I'll take the bad with the good
A new NIMH study of antidepressants' efficacy says people who try one drug and don't find relief are likely to feel better on the second drug they try. But the study also shows that people may have to wait at least six to 12 weeks to see results, which is why so many psychiatrists counsel patience. The study results were based on experience with Celexa, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Effexor and Buspar. They all performed similarly.
When people ask me at speaking events what it was that made the difference for me, I always say it was medication, and medication compliance. I'm grateful for family support, community support and the job I have. I'm grateful for my psychotherapy sessions. But if my meds aren't working, nothing can save me. My job doesn't stop me from hearing things. Family support doesn't interrupt my perception that there are bugs zipping across the curtains.
I was ready to swallow a bottle of pills and go into the light two weeks ago. Now I just want to go to the movies. I love Effexor, but it took eight weeks to kick in. And for this particular bout of depression, I tried Wellbutrin first, with no success. So this study matches up quite nicely with my experience. Don't you love when that happens?
Below, all the mainstream spin:
Mixed News on Depression Drugs [CBS News]
Study: Changing Medicines May Aid Depressed [Washington Post]
New Hope Amid Depression [San Francisco Chronicle]
Different Drug Often Works in Depression, Study Finds [NY Times]
Comments
Dear Liz,
I am so relieved and heartened that your suicidal crisis was resolved thanks to positive effects of your Effexor kicking in.
I'm glad you are over the pain that brought you to the brink of suicide. Your resolve to "see the medication through" and inner strength that sometimes comes with a crisis (The Chinese use two symbols for the word 'crisis, danger and opportunity.) I'm glad you are through that danger and are back to fulfilling the opportunities of your life.
I'm also getting my life back on track after a painful and overwhelming period of perception of my ability to function as a psychotherapist when it looks like my illness will incapacitate me.
Drop me a line if you'd like an update.
It's so good having you here.
Welcome back to an enriching life.
My best wishes,
Joshua
Posted by: Joshua | March 23, 2006 08:31 PM
Dear Liz,
I was so relieved and hopeful that you've gone past the suicidal feelings and plan you wrote about. Effexor chug-a-lug. How awful.
I'm so glad that you are out of the pain, hopelessness and ambivalence that a suicidal crisis presents. (The Chinese use two charectors to describe the word 'crisis'-danger and opportunity.)
I'm optimistic for you now that the danger has passed leaving you with the promise of fulfillment and the fortunes of opportunity that life can provide us. Give or take a bad day.
My own situation is now improving as I continue in my psychotherapy role with newfound confidence.
It seems Abilify agrees very well with me in my new concoction of Breakfast of Champions. Who would have guessed. "Better living through chemestry."
Drop me a line if you would like to know more about this humanist transition I'm going through.
Wishing you all the best and thanks for doing what you do.
With gratitude,
Joshua
Posted by: Joshua | March 23, 2006 11:12 PM