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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 Notaliseliz on July 4, 2004, at 15:23:32
Hey,
I was wondering, if I have tried several meds over the last 9 years, and none were JUST right, does that mean
(1) none are right for me? or,
(2) I just don't WANT to feel better so I subconsciously reject them? or,
(3) I'm looking for perfection? or
(4) I haven't tried the right one???
Posted by Racer on July 4, 2004, at 17:13:50
In reply to do i NEED meds or do i THINK i need them?, posted by Notaliseliz on July 4, 2004, at 15:23:32
In my opinion and from my own experience only, I'd say probably #4.
Here's the long version of that short answer, though:
None of the meds out there is perfect. They all come with drawbacks ranging from mild headaches or agitation during the adjustment phase, to moderate like weight gain, through to pretty severe: an anti-psychotic drug called Zyprexa has been linked to insulin resistance and Type II diabetes, for example. On the other hand, there are people who literally owe their lives to drugs like Zyprexa. Is the risk worth it to them? Yeah, if that's what it takes to have a life. And most of the worst side effects are known and can be mitigated. After all, most doctors aren't trying to hurt their patients -- they're trying to help us with the best tools available to them.
Here's something that I've done with good results: make a list, as well as you can remember, of all the drugs you've been on, how well they worked, what they didn't do as well as what they did do, and what side effects they caused. Then do a little research (if you haven't already) on common side effects of anti-depressants. Order the list of common side effects into "can tolerate" and "can't tolerate" catagories, and then when you next see your doctor you can use these lists as a starting point for discussing your options.
Now, again, there is no such thing as a perfectly benign drug. Even aspirin can damage the stomach, right? Best case scenario is that you find a drug that allows you full remission from the depression, with a side effect profile you can life with, and -- this is best case, remember -- your doctor works with you to mitigate the side effects as well as possible. But there are enough different drugs out there now that the second best case is very likely: a drug or combination of drugs that allows you remission and has a side effect profile you can live with.
Best luck to you, and best luck in communicating with your doctor.
Posted by Notaliseliz on July 6, 2004, at 3:00:27
In reply to Re: do i NEED meds or do i THINK i need them?, posted by Racer on July 4, 2004, at 17:13:50
RAcer, I went to my doc yesterday and he added an SSRI to the oxycarbazepine that I'm taking since I'm not doing so well.
He asked, what were you taking before you got pregnant (2 years ago)? I said, i don't know, look it up in your files and he said he hadn't written it down!!!!
So I guess I should do as you say and keep track myself 'cause he's surely not going to.
Posted by chemist on July 8, 2004, at 16:54:37
In reply to Re: do i NEED meds or do i THINK i need them? » Racer, posted by Notaliseliz on July 6, 2004, at 3:00:27
> RAcer, I went to my doc yesterday and he added an SSRI to the oxycarbazepine that I'm taking since I'm not doing so well.
> He asked, what were you taking before you got pregnant (2 years ago)? I said, i don't know, look it up in your files and he said he hadn't written it down!!!!
> So I guess I should do as you say and keep track myself 'cause he's surely not going to.
hello there, chemist here...i couldn't resist throwing in my two-cents here....i agree wholeheartedly with racer's post....i would add that given the information you supplied above, that perhaps looking into a more responsible psychiatrist is also an option? trileptal monotherapy (not to mention not keeping track of your meds over the years) is kind of out there, and these things taken in concert make *me* a bit doubtful that your pdoc is paying you much mind. however, that is only my opinion.....i wish you well, and all the best, chemist
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