![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 5 to 29 of 29. Go back in thread:
Posted by JahL on May 13, 2001, at 16:09:20
In reply to I feel normal!, posted by tess on May 13, 2001, at 0:23:23
> > My Dr. prescribed Effexor SR 75mg. I knew that I had had some problems with depression, but never thought I was bad enough to take medication. I finally feel normal, for the first time in my life!!! I feel wonderful.
Sounds like you've had some kind of life-long dysthymia (as I do, amongst other things), or maybe 'subclinical depression', which would explain why you've never felt 'right'.
Isn't it just wild the first time? Finding out what it is to be/feel human.
Due to complicated circumstances my euthymia only lasted around six wks, but I'm hopeful you'll have longer-lasting results.
> >I was an angry person. But now I feel leveled out. I don't have wild mood swings anymore. Yes, I've gained a little weight, but that's my fault, I quit walking during the winter, but I'm back at it. I hope I never have to quit taking this drug, it had made such a great difference in my life.
Good on ya!
What say you, Effexor-Bashers? Those who wld have it taken off the market. Don't think Tess wld agree with you, nor me for that matter (despite the fact that Effexor made my depression irrevocably worse).
J.
Posted by stjames on May 13, 2001, at 16:56:19
In reply to Re: I feel normal!, posted by tess on May 13, 2001, at 12:38:40
We also need to remember that there are going to be more people voicing problems with a drug than ones singing it's praises.
James here....
Glad you said this. I am always conserned that a person could read this list and get the impression few do well on meds. Or that few ever get well from mental illness trying anything. I wish there were more people like you and myself who do well and are still motivated to tell others this.
James
Posted by tess on May 13, 2001, at 17:52:36
In reply to Re: I feel normal!, posted by stjames on May 13, 2001, at 16:56:19
> We also need to remember that there are going to be more people voicing problems with a drug than ones singing it's praises.
>
> James here....
>
> Glad you said this. I am always conserned that a person could read this list and get the impression few do well on meds. Or that few ever get well from mental illness trying anything. I wish there were more people like you and myself who do well and are still motivated to tell others this.
>
> James
Yes, when I read all the posts last night I couldn't believe we were talking about the same drug. But people need to keep in mind that there are so many different types of illness you can treat with this drug, and strengths of the drug and that no two illness's are anywhere near the same. Then you add the people factor in there!! Whew!!!! Everyone needs to keep trying til they find the right mix for them. Don't knock this drug just because it didn't work for you. They will find something eventually. This isn't a cure, it helps your body deal with the problem. It's like a diabetic getting their shot or their pill. Tess
Posted by MorganW on May 14, 2001, at 1:35:28
In reply to Re: I feel normal!, posted by tess on May 13, 2001, at 17:52:36
I totally agree with James. If I had found this board before I started taking ANY AD... I probably woudn't have. These posts are indeed scary. Effexor xr has saved me from my life of former very deep depression.
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 14, 2001, at 18:01:01
In reply to Re: I feel normal!- » tess, posted by MorganW on May 14, 2001, at 1:35:28
> I totally agree with James. If I had found this board before I started taking ANY AD... I probably woudn't have. These posts are indeed scary.
And if your depression had continued? IOW, do you think you never would've started a medication, or just would've later?
Bob
Posted by MorganW on May 14, 2001, at 22:13:38
In reply to Re: scary posts , posted by Dr. Bob on May 14, 2001, at 18:01:01
And if your depression had continued? IOW, do you think you never would've started a medication, or just would've later?
>
> BobIf my depression continued... I'd deal with it the way i have always dealt with it before I started taking effexor. I'm not sure what IOW is. And no, I probably wouldnt have started the medication... now or later. This is my opinion... is there something wrong with it?
Posted by Ann NY on May 15, 2001, at 3:47:50
In reply to Re: scary posts , posted by Dr. Bob on May 14, 2001, at 18:01:01
Dr. Bob,
I don't understand the point you're trying to make. I too am glad I didn't find this site until I was mentally better. Have you read the many many posts saying Effexor is a nasty horrible drug that should never be given (but heroin, methadone and other opiates would work better)? You don't you use pointed e-mails to these people. Addictive narcotics ruin lives but there are no professional moderating comments to those e-mails. These are the posts that undermine the credibility of your site.
