brain when you first get off the drugs is not free of their effects for quite some time.
Posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2006, at 13:05:43
In reply to Re: I am TIRED of medicaition and the system!!!!!, posted by Anna5 on April 9, 2006, at 12:22:18
What do you think am I maybe right or wrong. I'm not offended to be wrong. Love Phillipa
Posted by Anna5 on April 9, 2006, at 13:17:15
In reply to Re: I am TIRED of medicaition and the system!!!!! » Anna5, posted by zazenduck on April 9, 2006, at 12:42:09
> I agree with you.
> How long did it take you to lose the weight you gained? What did your Pdoc have to say watching you gain the weight? Did he ever address the health implications?
--About a couple of months. I don't recall what the doctor had to say about it. No he never mention the health iimplications of it. The medication I was on was Paxil.> Is this the first time you will be totally med free since you started taking them?
--Yes this will be the first time being med free. I started the medication cycle Sept. 97.> Are you taking any alternative treatments?
--excersize, plenty of sunlight, etc. I believe alternative aproaches should be used first before medications.> Are you in therapy? Do you think that is effective?
--Both therapy, my own hard work (therapy and meds can only do so much, you have to be willing to do the hard work).> Do you still think your problems are biologically based but that the meds are not effective or do you believe you never had an illness?
--I have delt with being abused as a child, teased at school (unrealated to home life). One of many things that happen to me is being forcably pushed into the wall leaving an imprint of my upper back. Then an untrained person, adjusted my neck and back. I complained for years about it. I then became depressed, sucidal between my junior and senior year in high school and started in the system beginning of my Senior year. I started seeing a chiropractor, Sept. 03, took physical therapy (used weight bearing excersizes to streigthen up the muscles) Fall 2005, for 3x week for 3 months or 36 sessions. I am not sure if I ever did have a mental illness only time will til.
> Feel free to ignore any or all questions :) but I'd like to hear any experiences or thooughts you'd like to share. I hope getting off the meds is the start of something better for you. I think tho it may take a couple of years before the effects of the drugs are totally gone. I think the the brain adapts to the drugs and the brain when you first get off the drugs is not free of their effects for quite some time.
>-College has been a good thing for me, as a way to learn more about myself. I am majoring in psychology, and would like to become a mental health advocate so people do not have to go through what I have endured.
-I think the longer a person is on medications the longer it takes to be completly out of a persons system. For myself I figure about a year before my body fully re-adjusts.--I am willing to be open and honest about my experiences throughout my life and what I have learned to help others. So I am willing to answer any questions.
Posted by Caedmon on April 9, 2006, at 15:14:10
In reply to Re: I am TIRED of medicaition and the system!!!!!, posted by Anna5 on April 9, 2006, at 13:17:15
Hi Anna,
I can definitely relate to the frustrations with meds. Meds aren't a good thing for everyone. I'm glad you're taking the initiative for your own treatment. Most people know themselves pretty well.
BTW I don't agree that alternative treatments "should" be tried before other approaches, I think people's symptoms are too complex for that. (I wouldn't tell someone who's having a panic attack to just take some Kava and go for a walk.) I hope that as a mental health advocate, you don't dissuade patients from seeking pharmacological treatment when such methods could be beneficial.
- C
Posted by Anna5 on April 9, 2006, at 22:19:17
In reply to Re: I am TIRED of medicaition and the system!!!!!, posted by Caedmon on April 9, 2006, at 15:14:10
> Hi Anna,
>
> I can definitely relate to the frustrations with meds. Meds aren't a good thing for everyone. I'm glad you're taking the initiative for your own treatment. Most people know themselves pretty well.
>
> BTW I don't agree that alternative treatments "should" be tried before other approaches, I think people's symptoms are too complex for that. (I wouldn't tell someone who's having a panic attack to just take some Kava and go for a walk.) I hope that as a mental health advocate, you don't dissuade patients from seeking pharmacological treatment when such methods could be beneficial.
>
> - C
I am aware medications can be benifical. I feel like its just being over prescriped. By the way I have had panic attacks and they are no fun and also dealt with anxiety. I have taken relaxation/meditation classes (which is also an alternative method), which I have helped me learn how to relax. Being a mental health advocate, I have both personal experience with medications, psychatric hospital, psychiatrists, I have friends who have diagnoses, plus education.
