![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 66. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 17:34:50
Everyone has their own concept of what a miracle drug might be when treating mental illness.
What's yours?
What are your requirements for a drug to be deemed a miracle drug?
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on November 6, 2008, at 17:55:54
In reply to What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 17:34:50
Scott simple be the person and feel the way I felt before adding ad's and thyroid messing me up. That's not much to ask . Being back to normal. Phillipa
Posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on November 6, 2008, at 18:11:14
In reply to What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 17:34:50
> Everyone has their own concept of what a miracle drug might be when treating mental illness.
>
> What's yours?
>
> What are your requirements for a drug to be deemed a miracle drug?
>
>
> - ScottWell, 'Miracle Drug' is an awesome song by U2..lol. But, really, I think more in combinations of drugs. I strongly believe Polypharmacy is 'the way'. We are too complicated as humans to just have one medication (not ALL the time..I know..) that makes everything "better". IMHO...etc..
Jay
Posted by yxibow on November 6, 2008, at 18:48:30
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on November 6, 2008, at 18:11:14
> > Everyone has their own concept of what a miracle drug might be when treating mental illness.
> >
> > What's yours?
> >
> > What are your requirements for a drug to be deemed a miracle drug?
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> Well, 'Miracle Drug' is an awesome song by U2..lol. But, really, I think more in combinations of drugs. I strongly believe Polypharmacy is 'the way'. We are too complicated as humans to just have one medication (not ALL the time..I know..) that makes everything "better". IMHO...etc..
The brain is too complicated with chemical imbalances for any agent. We're still in the middle ages of psychiatry and there is no such thing as a "miracle drug" or a "magic bullet". It doesn't exist. We can come close to something that works for us and, I hate this technical term, improve our "functionality", that is, make our lives more productive under the stress of mental illness.
That being said, yes, polypharmacy sometimes has to be used -- but there's a caveat, it has to be used judiciously by a psychopharmacologist who knows the interactions well between agents and has seen patients on drugs.
And then there are people like myself who are rather sensitive to certain agents and extra caution has to be done because -- combining agents means combining side effects to an extent.
There is no free lunch, but there is hope. Something that I and I imagine those with multidiagnoses including depression especially find very hard to grasp on to.
-- tidings
Jay
Posted by llurpsienoodle on November 6, 2008, at 18:56:33
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'? » Jay_Bravest_Face, posted by yxibow on November 6, 2008, at 18:48:30
I've got MY miracle drug, but it works in concert with all the regular non-miraculous drugs. I'm not sure that Wellbutrin can play a solo concert. It definitely needs a band behind it.
Miracle Drug = relief of symptoms long-term, with negligible side effects and reasonable cost and ease of administration.
And regardless of how good my moods are, and how absent anxiety is, it's no good if I can't breathe at night. So, I guess I am rather fond of my asthma inhaler too.
-Ll
Posted by JadeKelly on November 6, 2008, at 19:09:39
In reply to What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 17:34:50
> Everyone has their own concept of what a miracle drug might be when treating mental illness.
Don't know about that, I've seen 1 or 2 posters recently offended at the idea of a "miracle" drug. Isn't this an exercise in semantics? If I want to call "my" med a miracle, or ask others if one exists, I think thats my right.
>
> What's yours?Haven't found "mine"....yet. (You could help me find it by answering my post re:"parnate and nifedipene" posted earlier today!!
Thought it was Emsam, then Parnate, ugghh! Really did feel like my old self again. Maybe getting close.
>
> What are your requirements for a drug to be deemed a miracle drug?
My requirements are for it to return my brain chemistry back to how it was a couple of years ago when I felt normal and like myself. I'm not that person right now and I'm really not likin it.Good luck with your survey!
Jade
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 19:31:37
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'? » SLS, posted by JadeKelly on November 6, 2008, at 19:09:39
I guess I should have used the term "Miracle Drug Treatment". I certainly am experiencing a miracle of modern psychopharmacology. However, I must take 4 drugs for my miracle to happen.
Where would we be were we to be born 300 years ago? For me, nearly all of modern medicine is a miracle when considered in this context. I am very appreciative of man's modern medical inventions. Penicillin is a miracle drug, despite an increasingly treatment resistant population of microbes.
