Medication....is It Really The Answer?

[Nighteyes]

I have battled myself for years now. I have tried to seek help around every corner only to be shutout. I dont ever speak my mind (I can type it here but saying it in person is very different). I have a very strong Hate on for Medications. Specially Depression and anxiaty meds.

up tell resontly I have been a stong believer that talk therapy is what I need. I say resently because I cant seem to function anymore. I havent seen a therapist in about six months now. I am falling apart and just done feeling so misserable, lost and worthless. I have constent (not new) thoughts of ending it all. I have a mind not to act on these but that doenst stop them from exsisting.

SO I am wondering what peoples perspective on Meds are? why are you on them? have then made anything better? Have they made that healing process start to work? please do inform me. I am very educated on the actual "reactions" and stuff of the depression med etc (health profesional) and that is one reason I have avoided taking them. I find them to be a legal version of extacy (both work the same way...) so anyway... I am battling and now starting to think about taking them... just want to know how others have been with and without them...
thanks :)

< Edited by Brucielucy. Leave clear lines between paragraphs>

 

[Lucycat]

I take Quetiapine. Have been on it for 2 years now. I find it very helpful.

I take it now to help me sleep. However at first I also took it regularly to help with daytime anxiety also. Now I will take one during the day in exceptional circumstances.

Meds don't replace any talk therapy. They are used in combination. Without the meds, for me, the talk therapy would not have had the same effect. I am miles better than I was 2 years ago. I know there are many people who think we should get through all this without the aid of 'chemicals', but in my opinion if they help then go for it! Only take them if they prove to be helpful, and make sure you are guided and supported by a clever doctor.

 

[Lizzie Bell]

I agree with Bruicelucy. Only take them with the guidance from an informed doctor. I think a psychiatrist is more knowledgeable than a family doctor, but that's my opinion.

I take a variety of meds.
Concerta - for ADHD, Celexa - for depression and OCD, Lamotrigine for mood swings, and Abilify as an add on for the depression meds. I started out taking only 1 medication, but think I am going through some hormonal changes because of my age, which has been cause for more.

I did not want to take any medication when I first started therapy, but found out I have OCD which was ruining my life. I was thrilled to learn I could get relief. I have benefitted much from medication, considering I have had problems since the age of 11.

I do hope to one day cut down on the amount of meds I am taking. Until then, I thank God for living in this stage of history, because years ago there was often no hope for those who suffered from mental illness.

My therapist compared it to a diabetic who has to take insulin. They have a deficit in producing insulin. Likewise, we have an imbalance in brain chemicals, and need help getting them back on track.

Anyway, I have a life now, where before meds it was mediocre at best.
Good luck to you in your journey!

 

[kimberley dawn]

I so understand what you mean when it comes to meds, have the same feelings myself. But I need to when I'm sick, and I am sick these days. And I have to work full time 5 days a week.

So I take Zopiklon 2 - 3 nights a week to get som relief from flashbacks and nightmares, and Truxal when the anxiety gets a total grip on me. But they make me feel like a zombie so I really don't like taking them.

Ah well, I don't like taking my hormone pills either, so maybe it's just me

 

[Lionheart]

Nighteyes,

I am a recovered alcoholic, the adult child of an alcoholic, and a sexual child abuse survivor. I suffer from disabling PTSD, *(Also*CFS/ME, *MDD, *COPD, and *fibromyalgia) so for me, medication is a necessity.

I take Celexa , low-dose Abilify, low-dose Klonopin, and Prazosin, (for PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder). It took many years to find the appropriate medicine and dosage etc. and I consider myself fortunate that this regimen *works for me. *(stops irritability and aggression, stops depression, helps anxiety, stops PTSD nightmares). I don't seem to suffer any significant side-effects from the meds either and that is a blessing as well.:)

My experience has been that "talk" therapy is fine if the following conditions are met; you have a good therapist, are dedicated, and prepared for it to take time and effort. For me, the only way to heal is to use everything at my disposal and this includes medications and long-term therapy.

I can't say what will or will not work for you, but you will discover this for yourself as you move along your healing journey.

I'm wishing you the best,

LH