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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tom Studebaker on February 19, 2004, at 11:24:11
The facts: I am on Efexor xr 150mg and Clonopine .5 mg 3-6 times a day. It has been a little over 3 and 1/2 weeks for me. I have had some very good days and some bad days. Today is one of those bad days. I am feeling overwhelmed with decisions that I am not ready for. I feel like a whimp, not a man. So few understand and expect a great deal from me and interprete my good days as being healed. My Doctor is encouraging and tells me that I am right on schedule and doing well, concidering. I need encouragement again if you can help.
Thank you so much and God bless.
Posted by Ann72 on February 19, 2004, at 11:48:13
In reply to I need a friend, posted by Tom Studebaker on February 19, 2004, at 11:24:11
Tom, the key is to hang in there. I take effexor also and lamictal along with xanax. I'm still trying to find the right mixture of meds for me. But from what everyone says, give it time. Usually it takes about 5-7 wks before you feel much benefit from them. We are all in the same boat here and it's important to remember your not alone. Your not crazy and your not messed up. You, like most of us have a chemical imbalance that causes our problems so we cant blame ourselves. You know your a good person and you have a support system right here..
Take Care,
Ann
Posted by Karen_kay on February 19, 2004, at 11:52:38
In reply to I need a friend, posted by Tom Studebaker on February 19, 2004, at 11:24:11
Remember that you have Good days as well as bad. Try to keep in mind that the good days will come again.
You're doing great! Everyone's listening. I'm sending pleasant thoughts and vibes your way! And remember the good day may be tomorrow!! Actually, it will! I just know it!!!!
Posted by rainyday on February 19, 2004, at 13:34:09
In reply to I need a friend, posted by Tom Studebaker on February 19, 2004, at 11:24:11
I started on effexor about 7 weeks ago. Today (hurray!!) is the first day I have felt *normal*. I am so glad I stuck with it. It really does take this long for the medication to have its full effect. I felt like everyone was impatient for me to get "better" like I have a cold... it's really more like having diabetes, and it takes a body a while to adjust. Hang in there and post often.
Posted by Flipsactown on February 19, 2004, at 15:05:28
In reply to I need a friend, posted by Tom Studebaker on February 19, 2004, at 11:24:11
Tom,
I have been on ADs for over 12 years. It just takes time to get just the right combo of meds to effectively work for you. If you really are not feeling any better and it has been over 3 or 4 weeks, then by all means let your doctor know. There are so many ADs and other meds for treating depression/anxiety. There is hope and it is okay to ask for additional help from your doctor or like from this forum. Be honest with yourself and be honest to your doctor and to people around you. If you are not feeling well, don't fake it because you will just make it worse later on. I am on prozac, remeron, lamictal and lithium.
Flipsactown
> The facts: I am on Efexor xr 150mg and Clonopine .5 mg 3-6 times a day. It has been a little over 3 and 1/2 weeks for me. I have had some very good days and some bad days. Today is one of those bad days. I am feeling overwhelmed with decisions that I am not ready for. I feel like a whimp, not a man. So few understand and expect a great deal from me and interprete my good days as being healed. My Doctor is encouraging and tells me that I am right on schedule and doing well, concidering. I need encouragement again if you can help.
>
> Thank you so much and God bless.
Posted by cubbybear on February 20, 2004, at 5:08:11
In reply to I need a friend, posted by Tom Studebaker on February 19, 2004, at 11:24:11
Hello Tom,
I've been through the ravages of depression, have always thought that it will never end but it always does. . .the process of coming up from the depths is not a straight line. There are ups and downs and it can get very discouraging if not horrifying to see yourself slip down again after you've come up. But sooner or later, provided you're on the appropriate med, you will be back on top.
About your doctor, unfortunately I had a guy who seemed great at first, but in time it became apparent that he was totally underplaying the severity of my depression by making ridiculous statements like, "You're not actually depressed. You just have a depressed feeling." Or telling me that I look and sound better than I did the week before, when I KNEW that I was a lot worse. This guy was nuts. So if you have doubts about your doctor, talk it out openly, and if still unsatisfied, try to get yourself another one ASAP.
Posted by florence on February 20, 2004, at 14:53:12
In reply to Re: I need a friend » Tom Studebaker, posted by cubbybear on February 20, 2004, at 5:08:11
I think if people have never had depression they have no clue what it is like. There does not have to be a reason: it took me several drs. that understood this and that female hormones played a huge role. People on these boards provide alot more insight than some of the Med and Health sites. In my case, I am a stay at home Mom with a wonderful husband and son; no stress. It is very frustrating to wait so long when we want to feel better soon. I got to the point where I couldn't stand to read posts that said HANG IN THERE! It drove me crazy. I was so jealous of people who have luck with the first AD they are given. I felt like a failure and also felt guilty when a AD didn't work. So my advice is this: Do not EVER be afraid to change drs or try new meds. Hope you can draw some strength from these message boards. I am imagine it is harder for men to have "No Fault Brain Disorder". I was shocked last week when I saw super-macho Terry Bradshaw talk about his anxiety problems. (I'm from Cleveland: rival of Pittsburgh)All those weeks when I was in bed watching him laughing it up on T.V.--I was so envious of his ability to have fun. Apparently, he sought help from his preacher who directed him to a pdoc and he is better. So there are better days ahead, Tom! When the "command center" is out of whack it is difficult to imagine ever feeling better. It's always too early to quit!(I didn't want to say hang in there)
Posted by jdgjdg on February 20, 2004, at 23:32:28
In reply to I need a friend, posted by Tom Studebaker on February 19, 2004, at 11:24:11
Tom,
Hello and I'm sorry about your terrible day. I wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but I don't. Please just know that you are not alone and good things will come your way. You just have to have faith and be patient. It's hard, but you can do it. Take care,
Jenn
This is the end of the thread.
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