[jmo531]

I went to see the Dr today and she upped my Effexor from 75 mgs to 112.5 mgs. I kinda forget how I felt when I started the meds in the beginning so now I'm a little freaked. My sister emailed me and told me I shouldn't live my life on the meds because I'm digging a hole I can't get out of. Anyway, my DR said that I have OCD in addition to the panic disorder and depression. She said the I may have to go on an additional medication for the OCD at a later time. That freakes me out too. I dunno. I have a fear of medication and too take it at all has been a huge step for me. Well I was just wondering if anyone knows what to expect from the increase in medication. Thanks for listening.

[obsids]

Whenever my pdoc increases my meds, I start feeling more balanced... after about 3 or 4 days...

I was scared to start on meds. I was scared to continue. When I was pregnant with my first baby, I weaned myself off my zoloft. But a year later, I was on Paxil.

Honestly, I don't see having to take meds as 'digging a hole you can't get out of.' Without the meds, I was incapable of dealing with life at all. I don't think that it is any different than having a heart condition and taking blood pressure drugs or chloresterol drugs or needing an orthopedic shoe or glasses.

I hate the stigma that perpetually hangs over mental illnesses. You can't just 'get over it' or 'cheer up' or 'just cope.' You wouldn't tell that to a cancer patient. Do what you need to help yourself.... take care of yourself.

Change can be frightening. I don't like change, and often I have to have someone 'push' me a little to do something for myself. But don't let someone talk you out of taking a med because they think it is an excuse for not having more control over your head.

Take care of yourself, okay?

*hugs*

Obsidian

[jmo531]

Just to add to my last post, my sister emailed me again. She told me to say F@*% it to the anxiety and OCD and it will get better. Yeah right!!! I think if it was that easy then I would have been able to get over it. I don't think she is being very supportive right now when I need it most. My mom is frustrated also. She tells me thta "Moms are supposed to fix everything". That makes me feel guilty because I don't want her to worry about me. I can't win. My husband is trying to be supportive but I think he is just scared because he doesnt know how to help. I was thinking of bringing him the my T appointment so she could explain it to him but I dont know if he would come. Anyway, that's all for now. I'm sure I'll post again soon.

[ickydog2006]

You're sister has no idea what it is like and will never understand. I think you should try to avoid the subject with her. I am so sorry for the situation your in. My dad acts exactly like your sister does and doesn't like me on meds. He acts like depression is something you choose. It isn't and you know that very well. Try to keep that in mind everytime they tell you otherwise.