Posted by noa on February 7, 2004, at 14:10:43
In reply to Total Despair, posted by Mr. Scott on February 4, 2004, at 9:07:54
I think you do need to consider medications. You say you've had difficulty tolerating meds. But have you pursued different combos?
I also have had difficulty tolerating meds, and it took a long time, but I was able to find a combo I can tolerate. It isn't perfect--believe me--not anywhere near perfect. But I consider it my "holding pattern" until a better med or other type of treatment comes along. And the SEs that I'm tolerating now are worth it because of the horrible state I was in before.
Which is what your situation sounds like. You do sound very depressed.
Get a good Pdoc, please, who will work with you to tweak your meds until it is good enough--notice my wording--good enough--yes, there are people who achieve better than that, but that is standard I use--for now--because the alternative is awful.
And, remember that untreated, depression can prime the brain for a worsening course of the illness (kindling effect).
Fwiw, here is the combo I take now:
Meds:
Effexor XR 225 mg
Serzone 500 mg
Adderall XR 30 mg
Lorazepam .25 mg--at night for restless leg SE (from Effexor)
Synthroid 50 mcg and Cytomel 12.5 mcg twice a day
(For hypothyroidism and depression)Supplements:
Fish oil
Chromium Polynicotinate
Zinc
Selenium
Folic Acid
poster:noa
thread:309233
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040204/msgs/310560.html