Posted by Geezer on November 21, 2002, at 13:43:19
In reply to Re: Should my child even start Effexor XR, posted by mld on November 21, 2002, at 8:27:01
> > Hi mld,
> >
> > Just my opinion.....OK? I am an oldtimer, have been on the receiving end of psyc. drug treatment for 30 years (currently taking 30 mg of Parnate and receiving ECT). Let me say it straight up - no child of mine would get anywhere near Effexor or Paxil! I have children and grandchildren...it just wouldn't happen.
> >
> > I have lived with my share of pain and survived a couple of "close calls".....I can't even imagine the hurt you have experienced. My heart goes out to you.
> >
> > Geezer
>
> Thank you for your posting. I'm still confused, as my child hasn't been sleeping through the night for over a year. She is resisting therapy, but will be going to a 'social worker' in about 4 days. But she's supposed to start the Effexor before that!
> mld
>Hi mld,
My suggestion would be to ask the psychiatrist to start your daughter on one of the "softer" SSRI drugs, Celexa, Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, etc. - there is no conclusive evidence that anyone of these drugs is better than the other. Since there is no empirical, scientific testing to match the right drug to the right patient, the trial-and-error method is necessary to determine which drug your daughter can best tolerate. Your daughter's problem with sleep is one of the symptoms of depression that demands prompt attention.
Another important thing to rule out before any anti-depressants are given is Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression.....there are several mild and suttle forms, not always easy to recognize). If Bipolar Depression is a possibility a mood stabilizer MUST be given. Bipolar Depression can not be treated without first stabilizing the mood.
Effexor seems to be very popular with the pdocs (apparently they feel it is most effective and acts quickly), what they don't recognize-or won't admit to-are the withdrawal symptoms. None of these AD meds work indefinitely, a young person can face many med changes over a lifetime, the changes should be as "painless" as possible.
I hope you will continue to post and keep us updated on your daughter's progress.
Geezer
poster:Geezer
thread:128276
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021116/msgs/128628.html