Depression and medication

lightNlife · Jun 7, 2007

I'm manic-depressive (bipolar) and a few other anxiety issues. I have had incredible success with Seroquel and Anafranil. Seroquel really brought me out of my funk, helped me get good sleep so that I don't get overwhelmed. Seroquel is a mood stabilizer. I haven't noticed that it makes me feel "flat" or "dull," rather, it just keeps me from getting WAY too worked up (high or low) but still allows me to experience things like a normal person, which is great. I don't feel medicated at all, I feel like I've finally been given the go-ahead to participate in life.

I've been on Lexapro, Effexor, and a few other things in the past and had awful experiences. Sick as a dog, and they screwed up my system with the CF meds. Ugh. I'm glad to have a working solution.

Therapy has really helped too. Don't forget that there's nothing shameful about needing some help. As my therapist put it, whether you take a bus, walk, or ride in a limo, the point is that you reach a destination. Therapy can be like taking a limo instead of walking.

There is no single "fix it" pill, and so finding the right combination or treatment option may be difficult. Don't be too discouraged if the process takes awhile. Don't expect yourself to "snap out of it" and don't let people try to tell you you should be doing better within such-and-such a time period. Depression isn't like that.

I highly recommend the books <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.amazon.com/Undoing-Depression-Richard-OConnor/dp/0425166791/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-9968736-9240919?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181260790&sr=1-1">Undoing Depression</a>and <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Genes-Breaking-Chemical-Imbalances/dp/1414312164/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-9968736-9240919?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181260683&sr=8-1">Blue Genes</a> Both were tremendously helpful in improving my mindset as I worked with a therapist and a medication regime.

Best wishes.

lightNlife · Jun 7, 2007

I'm manic-depressive (bipolar) and a few other anxiety issues. I have had incredible success with Seroquel and Anafranil. Seroquel really brought me out of my funk, helped me get good sleep so that I don't get overwhelmed. Seroquel is a mood stabilizer. I haven't noticed that it makes me feel "flat" or "dull," rather, it just keeps me from getting WAY too worked up (high or low) but still allows me to experience things like a normal person, which is great. I don't feel medicated at all, I feel like I've finally been given the go-ahead to participate in life.

I've been on Lexapro, Effexor, and a few other things in the past and had awful experiences. Sick as a dog, and they screwed up my system with the CF meds. Ugh. I'm glad to have a working solution.

Therapy has really helped too. Don't forget that there's nothing shameful about needing some help. As my therapist put it, whether you take a bus, walk, or ride in a limo, the point is that you reach a destination. Therapy can be like taking a limo instead of walking.

There is no single "fix it" pill, and so finding the right combination or treatment option may be difficult. Don't be too discouraged if the process takes awhile. Don't expect yourself to "snap out of it" and don't let people try to tell you you should be doing better within such-and-such a time period. Depression isn't like that.

I highly recommend the books <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.amazon.com/Undoing-Depression-Richard-OConnor/dp/0425166791/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-9968736-9240919?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181260790&sr=1-1">Undoing Depression</a>and <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Genes-Breaking-Chemical-Imbalances/dp/1414312164/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-9968736-9240919?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181260683&sr=8-1">Blue Genes</a> Both were tremendously helpful in improving my mindset as I worked with a therapist and a medication regime.

Best wishes.

lightNlife · Jun 7, 2007

I'm manic-depressive (bipolar) and a few other anxiety issues. I have had incredible success with Seroquel and Anafranil. Seroquel really brought me out of my funk, helped me get good sleep so that I don't get overwhelmed. Seroquel is a mood stabilizer. I haven't noticed that it makes me feel "flat" or "dull," rather, it just keeps me from getting WAY too worked up (high or low) but still allows me to experience things like a normal person, which is great. I don't feel medicated at all, I feel like I've finally been given the go-ahead to participate in life.

I've been on Lexapro, Effexor, and a few other things in the past and had awful experiences. Sick as a dog, and they screwed up my system with the CF meds. Ugh. I'm glad to have a working solution.

Therapy has really helped too. Don't forget that there's nothing shameful about needing some help. As my therapist put it, whether you take a bus, walk, or ride in a limo, the point is that you reach a destination. Therapy can be like taking a limo instead of walking.

