Posted by katekite on August 6, 2002, at 21:56:14
In reply to Two weeks into treatment...., posted by Theodore on August 6, 2002, at 15:24:05
I agree about calling your doctor and seeing about switching to something else. Suicidal feeling's are nothing to toy with. You didn't feel this way before, so it's not you, it's the drug. 2 weeks is not a long enough trial to know if it ultimately would help you but in order to find out you would have to wait up to 4 more weeks potentially feeling suicidal. No reason for that. There are lots of other drugs that most likely wouldn't give you this side effect even as a temporary thing. You might find Serzone or an SSRI like Paxil or Celexa better.
Also I would recommend asking for something for anxiety relief for short term (such as a benzodiazepine like Ativan). The less anxious you are the less likely any suicidal thoughts will end up causing harm. While there's a lot of controversy over benzodiazepines long term, short term while you are finding an antidepressant that will work for you it might be nice to have around. (a small number, that is). Saved my life in school.
Please don't think that the last couple of weeks have been a complete waste. The way you've reacted to Effexor is an important clue that may help predict how you may react to other anti-depressants (for example I would not recommend Wellbutrin to you). Statistics show that if people aren't helped by the first anti-depressant, they are most likely helped by the next one they try. (ie that you feel worse or no better means nothing with regard to eventual response to the next drug.)
Take care and hang in there.
I'm a vet and remember how scary my first client interactions were: I felt underqualified and looked about 10. Remarkably within a few months that pretty much disappeared. (ok I did start Prozac which helped.) But I ended up doing great and off all meds when life events calmed down and I was no longer brand new at the career.One more thing: from watching my colleagues, the fact that you are anxious means that later, when you're experienced and its all old hat, you will still care about your clients and do a good job. Some of my classmates who were fine or cocky at the beginning -- a year later they were sloppy. Not saying the anxiety is fun! But at least take a second to realize that the sense of responsibility that goes with the insecurity is soemthing to be proud of.
Take care and hang in there,
Kate
poster:katekite
thread:115438
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020731/msgs/115478.html