Posted by OldSchool on January 1, 2002, at 21:19:24
In reply to The Sky is Falling, posted by akc on January 1, 2002, at 20:41:01
> I guess I always wonder when someone comes along and starts saying that a med or a treatment or whatever is bad or good. The tone of some of these posts have been pretty on the downside of AP's in general (seroquel in particular). And other posts seem to preach ECT as the cure-all. I am certain that for some, AP's have been a nightmare and for some ECT has offered a great cure. But I would guess the opposite is also true. I know one thing, because most of us here are not professional researchers, it sure would help me if people would talk about their experience. For instance, when I was on zyprexa (along with other stuff), I gained 60 pounds. Since I have been on seroquel (along with some other stuff), I have added about 5 more, depending on the week. For me, the zyprexa was great for my distorted thinking, but I couldn't handle the weight gain. For me, the seroquel doesn't do quite as good a job with the thinking, but I'm not gaining the weight. Journal articles are also useful, but it is these personal experiences that help me most. Reading on this board how many people struggle with weight gain while on zyprexa -- well, it made me feel less of a fat slob. When dealing with depression and distorted thinking, that is a useful piece of information for me to have. To have someone come along and share his or her horrible experience with AP's -- while I might not be having the problem now, or am not on that drug now, it is something I can file away. But when a person talks in generalities, while it scares me, I wonder what is really going on. Why the need to convert all? As has been pointed out, what works for one, may not work for another -- I'm just don't think is wise to be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. ECT may save one, but zyprexa or seroquel may save another. And they both have risks. We just have to weigh the risks. And the more personal stories I get, the better I can make that decision.
>
> akc
AKC, Im just trying to point out objective facts about some of the treatments for hard to treat mood disorders. Such as atypical anti-psychotic augmentation and old fashioned ECT.The facts for atypical anti-psychotics are:
1) the risk factor for development of movement disorders is NOT zero or nil, as the pharmaceutical companies would like to have us believe. This is particularly true for people who have primarily mood disorders, like depression.
2) movement disorders, once developed can be difficult to get rid of and can greatly complicate treatment. Normally thought of only in relation to schizophrenia, movement disorders also can occur in those with depression who have been treated with atypical anti-psychotics.
its these mood disordered folks who get hit by movement disorders that is especially sad. With schizophrenia/schizoaffective, you kind of expect it eventually. But why should someone with depression end up with a numb tongue or stiff muscles? Thats fucked up and I dont think it ought to be tolerated.
2) atypical anti-psychotics significantly raise blood sugar and can induce diabetes. These drugs also cause obesity.
The facts for ECT are:
1) the main side effect is memory loss. Usually short term memory loss, around the time of the ECT.
2) social stigma is high, because of the way ECT was used in the past before psychiatry reform
3) ECT is psychologically scary, because people are afraid of electricity.
But ECT doesnt raise blood sugar levels, make you fat, cause diabetes or cause movement disorders. In fact ECT gets the dopamine flowing good and makes you loose as a goose. Do you see my point? ECT is devoid of the many drug side effects so many complain about.
Old School
poster:OldSchool
thread:87920
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011222/msgs/88488.html