There is no single "fix it" pill, and so finding the right combination or treatment option may be difficult. Don't be too discouraged if the process takes awhile. Don't expect yourself to "snap out of it" and don't let people try to tell you you should be doing better within such-and-such a time period. Depression isn't like that.

I highly recommend the books <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.amazon.com/Undoing-Depression-Richard-OConnor/dp/0425166791/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-9968736-9240919?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181260790&sr=1-1">Undoing Depression</a>and <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Genes-Breaking-Chemical-Imbalances/dp/1414312164/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-9968736-9240919?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181260683&sr=8-1">Blue Genes</a> Both were tremendously helpful in improving my mindset as I worked with a therapist and a medication regime.

Best wishes.

lightNlife · Jun 7, 2007

I'm manic-depressive (bipolar) and a few other anxiety issues. I have had incredible success with Seroquel and Anafranil. Seroquel really brought me out of my funk, helped me get good sleep so that I don't get overwhelmed. Seroquel is a mood stabilizer. I haven't noticed that it makes me feel "flat" or "dull," rather, it just keeps me from getting WAY too worked up (high or low) but still allows me to experience things like a normal person, which is great. I don't feel medicated at all, I feel like I've finally been given the go-ahead to participate in life.

I've been on Lexapro, Effexor, and a few other things in the past and had awful experiences. Sick as a dog, and they screwed up my system with the CF meds. Ugh. I'm glad to have a working solution.

Therapy has really helped too. Don't forget that there's nothing shameful about needing some help. As my therapist put it, whether you take a bus, walk, or ride in a limo, the point is that you reach a destination. Therapy can be like taking a limo instead of walking.

There is no single "fix it" pill, and so finding the right combination or treatment option may be difficult. Don't be too discouraged if the process takes awhile. Don't expect yourself to "snap out of it" and don't let people try to tell you you should be doing better within such-and-such a time period. Depression isn't like that.

I highly recommend the books <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.amazon.com/Undoing-Depression-Richard-OConnor/dp/0425166791/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-9968736-9240919?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181260790&sr=1-1">Undoing Depression</a>and <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Genes-Breaking-Chemical-Imbalances/dp/1414312164/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-9968736-9240919?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181260683&sr=8-1">Blue Genes</a> Both were tremendously helpful in improving my mindset as I worked with a therapist and a medication regime.

Best wishes.

Joanne · Jun 7, 2007

Hi,

I am on Paxil and have been since 1998.
My thought is that if there is a medicine for our lungs that we will feel better, we take it. Same goes for any other medical problem - stomach - we take something.

So don't hesitate to take something for the brain if it is sick. The brain is no better than any other organ in our body, and try not to put it on a pedestal, take it down from there and treat it.

Something like 70% of women over 32 are on meds for depression. And post lung tx, 81% of the people are on it.

Thank goodness depression and meds for depression is not something to hide any longer. We talk about it, share it and treat it.

If you want to talk, just email me.

Joanne Schum

Joanne · Jun 7, 2007

Hi,

I am on Paxil and have been since 1998.
My thought is that if there is a medicine for our lungs that we will feel better, we take it. Same goes for any other medical problem - stomach - we take something.

So don't hesitate to take something for the brain if it is sick. The brain is no better than any other organ in our body, and try not to put it on a pedestal, take it down from there and treat it.

Something like 70% of women over 32 are on meds for depression. And post lung tx, 81% of the people are on it.

Thank goodness depression and meds for depression is not something to hide any longer. We talk about it, share it and treat it.

If you want to talk, just email me.

Joanne Schum

Joanne · Jun 7, 2007

Hi,

I am on Paxil and have been since 1998.
My thought is that if there is a medicine for our lungs that we will feel better, we take it. Same goes for any other medical problem - stomach - we take something.

So don't hesitate to take something for the brain if it is sick. The brain is no better than any other organ in our body, and try not to put it on a pedestal, take it down from there and treat it.

Something like 70% of women over 32 are on meds for depression. And post lung tx, 81% of the people are on it.

Thank goodness depression and meds for depression is not something to hide any longer. We talk about it, share it and treat it.

If you want to talk, just email me.

Joanne Schum

Joanne · Jun 7, 2007

Hi,

I am on Paxil and have been since 1998.
My thought is that if there is a medicine for our lungs that we will feel better, we take it. Same goes for any other medical problem - stomach - we take something.