It is a matter of attitude. No scientist owes the rest of us anything. Why do so many of us place blame on scientists when they don't accomplish what we want them to? Anyone can find fault with the system. However, I almost never see on this forum a recognition of what is right about the system. I am very much in favor of improving the system. However, disparagement alone is not terribly constructive in my opinion.
Any treatment that brings me to remission is a miracle treatment for me.
My miracle drugs:
Parnate 80mg
nortriptyline 150mg
Lamictal 200mg
Abilify 20mg
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on November 6, 2008, at 19:39:17
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 19:31:37
Scott is there someone not liking scientists or new advances? I don't think I saw that posted at least not on this thread. My miracle is being able to see doctors and get proper attention to physical problems that may be contributing or caused how I feel. That's just me of course. I tend to rely on my own strenth. Really there is no other choice the way I see it. I do what needs to be done. Love Phillipa
Posted by ricker on November 6, 2008, at 20:17:15
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 19:31:37
> It is a matter of attitude. No scientist owes the rest of us anything. Why do so many of us place blame on scientists when they don't accomplish what we want them to? Anyone can find fault with the system.I often wonder if the "so many of us" are acutually, "the few of us"? Maybe the millions of physciatric "stable" people out there have found their "magic". The need for "us" to desperatley seek help via the internet, as a cyber-family expressing our failures and dismay...is trivial...too so many?
I believe there's lots of those magic bullets out there, unfortunately us people require a special "caliber" :-)Regards, Rick
Posted by thinkingitover on November 6, 2008, at 21:21:05
In reply to What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 17:34:50
I think mine would be one that allows me to show who I am without going into emotional overload if that makes any sense. I can still me my neurotic self, but not have those feelings spiral me downwards... in other wards... "keep the gears greased" so I don;t get stuck. It would also have NO weight gain, that would be a true miracle.
> Everyone has their own concept of what a miracle drug might be when treating mental illness.
>
> What's yours?
>
> What are your requirements for a drug to be deemed a miracle drug?
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by thinkingitover on November 6, 2008, at 21:26:25
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by ricker on November 6, 2008, at 20:17:15
I think actually that there are many here on the board that are stable, many here that periodically experience hard times, and many on are in the dilemna that you mention.
I disagree with you in what i perceive as an inference that everyone here is in a dilemna.
It seems that many are simply looking for information or reassurance.
Thanks
Posted by JadeKelly on November 6, 2008, at 21:42:27
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 19:31:37
> I guess I should have used the term "Miracle Drug Treatment". I certainly am experiencing a miracle of modern psychopharmacology. However, I must take 4 drugs for my miracle to happen.
>
> Where would we be were we to be born 300 years ago? For me, nearly all of modern medicine is a miracle when considered in this context. I am very appreciative of man's modern medical inventions. Penicillin is a miracle drug, despite an increasingly treatment resistant population of microbes.
I for one would not be alive, so...geuss you know my position on that.
> It is a matter of attitude. No scientist owes the rest of us anything. Why do so many of us place blame on scientists when they don't accomplish what we want them to? Anyone can find fault with the system. However, I almost never see on this forum a recognition of what is right about the system. I am very much in favor of improving the system. However, disparagement alone is not terribly constructive in my opinion.
Easy for you to say, you're in remission, haha!
Any treatment that brings me to remission is a miracle treatment for me..
>
> My miracle drugs:
>
> Parnate 80mg
> nortriptyline 150mg
> Lamictal 200mg
> Abilify 20mg
Scott,I am the rare specimen of spontaneous hypertention on Parnate. I have been taking Nifedipine daily just to stay on it. Its making sick and lethargic. I only take 30mg Parnate. Either it wore off on its own, or its the Nifedipine. Either way, I probably will have to d/c it. So, anything in your miracle mix that would control spikes in BP (180-200sys)? Would that mix be appropriate for 2 year, atyp/tr MDD?
Never had one before and can't brake cycle on my own.Any chance you could answer questions on my post??
