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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Eddie Sylvano on September 18, 2002, at 9:08:11
Before I became depressed and began medications, I weighed about 175 lbs. After finishing an 18 month course of Effexor and Serzone, I felt better, but I had lost 40 lbs. I figured that after I went off the meds, things would return to normal, but they haven't. I still have almost no appetite 7 months afterward. Being thin is fine, but being this thin is kinda creepy. I've been evaluated for any "medical" causes, with none found. Anyone else had any experience with this?
Posted by sleepy lizard on September 18, 2002, at 12:42:25
In reply to No appetite after using ADs, posted by Eddie Sylvano on September 18, 2002, at 9:08:11
Yeah, after seven months on ADs (Paxil, Celexa, Effexor, Wellbutrin) I have no appatite. I've gone from 205 to 177 lbs in 7 months. My bones are sticking out. I have stopped the ADs but still have not much appatite. I feel hunger though, I just don't want to eat. I've only been off of the ADs for about two weeks.
Posted by Geezer on September 18, 2002, at 13:06:19
In reply to No appetite after using ADs, posted by Eddie Sylvano on September 18, 2002, at 9:08:11
> Before I became depressed and began medications, I weighed about 175 lbs. After finishing an 18 month course of Effexor and Serzone, I felt better, but I had lost 40 lbs. I figured that after I went off the meds, things would return to normal, but they haven't. I still have almost no appetite 7 months afterward. Being thin is fine, but being this thin is kinda creepy. I've been evaluated for any "medical" causes, with none found. Anyone else had any experience with this?
Hi Eddie,
Yes Sir.......same weight loss problem when I started Serzone (lost 15 lbs. in the past month). I agree - weight loss is a plus but it would be nice to know why it happens.
I would like to commend you for your above comment "Re: Thanks for the warning". Science has been remarkable for its positive contribution to so many aspects of our lives. Sadly, there is no true EMPERICAL SCIENCE being applied to Psychiatry (as it relates to effective treatment) at this time. There is some work being done re: genetic markers, intracellular ADs, etc. but I won't hold my breath until that leads to better treatment. In the meantime pdocs will continue to "roll the dice" and hope something works (has not happened for me in more than 30 years).
As for the marijuana - the worst thing about that drug is getting caught with it.
Best regards,
Geezer
Posted by Eddie Sylvano on September 18, 2002, at 16:22:27
In reply to Re: No appetite after using ADs » Eddie Sylvano, posted by Geezer on September 18, 2002, at 13:06:19
>Sadly, there is no true EMPERICAL SCIENCE being applied to Psychiatry (as it relates to effective treatment) at this time. There is some work being done re: genetic markers, intracellular ADs, etc. but I won't hold my breath until that leads to better treatment. In the meantime pdocs will continue to "roll the dice" and hope something works (has not happened for me in more than 30 years).
--------------You're exactly right about that, Geezer (I feel kind of bad calling you that :)
I imagine there's a wide spectrum of quality in pdocs (or any docs). Most people just get stuck with whatever one or two that their HMO supports, which really sucks.
Even a good doctor can't keep up on *all* the research, though some do better than others. As the information base continues to grow, it's only going to get harder, too. Beyond the more simple maladies, it wades into hubris to think that a single person, meeting with you on an increasingly limited basis, will be able to deduce the nature of a problem as complex as the workings (or failings, in our case) of the brain, especially given the limited nature of our current understanding. Most current medications are just serendipitous discoveries, or refinements of a previous accidental discovery. The only hope I see for empirical underpinnings is the use of computers (pattern analysis algorithms) on large sets of well gathered information. It's how we have recently come to understand weather systems, and the interwoven systems of the body and brain are problems of similar magnitude. Still, no one seems interested in that idea.
Posted by Geezer on September 18, 2002, at 19:14:15
In reply to Re: No appetite after using ADs » Geezer, posted by Eddie Sylvano on September 18, 2002, at 16:22:27
Hi Eddie,
Thank you for the response, don't worry about the board name (geezer) I come by it honestly. I am 58 years old with chronic, refractory, atypical depression (the bright side - sexual side effects from ADs are no longer an issue - I couldn't care less). I have been through most all the ADs (except Paxil, Effexor, and Lexapro), no point in wasting anymore time there *this should draw some fire*.
I very much admire your insight into the scientific shortcomings of psychopharmacology (goes far beyond just blaming the drug company doesn't it?). I am very much aware of our current drugs being "serendipitous discoveries, or refinements on previous accidental discoveries"-very well said. What puzzles me the most is why all concerned seem to be satisfied with that archaic state of affairs. One would think motivation would come from the $44 billion in lost revenues yearly (the 15-20% mortality rate is more easily understood).
I completely agree with your point about "computers (pattern analysis algorithms)", seems like the quickest way forward. At this point I have to be constantly on the alert so the pdoc doesn't put me into serotonin syndrome, convulsions or some other nifty complication.
Thank you for your very enlightening post.
Geezer
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 18, 2002, at 20:05:01
In reply to Re: No appetite after using ADs » Eddie Sylvano, posted by Geezer on September 18, 2002, at 13:06:19
> I would like to commend you for your above comment "Re: Thanks for the warning"...
Please also see my comment in that thread, it applies here, too. Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 19, 2002, at 8:03:39
In reply to Redirect: Science, posted by Dr. Bob on September 18, 2002, at 20:05:01
> Please also see my comment in that thread, it applies here, too.
Here's a link, sorry about not including one before:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020908/msgs/30387.html
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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