So don't hesitate to take something for the brain if it is sick. The brain is no better than any other organ in our body, and try not to put it on a pedestal, take it down from there and treat it.

Something like 70% of women over 32 are on meds for depression. And post lung tx, 81% of the people are on it.

Thank goodness depression and meds for depression is not something to hide any longer. We talk about it, share it and treat it.

If you want to talk, just email me.

Joanne Schum

Joanne · Jun 7, 2007

Hi,

I am on Paxil and have been since 1998.
My thought is that if there is a medicine for our lungs that we will feel better, we take it. Same goes for any other medical problem - stomach - we take something.

So don't hesitate to take something for the brain if it is sick. The brain is no better than any other organ in our body, and try not to put it on a pedestal, take it down from there and treat it.

Something like 70% of women over 32 are on meds for depression. And post lung tx, 81% of the people are on it.

Thank goodness depression and meds for depression is not something to hide any longer. We talk about it, share it and treat it.

If you want to talk, just email me.

Joanne Schum

Joanne · Jun 7, 2007

Hi,

I am on Paxil and have been since 1998.
My thought is that if there is a medicine for our lungs that we will feel better, we take it. Same goes for any other medical problem - stomach - we take something.

So don't hesitate to take something for the brain if it is sick. The brain is no better than any other organ in our body, and try not to put it on a pedestal, take it down from there and treat it.

Something like 70% of women over 32 are on meds for depression. And post lung tx, 81% of the people are on it.

Thank goodness depression and meds for depression is not something to hide any longer. We talk about it, share it and treat it.

If you want to talk, just email me.

Joanne Schum

catboogie · Jun 8, 2007

i'm glad you are finally able to be out in the open about what's going on with yourself. i understand your reluctance to take something that may change the way that you are. i strongly suspect that you would be able to tell if something you start taking is affecting you in ways you don't like. also, make sure to ask your family and friends to be bluntly honest with you if it's that big of a concern to you.

as far as side effects, it's part of the trial and error involved in finding something that is the right fit for you. it can definitly be tedious. but also realize that if something isn't working out, and the side effects are outweighing the good effects, you can always switch to something else.

that said, i've had good luck with wellbutrin.

catboogie · Jun 8, 2007

i'm glad you are finally able to be out in the open about what's going on with yourself. i understand your reluctance to take something that may change the way that you are. i strongly suspect that you would be able to tell if something you start taking is affecting you in ways you don't like. also, make sure to ask your family and friends to be bluntly honest with you if it's that big of a concern to you.

as far as side effects, it's part of the trial and error involved in finding something that is the right fit for you. it can definitly be tedious. but also realize that if something isn't working out, and the side effects are outweighing the good effects, you can always switch to something else.

that said, i've had good luck with wellbutrin.

catboogie · Jun 8, 2007

i'm glad you are finally able to be out in the open about what's going on with yourself. i understand your reluctance to take something that may change the way that you are. i strongly suspect that you would be able to tell if something you start taking is affecting you in ways you don't like. also, make sure to ask your family and friends to be bluntly honest with you if it's that big of a concern to you.

as far as side effects, it's part of the trial and error involved in finding something that is the right fit for you. it can definitly be tedious. but also realize that if something isn't working out, and the side effects are outweighing the good effects, you can always switch to something else.

that said, i've had good luck with wellbutrin.

catboogie · Jun 8, 2007

i'm glad you are finally able to be out in the open about what's going on with yourself. i understand your reluctance to take something that may change the way that you are. i strongly suspect that you would be able to tell if something you start taking is affecting you in ways you don't like. also, make sure to ask your family and friends to be bluntly honest with you if it's that big of a concern to you.

as far as side effects, it's part of the trial and error involved in finding something that is the right fit for you. it can definitly be tedious. but also realize that if something isn't working out, and the side effects are outweighing the good effects, you can always switch to something else.

that said, i've had good luck with wellbutrin.

catboogie · Jun 8, 2007

i'm glad you are finally able to be out in the open about what's going on with yourself. i understand your reluctance to take something that may change the way that you are. i strongly suspect that you would be able to tell if something you start taking is affecting you in ways you don't like. also, make sure to ask your family and friends to be bluntly honest with you if it's that big of a concern to you.

