The Gist:
Antidepressant use in the U.S. doubled from 1996 to 2005, according to a new report in the August issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. During that decade — the last period in which data were available — the percentage of Americans using antidepressants surged from less than 6% to more than 10%, or more than 27 million people. The study, which surveyed nearly 50,000 people above the age of six, reveals that antidepressants — the most commonly prescribed class of medicine in the U.S. — are being used to treat not just depression and anxiety but disorders ranging from back pain to sleeplessness. The authors also underline the degree to which pharmacology often supplants psychotherapy as the primary treatment for mental ailments.
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Posted: Aug 07, 2009
tags: antidepressant medication,
antidepressants,
antidepressant treatment,
depression treatment
1. Be clear about your reason(s) for wanting to switch antidepressants. Is it that the side effects are intolerable, or is it that you are not satisfied with the response? If you want to switch for the latter reason, you need to determine exactly what you mean and communicate that to your doctor. Did you antidepressant ever work fully? Bear in mind that you need to give the medication up to four weeks before you would definitely be seeing an improvement. Or did it lift your mood to some extent and then plateau? That's called a partial response. In first case, your doctor will probably be open to your switching to a new antidepressant. If it's the latter, however, your doctor may want to raise the dose or possibly augment your current antidepressant with another medication.
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Posted: Jun 22, 2009
tags: antidepressant medication,
antidepressants,
antidepressant treatment
The other day, I took an impromptu break at work to buy something to drink. "I'm just so dehydrated," I told my boss. "My blood pressure medication does that to me - maybe yours is having the same effect."
Aha. That was probably it. Due to my elevated blood pressure, my doctor had strongly suggested I start on medication, which I had done a few days before. I remember from the last time that I took it that it also can cause moments of dizziness. Yay. I grimaced when the doctor suggested that I start on the medication again, and she said, "The side effects can be unpleasant, but so can your heart enlarging." Geez, when you put it that way.
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Posted: Jun 16, 2009
tags: antidepressant medication,
antidepressants,
antidepressant side effects,
antidepressant treatment
I've been taking antidepressant medication for almost twenty years solid, with the exception of the period when I was switching antidepressants and when I was pregnant. The first antidepressant my depression was treated with was Norpramin, also known as Desipramine. I was very lucky, as it worked very well for me. Not everyone has that kind of success with their first antidepressant. There were a couple of uncomfortable side effects, but I was willing to live with them.
After almost I had been on Norpramin for two years,I got a new doctor at the clinic I went to (they were on a six month rotation). He did a complete intake instead of merely relying on what was in the file, and diagnosed me with mild to moderate Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Because of this, he suggested that we switch my antidepressant to Prozac, which he said would treat both my depression and my OCD. We started my dosage at 20mg, but it was doubled and then tripled when the stress from my upcoming wedding brought on a recurrence of my depression.
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Posted: Jun 08, 2009
tags: antidepressant medication,
antidepressants,
antidepressant treatment,
norpramin,
prozac,
wellbutrin
In the '90s, Americans grew fond of the idea that you can fix depression simply by taking a pill — most famously fluoxetine (better known as Prozac), though fluoxetine is just one of at least seven selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that have been prescribed to treat hundreds of millions of people around the world.
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Posted: May 07, 2009
tags: antidepressant medication,
antidepressants,
antidepressant treatment
(HealthDay News) -- Relapse is common among women with severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) who stop taking the antidepressant sertraline to treat their symptoms, a new study concludes.
It included 174 women with PMS or the most severe form of PMS -- premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The women were randomly assigned to take sertraline for four months and then switch to placebo for 14 months or to take sertraline for 12 months and a placebo for six months.
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Posted: May 04, 2009
tags: antidepressant medication,
antidepressants,
antidepressant treatment,
pms
(HealthDay News) -- In a unanimous vote, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel determined Wednesday that AstraZeneca's antipsychotic drug Seroquel has too many safety concerns to make it a first-line treatment against depression or anxiety disorders.
However, in a separate 6-to-3 vote, the panelists recommended that the medication could be used as supplemental treatment for patients with depression who do not get symptom relief from other drugs, the Associated Press reported. The expert panel did not hold a similar vote for anxiety disorders.
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Posted: Apr 09, 2009
tags: antidepressant medication,
antidepressants,
antidepressant treatment
(HealthDay News) -- The bipolar depression drug Symbyax (fluoxetine hydrochloride; olanzapine) has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval as a therapy for people with treatment-resistant depression, Eli Lilly & Co. said Monday.
The approval applies to adults who haven't responded to two separate rounds of therapy with different antidepressants, the Indianapolis Business Journal reported.
