Posted by Cam W. on December 8, 2000, at 7:02:38
In reply to Cam - Just Curious, posted by ChrisK on December 8, 2000, at 5:16:38
Chris - I was using Wellbutrin to treat a longstanding (endogenous?; genetically-linked?) depression, but, as you know, this last summer (June 5) my 18yr old daughter was killed in a crosswalk in Florida on our second day of vacation. I was maintained on Wellbutrin, but really, due to the possibility of another depression (a breakdown of the stress circuits possibly more responsive to serotonergic antidepressants, than to that of Wellbutrin's proposed mechanism of action) super-imposed on my current depression, my doc and I wanted to see if taking away the Wellbutrin did anything. My depressive state hadn't improved since June. We stopped to Wellbutrin 3 (or is it 4 - I'm getting too old) weeks ago and I am actually starting to feel a little better (he says with cautious optimism). It is too early to tell if I will need another antidepressant, yet. This is not to say the Wellbutrin hadn't work for the past few years, it is just that the nature of my condition changed. Also, it is not like I am not getting any treatment. As the COO of Mental Health Services (where I work 1/2 time) told me, "We take care of our own." Everyday, I am being watched over by the best-of-the-best in shrink game in our area.
Actually, it is sort of funny because, in a bizarre way, I have 3 or 4 treatment teams. I don't think that they all fully realize that the others are also helping, at the same time. This is okay. Their response and the responses of support I have received from this board have been phenomenal and much needed. This tragic event has actually reaffirmed my faith in the decency of humanity.
Stick with your doc through any changes that you make. Keep him/her informed. You need some outside yoursel to be able to objectively and critically judge how your therapy is going. Especially in light of the suicidal ideations (even if they are just a glimmer).
Good luck Chris. Your partner in change. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:50095
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001130/msgs/50180.html