as far as side effects, it's part of the trial and error involved in finding something that is the right fit for you. it can definitly be tedious. but also realize that if something isn't working out, and the side effects are outweighing the good effects, you can always switch to something else.

that said, i've had good luck with wellbutrin.

catboogie · Jun 8, 2007

i'm glad you are finally able to be out in the open about what's going on with yourself. i understand your reluctance to take something that may change the way that you are. i strongly suspect that you would be able to tell if something you start taking is affecting you in ways you don't like. also, make sure to ask your family and friends to be bluntly honest with you if it's that big of a concern to you.

as far as side effects, it's part of the trial and error involved in finding something that is the right fit for you. it can definitly be tedious. but also realize that if something isn't working out, and the side effects are outweighing the good effects, you can always switch to something else.

that said, i've had good luck with wellbutrin.

thefrogprincess · Jun 8, 2007

Great questions! Here is my story, I had been suffering from depression for about a year before I finally admitted to myself that I had to do something about it. It took 3 tries to find the right medication, and then it took some messing around with the dosage to get it right, but once we did I started to feel so much better! The key things to remember are this: the first once you try, even the 5th one you try may not be right for you. I had horrible side effect from my first two meds, but keep trying! Too many people get discouraged when they do not have a miracle cure, but it does not work that way. Second: it may take a few months for you to notice a big improvement. Mine was very gradual until one day sitting on the couch I realized that I was happy. For no reason at all I felt really really happy, and it was wonderful! I took prozac, then wellbutrin, and then amitryptoline (sp??) was the one that worked. Please don't give up if you have to try a few different meds to find the right one!!! There is light ast the end of the tunnel for you, just stick with it!

thefrogprincess · Jun 8, 2007

Great questions! Here is my story, I had been suffering from depression for about a year before I finally admitted to myself that I had to do something about it. It took 3 tries to find the right medication, and then it took some messing around with the dosage to get it right, but once we did I started to feel so much better! The key things to remember are this: the first once you try, even the 5th one you try may not be right for you. I had horrible side effect from my first two meds, but keep trying! Too many people get discouraged when they do not have a miracle cure, but it does not work that way. Second: it may take a few months for you to notice a big improvement. Mine was very gradual until one day sitting on the couch I realized that I was happy. For no reason at all I felt really really happy, and it was wonderful! I took prozac, then wellbutrin, and then amitryptoline (sp??) was the one that worked. Please don't give up if you have to try a few different meds to find the right one!!! There is light ast the end of the tunnel for you, just stick with it!

thefrogprincess · Jun 8, 2007

Great questions! Here is my story, I had been suffering from depression for about a year before I finally admitted to myself that I had to do something about it. It took 3 tries to find the right medication, and then it took some messing around with the dosage to get it right, but once we did I started to feel so much better! The key things to remember are this: the first once you try, even the 5th one you try may not be right for you. I had horrible side effect from my first two meds, but keep trying! Too many people get discouraged when they do not have a miracle cure, but it does not work that way. Second: it may take a few months for you to notice a big improvement. Mine was very gradual until one day sitting on the couch I realized that I was happy. For no reason at all I felt really really happy, and it was wonderful! I took prozac, then wellbutrin, and then amitryptoline (sp??) was the one that worked. Please don't give up if you have to try a few different meds to find the right one!!! There is light ast the end of the tunnel for you, just stick with it!

thefrogprincess · Jun 8, 2007

Great questions! Here is my story, I had been suffering from depression for about a year before I finally admitted to myself that I had to do something about it. It took 3 tries to find the right medication, and then it took some messing around with the dosage to get it right, but once we did I started to feel so much better! The key things to remember are this: the first once you try, even the 5th one you try may not be right for you. I had horrible side effect from my first two meds, but keep trying! Too many people get discouraged when they do not have a miracle cure, but it does not work that way. Second: it may take a few months for you to notice a big improvement. Mine was very gradual until one day sitting on the couch I realized that I was happy. For no reason at all I felt really really happy, and it was wonderful! I took prozac, then wellbutrin, and then amitryptoline (sp??) was the one that worked. Please don't give up if you have to try a few different meds to find the right one!!! There is light ast the end of the tunnel for you, just stick with it!

Depression and medication

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