14 Responses

1. Laurie

   13|Oct|2008 1

   I felt the same way. I was so depressed but I didn’t want to take meds. I was in counseling at the time. I thought it was the depression that was motivating me to work hard so I was afraid that if I felt better, I would lose my motivation. My friend convinced me to try meds anyway so I did. I felt so much better. I didn’t lose my motivation and really made more progress in counseling because I was not so overwhelmed by the depression and I was then able to work more on the issues.

   I have since changed drugs a couple of times due to side effects and now am on my third drug. I may have to change again as I am not sure this one is as effective but so far no side effects. How many different drugs do some people try before finding the one that is right for them? I’m on my third. Do some people try four or five before finding Mr. Right?

2. Dr. KC

   13|Oct|2008 2

   Dear Laurie,

   Yes indeed, many people try even more than 4 or 5 medications before they find “Mr. Right”. It’s a hard battle, but they do it. I hope that you can stay strong enough to wait it out and find what works for you as well.

   You’re extremely insightful and I thank you for this comment. It’s so wonderful that you were able to keep the depression “at bay” to work on the underlying issues for its cause. You have a good friend there too and I’m glad to hear of how he/she helped you come to a great decision to try the meds which helped you feel better enough to realize that you didn’t need the depression to motivate you. Your desire to feel better overall, was enough to motivate you!

   All my best,
   Dr. KC
   http://www.DOCintheBiz.com
   http://www.GLCzone.com

3. Dr Roger

   13|Oct|2008 3

   Many are resistant to taking medications. It can be a hard pill to swallow, but in most cases, the good effects very much out weigh the negative reactions. Trust your doctors.

4. sensiive jane

   13|Oct|2008 4

   This is a subject close to my heart. I had been fighting taking medications for years. Finally, my symptoms were getting more and more severe. My family insisted I get help from medications. And, Doc, as you said, it took me trying several to find one that really helped me. WOW, that changed my life. I am so grateful. Jane

5. elizabeth

   13|Oct|2008 5

   I will never understand why someone won’t go to the ends of the earth to solve their problem. Why suffer when you don’t have to suffer? If there is something out there to help you to live a better and fuller life why would you say no?

6. Dr. KC

   15|Oct|2008 6

   Dear Dr. Roger,

   Yes, many ARE indeed resistant to taking medications, but I understand completely the reasoning behind it. It can be very scary to experience side effects that are foreign to us, that make us feel ill or that are just completely unbearable altogether.

   Often times it is far from easy to find the right medication. And it’s easy to say to “trust in your doctor” but that is not always easy either. Please look for my next article which deals specifically with the topic of psychiatric care.

   Thank you for taking the time to comment.

   All my best,
   Dr. KC
   http://www.DOCintheBiz.com
   http://www.GLCzone.com

7. Dr. KC

   15|Oct|2008 7

   Dear Jane,

   I understand your apprehension 100% and at the same time am so pleased to hear that you hung in there and found something that has changed your life!

   Nothing makes me happier than to hear a success story!

   All my best,
   Dr. KC
   http://www.DOCintheBiz.com
   http://www.GLCzone.com

8. Dr. KC

   15|Oct|2008 8

   Dear Elizabeth,

   I can see how you can ask a question such as the one you have. I think it takes a certain kind of understanding that many do not have to relate to those who are apprehensive to finding the right medication for them. That does NOT make for a bad person, just one who has not been educated on many of the disorders that people have and suffer with on a daily basis.

   I believe that in many cases, people who do not understand why someone wouldn’t “go to the ends of the Earth to solve their problem” don’t understand the complexities of the disorders in which these people would LOVE to solve. Depression and anxiety disorders are famous for the symptoms of fear and worry.

   I could go on for pages about this, but will leave it here for now. If you would like further understanding, please write in your question and I will be happy to write an article to address it.

   All my best,
   Dr. KC
   http://www.DOCintheBiz.com
   http://www.GLCzone.com

9. BoH

   15|Oct|2008 9

   The big secret of modern medicine is that sickness is not a problem, sickness is a simptom and in treating symptoms we are creating even more problems. No I’m not here to push some holistic view or propaganda against the “evil” pharmaceutical conglomerates. I just want to point out that our “modern” life style is killing us and people are to lazy or ignorant to change it, so we look for the short cuts the magic bullet, the pill that will make all feel better.

10. Dr. KC

    16|Oct|2008 10

    Dear BoH,

    Sickness, depending on what kind we are talking about CAN definitely be a symptom of something bigger. It depends on each individual case.

    Some people are for sure unnecessarily medicated without dealing with the underlying issues for their “problems”. Some people think that a pill can fix everything. There are many reasons for this. “Laziness” as you have said, can be one of them.

    We cannot, however, discount the true chemical imbalances that do NEED medication in order to give quality of life to those who suffer with the trueness that is a disorder.

    Many times there can also be a fine line between the two. It’s a matter of seeking professional help that IS just that…professional.

    Thank you for your comment.
    Glad to see you here and I hope you’ll continue to write.

    All my best,
    Dr. KC
    http://www.DOCintheBiz.com
    http://www.GLCzone.com

11. Grandma Rachel

    21|Oct|2008 11

    Hello Doc,

    I do follow all your posts, but have been to shy to comment. I think you give wonderful advice. I have had experience with a child being medicated rather than finding out what the problems are. It took several doctors until one GOOD one said our child did NOT need medication for his problems.. And so heavy, concentrated therapy replaced “the pill”. I can’t tell you the remarkable changes. This as not overnight, but we had great success. This child had really turned around. No more lethargic periods and over active ones. He is now calm and ready to learn and grow and our family is grateful to a concerned doctor who would rather treat then prescribe.

12. Dr. KC

    26|Oct|2008 12

    Dear Grandma Rachel,

    Thank you so much for coming out of your comfort zone and commenting here! We all appreciate your input.

    I’m really happy to hear about your experience and how the child you know was able to turn things around. Of course, I do not condone overprescribing and I do believe that a good dose of “heavy concentrated therapy” is best to try first! How wonderful it worked out so well.

    We do need to be careful about condemning prescribing medications; however. Many times true chemical imbalances are to blame for certain behaviors. That is the reason for the therapy, though. To find out which came first.

    Thank you again for your wonderful post.

    Dr. KC
    http://www.DOCintheBiz.com
    http://www.GLCzone.com

13. David Hickey

    27|Feb|2009 13

    I was hesitant in the beginning of taking Lexapro, but it turned out okay and I much nice to be around now.

14. Doc KC

    27|Feb|2009 14

    Hi David,

    That is the most wonderful news. I’m so glad that your medication is working well for you! Nothing better one could ask for when faced with having to take medication in the first place.

    I wish you all the best for continued success.
    Dr. KC
    http://www.DOCintheBiz.com
    http://www.GLCzone.com