Posted by anneL on April 9, 2006, at 22:41:02
In reply to I am TIRED of medicaition and the system!!!!!, posted by Anna5 on April 9, 2006, at 11:29:13
Hi Anna,
I posted below about realizing that it has been six years since I started Effexor and Klonopin which was prescribed to counteract the side effects of Effexor. Unreal!My primary care doctor gave me samples of the Effexor back in 2000 and then the Klonopin to deal with the incredible nocturnal panic attacks induced by Effexor.
I believe that medication can be extremely beneficial for people and that it has improved the lives of many. However, for me, I have absolutely no idea how I am ever going to get off of these meds. I agree that sometimes there are more effective ways to treat the woes of life. . . for me growing older and mellowing out has been a big help.
I try to take the fact that I am really in a double bind with being stuck on these meds somewhat casually so that I don't get worked up over it. I figure that I will eventually work it out like everything else. :) Hugs, AnneL
Posted by med_empowered on April 10, 2006, at 2:02:13
In reply to Re: I am TIRED of medicaition and the system!!!!!, posted by anneL on April 9, 2006, at 22:41:02
yup. I'm not on anything right now, which is amazing. I feel like after about a year, my brain is still adjusting to going "all natural". Overall, I'd say my situation has improved--I mean, I still have problems, but its much better than being on lots of pills with lots of side effects.
I think the benefits of medication (especially LONG TERM medication) have been oversold. Yes, if you're freaking out and/or not sleeping a benzo can be helpful. And yes, if you can't focus a stimulant might be helpful. But...every day? For years and years and years? And..has anyone else noticed that shrinks tend to formulate "cocktails" to deal with side effects from other drugs? Its like..you can start on an AD, then add a benzo (b/c of problems with the AD), then maybe need a mood stabilizer and....its ridiculous. And we, as patients, are supposed to be thankful for this sort of "treatment," and continue taking our pills (presumably with a big Prozac smile on our faces) day after day, year after year? WHY?
OK..my post was a little angry..I just think the current system and approach to life's "issues' is lacking, and it doesn't seem to be getting better at all, even though the number of dissatisfied patients (and ex-patients) is growing ever larger.
Posted by Anna5 on May 24, 2006, at 11:20:33
In reply to I am TIRED of medicaition and the system!!!!!, posted by Anna5 on April 9, 2006, at 11:29:13
I reduced down medication for a couple of months and then finially stopped taking it March 24th evening. Spring break from March 24th afternoon to Sunday April 2nd to have some time to see if I had any major withdrawal symptoms. Then after that there was five and half weeks of classes left. I delt with 4 tests, 4 papers, group presentation, and doing a final exam project. I remember for about two weeks after stopping medication that I slowed down cognitively, it took me twice as long to do things and was also fatigue, now at week 9 I am doing good not as fatigue as I was and cognitively its slowly picking up.
I am not smart, I just work hard and ask for help when I need it. I have a wonderful support system.
I have been dealing with the real underlining issues in my life that no amount of medications can ever fix. I have got this far in my life is because I am determined to work on bettering myself.
Posted by CEK on May 24, 2006, at 12:50:59
In reply to Re: I am TIRED of medicaition and the system!!!!!, posted by Anna5 on May 24, 2006, at 11:20:33
> I reduced down medication for a couple of months and then finially stopped taking it March 24th evening. Spring break from March 24th afternoon to Sunday April 2nd to have some time to see if I had any major withdrawal symptoms. Then after that there was five and half weeks of classes left. I delt with 4 tests, 4 papers, group presentation, and doing a final exam project. I remember for about two weeks after stopping medication that I slowed down cognitively, it took me twice as long to do things and was also fatigue, now at week 9 I am doing good not as fatigue as I was and cognitively its slowly picking up.
> I am not smart, I just work hard and ask for help when I need it. I have a wonderful support system.
