![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tina on December 20, 2001, at 8:30:23
I've been on and off meds since 1989. I had a good 3 or 4 years where I didn't need anything,,,,,amazing as that seems.
The thing is, when I am on meds, I "feel" my body is becoming toxic. I worry about the damage meds may be doing to my physical system. When I am taking meds, I can only think about NOT taking them because I am so afraid of what they are doing inside my body. I am very sensitive to my physical reactions to things. Taking a med every day "feels" like I'm pumping toxins into my body and how can that be better than the emotional/mental instability. I guess I figure, what's the point of feeling mentally good if,physically, my body is slowly being destroyed from the inside out.
How do I get around feeling that way or is it part of the anxiety syndrome that has become such a fixture in my existence?
Posted by Fi on December 20, 2001, at 8:56:37
In reply to Conundrum, enigma, BIG problem, posted by tina on December 20, 2001, at 8:30:23
I dont know how/if you can change your thinking, and I know there are lots of debates about side effects. But if it helps, I dont see taking mine as toxic at all. Its in the same category for me as food- something I need to take in which I am not expecting to do me particular harm (tho that is qualified with lovely sticky puddings which will be doing my teeth and arteries no good at all!) My mother also took meds for many years and never had any short or long term side effects, let alone being 'eaten from the inside'.
We may both have been particularly lucky, of course.
Another perspective is that I have known various people with depression/anxiety who had a fear that there insides were being eaten up or destroyed (as a general fear, not thinking it was linked to meds), so it could be part of the anxiety too. So if anything helps the anxiety, it *might* help that too. Or maybe to be aware that just because you believe its toxic doesnt mean its necessarily true.
But big sympathies with your conundrum (that took 3 attempts at spelling!) I realise its not easy.
Fi
> I've been on and off meds since 1989. I had a good 3 or 4 years where I didn't need anything,,,,,amazing as that seems.
> The thing is, when I am on meds, I "feel" my body is becoming toxic. I worry about the damage meds may be doing to my physical system. When I am taking meds, I can only think about NOT taking them because I am so afraid of what they are doing inside my body. I am very sensitive to my physical reactions to things. Taking a med every day "feels" like I'm pumping toxins into my body and how can that be better than the emotional/mental instability. I guess I figure, what's the point of feeling mentally good if,physically, my body is slowly being destroyed from the inside out.
> How do I get around feeling that way or is it part of the anxiety syndrome that has become such a fixture in my existence?
Posted by tina on December 20, 2001, at 9:05:09
In reply to Re: Conundrum, enigma, BIG problem » tina, posted by Fi on December 20, 2001, at 8:56:37
It isn't the side effects so much as it's putting foreign chemicals into my body on a daily basis. Even if thoses chemicals help, it still feels wrong to swallow chemicals two and three times a day............it's a hard one to figure out.
> > > > > > > > > > > >
now how/if you can change your thinking, and I know there are lots of debates about side effects. But if it helps, I dont see taking mine as toxic at all. Its in the same category for me as food- something I need to take in which I am not expecting to do me particular harm (tho that is qualified with lovely sticky puddings which will be doing my teeth and arteries no good at all!) My mother also took meds for many years and never had any short or long term side effects, let alone being 'eaten from the inside'.
>
> We may both have been particularly lucky, of course.
>
> Another perspective is that I have known various people with depression/anxiety who had a fear that there insides were being eaten up or destroyed (as a general fear, not thinking it was linked to meds), so it could be part of the anxiety too. So if anything helps the anxiety, it *might* help that too. Or maybe to be aware that just because you believe its toxic doesnt mean its necessarily true.
>
> But big sympathies with your conundrum (that took 3 attempts at spelling!) I realise its not easy.
>
> Fi
>
> > I've been on and off meds since 1989. I had a good 3 or 4 years where I didn't need anything,,,,,amazing as that seems.
> > The thing is, when I am on meds, I "feel" my body is becoming toxic. I worry about the damage meds may be doing to my physical system. When I am taking meds, I can only think about NOT taking them because I am so afraid of what they are doing inside my body. I am very sensitive to my physical reactions to things. Taking a med every day "feels" like I'm pumping toxins into my body and how can that be better than the emotional/mental instability. I guess I figure, what's the point of feeling mentally good if,physically, my body is slowly being destroyed from the inside out.
> > How do I get around feeling that way or is it part of the anxiety syndrome that has become such a fixture in my existence?
Posted by Dinah on December 20, 2001, at 10:05:46
In reply to Re: Conundrum, enigma, BIG problem, posted by tina on December 20, 2001, at 9:05:09
Tina,
It's hard for me to answer that one because I have similar concerns. I know that my Mom takes insulin daily and would die without it. I know that there are many drugs out there that are keeping many people alive who would have been dead before medical science figured these things out, but I always have problems with how little people understand about psychiatric medications. I am very wary about taking any of the newer medications. I feel safer taking the ones that have been around for a while. I also for some reason feel safer taking the medications that other patients like those with epilepsy take in much higher doses.
