Hi Folks,

Many of you suggested that I may be suffering from depression as a result of WS's A.

As a result of your concerns I went and saw my family Doc of over 30 years yesterday. Based his knowledge of me and on my symptoms he diagnosed me as having mild depression as well as suffering from stress. That explains a lot about how lethargic I am, how bad my memory is and why I never seem to smile or be happy about anything for some time now.

He suggested "St John's Wort" as a first step and then Anti D's if nothing happens.

He explained that the Anti D's are usually 6 - 12 month prescription and then the brain should be able to produce whatever chemicals it needs after that. He also explained that they are not addictive and that I should not fear them (which I did / do).

Cheers RMan

<small>[ February 15, 2005, 04:01 PM: Message edited by: RenaissanceMan ]</small>

My suggestion would be to skip the St. Johns stuff...go to anti-d. I was a non-believer but things got to difficult and I started taking anti-Ds.

Takes about 1 month for them to fully kick in. I had a week on one that was making me feel like I was on LSD so started different one and things have been getting progressivly better.

Now I feel as undepressed as anti-Ds will allow and asked the Dr. if I could stop...of course he told me a minum of 3-6 months would be a good idea.

My brother took St. Johns Wart but it never seemed to help him. You also have to be careful to get a correctly formulated suppliment. Not all St. Johns Wart is created equally.

Added: I bet if I could spell correctly the first time what I am trying to say would make more sense LOL

<small>[ February 15, 2005, 04:46 PM: Message edited by: greergan ]</small>

greergan - Thank you. I may also ask MB'ers in a simial position.

RenaissanceMan-

I have no experience with St.Johns Wort, but if the doc suggested you try it first, then you can't really argue with what he says. Now...question...did YOU bring up the St.Johns Wort, or did he?

I don't know Anti-D's aren't like heavy duty or anything, don't be so afraid of them, the seriously make you feel like a normal person again....you'll be grateful to have 'em.

-Caren

but if the doc suggested you try it first, then you can't really argue with what he says.

um, yes you can.

I would still be a raving lunitic if I had taken the Dr. initial suggestion of sticking with Zoloft.

He wanted me to give it a "fair" trial and I said no way....Saved me a couple of weeks of craziness and got me to saneness a couple of weeks sooner.

Did you tell the Dr. what brought on the depression and stress?

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by greergan:
<strong> but if the doc suggested you try it first, then you can't really argue with what he says.

um, yes you can.

I would still be a raving lunitic if I had taken the Dr. initial suggestion of sticking with Zoloft.

He wanted me to give it a "fair" trial and I said no way....Saved me a couple of weeks of craziness and got me to saneness a couple of weeks sooner.

Did you tell the Dr. what brought on the depression and stress? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Same here. A week on Zoloft and I was in worse shape than before...........

David,

I have been on Zoloft for 6 months. After a week I was almost insane. Now I just don't know if it helps because I don't know what to compare it to. I do know that I am still a nervous wreck some days.

Keith

Hey, I replied on your other thread.

What's going on here????? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Just kidding, but I don't feel like typing it all again, so hope you are reading both. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by BHINWI:
<strong> David,

I have been on Zoloft for 6 months. After a week I was almost insane. Now I just don't know if it helps because I don't know what to compare it to. I do know that I am still a nervous wreck some days.

Keith </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Keith - I could NOT take that stuff - caused the worst anxiety sensations I've ever experienced. Went thru a bunch of brands till I ended up with a choice of Buspar andf Prozac. Went with the Prozac. Thank God I did. Other than vitrtual impotence (who cares? W isn't here....lol) It's doing wonders. It depends on the person...

David

TTY later!!

Renaissance Man,

I am on 450mg of Wellbutrin and have been since Dec '03.

This is the max dosage and I have about 4-6 more months to go.

I was diagnosed with severe depression. Mid life stuff combined with the A.

According to my psych and I've heard this from other sources is that depression is progressive so the longer you have it and it goes untreated the longer it takes to treat.

I started on Lexapro but it has sexual side effects.

Alot of people think the AD isn't working bc they aren't happy. The reality is that it flattens the highs and lows. So if you feel just average that typically means it's working.

Some AD's have a tendency to increase the risk of suicide during the intial few weeks. A psych or DR should be keeping a close eye on the patient.

Mac