Many many people with debilitating major depression do not seek medical help.
I have had 3 MAJOR depressions. The first one lasted 2 years - with no medical help. The second one lasted 2-3 years. I got help in the beginning because I new the warning signs and had a bad experience. My Dr. put me on Prozac, it wasn't really working and it completely dulled my emotional responses which was making things worse. He didn't have much to say. SO I stopped on my own and SUFFERED for two years. Do you know how much people can suffer and still not get help?
Recently, I was pushed over the edge when my dear loving father, my rock, died. I needed sleeping pills and my GP tried to talk me into ADs. I refused because I needed to grieve for my father. And I have had several negative experiences with the medical field, and didn't need to go through one again when I was so fragile. My GP persisted over the months and luckily I found a great Dr. and I am well on the road to recovery - but still working on it.
But more to the point, I have truly suffered with depression for many years. And I have had a very disappointing experience with the psychiatric field. So yes I think it is extremely reasonable for a even a mentally healthy person to shiver upon reading some of these reactionary posts. And I know personally I probably would have thought suicide would have been better than to simply suffering more while merely being a guinea pig to the medical field. (Yes I have been suicidal many times as I'm sure others here have been. And I did not go to a DR. while I was suicidal).
Many people reading these posts are emotionally and mentally very sensitive.
I'm not advocating you editing anything, but don't you think it is natural for people to postpone medication after reading other's self described "horror stories"? This is the exact reason why I posted my success story upon my first visit here.
Basically I don't understand your post to MorganW.
Ann NY
I don't know what IOW is either.
> > I totally agree with James. If I had found this board before I started taking ANY AD... I probably woudn't have. These posts are indeed scary.
>
> And if your depression had continued? IOW, do you think you never would've started a medication, or just would've later?
>
> Bob
Posted by MorganW on May 15, 2001, at 5:31:22
In reply to Re: scary posts » Dr. Bob, posted by Ann NY on May 15, 2001, at 3:47:50
Does anybody know what IMO is?
> Dr. Bob,
>
> I don't understand the point you're trying to make. I too am glad I didn't find this site until I was mentally better. Have you read the many many posts saying Effexor is a nasty horrible drug that should never be given (but heroin, methadone and other opiates would work better)? You don't you use pointed e-mails to these people. Addictive narcotics ruin lives but there are no professional moderating comments to those e-mails. These are the posts that undermine the credibility of your site.
>
> Many many people with debilitating major depression do not seek medical help.
>
> I have had 3 MAJOR depressions. The first one lasted 2 years - with no medical help. The second one lasted 2-3 years. I got help in the beginning because I new the warning signs and had a bad experience. My Dr. put me on Prozac, it wasn't really working and it completely dulled my emotional responses which was making things worse. He didn't have much to say. SO I stopped on my own and SUFFERED for two years. Do you know how much people can suffer and still not get help?
>
> Recently, I was pushed over the edge when my dear loving father, my rock, died. I needed sleeping pills and my GP tried to talk me into ADs. I refused because I needed to grieve for my father. And I have had several negative experiences with the medical field, and didn't need to go through one again when I was so fragile. My GP persisted over the months and luckily I found a great Dr. and I am well on the road to recovery - but still working on it.
>
> But more to the point, I have truly suffered with depression for many years. And I have had a very disappointing experience with the psychiatric field. So yes I think it is extremely reasonable for a even a mentally healthy person to shiver upon reading some of these reactionary posts. And I know personally I probably would have thought suicide would have been better than to simply suffering more while merely being a guinea pig to the medical field. (Yes I have been suicidal many times as I'm sure others here have been. And I did not go to a DR. while I was suicidal).
>
> Many people reading these posts are emotionally and mentally very sensitive.
>
> I'm not advocating you editing anything, but don't you think it is natural for people to postpone medication after reading other's self described "horror stories"? This is the exact reason why I posted my success story upon my first visit here.
