Jac, You probably don't remember me, but you sent me a butterfly bush last year! I was (and am, but not practicing at this time) a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist for the past 22 years. Every antidepressant has problems that can be associated with it, from sexual dysfunction to life-threatening electrical changes in the heart. I also consider that every time my son had strep throat, the antibiotics I gave him could cause Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. A tylenol with a viral illness could lead to Reye's Syndrome, or just a plain tylenol with a fever could be "the one" that causes liver failure in a person with a hidden hepatic illness. I totally agree that you should have been told of the potential for Serotonin Withdrawal Syndrome, and the possibility of another associated problem called Serotonergic Syndrome that can be associated with all SSRI's. Thats where having people who are trained specifically in the treatment of depression is invaluable. Primary Care Physicians can spot and begin treatment of depression very well these days (thank goodness for everyone who, like myself, uses a GP), but if I had cancer, I would want to see an Oncologist, not an OB/GYN. The same thinking should be applied to any illness requiring special training, in my opinion. For as many people as I have seen who have had problems with a particular antidepressant, I have seen four times as many do beautifully. My hope is that one day, the science of the mind/emotions will advance to the point that a swab or a blood test will be able to identify the type of depression a person has and tell us, like a culture and sensitivity test does for bacteria, which medication has the best chance of treating the disease. Until that time, even the most well-trained and brilliant minds will continue to do their best and offer medications in the treatment of depression. Not all will be sucessful or pretty, but for those who have truly had a case of Clinical Depression, at least someone is trying. Not to try when a patient is asking for help would be worse. I will take a patient who is suffering side effects from a medication (though never the goal) over a patient who is no longer around to have a side effect, anyday. Do I think medications are over-prescribed? Absolutely! Do I think that people who have no business prescribing them are doing so? Absolutely! Do I think even the most highly trained Mental Health professionals sometimes miss the mark or over-prescribe? Absolutely!! I also know a woman who was told she had the flu and had an Aortic Aneurysm which ruptured on the way home from the hospital. I cared for a woman who convinced herself she had a yeast allergy, treated herself at home with vitamins and dietary restrictions, and all the while had a brain tumor that took her life. Her diagnosis came after she had killed a man and was court commited for evaulation to stand trial. Most people are amazingly resilient. Some are not. I am championing for those who are not and need a little help along the way (myself included at one time). I know my thinking is in direct opposition to many, and I never wish to challenge someone's right to choose treatments that that they deem right for themselves or their families. I just wanted to say, these medications, warts and all, make it possible for many people to work, maintain families and relationships, and in some cases, just survive another day of depression. I just hope that someone who needs treatment sees this and doesn't decide to throw the baby out with the bath water. Lea

Well, had my last cigarette on November 19th. Took my last Chantix pill on December 18th. I did get another prescription for it filled and finished 1 1/2 weeks of that month, then decided I wanted to try without them. So far so good. It's still weird thinking of myself as a non-smoker but I like it :). I did dream vividly on Chantix but they weren't weird or creepy dreams. Mostly dreams of people I haven't even thought about in years and years so that was kind of interesting. I'm still a little bit chicken about some things.....Like I decided against driving to Houston by myself cause smoking in the truck was second nature especially on a long trip by myself. But I find it easier to think of myself as quitting BUYING cigarettes rather than quitting smoking them. If I can keep myself from buying them, then I can't smoke them and quitting BUYING is a LOT easier than quitting smoking. Well......that probably sounds like the ranting of a nicotine starved maniac :). But it's working for me and I am so thankful. Great way to start the new year. I can't imagine trying to do it with another smoker in the house! You are my hero!!! Kristi

Oh, hi emmhip! :) I completely know what you mean. And while I subscribe to FlyLady's emails, I haven't checked them (my "list" email is the most organized thing in my home - it all goes to separate folders in my inbox, lol). Anyway, what I've been doing is just a bit here and there. Today, I went through all the drawers in my dresser, and got rid of matchless socks, underwear that weren't ever going to be worn by me again, and assorted other things that I was no longer using or planning to use (including a Motherhood slip - my youngest if now 4 years old, ahem). I also cleaned (with a toothbrush!!!) my bathroom sink, including wiping down the cabinets. Thoroughly cleaned the toilet, too. I've been vacuuming every day for the last week, and sweeping, too. Two days ago, I finally cleared (what a task!) the table and counters except for two hotspots that I'm still working on. The kids' bathroom had a decent clean two days ago; I still need to go in and do an "on my hands and knees" floor cleaning. And my laundry? Well, it's caught up only because we recently bought the largest capacity washer (and matching dryer - our old washer broke, perfect timing!) and for the first time EVER, my laundry has been caught up without my hubby stepping in to help. :) I LOVE my new W&D, and have taken meticulous care of it (I follow the care instructions carefully, lol). I was so proud the other day when I washed all the kids' bed linens in one day. I'm sure that hasn't been done before (by me, anyway). However, my wood floor is still in bad shape, and I really need to wipe down all the kitchen cabinets, and most of the doors in the house. My daughters' room is still a mess, but that's largely because my 7yo dd has learned my bad habits, so we both need work. ;) Anyway, there's still much to do, but I trust that FlyLady's admonition to take baby steps will eventually get me to where I need to be. And also, this isn't really part of the above, except that it is FOR ME, but about 3 months ago, I was dx'd with severe ADD symptoms and mild/moderate depression. I've been on Wellbutrin since then, and the change has made all the difference for me. It was slow getting here, but when I look back to where I was before, I'm amazed at the difference in how I feel, and how far I've come. The above probably doesn't apply to most folks, but I feel I'd be disingenuous if I didn't include it as well. Anyway, it's hard to struggle and feel like you can't get ahead, and then, to be so overwhelmed in your own home that it's not relaxing, but rather stress-inducing, and I realized I was the only one who could change that for me. And I am, slowly but surely. Best of luck to you, and yes, get that book! (Don't worry about her time tables for cleaning - for that, I'm fine with FlyLady's plan - I just need to know the "how-to" of taking care of a home.) Best of luck to you - you need to trust that you can do it, and that the changes will be their own reward, and even more.

I have these symptoms and my belief is that they are associated with stress as it relates to this time of life, in addition to all the physical changes our bodies continue to go through. Confused, forgetful, cannot think straight -- yes, I've been experiencing these things...in addition to having difficulty focusing, feeling foggy and as though I've lost my edge. I truly believe that stress plays a large role in all of this. What have I been doing about it? Clearly not enough because I continue to feel like my memory isn't as sharp as it should be and my confidence isn't what it was. Take heart in the fact that you are far from being alone in your symptoms. In addition to meeting with your doctor to discuss your concerns, I recommend that you go easy on yourself, and know that things will get better. To believe otherwise is to fuel the anxiety that may be contributing to the sense of hopelessness. p.s. My doctor advised against using HRT, though many times I almost went against her advice. Be good to yourself in as many ways as you can. You deserve it!!