Parnate & Nifedipine? I'd really appreciate it. Btw-mind telling me what your diag is? If similar, maybe I could try your "miracle" I know MAOI's work for me big time, at least in the beginning.Thanx!Jade
>
>
>
Posted by Midnightblue on November 6, 2008, at 22:36:16
In reply to What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 17:34:50
One that works.
MB
Posted by Racer on November 6, 2008, at 22:43:23
In reply to What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 17:34:50
Other than Midnight Blue's answer, which made me laugh:
A Miracle Drug would:
1. Work consistently over a wide demographic
2. Have few and mild side effects
3. This is me, so you know "no weight gain" is top of the list
4. Few, if any, drug/food interactions
5. Ease of use -- if I could take it once a day, I'd be quite pleased
6. Wouldn't cause the foggy-head feeling I'm experiencing right now
7. Would show signs of whether or not it wants to play nicely more quickly than most of the currently available medications...I'm sure there are other things I'm not thinking of, but I can't think of them ;-)
Scott, darling, it's always nice to see you!
Posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 23:31:22
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'? » SLS, posted by Midnightblue on November 6, 2008, at 22:36:16
> One that works.
>
> MBYup.
:-)
- Scott
Posted by yxibow on November 7, 2008, at 0:01:33
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'? » Midnightblue, posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 23:31:22
I guess I see in this that there are a lot of people who are stabilized successfully on medication and are enjoying their lives.
Yes, its semantics.
But it also begets "perfection" and a bit of "magical thinking". I'm not saying for everyone -- but that there is a superdrug combination that won't have side effects some time down the road that will never be able to be predicted, there is no such thing.
I think better living through chemistry is a fine idea, but chemistry isn't perfect.
There's hard work to be done besides the chemistry, and that involves other changes in life than merely medication.
I'm sure I'm projecting because of my experience of 7 years with over a dozen substances, some that have had totally unexpected and unpleasant rare results, but I'm just trying to put perhaps what realism I've come to get from those who are caring for me.
I absolutely wish some of my medications didnt "poop out" or however people like to describe it, but they're holding me at bay -- while I still wish they would work like they did.
You can't go back, you can only experience the presence like everyone of us does. And sometimes that plain sucks. Really does.
To new agents, to new scientific research in our lifetimes. But we have to accept then the results of those will also have side effects and to be careful what you wish for, because newer isn't necessarily safer, and if you look up any drug on Google, you'll be bound to find the lawyer sites.
I'm not trying to put a downer -- maybe I have, and its through my teary eyes that I do -- I just think that to wish, to have realistic expectations, and above all to have hope is the best cure.
I hope I see hope.
-- Jay
Posted by Extreme on November 7, 2008, at 5:34:46
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by yxibow on November 7, 2008, at 0:01:33
First of all, and I think this one could be in our lifetime... identify ALL substances that governs the rest in the body and target those. If science is able to find the very "foundation" of the mind and body chemistry I think it would then be easy to find medicines that target the very basic of our experiences in life.
Second.. which yxibow spoke about... there is work to be done with ourselves... a chemical solution is not THE solution because we are not just DNA and chemistry, we are much more than that and we KNOW that we affect chemistry within ourselves. A nice thing to have in the future is some kind of "mind-meter" that measures all the important things that goes on in the body and the brain so we can see what emotions and thoughts does to us chemically... trace them back to their origin (the orginal thought/emotion in time) and learn things from ourselves never before possible. Maybe a little wristwatch would acomplish that in the future!
I have a very positive view on the future when it comes to technology... it will not be THE soulution to everything just as pure chemical solutions wont be it... but it will help us very much if we are WILLING to make something good of it.
Posted by JadeKelly on November 7, 2008, at 5:45:33
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by yxibow on November 7, 2008, at 0:01:33
I guess I see in this that there are a lot of people who are stabilized successfully on medication and are enjoying their lives.
>
> Yes, its semantics.
>
> But it also begets "perfection" and a bit of "magical thinking".For who?
I'm not saying for everyone -- but that there is a superdrug combination that won't have side effects some time down the road that will never be able to be predicted, there is no such thing.
