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health advisory Hospital Mental Health 2007-11-15 19:02:13

Don't tell me: self medicating is not a good idea. But feeling like a zombie and tired all the time is also not great. And I blame prozac for that part. I know all the symptoms (social phobia) are going to come back just like they have before...and then I start again... and then I stop again...etc.

I feel like my psychiatrist has given up on me anyway in terms of being tired all the time- with other areas she is a great help. I guess if 4 differenet SSRI's wont work then none will.

In three days I am going to see my general GP. What should I ask him/her and what should I expect?

Answer:

As a healthcare provider I understand what you are going through...and as a patient who also takes antidepressants I know even better. I feel that since I have the problem myself, it makes me better in caring for my patients. Treating depression with medication is like buying a new pair of shoes. Sometimes you have to try on a few before getting the right fit and liking. Sometimes you find the right pair and with time it 'wears 'out' and you need a new pair. Antidepressants take at least 4 weeks or so for desired outcome. Meaning it takes a month or so before we can evaluate whether the drug or the dose is doing what we need or want. So treating depression is totally unlike the 'infection' that needs a quick week of antibiotics (two at the most in some cases) and its fine. It is an ongoing colaboration between me and the patient. (or in my case, me and my healthcare provider). But its worth the effort....we can have a good life with this process. As a child I watched depression eat my fathers life up.....I was devastated to come to the realization that I had it too. But my father did not have the opportunity of the medications that we now have to work with. They may not be perfect but its a million times ahead of what was happening just a generation ago. What I'm saying is that depression is a very harsh illness that takes work on both you and your healthcare providers part to deal with. But it can be done. I have my times, but with this help I have a successful life and have been able to go on to help others. I could not do it without the medications and the medical intervention. Don't stop. DON'T self medicate. Take the meds as directed...we need to know how they work exactly for you and we will only know this if they are taken as directed. We are blessed now with more possible medications than we ever had before and many of them are very effective without devastating side effects. Zombie...is not acceptable. Keep going. It's possible.

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I know, I feel like a zombie robot too, I'm on prozack.