>
> Basically I don't understand your post to MorganW.
>
> Ann NY
>
> I don't know what IOW is either.
>
> > > I totally agree with James. If I had found this board before I started taking ANY AD... I probably woudn't have. These posts are indeed scary.
> >
> > And if your depression had continued? IOW, do you think you never would've started a medication, or just would've later?
> >
> > Bob
Posted by NikkiT2 on May 15, 2001, at 6:55:33
In reply to Re: scary posts » Ann NY, posted by MorganW on May 15, 2001, at 5:31:22
>
> Does anybody know what IMO is?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Dr. Bob,
> >
> > I don't understand the point you're trying to make. I too am glad I didn't find this site until I was mentally better. Have you read the many many posts saying Effexor is a nasty horrible drug that should never be given (but heroin, methadone and other opiates would work better)? You don't you use pointed e-mails to these people. Addictive narcotics ruin lives but there are no professional moderating comments to those e-mails. These are the posts that undermine the credibility of your site.
> >
> > Many many people with debilitating major depression do not seek medical help.
> >
> > I have had 3 MAJOR depressions. The first one lasted 2 years - with no medical help. The second one lasted 2-3 years. I got help in the beginning because I new the warning signs and had a bad experience. My Dr. put me on Prozac, it wasn't really working and it completely dulled my emotional responses which was making things worse. He didn't have much to say. SO I stopped on my own and SUFFERED for two years. Do you know how much people can suffer and still not get help?
> >
> > Recently, I was pushed over the edge when my dear loving father, my rock, died. I needed sleeping pills and my GP tried to talk me into ADs. I refused because I needed to grieve for my father. And I have had several negative experiences with the medical field, and didn't need to go through one again when I was so fragile. My GP persisted over the months and luckily I found a great Dr. and I am well on the road to recovery - but still working on it.
> >
> > But more to the point, I have truly suffered with depression for many years. And I have had a very disappointing experience with the psychiatric field. So yes I think it is extremely reasonable for a even a mentally healthy person to shiver upon reading some of these reactionary posts. And I know personally I probably would have thought suicide would have been better than to simply suffering more while merely being a guinea pig to the medical field. (Yes I have been suicidal many times as I'm sure others here have been. And I did not go to a DR. while I was suicidal).
> >
> > Many people reading these posts are emotionally and mentally very sensitive.
> >
> > I'm not advocating you editing anything, but don't you think it is natural for people to postpone medication after reading other's self described "horror stories"? This is the exact reason why I posted my success story upon my first visit here.
> >
> > Basically I don't understand your post to MorganW.
> >
> > Ann NY
> >
> > I don't know what IOW is either.
> >
> > > > I totally agree with James. If I had found this board before I started taking ANY AD... I probably woudn't have. These posts are indeed scary.
> > >
> > > And if your depression had continued? IOW, do you think you never would've started a medication, or just would've later?
> > >
> > > Bob
Posted by MorganW on May 15, 2001, at 9:53:06
In reply to IMO = In my Opinion » MorganW, posted by NikkiT2 on May 15, 2001, at 6:55:33
> >
> >
I meann IOW..... That's what Dr. Bob asked me, or told me.... who knows, don't know what it means.Does anybody know what IMO is?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > Dr. Bob,
> > >
> > > I don't understand the point you're trying to make. I too am glad I didn't find this site until I was mentally better. Have you read the many many posts saying Effexor is a nasty horrible drug that should never be given (but heroin, methadone and other opiates would work better)? You don't you use pointed e-mails to these people. Addictive narcotics ruin lives but there are no professional moderating comments to those e-mails. These are the posts that undermine the credibility of your site.
> > >
> > > Many many people with debilitating major depression do not seek medical help.
> > >
> > > I have had 3 MAJOR depressions. The first one lasted 2 years - with no medical help. The second one lasted 2-3 years. I got help in the beginning because I new the warning signs and had a bad experience. My Dr. put me on Prozac, it wasn't really working and it completely dulled my emotional responses which was making things worse. He didn't have much to say. SO I stopped on my own and SUFFERED for two years. Do you know how much people can suffer and still not get help?
