Posted by vwoolf on April 20, 2007, at 7:14:25
I know there have not been too many success stories around lately so I thought I would share mine. I feel a little as if I am tempting fate by defining it a success story, and there are still lots of ups and downs, yet I have to acknowledge that things are significantly better.
I went into therapy four years ago, severely depressed and suicidal and self-injuring, and my pdoc put me onto a series of SSI's and other anti-depressants and even an anti-psychotic. I found the side effects awful. Eventually he prescribed a MAOI called Aurorix by Roche. It doesn't seem to be available in the USA however.
I took it for about three years while working really hard on myself in therapy. I had no side effects, and found I could eat what I liked. It contained my anxiety to some extent and allowed me to address the underlying issues of my depression.
I gradually stopped taking it about six months ago against my doctor's advice - he said I would have to be on medication for the rest of my life. I have not replaced it with anything, and so far I am ok. I don't know if I will always be drug free, but each day without them feels like a gift. I still have lots of problems and ups and downs but generally life is feeling a whole lot better than it ever had.As far as I am concerned, the most important part of my journey has been the therapy. The meds just held me while the real work was being done. I actually don't believe that psychiatric medication is intended to cure or heal, and this is why so many people feel frustrated with them. If they can be seen as a support they are great.
poster:vwoolf
thread:751523
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070419/msgs/751523.html