Posted by Adam on December 7, 1999, at 9:46:49
In reply to Re: joining research studies, any opinions?, posted by jamie on December 7, 1999, at 3:43:41
I think everything you have listed here can be true of a clinical trial, but is not
always true. That's why it's good to get all the info. you can about joining and
to consult with your doctor.For example: In the selegiline study I am participating in, I had a six-week double-
blinded portion, which has been followed by a six-month open-label portion, which
meant that even if I got the placebo for the first six weeks, I was guranteed the
active agent once that period was over. This did turn out to be an endurance test,
and if the reward had been a drug that didn't work for me, yes, it would have been a
big, probably 2 1/2 month waste of time.But, since my response to every other antidepressant I had tried had been so
dissapointing, I found the risks to be worth the potential benefits. I was
right. You could be too.> > Just found out there is a Clinical Research facility here in Orlando that is currently screening for participants, in various Antidepressant trials. I'm thinking about trying to get in one of the studies(particularly one on patients who have not responded to any past medications). I see my Pdoc tomorrow and am going to mention it to him, but I would very much appreciate all opinions or advise any of you has to offer. Thanx!CarolAnn
>
> Pro:
> Possibility of getting on a drug that works.
> Free evaluations and tests.
> Free follow-up.
> Free medicine.
> Encouragement to stay with treatment. We often quit early due to side effects. Maybe the dedication to endure has merit.
>
> Con:
> If the drug works, maybe it's not available when the trial is finished.
> Might get stuck with a palcebo. Not cool if you're in desperate need of relief, unless of course you have a placebo effect.
> Drug might not work, have intolerable side effects, or make things worse.
> No options of adding augmentors, combinations, or side effect remedies.
poster:Adam
thread:16324
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991123/msgs/16374.html