Hi Everyone,
I am sitting here with Prozac in hand. I saw my Psychiatrist today and said I could start with mini dosage and work my way up as I felt comfortable. I have had dibilitating depression for one year now. Haven't been able to work until lately I have started back a bit so I guess I am getting a little bit better. I have tried Celexa, Remeron, Wellbutrin and they alll made me feel like a zombie. I only took 1/4 of a Lexapro and went through the roof then settled into a zombie. I know that BHRT can help, but can it really get rid of this kind of depression? I am so tired of not being there for my kids and husband. I just can't go on like this so something needs to be done here. I do have an appt. the the "very prestigious" Hall Center on March 17 but I don't know if I should try the Prozac prior to this visit or just wait it out. My husband is very anxious for me to get on the Prozac and get better. What would you do? Any help would be appreciated.

Bev

Dear Bev,

I think this is a decision that only you can make. In regards to BHRT helping with the depression, there are many women on these boards who have said that BHRT brought them out of depression, an agoraphobic state, and in my case psychosis! During my brief 10 day foree into BHRT, I can tell you that there have been days when I felt NO DEPRESSION...then there were others that it didn't go away...but that it has eliminated the psychosis. I think it is really, for most people, just a matter of getting the dosage and delivery system corrected....making sure that you are trying one hormone at a time so that you are aware of any side effects that may come up. In the meantime, you have to do what is best for you to feel better!

Best Wishes...

TJ

Bev,

It is a decision only you can make, but March 17 isn't very far away. The problem with starting any AD is it often gives you an increase in feelings of anxiety, and maybe you don't want to deal with that, if hormone replacement is an option you are looking at. Perhaps you should tough it out for a little longer if you can....but again, only you can decide that.....so if HR is an option you won't confuse the results, as far as what is working for you, the AD or the HR.

I started with an AD, didn't get the relieve I was looking for....although I did feel MUCH better on them....so I ADDED the BHRT which did give me the relieve I was looking for. But now I am on both, have gained a lot of weight, and I am scared to quit either one for fear of going back to where I was!! I am sure the AD is what has packed the weight on me (well that and EATING too much!! ). If weight gain is a concern for you, you might do better just on the HR.

Decisions decisions!!!

Good luck! And I can't wait to hear how your appt goes on the 17th!

Hugs

Bev,

I did exactly as you have done. Had the AD in my hand. Even told my dr. I was not going to take it, but he gave me some free samples and told me to go home, read the literature and think about it.

I started them within a few days. I too felt worse before I felt better, but once I got over feeling worse, I felt better than ever. I am not 100% by any means, but I am functioning, something I was NOT doing before.

The depression did not go away on it's own for me and I suffered, stubbornly for many years until I submitted to the AD.

I just hope you find relief soon. This is a hellish nightmare way to live.

bev

Dear Bev
As the other ladies said this is ultimately your decision.

However,Prozac works for me.As Floater mentioned anxiety levels will be a lot higher till the AD kicks in,which maybe anywhere from three to six weeks.However,a little dosage of Xanax can help till the full benefits are felt.I realise all of us are so very different in our reactions to medication but the combination of HRT and Prozac saved my sanity.

I wish you the best of luck in which ever decision you make
Please keep us posted

Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

TJ,
I have been following your story and I am so so so glad to hear that your BHRT is easing your psychotic experiences. This is wonderful news! So it's been 10 days. You are almost over to the other side of the cycle. Be sure and let us know if you make it all the way through without the extreme mental troubles. I'm praying for you!
Christy

TJ Do you really mean you feel better after only 10 days of BHRT?? I thought it would take a few weeks like AD's do. I live in Australia and am finding I'm soooo negative, anxious and unmotivated. I have booked an appointment in a menopause clinic but thats not til 31st march, My Dr has given me a yrs prescription for HRT and am trying to hold out til I go to the appointment!!! Anything you know works for insomnia!!!!
Gilly

Hello Gilly,

My symptoms are extreme, although I am in no way minimizing anyone elses, so yes the BHRT stopped the psychosis that I have EVERY MONTH for 10 days! So yes, I feel better and so does my family because they did not have to experience the pain that experience caused them and neither did I! However, I unsure where to go from here and needing the assistance of a qualified physician to guide me through this!

I'm praying that I will find someone soon!


TJ

Thanks to everyone for your words. I think I am going to wait one more week to see the Hormone Docs. Actually since I posted the message I have had two pretty good days, which I am thankful for. I will see what happens with the hormones and take it from there. I am so thankful for this site and to all of the wonderful ladies who help us through this difficult time in our lives.
God Bless

scbev...

Just wanted to tell you..
Prozac was the only AD that I didn't have side effects with.
Of course...we are all different.
You are right to start slow...and increase when needed.
Doctor sounds like he has that right.

Like someone else mentioned, the HRT takes time to kick in too.

It all so very personal...you have to do what you feel is right for you.

Sorry your feeling so much pressure from hubby....it's hard for anyone else to
understand all the mixed feelings, we can have from time to time.
Anxiety plays a huge role....when, hormones dance.

Set your mind...to what you think best...and follow your decision.

I'm here...if, you need to chat.

Yep

Thanks so much Yep. I truly appreciate you being there for me. I am sure that I will be in touch with you soon. I am very anxious to see the Doctor next week. It just seems like I have to give that a fair chance before moving on to the Prozac. I don't know why I am soooo afraid of AD's but they scare me to death. Thanks for being there.
Bev

Dear Bev

I think to a certain extent all of us are a bit scared about taking Medications for our emotional and Mental health.If we need it for physical reasons it seems to be ok. I think we have all in some way have felt the Stigma of anything to do with our minds.

As I told you Prozac is a God send for me.Yes,I have had moments where I wish I did not need and AD,but probably the diabetic who has to have daily injections gets pretty fed up too.

Wish you all the Best
Do tell us what the Doctor has to say.

God Bless
Elizabeth

What you say makes sense, but I just don't want to feel like a zombie if I take Ad's, which is what happened when I tried them before. Maybe they just weren't the right ones for me. Thank you so much and I will let you know what the Dr. has to say.
Bev

The first time I took ADs, Paxil, was in 1999 - 2000. I was a big mess then, pretty sure it was my intro into peri, combined with some big life stress. For the first couple of days the paxil made me feel really weird and spacey, and zoombie like. I reduced the dose from 20mgs to 10mgs on my own, and then upped it to 15mgs and finally to 20mgs. Once I lowered the dose to 10mgs, I didn't have that spaced out feeling anymore, so the problem was the doctor starting me on too high a dosage. I titrated myself up to the full dose and didn't have any negative side effects doing it this way.

I decided to come off of the after 14 months, my life had settled a lot by then, and I took 4 months to do it. I had no adverse withdrawals doing it this way. I went back on the ADs in October 2007, and again titrated slowly. It took longer to kick in the 2nd time, 5 full weeks, but I advoided the nasty side effect by doing it this way. In the meantime I did use Ativan on a daily basis.

I also use Estrogel and prometrium.

I hope you find what works best for you!!! And soon!!

Thanks so much Floater. I will remeber this when and if I get on the AD. I think I need to start at a really small dose and stay there for a whild and then up slowly like you said. Really appreciate the input.