Posted by WhiteHare on January 31, 2002, at 11:21:57
In reply to Under-use of Zyprexa?, posted by Mark H. on January 30, 2002, at 0:06:17
> Just to add another point of view (without intending to detract from anyone else's):
> With Zyprexa we FINALLY have a fast-acting way to interrupt catastrophic downward spiraling and negative obsession without resorting to incarceration, ECT or long-term anti-psychotic intervention...
I agree and disagree with your point of view. Antipsychotics have been a miracle for me, yet the side effects are so intense it's very hard to stay on them.I went off zyprexa in 1995 and was OK for about six months. I decided I wasn't sick anymore and didn't need it (BIG MISTAKE). I then had a psychotic break and ended up in a state mental hospital. Now, I'm on Respirdal and the side effects are just terrible. I'm very unhappy with my pdoc and am changing to another doctor and therapist.
I feel that stress brings on my condition, and that limiting stress is the key to making me well. I try to live a very stress free life, eat right, exercise, and keep a positive mental attitude. My old pdocs idea was to add another mediciation, or increase my dosages of medicine, every time I had a problem.
I feel the anti-psychotics are very valuable for short term use, but that being on them long term is very difficult and should only be done in extreme circumstances. I'm trying to find a doctor who will work with me and lower the meds I am on. I'm staying on my current meds and don't want to stop taking anything without supervision.
Everyone is different and it's extremely inportant to work with a pdoc who knows you and your needs personally, and I would never tell anyone to stop taking meds that a doctor felt would help them. But I think in general meds are overused and therapy and changing ones lifestyle can make a big difference. I think it's unrealistic to take a pill and expect it to change your whole outlook in 24 hours.
Just putting in my two cents. (Hope that's OK).
poster:WhiteHare
thread:91496
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020131/msgs/92361.html