Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 713249

Shown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

drug trials

Posted by wishingstar on December 13, 2006, at 11:14:12

I probably should have included this in my post a few threads up, but I didnt think of it until just now.

Have any of you ever participated in drug trials for depression?

There has been a commercial playing here for several weeks about a study recruiting people who are 18+ and suffering from major depression
(my diagnosis) for an investigation of a new anti-depressant drug. They give a phone number to call for more information. I am tempted to try it. I have not found any medication that works at all so far, and the ones I'm currently on (lithium and lamictal) dont seem to be helping much either. In fact, I think lamictal may be making it worse. So what's the harm in trying? The medication and monitoring would be free of charge. I am familar with the way these trials run, where part of the group actually received a placebo, so it is possible I could participate and be back to no medication at all... but that isnt too much different from where I'm at now. My only question would be whether I would be allowed to continue psychotherapy during that time - if I was unable to, I would not participate.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

Re: drug trials » wishingstar

Posted by ronaldo on December 13, 2006, at 12:00:20

In reply to drug trials, posted by wishingstar on December 13, 2006, at 11:14:12

Hello wishingstar,

What if you do get the placebo with resulting zero medication... You may find that the Lamictal and Lithium were doing something after all. You risk spending an uncomfortable period of time without medication. Also there is no guarantee that the AD they are giving out is any good. It might not work for you at all. On the other hand it might be brilliant, just the ticket. Whatever happens it is a gamble. Are you willing to take the risk? How robust is your health anyway? Only you can decide...

How much are they going to pay you for this?

...ronaldo

 

Re: drug trials » wishingstar

Posted by Maxime on December 13, 2006, at 12:13:49

In reply to drug trials, posted by wishingstar on December 13, 2006, at 11:14:12

You would be allowed to keep doing the psychotherapy I am sure.

I say go for it! You've tried a lot and now you can something else. I wonder if it's already on the market, or if it's "new new". If it's already out there, you might be able to find out what it is ( especially if you might have taken it already).

I would do a drug trial.

Maxime


> I probably should have included this in my post a few threads up, but I didnt think of it until just now.
>
> Have any of you ever participated in drug trials for depression?
>
> There has been a commercial playing here for several weeks about a study recruiting people who are 18+ and suffering from major depression
> (my diagnosis) for an investigation of a new anti-depressant drug. They give a phone number to call for more information. I am tempted to try it. I have not found any medication that works at all so far, and the ones I'm currently on (lithium and lamictal) dont seem to be helping much either. In fact, I think lamictal may be making it worse. So what's the harm in trying? The medication and monitoring would be free of charge. I am familar with the way these trials run, where part of the group actually received a placebo, so it is possible I could participate and be back to no medication at all... but that isnt too much different from where I'm at now. My only question would be whether I would be allowed to continue psychotherapy during that time - if I was unable to, I would not participate.
>
> Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

Re: drug trials

Posted by laima on December 13, 2006, at 16:40:23

In reply to drug trials, posted by wishingstar on December 13, 2006, at 11:14:12


Would you be quitting/switching the lithium and lamictal anyway? If so, why not try the study? It could work. Even if you get the placebo, would they not tell you afterwards? And in that case, the lithium and lamictal would be well out of your system, and you'd be ready to start a new program. Good luck!

 

Re: drug trials/clinicaltrials.gov

Posted by stargazer on December 13, 2006, at 21:22:09

In reply to Re: drug trials, posted by laima on December 13, 2006, at 16:40:23

There is a website to view ongoing clinical trials in the US, the website is:

clinicaltrials.gov

Just type in 'depression' and where you live and you may be able to find out what the trial you are hearing about is all about, like what med is being used and what other restrictions are required, like age or other meds.

It's a very interesting site. I would also try something like that myself if necessary. Even being on a placebo can be a positive thing, many times the placebo effect is comparable to the tested med, much to our surprise. And if you got worse you're not prevented from dropping out. I'm sure the intent is not to make you feel worse, so what do you have to lose.

Most restrictions have to do with not being on any other meds during the trial. If you do it, you'll have to let us all know how it goes.
Good luck on you decision.

SG

 

Re: drug trials/clinicaltrials.gov

Posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2006, at 21:57:09

In reply to Re: drug trials/clinicaltrials.gov, posted by stargazer on December 13, 2006, at 21:22:09

I agree weigh very carefully your mental status now and decide if you can do without meds for a while if you get the placebo. But wouldn't it be something if the placebo worked? Love Phillipa

 

Re: drug trials » wishingstar

Posted by madeline on December 15, 2006, at 19:31:39

In reply to drug trials, posted by wishingstar on December 13, 2006, at 11:14:12

Get some info on the trial. See what the inclusion criteria are and then either re-post or babblemail me.

Sometimes these trials are okay and sometimes they can be very dangerous.

One of the most important things to find out it what PHASE clinical trial it is. And whether or not it is an investigational new drug, or a trial for an off label use of an existing drug.

If it's phase one, investigational new drug - I personally would stay away.

If it's phase two, it merits consideration.

It it's phase three, might be good.

In any case get some more info.

 

Re: drug trials

Posted by wishingstar on December 15, 2006, at 20:27:21

In reply to Re: drug trials » wishingstar, posted by madeline on December 15, 2006, at 19:31:39

thanks everyone for your thoughts.

I am leaning towards trying it, but havent decided for sure yet. I havent called yet, and as several of you mentioned, I definitely need more information. I meant to speak with my therapist about it this week but forgot, so I'll catch her next week.

Thanks for pointing out the phase thing madeline. I am familiar with that, but hadnt even really thought it out that far yet. I will be sure to get that information and let you know what I find out. I appreciate that.

And another good point was brought up about the possible dangers of going off my current meds. However, I think I can fairly sure they arent working. I havent been on them for years - only about 6 weeks for the lithium and a few less for the lamictal, so I still remember how I felt previous to these drugs. It fact, I think the lamictal may be creating an apathy in me that I really hate. I'm almost TOO stabalized. 2 mood stabalizers and no ADs seems like a weird combination for a person with unipolar depression. But it's all we have right now.

Anyway, I appreciate everyones thoughts. I will speak to my therapist about it soon, and give the number a call to try and get some more info. It's worth a shot, right? If worst comes to worst, I can always just drop out and go back to trying more new meds with my regular pdoc. Thanks everyone.


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