Posted by Racer on April 24, 2007, at 15:29:55
In reply to Re: To Greywolf » Deniseuk190466, posted by greywolf on April 24, 2007, at 12:04:17
Just another thought... My pdoc has brought that up, as something he's seeing remarkable results from. I don't know about the UK, but it's supposed to be approved over here about now, isn't it?
Denise, I'm sorry you're not doing well. It's so frustrating, and I feel for you. I've been through it myself, and am finally through to the other side. The view is much better from here. I don't know much about ECT, but here's what I do know:
1. Yes, it can work when meds have failed. In fact, it is sometimes said to improve the effectiveness of medications. Sometimes it's given to people with TRD, who then go on to find that medications which did not work in the past now work and keep them in remission.
2. Although I don't know about the memory issues, most everyone I've known who's had it done did so during a period of hospitalization. I think it can also be done OP, but since that doesn't seem to be the norm -- at least the initial treatments, at least around here -- I think that indicates that you might need at least a temporary leave of absence from your job.
I know things are different over there, with the NHS, but honestly -- from what I remember, you haven't come close to exhausting your options for medications. All of the SSRIs have a different flavor, so it's worth trying different drugs to see if another might work better for you than Lexapro is at the moment. Lexapro left me feeling locked inside myself -- I couldn't even talk, it just seemed to much trouble. Zoloft was better, although it may have left me a bit restless. Prozac was the best for me, and continues to be my first choice for SSRIs. Then there are options like Remeron, Wellbutrin (which I think it's available there except as an anti-smoking drug?), Effexor, etc. And there are combinations which help, too. I guess I'd say talk to your doctor, let him know how frustrated and scared you are, how desparate you are becoming, and ask if he'll try to work with you a little bit more to find a solution? It can't hurt, right?
I'm so sorry you're struggling so much, Denise. Ihope things get better soon.
poster:Racer
thread:752965
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070419/msgs/753055.html