All that being said, I do think, in my case, my OCD and anxiety might be distorting my thought processes a bit. It's hard to say. I'm also rather puritanical, which might have something to do with it.
That's why I have come to the decision to use minimal medications and substitute maintenance therapy instead. Although, if you've read any of my posts you can tell that therapy has its side effects as well.
All in all, I'm not sure if it's the right approach. Sometimes I think I might benefit from some Zyprexa.
So, I have no clarity at all to add to your conundrum. Just a lot of sympathy for your position.
By the way, I have researched extensively and found that DBT is not offered in my area on an outpatient basis. I find that very odd and backward thinking of our local mental health community. Most of the major facilities didn't even know what it was.
Posted by IsoM on December 20, 2001, at 12:05:30
In reply to Conundrum, enigma, BIG problem, posted by tina on December 20, 2001, at 8:30:23
Tina, I don't know if this is a good answer for you but I've been taking medications for depression & at times, anxiety since '87 (at last count 18 different kinds but not all at once, of course). When I'm feeling down & my medication & siturations just aren't working well, I worry a lot about harmful effects on my body from the chemicals. I imagine that all sorts of weird things are being irreversibly changed, my brain chemistry in particular.
But when it works well & I feel good, I realise it's not a real problem to be concerned about. I think part of it may simply be the depression/anxiety having its way with our thinking.
I've taken enough biology & chemistry courses at university to understand the cellular processes fairly well. I voraciously read science & medical journals too. When these meds go through our system, they end up going into the liver where it breaks down the med into its metabolites. Eventually all the metabolites & unconjugated meds are sent to the kidneys to wash our in our urine & some are excreted in the feces.
I just make sure to take good care of my liver & kidneys. It's why I drink alcohol both lightly & rarely. I avoid cleaning chemicals that can be absorbed by our lungs or skin into our bodies. Many can affect the liver. I take extra time-release vitamin C for helping the liver (yes, it really does work - it's not hype). And I drink lots of water on a regular basis.
After taking meds for +13 years, my health is still good. Everything works well (except my joints from a number of old injuries) & I feel & look good. The fact that my track record is still good after 13 years tells my mind that the meds aren't causing any lasting damage, if any at all. I hope this eases your fears a little. :)
****************************************************************************************************
> I've been on and off meds since 1989. I had a good 3 or 4 years where I didn't need anything,,,,,amazing as that seems.
> The thing is, when I am on meds, I "feel" my body is becoming toxic. I worry about the damage meds may be doing to my physical system. When I am taking meds, I can only think about NOT taking them because I am so afraid of what they are doing inside my body. I am very sensitive to my physical reactions to things. Taking a med every day "feels" like I'm pumping toxins into my body and how can that be better than the emotional/mental instability. I guess I figure, what's the point of feeling mentally good if,physically, my body is slowly being destroyed from the inside out.
> How do I get around feeling that way or is it part of the anxiety syndrome that has become such a fixture in my existence?
Posted by stjames on December 20, 2001, at 14:13:39
In reply to Conundrum, enigma, BIG problem, posted by tina on December 20, 2001, at 8:30:23
I think making a across the board statement that meds are toxic, bad for the body, etc is false.
We do know the process thru which meds are broken down, you might want to read up on what "toxic" really means in context with the human body.Also keep in mind that depression is very neurotoxic, itself, if left untreated.
james
Posted by tina on December 20, 2001, at 15:42:16
In reply to Re: Conundrum, enigma, BIG problem, posted by stjames on December 20, 2001, at 14:13:39
> Also keep in mind that depression is very neurotoxic, itself, if left untreated.
good point.
Posted by Kristi on December 21, 2001, at 20:01:17
In reply to Harmful Effects From Meds? » tina, posted by IsoM on December 20, 2001, at 12:05:30
Hi......
I'm sure it's been posted many times, but what meds are you taking?
I feel the same way you do. Please don't everyone want to kill me, but I stopped taking them because of the fear. I have many other ways of dealing that have helped me , but everyone is different.
But as I said in the heading..... IsoM is right on the money. Listen to what your body tells you, get check ups..... just be aware. Just my 1 cent. Take care kiddo..... Kristi
> Tina, I don't know if this is a good answer for you but I've been taking medications for depression & at times, anxiety since '87 (at last count 18 different kinds but not all at once, of course). When I'm feeling down & my medication & siturations just aren't working well, I worry a lot about harmful effects on my body from the chemicals. I imagine that all sorts of weird things are being irreversibly changed, my brain chemistry in particular.
>
> But when it works well & I feel good, I realise it's not a real problem to be concerned about. I think part of it may simply be the depression/anxiety having its way with our thinking.
>
> I've taken enough biology & chemistry courses at university to understand the cellular processes fairly well. I voraciously read science & medical journals too. When these meds go through our system, they end up going into the liver where it breaks down the med into its metabolites. Eventually all the metabolites & unconjugated meds are sent to the kidneys to wash our in our urine & some are excreted in the feces.
