Posted by Diane J. on March 31, 2001, at 22:02:35
In reply to No More anti-depressants for me, posted by PattyK on March 30, 2001, at 22:04:40
> I have suffered from depression most of my life. It's a condition that has plauged me on and off for 25-30 years. I finally decided to try anti-depressants about two years ago...people had urged me to try them for years, but I resisted. First, I tried Zoloft. At first, my depression was lifted and it was great. But after a few months, it stopped working. In the meantime, I started gaining weight and had that emotionally numb feeling that is a common side effect of SSRI'S. I felt flat and emotionless most of the time. After about a year, I asked my DR. to let me try something else. He put me on Effexor 150 mgs. I was concerned about gaining more weight, and was told it was unlikely. Wrong. I gained even more weight on Effexor, and the numbness continued. Effexor didn't work that great for me. After 5 months of Effexor, I decided to stop. I thought about trying another anti-depressant, but first I I had to get through Effexor withdrawal. That was very hard. Nightmarish. I think that Effexor will eventually be removed from the market, after the class action lawsuits get started.
> It has been almost two months since I stopped taking Effexor. The withdrawal effects bothered me for about 2-3 weeks. Since I stopped taking Effexor, I am no longer having nightmares and disturbing dreams. I have real emotions again! I love being able to feel emotional again...even though it has the down side of feeling sadness and other unpleasant emotions more...but I feel human again, instead of like a lifeless zombie. I think that many of us are relying on anti-depressants too much, to rescue us from that somtimes painful condition called humanity. If a person has debilitating depression or anxiety, and they find it hard to function in life because of it, then, by all means, use medication to help you function.
> I have decided that for me, anti-depressants are not the answer. I do not enjoy being overweight, (I am an avid excerciser) or emotionally numb, or grinding my jaws, or having disturbing dreams, or going through horrific withdrawal effects. I think from now on, I'll take my chances, and just live my life medicine free. I'll deal with the sad times, and enjoy the happy times. I now can enjoy crying at a movie (something I never did while medicated) and just accept the ups and downs of life. For me, SSRI'S had the unfortunate effect of taking the joy along with the sadness. It's not worth it to me. This is the best decision for me....but it may not be the best one for everybody. Each person has to decide what is best for him/herself. I wish everyone here the best that life has to offer. God Bless.Dear Patty,
I have read all the posts following your message. I don't think your message is "cavalier" or offensive. It sounds to me as if you were telling us how you felt. I didn't get the impression that you were telling others how to live. I agree with Dr. Bob when he says not to be dismissive of the experiences of others. I think it is prudent not to be judgmental.I have had recurrent depression since I was a child. I have also reached the point in which I have decided to leave anti-depressants behind. I am going through withdrawal from Effexor, and at the moment I am down to 75mg. I am glad about it.
I will tell you what made the difference for me, even though I realize that we are individuals and what helped me might not be the answer for you. About a year ago I talked to my psychiatrist about the therapy I was doing with a clinical psychologist. I was unhappy because it seemed to me that the psychologist had been quick to point out my faults and weaknesses but had not given me any direction as to change these behaviors. My psychiatrist suggested that I read the book FEELING GOOD by Dr. David Burns. He said it was the best book on cognitive therapy that existed. I gave it a good read, and I was amazed when I read about the 10 cognitive distortions and recognized myself in many of them. Dr. Burns has a website, www.FeelingGood.com, which I visited (and I still do). I asked some questions, and he answered them.
I did not automatically think I should stop the Effexor. That came about a year later after I started seeing a therapist who was kind and supportive. I also had several e-mail exchanges with Dr. Burns, and I think he is not only very intelligent and professional, he is also a nice guy.
You might want to give it a look. I hope everything works out for you.
Diane J.
poster:Diane J.
thread:58166
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010327/msgs/58250.html