Posted by Cybele on September 22, 2004, at 16:34:51
In reply to Dysthymia. What to do? ECT anyone?, posted by craig getty on September 22, 2004, at 14:21:34
I am also dysthymic (30 years now, since age 13) and haven't had much success with ADs. I am currently weaning off Effexor (75mg for 3-1/2 months) as the small improvement, if any, wasn't worth the 15 pound weight gain.
I gotta tell you, the only thing that helps me is exercise at least 5x a week for at least 30 minutes (preferably 45 minutes) at 70-90% of my maximum heartrate. Three times a week seems to work OK if the workouts are really hard (studio cycling classes from tough instructors). I've been doing that whilst on the Effexor, and I think that's what has caused my improvement. I no longer have "bad" (unmotivated, tired, forgetful) days.
Check out this article:
http://bjsm.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/35/5/342
poster:Cybele
thread:393737
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040921/msgs/393770.html