Posted by Wendy B. on October 12, 2001, at 23:21:48
In reply to Re: A new miracle med? Great commercial.... » Greg, posted by bob on October 11, 2001, at 22:01:48
> All the ads I've seen or heard (television, magazine, radio, etc...) have been amusing to me. The grossly oversimplify the treatment of depression, and lead people to believe that taking these drugs is like taking aspirin for a minor ache. They would also lead you to believe that no trial and error would ever be necessary, as if any of the drugs out there are that successful. I also think about how much discomfort the side-effects of these drugs have brought me, and feel sorry for anyone who may not have that serious of a problem, but would be lulled into taking these drugs by the ads.
>
> Bob
hi bob,
i know what you mean, about the banal ads for SSRIs. but somehow, it may bring the person into the 'wonderful world of meds,' as it were...i was turned around when i started zoloft many moons ago now. it made me feel *much* better right away, like a matter of days. i felt better for a long time, gained 30 lbs, though... it didn't matter to me, seemed a small price to pay. zoloft pooped out about a year ago, and i also then had to re-negotiate my dx, which turned out to be not just dysthymia, anxiety, & chronic depression, but bipolar I.
i'm on a different regimen now: wellbutrin helped me lose all the weight i gained and keeps me up, the neurontin keeps me on an even keel, most of the time. but without that initial glimpse into a better world that the zoloft gave me, i wouldn't have continued on in a search for the right combination. and i do believe there is a combo/cocktail that will work, at least for awhile.
so the ads are moronic, but maybe have their place. doctors still have to do the prescribing, and consumer awareness is usually a good thing.
all the best,
wendy
poster:Wendy B.
thread:81024
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011007/msgs/81169.html