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Posted: Mar 24, 2009
tags: antidepressant treatment,
bipolar disorder,
symbyax
(Reuters) – Just weeks after prosecutors accused Forest Laboratories Inc of illegally marketing its anti-depressants Celexa and Lexapro to children and paying pediatricians kickbacks, U.S. health regulators have approved Lexapro for depression in kids.
Forest said Lexapro, its biggest product with annual sales of more than $2 billion, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat major depressive disorder in adolescents aged 12 to 17 and as a maintenance therapy, meaning to maintain control of symptoms. It is already approved for adults.
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Posted: Mar 23, 2009
tags: antidepressant medication,
antidepressants,
antidepressant treatment,
children and depression
If it can be said that there is anything good about depression, this is when you'll see it. Assuming that you are feeling much better than you did a month ago (and if you're not, please check the info on my Treatment section), you may feel almost as if you've been reborn. After having been deprived of the ability to enjoy everything your life has to offer, you'll notice that colors are brighter, sounds are sweeter, smells and tastes have more depth. Having had a lack of interest in things you normally enjoyed before being depressed, you may find, as I did, that you are all of a sudden interested in everything, even things you never thought about before.
Fitness (Mental and Physical)
Keeping physically fit is one of the best ways to supplement what your medication is doing. The more fit and less tense you are, the less work your medicine has to do.
- Sex? What's that? Seriously, if your sex drive has returned, check out the Good Vibes web page for supplies and inspiration (21 and over only, please).
- I always know that I'm getting better when I start singing along with music. Then I usually put on some good music with a beat and dance around my room. Try it - it really gets the blood flowing, and makes you feel alive.
Beauty and Fashion
- Check out the web pages from these cosmetic companies:
- I use skin care from Paula Begoun, because I have very sensitive skin, and her skin care works and is cheap.
- BeautyNet and Cosmetic Connection are online beauty magazines.
- alt.fashion is the fashion/beauty newsgroup, which is extremely active, although somewhat clique-ish. You may feel like you're in high school listening to the cool girl's table, but you can't sit down.
- If you're feeling adventurous, take a look at Tattoos.Com or BME/Tattoo and consider getting a tattoo. It's a very bad idea to get one while you're depressed (kind of like making a decision when you're drunk), but perfectly fine when you're feeling good about yourself. I got my first tattoo the year I came out of my depression - now I have three.
- Feel like fashion is fun again (as opposed to only noticing or caring that you were wearing something)? Get back in the swing of things at FashionUK, Fashion Net or Lumiere.
Useful Stuff for Getting Your Life Back Together
I know that when I "awakened" from depression, I realized that I had let the weirdest things go, like renewing my car registration. Other depressives, especially bipolars, may find that they need to get out of a financial hole, either due to overspending or just letting the finances go down the tubes. I hope you find something useful here to help you get things back together.
Exploration/Learning
As your thoughts begin to turn more outward than inward, you may have some interest in discovery and learning.
Nature/Ecology
I realized when I came out of my depression that I had by virtue of the illness been very self-absorbed. Un-depressed, I looked at survival on a more global scale. If you do too, here are some earthwise sites to inspire you.
- Environmental News Network has environmental news, features and a calendar of meetings and conferences.
- The Rainforest Action Network page is beautifully done, with extensive information about getting involved in non-violent action to save the rainforests and their occupants.
- Sierra Club Home Page provides information about its programs, mission and chapters.
- I was surprised at how fascinating the bios of the individual wolves were on the Wolf Haven International page. It also contains photos of such wolves as Angel, Little John and Morning Star, who you can adopt.
- GardenWeb has gardening tips and links to botanical gardens around the world. Virtual Garden is a huge site with a database of plants, the Garden Guru and even a section that lets you check your weather.
Food/Entertaining
Now that you're back to your old self (or better, as in my case) you might feel that you want to renew friendships that might have gone south during your depression by entertaining. Or maybe you want to just renew your acquaintance with good food and drink. Either way, the links below will help to get your tastebuds ready. Note: although I have links to alcohol-related sites, bear in mind that drinking alcohol can affect your medication's effectiveness. Drink lightly, or not at all, and only make drinks for your guests.
Travel
Tired of being an armchair traveler? If you're getting the urge to get out and see the world for real instead of virtually, the sites below should be a great help.
- I love the Civilized Explorer. It's got great photos and good writing.
- Conde Nast Traveler has a polished and comprehensive site.
- To get information about my most favorite travel destination, Disney World, go to the Disney home page.
- Lonely Planet delves a little deeper into the culture of different destinations than other travel guides.
- Salon|Wanderlust
- I've found some wonderful guidebooks called Eyewitness Travel Guides. They have tons of color photos, floor plans of landmarks, aerial views of cities, and facts about the area that are actually interesting.
