The Stress Doc turns to readers' responses to his newsletter series on depression and medication. And you don't disappoint. There's a range of perspectives -- from the provocative to the heartfelt.
Readers Know Depression
In honor of National Depression Awareness Month (October), I ran a six-part, personal series on depression and medication in my newsletter, "Notes From the Online Psychohumorist." (If you missed the series, email stressdoc@aol.com.) And readers responded. (I'm keeping names confidential.) While just about all appreciated my personal sharing, one emailer accused me of being a front for such pharmaceuticals as Pfizer and Merck.
Do they pay for this web site? In the professional realm, doctors don't advertize drugs. Lawyers don't guarantee you'll win the lawsuit. Like reading about Doan's Pills in an old Sears & Roebuck catalog. This field test of one isn't a valid base for promoting the chemicals. (Ed note: No one pays me anything for my essays. And just because my experience with Prozac was positive, this doesn't mean all will have the same results. And, as I've stressed, especially in the startup phase, combining psychopharmacology and psychotherapy is critical.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------
I am on Zoloft...and I know exactly where you are coming from!! You do a good job writing it all down...Now I don't feel so alone! :-) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------
Your personal story was very insightful and easy to relate too......Even to the point of having a brother named Larry, although my brother is five years older..LOL I had been on 150 mg of time released effexor for about two years and had it reduced to 75 mg because the depression was under control. While on the 150 mg dose I had very violent dreams and woke up many nights frightened by the overwhelming realness of the dreams...The reduction to 75mg made it easier to sleep and the violent dreams disappeared a few months ago...I became more hyper and talkative but felt the trade off was worth not having the violent dreams........... The psych doctor has recommended a dose of 150mg again because of the hyperactive state but I have hesitated to increase the dose because the dreams are so awful that it is not worth it to me...I would rather be somewhat hyper and know that is a side effect and deal with that head on than have nightmares on a regular basis...Changing meds was a thought....I have been a guinea pig for 10 years and have been put on so many that there are not enough fingers and toes to count the names and numbers... P.S. Thanks for sharing... : ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------
I'm currently enjoying recovery from depression, thanks to Prozac (40mgs) & a very low dose of Welbutrin (75mgs). As a cognitive therapist, I had resisted treatment for a long time, believing that I could work my way out of this. What I have learned about the biochemical changes in the brain was an eyeopener and ultimately caused me to seek medication intervention. I expect that in due time I'll be reducing the dose of medication I'm on. I was hoping that you could tell me how you get 3 mg twice a day when I was told the lowest dose capsule was 10 mg. I'm sure there's a simple answer to this, but rather than speculate, I thought I'd ask. Thanks; your essays have been helpful and encouraging. (Ed note: A couple of folks had this practical concern. My first clarifying response, obviously, was not clear enough. But eventaully we connected. Doc: It's fairly easy to separate the 10mg capsule. Just carefully pull the the overlapping parts apart. And I squeeze out a third at a time. Reader: Squeeze out onto what? Your tongue??? Don't mean to get personal, but I'm just trying to envision. Is it a powder? Doc: Yes it's a powder. I squeeze it into orange juice or (if bold) onto a bagel. It doesn't taste that bad, especially when taken with food. Reader: Neat idea. I'm going to try it, first maybe in halves. The 10 mg has gotten to be more than I want. I'm TOO mellow and TOO content, even when I shouldn't be. Thanks.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------
You should know better than to work with the Postal Service! Isn't life tough enough already? Remember all those stories of Postage Workers who go berserk...:-O
That was a great article about your experience with Prozac. Your honesty and openness about your life is quite refreshing and quite helpful to your readers, I'm sure. Keep up the good work!...That was quite a poignant side- story about your "coming out" with your bro, Larry. It's funny how those of us in the mental health profession can often be blind to our own stuff. I hope you keep "percolating" about a joint article, btw. (Ed. note: I will make an exception. This letter is from Rick Pitts, a psychologist and Online Psych expert.)
Thanks all. And of course...Practice Safe Stress!
Mark Gorkin, "The Stress Doc," Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a nationally recognized speaker, workshop leader and author on stress, reorganizational change, anger, team building, creativity and humor. He is also the internet's and the nation's leading "Psychohumorist." The Stress Doc is a columnist for the popular cyber-newsletter, Humor From The Edge -- HUMOR FROM THE EDGE HOME PAGE . Mark is also the "Online Psychohumorist" for the major AOL mental health resource network, Online Psych -- ONLINE PSYCH: THE STRESS DOC and Financial Services Journal Online. And he is an offline writer for two mental health/substance abuse publications -- Treatment Today and Paradigm Magazine. His motto: Have Stress? Will Travel: A Smart Mouth for Hire! Reach "The Doc" at (202) 232-8662, email: Stress Doc@aol.com, or check out his "Hot Site" website: http://www.stressdoc.com or click STRESS DOC HOMEPAGE. (The site was selected as a USA Today Online "Hot Site" and designated a four-star, top- rated site by Mental Health Net.)
** For his free newsletter, Notes from the Online Psychohumorist ™ or for info on the Stress Doc's Online Coaching program, email stressdoc@aol.com