Posted by Mimi on December 18, 2003, at 13:18:14
In reply to ADs, Diminished brain-power, Dr.Bob, posted by daisymm on December 16, 2003, at 14:18:41
>Dear daisymm,
Don't give up. I, too, carry the diagnosis of severe depression and chronic PTSD.
You may be an atypical med responder or what is otherwise called a slow metabolizer. A very small percentage of the population naturally lacks a certain liver enzyme that metabolizes psych meds.
My treatment has been successful but it took many years to find the right meds and I had to do my research homework because I am an atypical responder. My doses are incredibly low (many pdocs just don't understand this).
I have had the best 1 and 1/2 years of my life due to proper meds. Yes, the meds can & will affect your intellect. You must find the useful balance of meds. This takes being self-educated. Use the PDR (full) and this very useful site.
I will write more if you care to know it.
Mimi
Hello y'all!
>
> This is the second thread I started, since the first one I opened up didnt get many a response.
>
> I have been diagnosed with severe depression and PTSD in March, 2003. I have tried Celexa, Wellbutrin, Lexapro and Lithobid since then.
>
> I am not doing well these days, becuase I throw up a lot, have chest pain & tightness, am always dizzy and nauseated, very very fatiuged and weary of this whole mess that is my life.
>
> From being a top%5 grad student, I slipped down to this sorry excuse for a student who cannot get anything done. I cant think. I am too tired to put two sentences together. What happened to the girl who could write articles top off her head......... I am angry and frustrated, and while I dont want to take it out on anything, seems like meds never worked for me in the last 4-5 months. And they gave me some sort of cloud around my head, so fog I cannot shred! I am afraid this may just be so from now on. A permanent side effect. Can ADs diminish my IQ?
> What should I switch to? thanks, daisy
>
> QUESTION to DR.BOB: great website but i havent been able to evoke enough interest to get personal replies. Any ideas as to why?
>
> MED HISTORY: I used Celexa (20/40 mg) then for 5 months. Run out of supply while abroad. Two months no medication.
>
> Then I chose Lexapro since it boasts of less side effects. What a mistake!! I started with Lexapro 10-Wellbutrin150 for 5 weeks, extreme anxiety, almost panic-attacks, insomnia >>so Wellbutrin dropped, Lexapro upped to 20...
> Lexapro 20 for 3 more months, and 4 weeks ago Lithobid 600 mg added to prevent suicidal plans.
> Works for suicidal tendencies for about two weeks, then fades, so(as of yesterday) Lexapro lowered to 10 mg and Lithobid upped to 900mg. I went to the ER two times last week...
poster:Mimi
thread:290590
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031213/msgs/291320.html