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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Michael83 on July 5, 2006, at 23:38:35
Do studies or surveys exist which list success rates for certain medications?
Do some medications, on average, have a higher success/satisfaction rate than others?
Posted by honeybee on July 6, 2006, at 15:52:20
In reply to Medication statistics? Best medications?, posted by Michael83 on July 5, 2006, at 23:38:35
This is a great question and I hope someone posts. It's helpful to keep in mind, though, that depression is a multi-symptom, multi-spectrum disorder, and by that I mean that it manifests itself in numerous ways and probably reflects a spectrum of brain dysregulations, not just one pure disorder. So, some drugs will work for some people. Some will work for others. Some may not, and so on.
That said, I hunger for a look at the "odds" of meds working, too, and wonder what med would best to start on. There's really no concrete answer--these meds are still prescribed on a case by case basis, often depending on what kind of depression you have: with or without anxiety? insomnia? lethargy? Etc. Etc.
I betcha, though, that someone out there has found some kind of useful grid. I hope they post, too.
Posted by Jakeman on July 6, 2006, at 19:40:27
In reply to Medication statistics? Best medications?, posted by Michael83 on July 5, 2006, at 23:38:35
> Do studies or surveys exist which list success rates for certain medications?
>
> Do some medications, on average, have a higher success/satisfaction rate than others?I know of no scientific, comprehensive comparative studies. We definitely need a consumer reports for medications. But then everyone has such varied reactions. Anecdotal reports can be helpful, like shown on these sites:
http://www.askapatient.com (It has about 360 ratings of effexor)
Also:
http://www.remedyfind.comThen some would argue that negative reports are over-represented on sites like these, including Babble.
warm regards, Jake
Posted by Phillipa on July 6, 2006, at 20:37:13
In reply to Re: Medication statistics? Best medications? » Michael83, posted by Jakeman on July 6, 2006, at 19:40:27
Everyone reacts differently to meds even differently at different times in their lives. Same med may do the opposite the next time or not work. Love Phillipa
Posted by Michael83 on July 7, 2006, at 0:33:08
In reply to Re: Medication statistics? Best medications?, posted by Phillipa on July 6, 2006, at 20:37:13
I agree, but I would believe some medications exist which have a higher overall success rate than others.
Truly not all are the same.
There are a tremendous amount of variables when it comes to this topic, but I just figured there must be certain medications (or combinations of medications) that work better than others.
Posted by heaven help me on July 7, 2006, at 14:10:49
In reply to Re: Medication statistics? Best medications? » Michael83, posted by Jakeman on July 6, 2006, at 19:40:27
I would LOVE to hear some people's POSITIVE reports! Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with the negative ones I think it adds to my depression.
:(
mary
Posted by Jakeman on July 7, 2006, at 20:17:10
In reply to Re: Medication statistics? Best medications? » Jakeman, posted by heaven help me on July 7, 2006, at 14:10:49
> I would LOVE to hear some people's POSITIVE reports! Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with the negative ones I think it adds to my depression.
> :(
> maryMary I agree. Sometimes I get a little obsessive about reading other people's reports. It's good to be informed. At the same time I'm trying to get better at listening to my own body.
warm regards, Jake
Posted by linkadge on July 11, 2006, at 21:01:58
In reply to Re: Medication statistics? Best medications? » heaven help me, posted by Jakeman on July 7, 2006, at 20:17:10
I think it depends on the type of depression. I think that there is growing suspicion that the TCA's were/are more effective for certain types of depression than the SSRIs.
A lot of people think moclobemide doesn't work too well.
I think some are likely better than others, I wouldn't know how to go about rating them though.
Linkadge
Posted by Jakeman on July 12, 2006, at 2:14:31
In reply to Re: Medication statistics? Best medications?, posted by linkadge on July 11, 2006, at 21:01:58
> I think it depends on the type of depression. I think that there is growing suspicion that the TCA's were/are more effective for certain types of depression than the SSRIs.
>
> A lot of people think moclobemide doesn't work too well.
>
> I think some are likely better than others, I wouldn't know how to go about rating them though.
>
>
> Linkadge
>
>Most people can't tolerate the side effects of tca's like Elavil and Pamelor.
warm regards, Jake
Posted by SLS on July 12, 2006, at 5:58:26
In reply to Re: Medication statistics? Best medications? » linkadge, posted by Jakeman on July 12, 2006, at 2:14:31
> > I think it depends on the type of depression. I think that there is growing suspicion that the TCA's were/are more effective for certain types of depression than the SSRIs.
> >
> > A lot of people think moclobemide doesn't work too well.
> >
> > I think some are likely better than others, I wouldn't know how to go about rating them though.
> >
> >
> > Linkadge
> >
> >
>
> Most people can't tolerate the side effects of tca's like Elavil and Pamelor.As with other drugs, I think the side effects of the tricyclics can be minimized if the initial doses are low and the titration gradual. This has been my experience. Desipramine (Norpramin) and nortriptyline (Pamelor) retain much of the effectiveness of their parent molecules, but offer much reduced side effects. I favor the side effect profile of the tricyclics (with the exception of clomipramine - Anafranil) because they don't include apathy, amotivation, extinguished libido, and anorgasmia.
- Scott
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