Posted by SLS on August 18, 2022, at 20:17:18
In reply to Re: antidepressant options? - For everyone... » SLS, posted by linkadge on August 18, 2022, at 10:15:56
> For me, stopping escitalopram wasn't exactly a choice. I felt that it was putting me at greater risk to myself. Also, I don't exactly have the mental health support (here in Canada) to work through such side effects. I am at ~ 4/10 right now. I can't exactly tolerate something takes me down to 0/10.
That's not what I suggested.4/10 is not too bad - not that you would want to live that way. I'm glad that each of your conscious moments aren't torturous.
Is there anything you can treat yourself with that doesn't include a classic antidepressant that would keep your head above water for an extended period of time? Well, actually, I guess that's not absolutely necessary. If you can remain at 4/10 for 3 months without making any changes at all, that might serve as a drug-holiday of sorts. I know this is an uncomfortable idea for you, but consider your treatment history. I, myself, am very vulnerable to *Einstein's definition of insanity when it comes to playing with my medications on my own. I'm embarrassed to describe some of the unintelligent things I've done over the years - so I won't. It might take a monumental change in the way you approach treatment in order to optimize your chances of culling a more robust improvement.
It is extremely easy for me to say these things now because I am removed in time from being tortured by a hideous depression. I know very well desperation and impatience. Perhaps you should read what I wrote a few more times, and think of homeostasis as being the one variable that you have neglected. Let your brain catch its breath.
I have never come across a post of yours wherein you listed your medications and dosages. Would you be willing to let people brainstorm your treatment a bit?
I am sad that you don't have access to all of the tools that I do.
One family drugs has been conspicuously absent in your posts over the last 20 years - MAO inhibitors; specifically, Nardil, Marplan, and Parnate. EMSAM is of questionable value at the lowest dosage for depression. One *must* take a minimum dosage of EMSAM that inhibits MAO-A as well as MAO-B. Nardil is easily the best of the three for me. You might want to try Parnate first. It has a stimulant property that I would think is comparable to methylphenidate or amphetamine. Parnate doesn't have a dosage window like Nardil does, and it is usually better tolerated. That doesn't mean that Nardil won't end up being a better drug for you, of course.
I feel strongly about the the things I wrote to you earlier. Maybe just slow down a little?
* Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
poster:SLS
thread:1120383
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20220530/msgs/1120388.html