> > >
> > > Recently, I was pushed over the edge when my dear loving father, my rock, died. I needed sleeping pills and my GP tried to talk me into ADs. I refused because I needed to grieve for my father. And I have had several negative experiences with the medical field, and didn't need to go through one again when I was so fragile. My GP persisted over the months and luckily I found a great Dr. and I am well on the road to recovery - but still working on it.
> > >
> > > But more to the point, I have truly suffered with depression for many years. And I have had a very disappointing experience with the psychiatric field. So yes I think it is extremely reasonable for a even a mentally healthy person to shiver upon reading some of these reactionary posts. And I know personally I probably would have thought suicide would have been better than to simply suffering more while merely being a guinea pig to the medical field. (Yes I have been suicidal many times as I'm sure others here have been. And I did not go to a DR. while I was suicidal).
> > >
> > > Many people reading these posts are emotionally and mentally very sensitive.
> > >
> > > I'm not advocating you editing anything, but don't you think it is natural for people to postpone medication after reading other's self described "horror stories"? This is the exact reason why I posted my success story upon my first visit here.
> > >
> > > Basically I don't understand your post to MorganW.
> > >
> > > Ann NY
> > >
> > > I don't know what IOW is either.
> > >
> > > > > I totally agree with James. If I had found this board before I started taking ANY AD... I probably woudn't have. These posts are indeed scary.
> > > >
> > > > And if your depression had continued? IOW, do you think you never would've started a medication, or just would've later?
> > > >
> > > > Bob
Posted by kid47 on May 15, 2001, at 10:18:38
In reply to Re: scary posts , posted by MorganW on May 15, 2001, at 5:37:39
> > And if your depression had continued? IOW, do you think you never would've started a medication, or just would've later?
> > >
> > > Bob
> >
> > If my depression continued... I'd deal with it the way i have always dealt with it before I started taking effexor. I'm not sure what IOW is. And no, I probably wouldnt have started the medication... now or later. This is my opinion... is there something wrong with it?
Posted by MorganW on May 15, 2001, at 11:00:43
In reply to Re: IOW=in other words (np)= no post, posted by kid47 on May 15, 2001, at 10:18:38
> > > And if your depression had continued? IOW, do you think you never would've started a medication, or just would've later?
> > > >
> > > > Bob
> > >
> > > If my depression continued... I'd deal with it the way i have always dealt with it before I started taking effexor. I'm not sure what IOW is. And no, I probably wouldnt have started the medication... now or later. This is my opinion... is there something wrong with it?
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 15, 2001, at 11:33:23
In reply to Re: scary posts » Dr. Bob, posted by Ann NY on May 15, 2001, at 3:47:50
> don't you think it is natural for people to postpone medication after reading other's self described "horror stories"?
I do, and that's a concern of mine. Which is why I was wondering whether they would just postpone trying medication or never try it at all. If they stayed depressed. Morgan said never...
Bob
Posted by MorganW on May 15, 2001, at 11:47:27
In reply to Re: scary posts , posted by Dr. Bob on May 15, 2001, at 11:33:23
I didn't realize you were asking out of curiousity sake.... I apologize..... When I said, it was my opinion? Is this wrong? I thought I was being quesioned as to my sencerity.
I believe it is a concern because very many of the posts are negative. When I did search on search engines.. I was directed to this site a lot. FOr instance, I was looking for effexor.. and this sight came up to go to a few times under different titles. Im glad I found it now... but I admit.. I'm glad I didn't see it before.
> > don't you think it is natural for people to postpone medication after reading other's self described "horror stories"?
>
> I do, and that's a concern of mine. Which is why I was wondering whether they would just postpone trying medication or never try it at all. If they stayed depressed. Morgan said never...
>
> Bob
Posted by tess on May 15, 2001, at 13:55:28
In reply to Re: scary posts Dr. bob, posted by MorganW on May 15, 2001, at 11:47:27
> I didn't realize you were asking out of curiousity sake.... I apologize..... When I said, it was my opinion? Is this wrong? I thought I was being quesioned as to my sencerity.