How is that relevant? Each of us has to decide what our "miracle" is, and from the post, it seems for most its returning to plain old normalcy!! We're on the medical board so discussion of drug use to get there IS relavant.But I didn't see much of that anyway.Personally, I'd like to take one med. But if 2 puts me in remission? I'm gonna do it!
> I think better living through chemistry is a fine idea, but chemistry isn't perfect.
>
> There's hard work to be done besides the chemistry, and that involves other changes in life than merely medication.I can only speak for myself ,Jay, tried it all. I truly now believe that my brain chemistry is deeply impaired, and I can't repair that without chemical help.
>
> I'm sure I'm projecting because of my experience of 7 years with over a dozen substances, some that have had totally unexpected and unpleasant rare results, but I'm just trying to put perhaps what realism I've come to get from those who are caring for me.I'm truly sorry about that, maybe if I were in your shoes...but I can't help but think that along with a good dose of realism, should come a healthy dose of hope.
> I absolutely wish some of my medications didnt "poop out" or however people like to describe it, but they're holding me at bay -- while I still wish they would work like they did.
I have a close loved one that has to be drugged every day for several problems, emotional and physical. My "miracle" for him was when we d/c'd all the atyp anti psych meds, put him only on Depakote and Seroquel, and his personality is back. He can handle it and so can we. Thats a miracle to me. He will be on meds the rest of his life, and is cognitively impaired as a result. But he's amazing, and he has a life, and friends, etc. because we insisted he be taken OFF so many meds. Is this a "perfect miracle" no. But a miracle in my book nonetheless. and that was from DIS-continuing 2 meds. NOT recommending this either w/o Dr. consent. I better just shut up now.
So, semantics and interpretation of a word.Jay, if it bothers you I have no need to use that word on this board again. (I reserve the right to use a similar one when I get better!!!)
>
> You can't go back, you can only experience the presence like everyone of us does. And sometimes that plain sucks. Really does.I wish it didn't.
But I will never give up this fight and settle. I just won't do it. I want my life back. Not euphoria, just myself.
>
> To new agents, to new scientific research in our lifetimes. But we have to accept then the results of those will also have side effects and to be careful what you wish for, because newer isn't necessarily safer, and if you look up any drug on Google, you'll be bound to find the lawyer sites.
>
> I'm not trying to put a downer -- maybe I have, and its through my teary eyes that I do -- I just think that to wish, to have realistic expectations, and above all to have hope is the best cure.I agree!! I hope you see hope too, and maybe thats enough for right now. Don't give up hope. You just never know whats to come.
>
> I hope I see hope.
>
> -- JayJay, I know we've disagree on this, but it really is just semantics to me. I suffer from Atyp/Tr MDD, for going on 3 years. I'm not myself. I'm actually numb. My kids miss the old me. I've done all the work of trying to climb out of this hole with and without drugs. I won't blame myself anymore. My brain shutdown for reasons I won't go into, but yes, if a drug comes along that gives me my life back? I'm gonna consider it MY "miracle" drug. I can see why people with other disorders, or who have suffered for a very long time, it may not be healthy for them to hear repeatedly "miracle" drug. I get it, I do.
I have to be honest with you tho, what I'm doin here its not living. So if a drug comes along that I fully or even mostly respond to, and get my life back? I'm gonna take it if its been approved. Why would I worry about toxic side effects now, when If I don't get well, I'll be a different person by then anyway?
So you see the paradox were in?
If its wrong to hope, and believe that someday a drug/treatment/herb/whatever/therapy "miracle" whatever will come along and put each of us into some kind of bearable remission, (each person's "miracle", what ever that may be)-----is it not just as wrong to extinguish someone else's flame, however they choose to term it, because you don't believe in that much hope? Don't get your hopes too high! You may have a bad reaction in 5 years! If we start doing that I am SURE I could find documentation that just about every drug currently on the market may have some long term adverse effects. The effect of years of MDD on my spirit, body, and chemistry is far more dangerous to me IMHO.
I really do understand what you're saying. I just don't think its fair to shut people down when they're feelin extra hopeful. Even if it doesn't happen for em that time. I'm not refering to this post or SLS.
Friends? I hope so.
