Right Rescue?

So how do I know if the rescue treatment I am receiving is right?  Is it a process of elimination I have to go through.  At the moment I am depressed and anxious, starting on Citalopram - if this is not the right AD for me, or if it is really my thyroid, if if I really need an anti anxiety as well.  It seems like it could be along drawn out process but as I am not a medical expert, how do I best manage to ensure I am getting the best care and resolving issues in the shortest possible time?  I hate the 'lets try this and see'  approach but is it really the only way and I have to be a guinea pig?  It seems a bit unfair and annoying that I have to determine an approach to getting the best care when I have the right to that regardless.

[Marc1955]

Jankar – I'd really love to answer your query with a long post, but I'm bushed right now. Short answer – I've learned that with treatments at the forward edge of science (which ours is) yes, you do need to manage your own care. No one truly does know the "best care." It's frustrating but real.

And don't be too concerned - Citalopram might do the trick. It did for me. Interferon interferes with the serotonin transmission in the brain. Citalopram works by improving serotonin reception so it can handle a lot of symptoms. (otoh I've taken sedatives and other things like caffeine while on treatment that have had no affect on my mental state at all.)

Good luck!

[jankar]

Hi marc,  Thanks for the good sense - I am just impatient but learning how to take care of myself in this odd situation. I am hoping the Citalopram will work - probably odds are in the favour of that. jankar

[Marc1955]

Jankar – "learning to take care of myself" is exactly right in my experience. I'm in week 44 of 72 and I am doing so much better than I was doing in my third month. But it's involved being focused, almost obsessive, about my own body. If I work too hard or fail to get enough rest there are major repercussions. I don't know if you're into exercise, but in my case going to the gym daily in the morning has played a big role in improving my energy level and my mental state.

Good luck!

[merryBe]

I still preferred the instant relief of ativan....the cital takes time to get you there....

you could go make some strong valerian root tea with your riba. Docs frown on giving ativan if there is any addiction history...but theres more than one way to skin that cat...
6 bags in a tea cup will give you a good bit of valium.

It's still better to get the doc to let you have a month to try just until your cital builds up.
they let me because I was sobbing and hanging onto the rug for dear life....the riba was really pulling the rug out from under me  and I tried toughing it out....not recommended, 3 months of hell I could have avoided....

did you take that test I sent you??
mb

[konyha]

"So how do I know if the rescue treatment I am receiving is right?"

I'd like to say you will know right off the bat....but with most rescue meds:
-> You will likely know sooner if the treatment you receive is wrong

.****If you believe your depression &/or anxiety is going to accelerate, whatever you do:   start a 'rescue something' SOON****

As merryBe explained:some meds take time (at minimum two weeks) to get regulated:D