>
> I believe it is a concern because very many of the posts are negative. When I did search on search engines.. I was directed to this site a lot. FOr instance, I was looking for effexor.. and this sight came up to go to a few times under different titles. Im glad I found it now... but I admit.. I'm glad I didn't see it before.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > > don't you think it is natural for people to postpone medication after reading other's self described "horror stories"?
> >
> > I do, and that's a concern of mine. Which is why I was wondering whether they would just postpone trying medication or never try it at all. If they stayed depressed. Morgan said never...
> >
> > BobTaking any kind of medication now adays is horrendously expensive, esp. these types of drugs. Not everyone has the money to pay a Dr. and switch medications every month. If they use these boards to help make decisions after they have seen the Dr. then how many do you think would even TRY Effexor SR? Something needs to be done about the cost of medication here in the States.
Posted by JahL on May 15, 2001, at 20:08:20
In reply to Re: scary posts Dr. bob, posted by MorganW on May 15, 2001, at 11:47:27
> I believe it is a concern because very many of the posts are negative.I guess that's because you'd only (theoretically) visit a board like this if you're having difficulties with yr meds. If you're feeling just fine you'd (generic) probabably be getting on with yr life.
It is a concern tho' & unfortunately those who benefit from this board don't always report back their successes...
j
Posted by Victoria on May 15, 2001, at 21:45:51
In reply to Re: scary posts Dr. bob, posted by JahL on May 15, 2001, at 20:08:20
I definitely agree with the whole topic, I have had success with Wellbutrin and did report back about it. But now I am finding that although I have improved in some ways, I definitely am not where I need to be (details not pertinent). So I come back to find out about the alternatives and I am just freaked. So now I am thinking of just going off but I don't know that that is a good idea. I am just really confused. I need some good news. All I find on the internet are horror stories like that Panacea or Pandora book, I really don't want to be permanently disabled. Just my thoughts. (IMHO):-)
Tory
Posted by Mitch on May 16, 2001, at 0:26:24
In reply to Re: scary posts Dr. bob, posted by Victoria on May 15, 2001, at 21:45:51
I think there is a distinct difference between bipolar II folks experiences with anti-depressants and unipolar and bipolar I folks. I hope that anything I or anybody else writes that is negative about AD's, doesn't discourage someone that needs them and is being prescribed something to help them. I know personally several unipolar depressive people that take "big" doses of differing AD's and have few negative responses to them, AND you can see the difference it makes-there is a personal case (where I work) that probably saved someone's life-and we are all glad that she is still alive!
Let's all try to be scientific-> I definitely agree with the whole topic, I have had success with Wellbutrin and did report back about it. But now I am finding that although I have improved in some ways, I definitely am not where I need to be (details not pertinent). So I come back to find out about the alternatives and I am just freaked. So now I am thinking of just going off but I don't know that that is a good idea. I am just really confused. I need some good news. All I find on the internet are horror stories like that Panacea or Pandora book, I really don't want to be permanently disabled. Just my thoughts. (IMHO):-)
> Tory
Posted by maribeth on May 18, 2001, at 7:31:50
In reply to Re: scary posts » Ann NY, posted by MorganW on May 15, 2001, at 5:31:22
>
> Does anybody know what IMO is?
>
> HiYa'll --
I couldn't see that any one answered the original question.
IMO usually means "in my opinion"
IOW usually means "in other words"
I try not to use them when posting them here just because there
are so many new folk. just the same reason for avoiding the "scarie stories"
Maribeth
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Dr. Bob,
> >
> > I don't understand the point you're trying to make. I too am glad I didn't find this site until I was mentally better. Have you read the many many posts saying Effexor is a nasty horrible drug that should never be given (but heroin, methadone and other opiates would work better)? You don't you use pointed e-mails to these people. Addictive narcotics ruin lives but there are no professional moderating comments to those e-mails. These are the posts that undermine the credibility of your site.
> >
> > Many many people with debilitating major depression do not seek medical help.