First Two Weeks
Middle Two Weeks
Posted: Feb 06, 2009
tags: antidepressants,
antidepressant treatment,
living with depression,
recovery
The key words here are indulge yourself. Listen, you're having enough trouble getting out of bed every day and going to work or school. You don'tneed to push yourself. Think of yourself as an invalid recuperating from a very debilitating illness. You have to pamper yourself, body and spirit. This page is therefore all about "cocooning", that is, wrapping yourself up in layers of comfort to protect yourself.
By the way, don't let anyone convince you that you should be thinking happy thoughts or "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps". That will come later. Right now you could get happy about slugging anyone who tells you to be happy, right? (Or, possibly, someone who even has a sunny disposition.) Maybe you can point them here and here.
Okay, gather up whatever energy you have, and see what interests you below:
Music
I find that classical music is good for what you're feeling right now. These selections are some of my favorites for expressing the depths of depression:
- Bach - Concerto in D Minor for 2 violins and orchestra, Second Movement
- Albioni - Adagio in G
- Barber - Adagio for strings, op. 11
- Henryk Gorecki - Third Symphony (Symphony of Sorrows)
I think you'll also find music by Enigma soothing and hypnotic.
- Sadeness - from MCMXC a.D.
- Return to Innocence - from The Cross of Changes
Your Body
Here's where some of the real pampering comes in. These suggestions all are good for men as wellas women; men, don't be afraid to try some things that you may havethought were just for women. Pampering is not gender-specific.
- If you can afford it, a visit to a day spa is in order. Spas and salons are soothing places set up for the sole purpose of pampering you. My favorite is a day with a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure and maybe an aromatherapy scalp massage.
- Get a professional massage. Really! Non-sexual touching is just what the doctor ordered. Make an appointment for a full-body massage. If you're feeling uncomfortable about anyone seeing you nude (you will be covered by a sheet or towel), start off by having a neck and shoulder massage or foot reflexology. Check out the Yellow Pages or search Yahoo's Massage section for a masseuse or spa near you.
- If you can't afford a visit to a spa, re-create some of the elements of a spa at home. Play some soothing New Age music, light scented candles or get a potpourri burner. Treat yourself to a bath scented with fragrant oils. Kneipp bath oils are one of my favorites. You can find them in upscale pharmacies. You might want to read Water Magic: Healing Bath Recipes for the Body, Spirit and Soul, which has recipes for baths. Here are two recipes from The Scented Bath, a previous book written by Maribeth Riggs which is now out of print. The Royal Treatment is a great book that tells you how to create spa treatments at home. Lush is one of my favorite sources for bath products. Go here for tips on How to Create a Spa Experience.
- Look into aromatherapy, an alternative way to treat the mind and body with essential oils. Clary sage is good for depression, fatigue, lavender is calming and soothing, neroli is a sedative and anti-depressant. Most essential oils can be found at your local health-food store or online. Note: None of the essential oil anti-depressants should be used as a replacement for your prescribed medication.
- Comfort food is what's on the menu now. Calorie counting will come when you have a little more motivation and a little less depression. Two of my favorite comfort food dishes are welsh rarebit and red beans and rice. Tea is a wonderful emotional panacea. I don't have any medical findings on this, but it's a fact as far as I'm concerned, so while you brew up a pot, look at The Tea Home Page, David Rio or Tealuxe. Peet's Tea is my favorite. It's on the West Coast, for the most part, but you can buy it online. If you've been missing candy from the past such as Bit 'O Honey, Skybars (one of my favorites) or Nik-L-Nip wax bottles, you can find them at HomeTown Favorites. Another panacea for your sweet tooth might be Tastykake.
Services
- Don't feel like leaving the house to do your grocery shopping? Shop online (for non-perishables) at NetGrocer or PeaPod and have your food delivered.
- You can get all your health and beauty stuff at Drugstore.com. Yes, I know it's tempting to let those things go, but you'll feel better.
Socializing
- My suggestion is: stay away from large groups. I look back with horror on a wedding reception that I attended while in the throes of depression. Only because the bride was a dear friend did I manage to stay half an hour before fleeing. Limit your socializing to small groups of friends who at least will try to understand what you're dealing with. To help them, have them read Best Things to Say to Someone Who is Depressed and Worst Things to Say to Someone Who is Depressed.
Escapism
Your own life is just too painful right now, so you need some entertaining diversions. However, they can't be too demanding intellectually or too depressing. This is not the time to be watching Ingmar Bergman movies or playing computer games like Sanitarium, as worthy as both of those entertainments are. What you need right now is escapism. Sure, watch Star Trek and old Bette Davis movies on TV. But also take the suggestions below into account.
