Posted by wcfrench on November 21, 2002, at 0:32:50
OK I know this title is a little off-the-wall.
Hi, I wanted to write and see how people felt about the use of caffeine as an antidepressant (among other things). I've heard that it's not good in the long run? I think it was from Shawn T., who is the king of that department. I take a cup of coffee (as if it were medicine :)) everyday in beginning of work, and drink 1-2 diet sodas throughout the day, seems to keep me going fine. I also use 1mg Klonopin for anti-anxiety at work, but not at home. I'm pretty sure the caffeine has an antidepressing effect, but if I'm trying to get better for good, and maybe eventually be off of medication, what should I do in that respect? I've heard to cut all stimulants, exercise, and go hardcore on self-therapy, but I'm not sure if I could work to the point of not needing medicine, as we all fear.
To make this more related, I take Lithium+Zoloft+Wellbutrin with little avail, as I have posted a few times before, and I'm looking for alternatives. I'm not deep in the hole, but I'm not out... at least I have the drive to do something to feel better.
CBT? I know already that it has been (cognitive behavioral therapy -- sorry if you didn't know that! Don't you hate reading acronyms all the time that you don't know?)... already know that it works wonders for many. There is a self-course going around that's about 400 dollars and is an 11-week course, and I'm thinking of giving it a shot. It's tapes, a relaxation tape, and workbook exercises. It takes some commitment, but the results have been outstanding and it's been going on for 14 years. Has anyone tried it?
Supplements... What do you think about supplements? I tried augmenting my combination with omega-3 fish oil, nothing. Tried, 5HTP and St. John's wart (despite warnings) and they didn't seem to have an effect. Someone told me to try SAM-E? They say it's like a "natural prozac?" (not that Prozac would work for me anyway), so I'm considering trying that. Anyone feel a certain way about it? Good, bad, dangerous, useless? Thx.
Take care all,
Yours,
Charlie
poster:wcfrench
thread:128568
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021116/msgs/128568.html