Posted by TamaraJ on August 19, 2005, at 19:51:15
In reply to Please Tell Me Why No AD Works For Me?, posted by Phillipa on August 19, 2005, at 18:44:49
Phillipa,
My heart goes out to you. I know how discouraging it can be to try treatment after treatment, with no positive effect. I don't know how you feel about trying a natural route, at least for a brief period to try to replenish and rebuild. You could use some L-Tyrosine (for norepiphedrine and dopamine), l-tryptophan (for serotoin) and some L-Glutamine (which helps stabilize blood sugar and improves mood, concentration and focus). I have found the book "The Diet Cure" a good reference. It deals with such issues as hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, blood sugar problems, etc. Maybe you could even go see a good naturopath for recommendations. I have just recently started using a supplement that combines DL-Phenylalanine, L-Glutamine, 5-HTP and some vitamins and minerals. I also am taking L-Tyrosine daily. It's too early to say if it will be effective, but I have noticed an increase in energy.
As far as meds go, although I have never used it, I have read at another site about people who have had very good results combining Lamictal (a mood stabilizer, which has some AD properties apparently) with a SSRI. So, that may be something to raise with your pdoc.
The other thing to think about is the effect that your menopause is having on your mood. Are you using, or have you considered estrogen replacement therapy or hormone replacement therapy? I read a post in the archives here at Babble about a women who, once she started taking estrogen, had a significant improvement in her depression (and anxiety, too, I believe). You can get bio-identical hormones these days, I think. I have just started with a new pdoc and, much to my surprise, he specializes in women's hormonal issues. He even runs a PMS clinic (lucky for me because I have wicked PMS in the past couple of years). Anyway, before he will even consider prescribing any meds for me, he is checking my hormones (he was particularly concerned because of the debilitating reaction I had to Depo last year).
I think you still have options, so try not to despair (easier said than done, I know). Who knows, perhaps a combo of pharmaceutical and natural will help you get back on your feet again.
My thoughts are with you.
Tamara
poster:TamaraJ
thread:543986
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050816/msgs/544017.html