>
> I just make sure to take good care of my liver & kidneys. It's why I drink alcohol both lightly & rarely. I avoid cleaning chemicals that can be absorbed by our lungs or skin into our bodies. Many can affect the liver. I take extra time-release vitamin C for helping the liver (yes, it really does work - it's not hype). And I drink lots of water on a regular basis.
>
> After taking meds for +13 years, my health is still good. Everything works well (except my joints from a number of old injuries) & I feel & look good. The fact that my track record is still good after 13 years tells my mind that the meds aren't causing any lasting damage, if any at all. I hope this eases your fears a little. :)
>
> ****************************************************************************************************
>
> > I've been on and off meds since 1989. I had a good 3 or 4 years where I didn't need anything,,,,,amazing as that seems.
> > The thing is, when I am on meds, I "feel" my body is becoming toxic. I worry about the damage meds may be doing to my physical system. When I am taking meds, I can only think about NOT taking them because I am so afraid of what they are doing inside my body. I am very sensitive to my physical reactions to things. Taking a med every day "feels" like I'm pumping toxins into my body and how can that be better than the emotional/mental instability. I guess I figure, what's the point of feeling mentally good if,physically, my body is slowly being destroyed from the inside out.
> > How do I get around feeling that way or is it part of the anxiety syndrome that has become such a fixture in my existence?
Posted by stjames on December 22, 2001, at 23:07:37
In reply to Re: Tina, IsoM has great advice....., posted by Kristi on December 21, 2001, at 20:01:17
Please don't everyone want to kill me, but I stopped taking them because of the fear.
James here.....
Would it not be better to just get a Liver Function test instead of stopping meds because you assume they are doing harm ?
j
Posted by tina on December 23, 2001, at 9:14:22
In reply to Re: Tina, IsoM has great advice....., posted by stjames on December 22, 2001, at 23:07:37
James
It's not a question of having "proof" that meds aren't harmful. It's how it feels inside my system. It may perhaps be just my own perception, but if taking a med every day gives me more anxiety about it's harmful effects, does it not follow that taking that med is not good for me??> Please don't everyone want to kill me, but I stopped taking them because of the fear.
>
> James here.....
>
> Would it not be better to just get a Liver Function test instead of stopping meds because you assume they are doing harm ?
>
> j
Posted by shellir on December 23, 2001, at 10:42:17
In reply to Re: Tina, IsoM has great advice..... » stjames, posted by tina on December 23, 2001, at 9:14:22
> James
> It's not a question of having "proof" that meds aren't harmful. It's how it feels inside my system. It may perhaps be just my own perception, but if taking a med every day gives me more anxiety about it's harmful effects, does it not follow that taking that med is not good for me??
>
> > Please don't everyone want to kill me, but I stopped taking them because of the fear.
> >
> > James here.....
> >
> > Would it not be better to just get a Liver Function test instead of stopping meds because you assume they are doing harm ?
> >
> > jtina,
is it at all possible for you to distinquish between types of meds? Some meds are more toxic than others--some just add more of exactly what you already have in your body. If it's not possible, this is not a criticism, just a suggestion.
shelli
Posted by Kristi on December 23, 2001, at 13:40:30
In reply to Re: Tina, IsoM has great advice....., posted by stjames on December 22, 2001, at 23:07:37
Well, that might have been great advice at the time, but it's been about a year without... and I've done some things that work well. Just my opinion. I HAVE NOTHING AGAINST THE STUFF.. stuff afraid of it. Guess I found what works for me.> Please don't everyone want to kill me, but I stopped taking them because of the fear.
>
> James here.....
>
> Would it not be better to just get a Liver Function test instead of stopping meds because you assume they are doing harm ?
>
> j
Posted by stjames on December 23, 2001, at 14:11:59
In reply to Re: Tina, IsoM has great advice..... » stjames, posted by tina on December 23, 2001, at 9:14:22
It is really your choice to take meds, deal with the facts, or suffer to progressive nature of mental illness left unchecked.
I don't think this is about toxicisity, at all.
It's is about not wanting to be on meds, which forces one to face the reality of having mental illness. If ones consern is really based of the effect of meds on the liver/body, then the facts and tests should reduse consern.James
Posted by tina on December 24, 2001, at 7:54:40
In reply to Re: Tina, IsoM has great advice.....-james, posted by Kristi on December 23, 2001, at 13:40:30
What do you do that works for you??? I'd be interested in knowing what I could do other than taking the meds...........
YOu can email me if you'd prefer not to leave yoursefl open to criticism here ~wink~
hystoree2001@yahoo.com
Merry Christmas>
> Well, that might have been great advice at the time, but it's been about a year without... and I've done some things that work well. Just my opinion. I HAVE NOTHING AGAINST THE STUFF.. stuff afraid of it. Guess I found what works for me.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Please don't everyone want to kill me, but I stopped taking them because of the fear.
> >
> > James here.....
> >
> > Would it not be better to just get a Liver Function test instead of stopping meds because you assume they are doing harm ?
> >
> > j
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Social | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.