[Lana]

Originally Posted by danacain

As for the St John's Wort; there are no quality controls with supplements since they are considered food so it is INSANELY dangerous to supplement in place of quality medical care. I know someone who decided to treat her depression with supplements and ended up trying to kill herself--twice.

Mental illness is not something you should EVER EVER treat on your own. Period.

I know all about mental illness. I'm bipolar and both my sons were on medication for ADHD when they were younger. I would NEVER say to treat an illness with supplements in place of medication, especially without being under a doctor's care.

It seems to me that you're "fighting" every suggestion or every course of treatment. You say you want stimulants but apparently your doctor doesn't feel this is the proper way to go. As you have admitted yourself, you respond very well to stimulants because they are "addictive" which is a good reason for a doctor not to prescribe them if they don't feel its appropriate for your type of illness.

I'm pretty sure that the person you know who tried to kill herself has some type of mental illness, but I highly doubt it was the supplements who brought her there. She obviously needed to be treated with the proper medication and for whatever reason was not.

My suggestion was to research and research some more about alternative medications. What works for some, does not work for others. You're not leaving very many options for a doctor to treat you. That's all I'm saying.

Like I said, I know all about mental illness. After trying many different medications/supplements and doctors, I've finally found the right fit and my illness has been under control for many years.

I wish you luck as I know it's not easy.

[danacain]

I am fighting. You're absolutely correct. I am fighting being put on a medication that I KNOW doesn't work for me and that I don't want. Stimulants work. I don't care if it's addictive. It works. Why would I not want to use what works and not mess with what I know doesn't work? I am NOT depressed. I don't need antidepressants and any doctor that prescribes antidepressants to a patient who clearly does not want them and doesn't need them and who was made suicidal while on them in the past isn't a very good doctor.

I only mentioned the St John's Wort because you did and it did seem like you were recommending it and I simply explained why I don't believe in using supplements to treat mental illness. My friend who tried to kill herself WAS mentally ill and her attempt to treat herself with supplements ended in her not getting proper treatment. She thought she could treat her own depression with supplements and as a result didn't get proper care.

[clancythecamper]

It can also be challenging getting the right fit with doctors ~ I believe your patient/doctor relationship affects your treatment and how well you respond to it. I would encourage you to explain your concerns to your doc and see how he/she responds in turn. I'm hoping that between the two of you, you can develop a good working relationship and find the best and healthiest treatment for you, whatever it may be. Wishing you well~~~

[Lana]

I understand what you're saying and I hope you get the help you need. Good luck.

[danacain]

I was researching Strattera and Depression and found this:

Worst of all was a sensation of everything in my life suddenly appearing like it was going to fail, collapse, or crash & burn. I have never felt suicidal in my life, but I began to think it would be a good thing if I just got struck by lightning and could be "outa here," and that my family, friends, and everyone else would be better off without me.

OMG that is EXACTLY how I felt on day 4. And I immediately quit taking it. I've been to crazy town; I recognize the streets and buildings.

and this:

Within the first hour of taking it I experience severeanxiety
which would pass in about another hour. That was bad enough but I was willing to live with it for the sake of being functional. However, usually about 2 hours after taking my dosage, I experienced crushing depression with an intense compulsion to take my own life. I recognized this as not real so never acted it out but I have never felt such a strong compulsion to do anything in my life.


http://www.adhdnews.com/testforum/test312.htm

Yeah, I know I'm not wrong about Strattera.

Oh and I printed that out and I'm taking it to my doctor.

You know what kinda pisses me off the most about this? The clear and distinct feeling that this shrink thinks I'm drug seeking. THREE of my FOUR children have been diagnosed with ADHD, I was was given a test that said I was "severely impaired". Millions of people with ADHD take stimulants and no one accuses them of drug seeking. I HAVE a clinical diagnosis with family history and the shrink's biggest concern is that Concerta is a controlled substance and she has to account for her scripts to the DEA.

Sorry to rant about this but this whole situation has been very upsetting. I thought I was doing the right thing for myself by seeking help and instead I was made to feel like a friggin junkie.

[DocSanae]

The *right* dr for one person may not be the *right* dr for another, especially when it comes to psych issues. The *right* med for one person may not be the right *med* for another.
Does your dr specialize in ADHD/ADD or is she someone who specializes in something else, but also sees many ADHD/ADD patients because the issues can be related? That may be making the difference here. In any case, it does sound that for you, it might be best to get a second opinion at least, or find a new dr altogether if you can.

[danacain]

You are absolutely right, Doc, and yes, she is a psychiatrist who specializes in children and ADHD. My son sees her for his ADHD and I decided to start seeing her too instead of going to two different doctors. But I don't think she is right for me.

You know what's strange? My friend told me yesterday one of her coworkers had the exact same experience with her doc and strattera and she used the words "made to feel like a junkie" when she tried to get Concerta. I think we might see the same doctor. Which isn't that odd but it's strange to meet someone with the exact same experience.

I'm going back to my old counselor. He's known me since 2002 and he knows I'm not drug seeking. He saw me through my breakdown and he knows I'm sensitive to anti depressants and he won't balk at my desire for stimulants. In fact, when I told him I wanted to start taking Concerta he totally agreed that it was indicated.