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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on June 9, 2006, at 14:29:42
Hi gang,
I haven't been posting much lately b/c I have been sliding down the depressive hill again (I have been lurking though). I feel lousy. I have been struggling w/ treatment resistant depression for 3.5 yrs (and anxiety and some mild depression before that). I switched to Effexor (from a Lexapro and Desipramine combo) about a month ago in the hopes that it would do a better job. Fortunately, the w/drawal wasn't bad, but unfortunately I am taking 300mg and don't notice any difference.
Pdoc and I have been really stuggling over this. She even had me have a consult w/ another (locally respected) pdoc. I take a combo of a lot of stuff. Right now I'm on: Effexor, Lithium, Neurontin, Dexedrine, and Ambien. The Li seemed really helpful, but not 100%. Today pdoc told me to add 2.5 of Abilify. I'm not thrilled w/ this plan, but I'm willing to do it. Antipsychotics just seem so "serious." I don't have psychotic symptoms, just unrelenting depression. But I do know that (theoretically) AP's can help TRD.
It really freaked me out when she said that if Abilify didn't help, maybe we'd try another AP and then ECT. That's pretty scary.
I think I just need someoene to say, "There, there. It will be okay." Or to share some positive experiences w/ Abilify. Cheer me up. Encourage me.
Best,
EE
Posted by fca on June 9, 2006, at 15:26:29
In reply to Need some encouragement re: my new med combo, posted by Emily Elizabeth on June 9, 2006, at 14:29:42
All I can say that is not just words of reassurance is that some of the AP really do have a beneficial effect on treatment resistant depression. I think it is optimistic that your pdocs are willing to go off label and do some innovation. If the APs do not seem to work you might explore VNS (vagal nerve stimulation) or TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) before ECTs. Both VNS and TMS have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials and may be available in your area. I am not sure if TMS is beyond the trial phase but the physicians with whom I have spoken feel quite optimisitc about it. I am not sure of the eligibility protocols for vns and tms but I am certainly optimisitc about new alternatives. Let's hope the APs plus tweaking your other meds get you to where you want to be Take Care fca
Posted by heaven help me on June 9, 2006, at 20:00:56
In reply to Need some encouragement re: my new med combo, posted by Emily Elizabeth on June 9, 2006, at 14:29:42
I love your name!
Anyway, I am on Anti-psychotics and according to my PA, Dr, myself, and this board I am NOT psychotic. And never have been. It just seems like the right thing to deal with my depressive states. it's been a long time of mixing and trying but this combo, AP and a mood stabilizer seem to work for me. Don't let the name of the drug bother you.
blessings
mary
Posted by Phillipa on June 9, 2006, at 21:52:49
In reply to Re: Need some encouragement re: my new med combo » Emily Elizabeth, posted by heaven help me on June 9, 2006, at 20:00:56
EE I will contact you. Love Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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