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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Chris on June 10, 1999, at 0:11:57
Have been suffering from depression since I was 24 and can't seem to find anything that really works or doesn't have to many side effects to handle.
I have tried nortryptiline, wellbutin, Nardil, effexor, prozac, lithium, depakote.
The Nardil work the best but eventually sent me into major mood swings. Effexor the latest try leaves me very
fuzzy headed and difficult to concentrate. Kind of sick of the whole medication route and the health insurance I can no longer afford.Symptoms experiencing:
Lowered mood
Fatigue
Sleeping to much
loss of interest in sex
lack of concentration
sensitivity to rejection
apathy
who gives a shit attitudeCan anyone give me a direction or faith
Posted by JohnL on June 10, 1999, at 2:58:58
In reply to Frustrated, posted by Chris on June 10, 1999, at 0:11:57
> Have been suffering from depression since I was 24 and can't seem to find anything that really works or doesn't have to many side effects to handle.
> I have tried nortryptiline, wellbutin, Nardil, effexor, prozac, lithium, depakote.
> The Nardil work the best but eventually sent me into major mood swings. Effexor the latest try leaves me very
> fuzzy headed and difficult to concentrate. Kind of sick of the whole medication route and the health insurance I can no longer afford.
>
> Symptoms experiencing:
>
> Lowered mood
> Fatigue
> Sleeping to much
> loss of interest in sex
> lack of concentration
> sensitivity to rejection
> apathy
> who gives a shit attitude
>
> Can anyone give me a direction or faithChris, you've sure tried a lot of meds. Am assuming side effects prevented proper dosage for long enough time. That's me too, and the primary cause of treatment failure. Your symptoms are textbook classic. I hear a lot of people like Parnate better than Nardil, and some docs claim it is more robust. Worth a try, since this class of meds has worked best so far. The mood swings are definitely a concern. There are a whole bunch more to try than just lithium or depakote. I hear wonderful comments especially on Lamactil, which apparently has significant antidepressent qualities in addition to mood stabilization. I've seen claims that 60mg Prozac was reduced to 10-20mg when combined with Lamactil, Nardil down to 20mg, etc. Its side effects are viewed as being more favorable than lithium. Also a new approach with many positive comments, is to augment with Naltrexone. Search this site/page for more info on that. Looks very promising. Especially when you feel bad, the whole medicine thing and expense makes one want to give up. But you can't, you have a long life ahead and so much to accomplish. Don't underestimate the power of religion, and the power of counseling (try a local depression group, it's free). My own counselor, a real honest pro, admits my highest priority is finding the right medicine before expecting further counseling to be a big help. In the meantime, it helps with coping and reassurance. Hang in there, you're a tougher cookie with more insight and wisdom than any "normal" people out there could ever experience. There are blessings and silver linings if we look deep enough. JohnL.
Posted by Gigi on June 10, 1999, at 8:27:02
In reply to Re: Frustrated, posted by JohnL on June 10, 1999, at 2:58:58
First to John - what a beautiful reply; I have a feeling your reply helped many people who read these posts.
Chris, I am 36 and have fought depression most of my life. I too am on the med roundtable and have no idea how long until they find the right one. Fortunately I am married to an incredibly understanding man and that certainly helps; if I were alone I do not know what I would do.
All of the depression pain has caused me to re-evulate my life and priorities and in many ways I feel God is trying to get my attention; perhaps the only way to remove me from the rat race was make it impossible for me to function (I spent months in bed). However, I have found praying
to be helpful and even yelling at God sometimes "why me?"; I still do not have the answers but I always feel better afterwards.
The hardest part is when I feel there is no hope and there is no light at the end of the tunnel, I have found counseling to be extremely beneficial and also journaling; I write down all the feelings I am experiencing (no one even sees its so you can go all out), lots of times that helps me
work through whatever is going on in my life.
The best medicine is finding a doctor who makes you feel like YOU WILL GET BETTER; but is honest that it takes time. I believe if you have even a little hope, you can hang on.
Give the meds a chance, one will work sooner or later and please do not give up!!!!! The way I talk myself out of it is twofold, first because I believe in God I believe I would go to hell if I committed suicide (and that has worked many times); secondly, I get in a fighting mood - depression
will NOT win, I will win - and write and think that over and over again.
Please know that people care about you and you can come to this board anytime; spend time reviewing the posts because you will find many success stories and that helps. Also you will find friends, friends who understand what you are going through (because as I am sure you found out, friends in
the real world do not understand depression and usually their comments just make it worse). So please believe in yourself and believe in God, pray when you can (but even that is hard when you are depressed). You will win this battle, Chris, because a lot people here believe in you; you just gotta
believe in yourself first; please-please-please believe in yourself because YOU are the best weapon you have.
God Bless You!
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