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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Stellaz on March 16, 2003, at 1:34:46
Hi there. Over the last few years I've been on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Lex and, recently requip to counteract lex side effects. I find that I start taking something when I'm feeling depressed, then after a month or two I discontinue because of the side effects (usually sexual, anxiety or focus issues). I've started and stopped 3 times in the past 4=5 months. I can't live with em, have a hard time living without them (not in a suicidal sense, but more just being able to function)Does anyone know whether there is a med that can be used safely and sporadically to relieve the acute symptoms of an otherwise high-functioning persistant depression?
Thanks
Stellaz
Posted by stjames on March 16, 2003, at 3:02:44
In reply to ADs as symptom band-aids?, posted by Stellaz on March 16, 2003, at 1:34:46
Depression tends to come and go, but does get worse over time, if untreated. Starting and stopping AD's has the unfortunate side effect of
sometimes making an AD that worked in the past not work again. Through treatment of depression
will keep it from progressing and spotty treatment will make it progress. There are over 30 AD's on the market and many have to try lots of them to
find the one or ones that work and can be tolarated.
Posted by Tabitha on March 16, 2003, at 14:27:53
In reply to ADs as symptom band-aids?, posted by Stellaz on March 16, 2003, at 1:34:46
Some doctors use a really low dose for maintenance. If you take say 1/4 the usual dose you're less likely to get side effects and it might still prevent relapse.
Posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 19:48:08
In reply to ADs as symptom band-aids?, posted by Stellaz on March 16, 2003, at 1:34:46
Hi there, May I ask when you say"(not in a suicidal sense, but more just being able to function)"---like crying a lot? anger?
hope to hear back.Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Does anyone know whether there is a med that can be used safely and sporadically to relieve the acute symptoms of an otherwise high-functioning persistant depression?
Hi there. Over the last few years I've been on Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Lex and, recently requip to counteract lex side effects. I find that I start taking something when I'm feeling depressed, then after a month or two I discontinue because of the side effects (usually sexual, anxiety or focus issues). I've started and stopped 3 times in the past 4=5 months. I can't live with em, have a hard time living without them (not in a suicidal sense, but more just being able to function)Does anyone know whether there is a med that can be used safely and sporadically to relieve the acute symptoms of an otherwise high-functioning persistant depression?
>
> Thanks
> Stellaz
Posted by T_R_D on March 17, 2003, at 13:20:28
In reply to ADs as symptom band-aids?, posted by Stellaz on March 16, 2003, at 1:34:46
Since there is no "cure" for depression we must take anti-depressants in order to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. I guess that qualifies as a band-aid!
I'm wondering if you, like me, suffer from Treatment Resistant Depression. I have needed very high doses of the drugs I have taken plus some type of augmentation/combination therapy. You might be in the same boat.
I have a theory that depression can manifest itself in two types of ways: that which can enter remission after a suitable course of drug therapy and that which will require drug treatment for the rest of the person's life. For me, I'm afraid I'm in the latter category and what makes me feel that way is having a genetic predisposition to mentla illness. It wasn't like *boom* a traumatic event just "happened" and then I became depressed, I remember feeling down and suicidal since childhood.
I'm not sure if this answers your question but you may not ever be able to be completely "drug free." That's a conclusion I feel I am drawing with regards to my own health. And if that's the case? Well, it beats the alternative, right? There are a lot of drugs out there so just keep trying.
Karen
This is the end of the thread.
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