Posted by maryhelen on November 6, 2003, at 6:50:42
In reply to Re: lexapro vs. effexor xr, posted by need2feelbetter on November 4, 2003, at 13:20:39
Hi:
I have been reading your posts asking for feedback about Lexapro and Effexor. I am not so much responding to the medications aspect of your questions, but your concerns about the validity of being a nurse while suffering with the conditions/disease that you are. Lexapro is not availalbe in my country, but I have heard many positive results from the med. I was on Effexor so many years ago that I cannot really remember side effects. etc.
However, as to your questions about being a nurse and following doctor's orders as to the prescribing of medications that you have knowledge of and there own affect on you. This is not your responsibilty. In my opinion, you are doing the right and only thing in performing your job responsibly.
Your questions as to whether or not other doctors and health professionals could be suffering from the very diagnosis that their patients suffer with, and would any others be in the same dilemma you are ..... in my opinion, you bet!!! My experience is having been in one of three subsance abuse programs programs. In one, in particular, out of the 20 female patients who were in the program at the same time as myself, 16 were nurses. Of the males, 4 were dentists, 6 were doctors, a judge, a lawyer, the rest of us in varying careers, or housewives, unemployed, etc. My point being, that, for the multitude of reasons one may become addicted/dependent on alcohol or drugs, prescription or otherwise, we are really all the same, with struggles with depression, panic attacks, bi polar, etc.... These illnesses, to me, know no bounds. I don't think we can look at someone or the position they are in, and imagine, that because of the standing one may have in our society, that everything is okay with them. We all have our problems, and we all need to help each other deal with them.
In my opinion, the fact that you are aware of and asking questions about your concerns, tells me that you would be an exceptional nurse. You would have the empathy and understanding, beyond those who have not suffered as you have. You would be a blessing to your patients, and remember you are not responsible for the prescribing of their meds, but you have a greater understanding of what a patient is going through. Please continue to work on getting yourself well, asking questions here, and please know that there are many health professionals that have depression, anxiety/panic attacks, and of course, are not going to discuss them openly. You have come to a wonderful forum to do this for yourself and I believe that you are a wonderful assest to all you come in contact with, as you show how caring and concerned you are.
Remember, you cannot judge a book by it's cover, I am sure others have there own problems, so please try to focus on yourself and continue to ask for support here. I don't post often, but surely read this board, ask for advise when I need it. There are so many here who are so well informed, have done such incredible research and offer invaluable personal experiences and knowledge, that it blows my mind. I go to my own pdoc with the info I receive here. I guess I am lucky that he is responsive and receptive to this and respectful, knowing we are the ones going through the effects of the meds, that he usually will listen and let me try what we think may be helpful.
My best regards, and I hope you can get the right balance of meds to help you with your anxiety/panic attacks.maryhelen
poster:maryhelen
thread:274774
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031105/msgs/277070.html