Posted by Torrey on April 15, 1999, at 3:51:52
In reply to To Medicate or Not Medicate--?, posted by ruth on April 14, 1999, at 8:37:46
Sorry for the blank response - I'm still figuring out this new Web browser from Microsoft! Anyways, Ruth, I can really relate to your situation. I know I do better on the meds, but its only *somewhat* better, and the side-effects really do disturb me. I've tried all the SSRI's now, and yes, Celexa has a bit less side-effects, but its still more than I'm comfortable living with. And I agree, its enlightening to realize that much of what I go through when I stop the meds is WITHDRAWAL, and that it can be pretty long-term in itself. These drugs create a need for themselves - I think they call it "addiction." I'm not one of those people on a moral high-horse about addiction, of any type, but let's see it for what it is - a chemical dependency. If we REALLY need that to have a decent quality of life, its a worthwhile trade-off, but this is not like taking an aspirin for a headache. Its a way of life. And I'm rather attached to having a life that includes good sex and a clear mind, which the meds consistently seem to interfere with.
So, I'm venturing off the meds again myself. Pretty sure the Celexa is out of my system by now, and going to start the St John's Wort tomorrow. With meds or without, we're all struggling here with similar issues, and its good to have this forum to communicate in. Good luck!
Torrey
poster:Torrey
thread:4861
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990401/msgs/4896.html