Posted by Shirley on June 13, 1999, at 1:42:09
In reply to Help, please, Doctors. Effexor and ?? question, posted by Racer on June 10, 1999, at 21:55:03
Hi Racer,
Not really.
What planet is your doctor from? I recall that you've mentioned your frustration in finding a good doctor. Have you considered a nurse-practioner-type of therapist (they can prescribe medication)? I know that in my area (Pacific NW), psychiatrists are booked up for weeks and sometimes months in advance--not very helpful when one is feeling suicidal. Some nurse-practioners know as much about these meds as the doctors they often work with. Just a suggestion.
Effexor....I've found Trazodone to be helpful for sleep, but there are many, many other meds to choose from for sleep (somebody once implied that I should be a poster child for Trazodone). It was mentioned in another post below that Effexor limits REM sleep, which explains a lot (even though I slept with Trazodone/Effexor, I never felt "rested").
Neurontin works well for me (it's been the most effective one I've tried so far). I began using it with Effexor, and it has been very helpful in neutralizing my mood swings. It also made me feel pleasantly "buzzed" at first, which was a vast improvement over my usual mood. That particular side effect has diminished over time, though. Neurontin is frequently prescribed as a pain reliever, which can't hurt either... : )
I've been tapering off the Effexor, though, and will give Celexa a try next (along with the Neurontin). My goal is to have just two pill bottles to deal with, and not the 5 or 6 I have now (some in different mgs). Sometimes I think I'm well enough that I should just taper off all of them, so maybe I'll try that next.
Sometimes you just have to be the one to figure out what to try next. Doctors tend to stick to their own tried and true meds, and may actually welcome your suggestion (particularly if you've done some of your own research). The ones who DON'T want to hear your opinion are the ones to avoid. My limited experience has been that the better ones like to deal with a patient who is self-informed--they tend to be the ones who are also well-versed in the newer drugs, too.
So many meds; so little time!
Take care, Racer...
Shirley
poster:Shirley
thread:7271
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990601/msgs/7322.html