I found this site by searching for depression and any of the medi...

Virginia and All,

I must preface this post by writing that I am not an M.D. and so I cannot give advice on prescription drugs. However, I am a physician of chiropractic medicine, an acupuncturist, and I work with energy medicine.

- Virtually all drugs cause some side-effects and none should be taken unless it is necessary for your health.

- Many drugs have bad side effects when you try to stop them after taking them for awhile. Some can even cause heart attacks by stopping too quickly. So, if you are considering taking yourself off prescribed meds, be sure to consult with an M.D. It does not have to be the M.D. who originally prescribed the meds.

- Virginia stated that she stopped taking an anti-depressive medication around the same time she started taking Lisinopril. To determine which of the meds (or stopping of) is causing the side effects of depression, it might be good to continue taking the anti-depressive meds for awhile to distinguish between the drugs and their side-effects. Again, an M.D. can best help you with this decision.

- In Germany (where they are more open-minded about natural medicine), they prescribe "St. John's Wort" as an anti-depressive more than they prescribe drugs.

- If you are taking a drug or an herb (or other remedy), you should be very careful to take them as prescribed and to take them on a regular basis. Don't skip dosages or vary the amount taken unless your health care provider tells you to.

- Normal blood pressure (BP) for a perfectly healthy person is 120/80. If your blood pressure rises, but is not above 140/ 90 (without meds), you may be able to control and lower your BP through regular exercise and diet. Again, consult with your physician before stopping taking a BP medication.

-- One more note: Try not to make major life decisions while your body and brain have chemical imbalances or are undergoing chemical changes due to changes in drugs or natural remedies. I suggest that you first stabilize your depression or other conditions so that you can think clearly instead of reacting to emotions. Many doctors may tell patients that “it’s all in your head.” However, there are often chemical reasons that may cause you to experience these symptoms – including emotional symptoms such as depression and hopelessness.

Dr. G
http://DoctorGeri.com

Virginia and All,

I must preface this post by writing that I am not an M.D. and so I cannot give advice on prescription drugs. However, I am a physician of chiropractic medicine, an acupuncturist, and I work with energy medicine.

- Virtually all drugs cause some side-effects and none should be taken unless it is necessary for your health.

- Many drugs have bad side effects when you try to stop them after taking them for awhile. Some can even cause heart attacks by stopping too quickly. So, if you are considering taking yourself off prescribed meds, be sure to consult with an M.D. It does not have to be the M.D. who originally prescribed the meds.

- Virginia stated that she stopped taking an anti-depressive medication around the same time she started taking Lisinopril. To determine which of the meds (or stopping of) is causing the side effects of depression, it might be good to continue taking the anti-depressive meds for awhile to distinguish between the drugs and their side-effects. Again, an M.D. can best help you with this decision.

- In Germany (where they are more open-minded about natural medicine), they prescribe "St. John's Wort" as an anti-depressive more than they prescribe drugs.

- If you are taking a drug or an herb (or other remedy), you should be very careful to take them as prescribed and to take them on a regular basis. Don't skip dosages or vary the amount taken unless your health care provider tells you to.

- Normal blood pressure (BP) for a perfectly healthy person is 120/80. If your blood pressure rises, but is not above 140/ 90 (without meds), you may be able to control and lower your BP through regular exercise and diet. Again, consult with your physician before stopping taking a BP medication.

-- One more note: Try not to make major life decisions while your body and brain have chemical imbalances or are undergoing chemical changes due to changes in drugs or natural remedies. I suggest that you first stabilize your depression or other conditions so that you can think clearly instead of reacting to emotions. Many doctors may tell patients that “it’s all in your head.” However, there are often chemical reasons that may cause you to experience these symptoms – including emotional symptoms such as depression and hopelessness.

Dr. G
http://DoctorGeri.com