Posted by Bob on May 12, 2005, at 10:00:23
In reply to Re: ECT failure? » Bob, posted by jerrympls on May 11, 2005, at 19:23:09
> Hi Bob
> Good questions you raise. I don't think my ECT treatment was considered an "emergency" treatment - it was more of a last resort becuase I wasn't responding to traditional meds. After ECT my depression got much worse and I started having panic attacks - which I had NOT had prior to treatment. I've had more "suicidal ideation" since my ECT - much much more so than prior to the treatments. I also have been in the hospital more (in psych wards) than before my ECT too. I've never attempted suicide - but have come very close. Currently I'm on a med cocktail that has kept me pretty stable and out of deep periods of severe depression. I currently take Lexapro, Klonopin, Dexedrine and hydrocodone. Yes, an opiate. My doc finally agreed to prescribe it for me and it's worked wonders - no miracle cure - but very close to "normal" and I'm able to work. I've been on opiate therapy for my depression for about 5-6 months now? and have had no problems with tolerance or abuse.
>
> Jerry
>Jerry:
Once again, you've raised a few more questions for me.
When you say you "weren't responding to traditional meds", does that mean they just weren't changing how you felt, or were they doing unpleasant things both psychologically and somatically? For me, it got to the point where my body was having extreme problems and experiencing all kinds of physical side effects.?
If you were having physical reactions to the meds before ECT, I guess it's safe to assume that you are not going through that now?
My therapist told me the other day that her recent experiences have shown that hospitals rarely keep people for more than a day or two if you go there claiming you are suicidal. Did you find this to be true? I asked her who goes in the psych ward, and she couldn't really tell me. She said that as soon as you say you are not currently suicidal, they check you out!
You said you're working now. How long did you not work? That is a wild drug combo, but it must be working pretty well if you're working.
Last question: how much Klonopin are you taking? Have you ever noticed a difference between Klonopin, and the generic Clonazepam? I've heard from some sources that the generic is possibly "dirtier".
Bob
poster:Bob
thread:495223
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050510/msgs/496840.html