> >
> > I have had 3 MAJOR depressions. The first one lasted 2 years - with no medical help. The second one lasted 2-3 years. I got help in the beginning because I new the warning signs and had a bad experience. My Dr. put me on Prozac, it wasn't really working and it completely dulled my emotional responses which was making things worse. He didn't have much to say. SO I stopped on my own and SUFFERED for two years. Do you know how much people can suffer and still not get help?
> >
> > Recently, I was pushed over the edge when my dear loving father, my rock, died. I needed sleeping pills and my GP tried to talk me into ADs. I refused because I needed to grieve for my father. And I have had several negative experiences with the medical field, and didn't need to go through one again when I was so fragile. My GP persisted over the months and luckily I found a great Dr. and I am well on the road to recovery - but still working on it.
> >
> > But more to the point, I have truly suffered with depression for many years. And I have had a very disappointing experience with the psychiatric field. So yes I think it is extremely reasonable for a even a mentally healthy person to shiver upon reading some of these reactionary posts. And I know personally I probably would have thought suicide would have been better than to simply suffering more while merely being a guinea pig to the medical field. (Yes I have been suicidal many times as I'm sure others here have been. And I did not go to a DR. while I was suicidal).
> >
> > Many people reading these posts are emotionally and mentally very sensitive.
> >
> > I'm not advocating you editing anything, but don't you think it is natural for people to postpone medication after reading other's self described "horror stories"? This is the exact reason why I posted my success story upon my first visit here.
> >
> > Basically I don't understand your post to MorganW.
> >
> > Ann NY
> >
> > I don't know what IOW is either.
> >
> > > > I totally agree with James. If I had found this board before I started taking ANY AD... I probably woudn't have. These posts are indeed scary.
> > >
> > > And if your depression had continued? IOW, do you think you never would've started a medication, or just would've later?
> > >
> > > Bob
Posted by Jane D on May 20, 2001, at 1:06:45
In reply to Re: scary posts Dr. bob, posted by MorganW on May 15, 2001, at 11:47:27
I started using medication before all this information was available on the internet. Before I started I knew a fair amount about how antidepressants worked in theory but I had never heard any first hand accounts. Despite the fact that I hadn't read any "horror stories" I still managed to be terrified of using them . I had a vague idea that the drugs would alter my mind in some mysterious way and I'd never know it. This incoherent thought was strong enough to cause me to delay starting medication for years.
I actually think that I would have found all the accounts I've read here reassuring in a perverse sort of way. The problems reported are so ordinary and so concrete even when severe. Real risks like headaches, nausea, exhaustion etc are far less frightening (to me at least) than the vague and imaginary ideas I had of what would happen to me.
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 20, 2001, at 9:28:00
In reply to Re: scary posts reassuring, posted by Jane D on May 20, 2001, at 1:06:45
> Real risks like headaches, nausea, exhaustion etc are far less frightening (to me at least) than the vague and imaginary ideas I had of what would happen to me.
That's an interesting perspective, thanks!
Bob
Posted by leslee on April 9, 2004, at 9:03:42
In reply to Re: scary posts Dr. bob, posted by MorganW on May 15, 2001, at 11:47:27
I previously wrote a message and cannot find it
Posted by snapper on April 9, 2004, at 16:41:34
In reply to new to this, posted by leslee on April 9, 2004, at 9:03:42
> I previously wrote a message and cannot find it
leslee, try doing a google search within -dr-bob.org --- with your screen name and a few general words that you might have remembered as posting in your original post
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 10, 2004, at 6:58:05
In reply to new to this, posted by leslee on April 9, 2004, at 9:03:42
> I previously wrote a message and cannot find it
This one?
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040407/msgs/333748.html
Bob
Posted by leslee on April 10, 2004, at 15:11:46
In reply to Re: new to this, posted by Dr. Bob on April 10, 2004, at 6:58:05
I thank you for helping me find my post. I still need advice, I am 11 days away from being clean off the methadone and I am starting to experience mild side effects, I can live with these effects I just hope they don't get worse. any one who is detoxed off of methadone I would appreciate your feedback. I am scared.
This is the end of the thread.
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