The class waq about mental illness. Up until the point of my of depression I hesitated to take a Tylenol for r a heartache. The professor patiently explained what a clinical depression was, and how the right pills would provide more serotonin in the brain.
I did not believe in the medical model of psychiatry. I remained skeptical, even when it became obvious that my husband was better when he took medications for his depression. Now I’m so thankful to God for modern medicine, although I understand why people want to see the proof that it is the medication that works and not some placebo effect.
It is generally not the scientific studies that convince many Christians but personal experiences like mine. They have felt the biological fact of depression in themselves or seen the suffering in a loved one. In spite of their own misgivings and criticism from other believers, they have in desperation turned to medical answers, including drugs, hospitalization, and even shock therapy.
When Steve was first depressed in 1985, doctors mainly prescribed
from the tricyclic
family of antidepressants. MAO inhibitors were available, but they could have
more serious effects and were used when depression simply would not yield to
tricyclics.
After my graduation, and my ordination for the ministry, I became clinically depressed. I went to a number of medical doctors, who did not prescribe me medications, and instead talked about the stress I was under. I was afraid of psychiatrists. But finally Iwas so desperate, that I agreed to go on an antidepressant.
It was called Elavil.I could not urinate, so they put me on Surmontil, which did not work. Back in 1985, most doctors would only prescribe you one at a time. By this time, I was horribly depressed.. Please read an excerpt below by my wife Robyn, who coauthored our first book, Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You're Losing It. It was published by Kregel Publications, im1985. It continues to be in print, because it was written by principles of Scripture and Science.Please read the excerpt from our book Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You are Losing It. I have authored another book called, The Pastoral Handbook of Mental Illness: A Guide for Training and Reference.
It was called Elavil.I could not urinate, so they put me on Surmontil, which did not work. Back in 1985, most doctors would only prescribe you one at a time. By this time, I was horribly depressed.. Please read an excerpt below by my wife Robyn, who coauthored our first book, Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You're Losing It. It was published by Kregel Publications, im1985. It continues to be in print, because it was written by principles of Scripture and Science.Please read the excerpt from our book Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You are Losing It. I have authored another book called, The Pastoral Handbook of Mental Illness: A Guide for Training and Reference.
The Chemical Response to Mental Illness
So then each one of us will give an account of
himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather
determine this—not to put an obstacle or stumbling block in a brother’s way.
—Romans 14:12–13
Robyn: I’ve Seen It Work
I did not believe in the medical model of psychiatry. I remained skeptical, even when it became obvious that my husband was better when he took medications for his depression. Now I’m so thankful to God for modern medicine, although I understand why people want to see the proof that it is the medication that works and not some placebo effect.
The clinical reports are too complex for this book, and my
husband and I make no claim of expertise as doctors or scientists. My personal
conviction is admittedly based upon the experience of observing one person up
close on many medications. While this may sound subjective, the medical and
scientific evidence does support my subjective experience.
It is generally not the scientific studies that convince many Christians but personal experiences like mine. They have felt the biological fact of depression in themselves or seen the suffering in a loved one. In spite of their own misgivings and criticism from other believers, they have in desperation turned to medical answers, including drugs, hospitalization, and even shock therapy.
The Side Effects
No one suggests that psychotropic drugs are magic bullets or that
they can be taken to escape problems. They come with a severe personal cost in
side effects. Some effects are minimal, but others can be extreme. Any doctor
who prescribes a medication should be frank about what to expect. If the
information isn’t clear, the patient should not be shy about asking. Physician’s
Desk Reference, or PDR, is a good source of such
information.1 So is the information sheet that comes with the
prescription.
Medications can react in individual ways that aren’t described in
the literature and that sometimes even surprise doctors. One dentist was afraid
the tingling in Steve’s mouth might be cancer. The tingling continued as long
as he was on a particular drug. One of Steve’s most difficult medication
problems was urinary tract pain. He eventually learned to drink lots of water
and found medicines that reduced the inflammation.
The first trycylic antidepressant (T.C.A.), Tofranil (imipramine),
was introduced in 1958, followed by Elavil (amitriptyline). The tricyclics are
used less often now because of their side effects. Because they have been
around so long, their patents have expired, so inexpensive generic forms are
available. that can be an important consideration, since the cost for a new
drug is always quite high.
Classifications of Side Effects
There are ways to adapt to most effects. Steve always carries a
large mug of water to help overcome his dry mouth, difficulties in urinating,
and constipation. The same drugs cause blurred vision and increased heart rate.
Another common side effect is light-headedness or dizziness. The
person effected must learn not to rise too fast from lying or sitting.
Sedation has always been a problem with tricyclics. This effect
can be severe at work, but it can also be a blessing if one takes the
medication only at bedtime.
New formulations have been found that decrease side effects, but
all psychotropics have them. Some are a bit unusual. Since going on
medications, Steve sunburns more quickly and actually maintains a year-round
tan. On one medicine, Steve got the dry heaves every morning when he brushed
his teeth. This lasted for a long time. The more severe effects may be so
unsettling that people prefer facing life without the medication. Usually the
effects decrease over time if the medication is taken according to the
physician’s instructions.
The dreaded side effect, especially for women, is weight gain. A
person has to be much more careful about diet. After changing to one new
medication, I was amazed to watch Steve polish off three bowls of breakfast
cereal. We both knew that couldn’t be a good thing.
It really bothered me to see him endure all these problems, but
the alternative very likely was death because of the severity of his
depression.
Talk It Over\
If higher dosages come with severe side effects, there may be give-and-take until the patient reaches a point where more medication is simply intolerable, at least until the side effects subside. The doctor and information sheets that come with medication have information about when to call if certain side effects occur. This may be slurred speech, an unsteady gait, or vomiting. It is helpful to know what side effects can be anticipated and when to worry about them.
If higher dosages come with severe side effects, there may be give-and-take until the patient reaches a point where more medication is simply intolerable, at least until the side effects subside. The doctor and information sheets that come with medication have information about when to call if certain side effects occur. This may be slurred speech, an unsteady gait, or vomiting. It is helpful to know what side effects can be anticipated and when to worry about them.
\\
Lithium, a very effective drug for bipolar disorder, has to be managed closely, by monitoring blood levels. Lithium toxicity can be fatal, but most who take the drug do fine if their blood level is checked regularly. People on lithium and their relatives should know the signs of lithium toxicity and realize that one can test within safe limits and still have a toxicity problem if the drug becomes stored in the fat.
Lithium, a very effective drug for bipolar disorder, has to be managed closely, by monitoring blood levels. Lithium toxicity can be fatal, but most who take the drug do fine if their blood level is checked regularly. People on lithium and their relatives should know the signs of lithium toxicity and realize that one can test within safe limits and still have a toxicity problem if the drug becomes stored in the fat.
A couple of times, Steve has said to me, “I may have accidentally
taken my medication twice tonight. I can’t remember if I took it earlier. If I
start acting sick, be ready.” That’s not what one likes to hear at bedtime, but
at least I could be aware of what the source of a problem might be. He did not
become ill on those nights, but the precaution was a good one' Please see our website.
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