Posted by whiterabbit on July 22, 2003, at 17:54:06
In reply to Re: Gee, come on over... » whiterabbit, posted by yesac on July 21, 2003, at 13:05:54
Treatment-resistant depression, for sure. Have you thought about ECT? I know it's got a frightening reputation but from what I've read (haven't done it myself) it has really helped some people who didn't find relief with medication...as long as you're carefully briefed on what to expect, that would make it less spooky.
It took me awhile to find the right stuff, I was diagnosed right off with bipolar - which I pretty much knew anyway, but I went without treatment for so long and I was trying my best to self-medicate right into the grave - by the time I got started on medication I was quite ill, suicidal and psychotic. Didn't respond well to Depakote, a mood stabalizer, or Prozac or Wellbutrin. I did start to improve with Seroquel, which helped the anxiety and insomnia and vicious mood swings but not the depression. Paxil cleaned up the depression, and I'm responding well to ADD medication now - better focus and not drinking. Well, okay, not getting drunk.
The other stuff you've tried I don't know much about...I've been scared of Ativan since my son's best friend died after a party from a mixture of Ativan and alcohol...I don't believe that's a treatment drug anyway? From PB I know a lot of people have trouble with Effexor.
Does your psychiatrist seem to be on the ball? I like the guy I have now, he's Number Four. I mean, does your doctor seem to really listen when you talk? Maybe you've got something going on besides just depression. I don't think the Paxil would have helped me if my other symptoms weren't already under control from the Seroquel.
Have you ever suspected anything else, bipolar or ADD or OCD or whatever? Have you thought about getting a second opinion from another psychiatrist? Even if you like the doctor you have now, somebody else might pick up some clues in your behavior that the first doctor is somehow missing.
Well that's a start anyway! There HAS to be something out there for you Casey, I just know it.
;-) Gracie
poster:whiterabbit
thread:243271
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030719/msgs/244327.html