>
>
> I have been dealing with the real underlining issues in my life that no amount of medications can ever fix. I have got this far in my life is because I am determined to work on bettering myself.Anna, you have to be very proud of yourself to have been to have accomplished what you have. I wish to reach that point someday. I have alot of unresolved issues from years gone by(I'm 31) that I haven't dealt with properly. I've just supressed them and tried to go on. Besides all of the excess emotional baggage, I believe a big part of my illness is in my genes. My mother has always suffered with depression, my father is an insane mean manic bipolar (although he refuses to admit it, and he has been hospitalized by force in the past because of mentally snapping) his parents were major alcoholics and my mom's mom suffered from depression and panic attacks. My sister suffers from panic attacks also. It seems like the poop has basically rolled down hill in my family. I had been diagnosed with major depression in 2000 and it never went away even with medicine. I think it was because the medicine was not a magic pill to take away all the things that were bothering me inside and unless I delt with those things properly, I think the depression will always be here. I am now diagnosed with the depression and bipolar 2. My moods and the way I feel about things change every couple of hours. At times I feel like I can beat this and become all I ever wanted to be. I feel like I can come to deal with the past and move on. Then within a couple of hours I'm back to hopeless and suicidal. I'm on Lamictal now and Klonopin. I'm only 2 weeks into the Lamictal so I still have to wait and see how it will work. I've gone to a psycholgist for 3 months and was doing neurofeedback and life coaching with him. He tried working on CBT with me, but that is so hard when I am so negative now about most things in life. He didn't work on past issues because he didn't think that would help anything. I know I have to deal with the past issues or else how can CBT work for me. I've got to deal with what has made me so negative and finally completely shut down to ever be able to try to think of things less negative. I've bought some self help books to try to work through issues, one is a trama workbook. I've tried to sit down and work on the workbook, but it is going to involve reliving it all over again and it is too painful. I know I have to, but I'm scared to dive back into the pain. I know the pain is still here, I guess I just supress it and live feeling empty and negative instead. Besides living with a verbally abusive alcoholic father, rejection from my only living grandmother(she died in 1993 and I have had hard feelings toward her even though she is dead)my husband had an affair in 2000 that changed me completely ever since. I thought that the issues with my dad and grandmother were a thing of the past and that I had moved on with how I felt about them until I had a little therapy in the hospital recently and it all came out that the pain is still alive inside me. I never confronted them and held it all in. Because of my fathers treatment of me and all in my immediate family, I have a strong emotional rage toward men of authority in my life.(my boss in particular that treats me alot like my father did and does.) I am very sensitive to things people do and say and am hurt very easily. If I don't cry over it, then I'm ready to come out fighting and cussing. For 4 years after the affair, I relived it day after day, even dreamed about it. Songs, movies, places, even my husband cutting his fingernails reminded me of it.(he did this one evening before he stayed out all night with the other woman, and he still to this day doesn't cut them around me.) I obsessed about it all the time and cried everyday for 4 years over it until one day I said I was through with it. The only life I was destroying was my own. I then tucked it away neatly with all the other things. I thought I had it beat, but it's been beating me all along. It has taken away all good emotion that I once had, love, my sence of humor, sexual feelings, and nothing brings me joy anymore. Sorry to let all of this spill out. It just happened. How did you find the strength within yourself to accomplish what you have? No one's life is perfect and I know I'm not the only one to has been cr*pped on, but I guess I'm not as good at dealing with it as some are. I'm hoping that the meds that I am on will help me get my emotions under control so I can then be able to come to terms with the past by therapy, books or whatever. I was on Effexor for almost 6 years and I believe that it just helped me suppress things more. It made me be able to deal with it all better so I thought. I think if I had never started the med, I would've dealt with the problem then, instead of being drugged into a false state of everything's ok. The med allowed me to be cr*pped on my so many people and instead of standing my ground and doing something about it, I let it roll off my back. Yet it didn't roll off onto the floor. It rolled down inside of me to fester. Your post has given me hope and I thank you for posting what you said.
Posted by Anna5 on August 2, 2006, at 11:47:14
In reply to Re: I am TIRED of medicaition and the system!!!!! » Anna5, posted by CEK on May 24, 2006, at 12:50:59
This is just my opinion: I first was diagnosed with depression then later Bipolar 2 and PTSD. Three years ago doctor said I was Bipolar in remission which is another word for miss diagnosed. I think that PTSD can mimic Bipolar. We have good days and bad days. Never knowing what will trigger off a memory that can make a person feel depressed and hopeless. (I have also heard depression is anger turned inwards.) I was on Medication for almost 10 years, hospitilized 3 times and then one step down from the hospital. Which was all a tramatic experience. I have been through a LOT in my life and working on moving forward. Majoring in psychology so I can help others. Once I get rid of my bagage that I carry I will be fully able to help others. I am on week 18 off medication and doing good. I have a great support system. It takes hard work and determination to get where I am now and still have a long way to go. I still have low self exteem, and low confidence in my own abilities.
Eveyone has different way of dealing with things.
We all deal with it the best we can. I think that its important to have a good support system. If you need to talk with someone I am here for you.
This is the end of the thread.
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