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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by AnneL on April 8, 2001, at 10:15:20
I know this is a question for my pdoc and I will call him tomorrow, but I have a question concerning my current situation that involves my depression that is responding to Effexor XR at 75 mg. daily and what I perceive as normal grieving over my youngest daughter who is currently hospitalized for her own depression(seems like it runs in the family). I am in a deep grieving process because her father and I have decided that she can best be cared for by him (he lives in Arizona) and I realize that my grief reaction is normal as I let go and allow her very capable and caring father take her to Arizona this week. Now to my question: Would it be a reasonable idea (with my pdoc's authorization) to increase my Effexor to help me with this process? Yesterday, I had brief thoughts of suicide (realizing all the time how ridiculous the thought was, no plan, would not do it!) just going through a lot of what I consider normal grieving and crying and letting it all out. Perhaps what is not "normal" or helpful is my persistant guilt over being a "bad mom" at not being the parent she chooses to be with at this time in her life (can't say I blame her, I've had some rough edges). So, do I ride it out on the current dose or could increasing the dose give me more of a "floor" to process all these intense feelings? Thanks, AnneL
Posted by SalArmy4me on April 8, 2001, at 19:12:28
In reply to Grieving over daughter-Should I increase my meds?, posted by AnneL on April 8, 2001, at 10:15:20
Increasing doses of Effexor is always worth a try, because at higher doses it works on serotonin, norepinephrine, and possibly dopamine--thus increasing your chances at relief from depression.
Posted by ChrisK on April 9, 2001, at 5:02:01
In reply to Grieving over daughter-Should I increase my meds?, posted by AnneL on April 8, 2001, at 10:15:20
Anne L,
Given the reputation that Effexor has around here I would be hesitant to increase dosage if even for a short period of time. There is a fine line between depression from grieving and anxiety assocoated with grieving. My family (yes it is a family thing with me too) have always benefited from low doses of benzos (either Klonopin or Xanax) during periods of grieving. They can really calm your thoughts that race around with all of the self doubt. Ask your doctor if you might not need .5 mg of Klonopin instead of adding another 75mg of Effexor.
Posted by AnneL on April 9, 2001, at 14:45:53
In reply to Re: Grieving over daughter-Should I increase my meds?, posted by ChrisK on April 9, 2001, at 5:02:01
> Thank you Chris, I agree with your opinion. My depression relief is very good on 75 mg. The grief process was really started on Saturday and since then have been feeling very good about my decisions. I will try the low-dose Klonopin approach when necessary. Thanks, AnneL
This is the end of the thread.
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