- If you're into computer games, don't try to play any strategy or complex CRPGs (Computer Role-Playing Games). You'll only end up getting frustrated instead of amusing yourself. An online game that's light on statistics and is great escapism is World of Warcraft. Lord of the Rings Online has a bit more depth (and mature players).
- Text adventure games, or Interactive Fiction, are not as dead as you may think, despite the emphasis on flash and graphics in games today. The Lurking Horror and the Zork games are among the text adventures I would recommend. You can download them here or play them online here. You probably want to read my article about interactive fiction first. Here's a list of recommended games.
- A fantastic computer adventure game that is a few years old is The Longest Journey. The storyline and characters are superior to what you normally find in games. If you get stuck, try using the Universal Hint System. Instead of outright answers, you are given hints, although if you persist, you can get the explicit answers. The hints can give your brain a nudge without spoiling the game.
- Big Fish Games has lots of casual games for a reasonable fee.
- The Company Therapist is a cyber-soap based on a fictitious therapist's files.
- If you want to lose yourself in a movie, first check out the Internet Movie Database. Not only is it huge, but it's updated more often than ones you'll find on CD ROM.
Reading
- Read romance novels. Regency novels are my favorites; they transport you back to the time when the only thing a person had to worry about was finding an eligible person to marry, and being a success in society. Don't miss the web page for the grande dame of Regencies, Jane Austen. Georgette Heyer is the best contemporary author of regency romances. Try The Romance Reader, All About Romance and Romantic Times for ideas on what to read. Two good Regency videos are Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow and Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson. My all-time favorite Regency video is A&E's six-hour version of Pride and Prejudice.
- Retreat to another world in a good fantasy book. Urban Fantasy is a genre that's exploded in the past few years. One excellent series is Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. Another is Kim Harrison's The Hollows Series, with titles inspired by Clint Eastwood movies, like Dead Witch Walking. Simon Green's Nightside Series is original and creepy. Tad Williams, David Eddings, Robin Hobb and Carol Berg write more traditional fantasy. The Feminist Science Fiction, Fantasy and Utopia page is a reference guide to works of such authors as Marion Zimmer Bradley, Ursula K. Le Guin and Suzy McKee Charnas.
- If you're into mysteries, MysteryNet.com should be right up your alley.
- The proliferation of ezines and electronic versions of print magazines on the Web is one of its strengths. Best of all, you don't have to actually go to a newsstand to get one!
Warm and Fuzzy
Middle Two Weeks
Last Two Weeks
Posted: Feb 06, 2009
tags: antidepressant medication,
antidepressants,
antidepressant treatment,
living with depression,
recovery
I've been there; I've done that. I've suffered from depression nearly my whole life, although I've only been treated the last few years. I know all the stages you go through when you're waiting those six interminable weeks for your antidepressant meds to start working. So, as my gift to you, since I know your mind might be kind of cloudy if you're depressed right now, I've compiled this list of suggestions. I hope they give you some moments of relief. Just so I'm not accused of discriminating against non-depressives, you all who don't suffer from depression can feel free to check out my suggestions too. Someone pointed out to me that it takes some people more than six weeks to feel much better. That's definitely true. Everyone's different, and some people could even take fewer than six weeks to feel normal again. And the newer antidepressants can take considerably less time than six weeks to be effective. This page is divided the way it is as just a general guideline.
A note about antidepressants:
Finding the effective antidepressant for the depressive is at this point far from an exact science, although the outlook is improving as we discover more about depression. Doctors for the most part take their best guess based on their experience and the prevailing wisdom. They consider the type of depression the patient suffers from, other medications he or she is taking, the patient's age, how well he or she will deal with the side effects, and other factors. Some patients have to try three, four or more medications before one "clicks" with their chemistry. Some, like me, are successful with the first medication they try. Remember that the chances are very good that your doctor will be able to find an effective medicine for you. As hard as it is, be patient and hopeful and keep trying different medications.
I hear again and again of doctors who start a patient out at a low dosage, and keep the patient at that dosage even when the medication is not working. Before switching you to another medication, your doctor should try raising the dosage. I had to have the level of both the antidepressants I was on raised not once, but several times. Buy a medication "bible" like The Pill Book, and find out what the normal range of dosage is for your medication.
Your best bet, as with other aspects of this illness, is to educate yourself about the medications available. You are then, in essence, your own "second opinion." I have known of doctors who forget to tell patients of possible side effects of medication, or what other medication or foods should be avoided while taking their antidepressants. Make sure you know what questions to ask the doctor to attain the maximum effect from your medication.
Most of the paintings on these pages are from all over the Web, although manyof them are from Carol Jackson Presents Fine Art and Brian Yoder's GoodArt Gallery.
Posted: Feb 06, 2009
tags: antidepressant medication,
antidepressants,
antidepressant treatment,
living with depression,
recovery