Jade
Posted by SLS on November 7, 2008, at 5:58:01
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by Extreme on November 7, 2008, at 5:34:46
I believe there are plenty of people suffering from an affective disorder who don't need to work on themselves in order to attain remission. Well-adjusted people contract mental illnesses, too. If you correct their brain function, they go merrily on their way. For these people, drug treatment is all they need.
I am indignant when someone tells me that drugs are not 100% of the answer. For me, they are. Perhaps we should speak only for ourselves regarding the need for people to work on themselves in order to get well.
Everyone has issues? Perhaps, but do they have to be psychosocial in nature? For some, feeding their family is issue enough. Living a life while being perfectly healthy has issues. Enough of "we all have issues". I don't. Do you?
- Scott
Posted by Extreme on November 7, 2008, at 7:31:41
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by SLS on November 7, 2008, at 5:58:01
Scott:
Hm, were you answering me now or... someone else in here?
Anyway... my opinion is that it should be up to oneself to define what one needs really and defining the situation that one is in... because I have lived a whole life of medicating myself... I dont recomend it to others.. but it is my way in this life. I myself need to have that kind of control when it comes to my mind and my life.
The issue of something being psysical or mental in MY life... is so "lucid" that I am actually in desperate need of that "magic wristwatch" that can monitor the substances in my body and brain..it would help me a lot to actually SEE what goes on and help me decide if a KBT-technique or a medication would be the optimal solution for a specific problm. The way my life is now... I am making more or less qualified guesses all the time about my condition.
Posted by SLS on November 7, 2008, at 8:23:29
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by Extreme on November 7, 2008, at 7:31:41
> Scott:
>
> Hm, were you answering me now or... someone else in here?No.
I was not targeting you. It was just a general rant. I'm not sure what triggered it, but I've been meaning to say it for a long time.
- Scott
Posted by Extreme on November 7, 2008, at 8:32:08
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'? » Extreme, posted by SLS on November 7, 2008, at 8:23:29
Oh okey, Scott.. well, I wanted to write my general view on things anyway too.. so everything good.
Posted by B2chica on November 7, 2008, at 12:18:21
In reply to What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'?, posted by SLS on November 6, 2008, at 17:34:50
i think other posters have said it best.
i don't expect there to be one single pill that does it all. we are infact too complicated for that. but the miracle combination would:Llurpsie said it right with: Miracle Drug = relief of symptoms long-term, with negligible side effects and reasonable cost and ease of administration.
Must also agree with Racer's definitions, including wide demographic, mild SE (or for me personally i'd like weight loss as a Side Effect)
no drug/food interactions
once a day dosage, NO Hospital administration needed.
no bloodwork needed
and Absolutely affordable******************
and mostly
-to work!, bring me out of the pit of despair WITHOUT altering my normal personality.
-help with altertness and attention
-eliminate fatigue
-and NO food cravings!
Posted by Phillipa on November 7, 2008, at 12:37:53
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'? » SLS, posted by B2chica on November 7, 2008, at 12:18:21
Scott good you got that rant out. Supporting that. In my case so many of my issues are psycological with bad marriages, kids in trouble, grandkids etc. I feel me learning to cope and accept all the losses in past including my Mothers death at an early age and raising myself would have kept me from experiencing that first panic attack. funny at the time was so young and in CT then that the doc just gave me a cardboard small box with pills and instructions never told me what they were and never was so young questioned the docs. And the pills always worked. I think mentally fighting for me at my age is best. Small doses of meds but using stronger agents now could harm me. I think back to my nursing career, traveling, raising three kids, and running a business first. I feel I've Lived a life. I just miss it and wish there was a magic pill with no waiting as don't have the time. I truly enjoy helping the others on this site and educating myself. And who knows ons day a med I feel in my heart is right for me will just pop at at me. I appreciate this thread. So many experiences. Thanks Scott. Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on November 7, 2008, at 13:20:49
In reply to Re: What is your definition of a 'Miracle Drug'? » Extreme, posted by SLS on November 7, 2008, at 8:23:29
Scott still have your wonderful website? So many new people might enjoy it so creative and informative. Love Phillipa
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
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