Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 8646

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What to do next?

Posted by barbara on July 12, 1999, at 20:35:42

I have been in treatment for depression for about 4 1/2 years. I have been on MANY drugs at various times. I have been told I have borderline personality. I am currently on Paxil 30mg and I still don't feel any different than I did on the last half dozen meds I was on. I just feel like there isn't anything to make me "feel better". The therapist I was seeing for about 1 1/2 years dumped me after I was admitted to the hospital last October for suicide attempt. I am seeing someone now around once a month and we talk for about 30 minutes and then I'm on my way! Feeling no better than I did when I walked in the door. I have no friends, my husband and I barely talk, my children are getting all grown up and really don't need as much as they use to. My questions are: is there any med that can help me and is there any hope? Any answer will mean alot to me.

Thank You,
Barbara

 

Re: What to do next?

Posted by MelindaJ on July 13, 1999, at 15:25:12

In reply to What to do next?, posted by barbara on July 12, 1999, at 20:35:42

Hey Barbara,

I don't have the experience with meds that many who frequent this board have. One suggestion is to check out the postings by WayneR regarding the drug Naltrexone. It's been used as SSRI augmentation with some success for those with depression unresponsive to other meds. I think Dr. Bob may also have some info. on Naltrexone on this site.
Best of luck!

 

Re: What to do next?

Posted by Cynthia on July 13, 1999, at 15:42:53

In reply to What to do next?, posted by barbara on July 12, 1999, at 20:35:42

Hi Barbara,

There are a couple of great sites on borderline personality disorder. www.navicom.com & www.biologicalunhappiness.com. They are both by a Dr. Leland Heller who seems to think there is alot of reason to be hopeful about the disorder. Medication wise, he likes his patients to be on an SSRI, a mood stabilizer and neuropleptics (for suicidal impulses and anger). Go check the sites out. The best of luck to you. I hate to think of someone with these problems as isolated. Could you join a self-help group for borderlines?

Cynthia

 

Re: What to do next?

Posted by barbara on July 13, 1999, at 19:54:18

In reply to Re: What to do next?, posted by MelindaJ on July 13, 1999, at 15:25:12

Part of my problem is that I just can't seem to find the right med to get me going. I feel like it's just not worth it sometimes. But thank you for responding.> Hey Barbara,
>
> I don't have the experience with meds that many who frequent this board have. One suggestion is to check out the postings by WayneR regarding the drug Naltrexone. It's been used as SSRI augmentation with some success for those with depression unresponsive to other meds. I think Dr. Bob may also have some info. on Naltrexone on this site.
> Best of luck!

 

Re: What to do next?

Posted by barbara on July 13, 1999, at 19:57:17

In reply to Re: What to do next?, posted by Cynthia on July 13, 1999, at 15:42:53

Thank you for responding. part of my problem is that I am also social phobic. The very thought of being in a social situation of any kind with people I don't know, absolutely terrifies me. This has really put a strain on my relationship with my husband and children, as they don't understand how I feel. > Hi Barbara,
>
> There are a couple of great sites on borderline personality disorder. www.navicom.com & www.biologicalunhappiness.com. They are both by a Dr. Leland Heller who seems to think there is alot of reason to be hopeful about the disorder. Medication wise, he likes his patients to be on an SSRI, a mood stabilizer and neuropleptics (for suicidal impulses and anger). Go check the sites out. The best of luck to you. I hate to think of someone with these problems as isolated. Could you join a self-help group for borderlines?
>
> Cynthia

 

Re: What to do next?

Posted by Cynthia on July 13, 1999, at 23:11:42

In reply to Re: What to do next?, posted by barbara on July 13, 1999, at 19:57:17

> Thank you for responding. part of my problem is that I am also social phobic. The very thought of being in a social situation of any kind with people I don't know, absolutely terrifies me. This has really put a strain on my relationship with my husband and children, as they don't understand how I feel. >

Barbara,

Maybe you need another therapist, or try telling this one it's just not doing it for you, and you don't think you're getting better. If you're too shy to do this, you could try writing letters to find another therapist and explain to them you're socially phobic. Check out those websites I suggested. I think I even remember reading that borderline personality disorder often coexists with other mental/emotional disorders. I have many 'disorders' and am highly functioning. I feel I'm about 85% of the way there. I've done lots of work and am very determined to lead a healthy life. About your husband and child, luckily for them (healthy people), it's very hard for them to understand us. I just keep the channels of communication very open with the people in my life, and most of them try very hard at understanding me. My family and boyfriend even read books I suggest to them on mental illnesses. For the most part, it works out in the end.

Also Barbara, you are not alone in your search for the right combination of medication. That is what about 90% of the postings on this website are about. Don't give up. Let me know how you're doing.

Take care, Cynthia

 

Re: What to do next?

Posted by Racer on July 13, 1999, at 23:55:19

In reply to Re: What to do next?, posted by barbara on July 13, 1999, at 19:57:17

> Thank you for responding. part of my problem is that I am also social phobic. The very thought of being in a social situation of any kind with people I don't know, absolutely terrifies me. This has really put a strain on my relationship with my husband and children, as they don't understand how I feel. > Hi Barbara,


Try to find out if there are any groups in your area, anyway. Make your husband take you, if that helps, or call someone whom you trust. It really can make a big difference if you can find a group that works for you.

How do I know? I made my ex-boyfriend take me to my first meeting at the group I go to, and he had to drag me. I was crying, quivering in the corner, trying to hide behind him, generally not feeling as though I should be allowed to interact with the human race. At the time, I had decided to end my life, because the depression was so very bad, and nothing would ever be worth the cost. Well, the first thing I learned was that the doctor I was seeing was not doing her job. The next thing that got drilled into me, with the best intentions, was that drugs really could improve my outlook. When I finally spoke up, half the group had something to say about what I was going through, and most of them said about the same thing: "If the drugs aren't working, try another. There is such a thing as relief."

That seems simple enough, but at the time, it certainly wasn't. At the time, I had a dozen reasons for wanting the drugs not to work, because then my decision would be justified. Now, though, from the support I've gotten from the group, I can tell you that I don't WANT to die, I just NEED relief. One day soon I hope to find it.

Good luck to you.


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