Posted by Leighwit on May 24, 2001, at 15:46:24
In reply to Re: serzone question, posted by Sunny on May 22, 2001, at 10:44:11
I started Serzone a few weeks ago using a starter "package" Bristol-Myers recently started using which provides a specifically scheduled ramp-up that is different from what was recommended a few years ago. (A slower ramp-up I believe, but am not sure about that.) Are you using that one, Pami? (50 mg. the first five days; 100 for the next seven, 150 mg for another seven days, and then 200 mg for two days. It's divided into two doses per day. Tomorrow is my first day on 200 mg. I saw my Pdoc today and complained of confusion and fatigue. She said those are common side effects, and recommended taking entire dosage at bedtime. She has several patients doing that, with success.
She also said the therapeutic dosage now is 400 mg and that it's a change from the past. (Higher I think she said.)
You might want to try it at bedtime and see if there's any improvement. That's what I'm going to do. Best of luck,
Leighwit
> Pami,
> I hope you've seen your pdoc! I'm a fan of serzone, because I've found a way to manage the side effects (in the beginning it made me SOOOO sleepy; and with every dose increase, it still does). I worked with my pdoc to develop a dosing schedule that fits my life - 3x per day, with the largest dose before bedtime. And I started drinking coffee in the morning. If you haven't been scared off by your experience, you might want to talk to your doctor about dosing times.
>
> Also, there are several posts that discuss a slow taper up for serzone. I'm not sure what opinions other pdocs have about a slow start, but mine started me on 25 mgs once per day for a week. Increases were in 25 mg doses, no more than once per week. I'm now at 225 mgs total which works well for me. Some people have said that serzone has a very narrow theraputic dowing window and rapid increases in dose can sometimes result in blowing right past your theraputic window. Hope this helps.
> PS: The coffee & "mini"meals (apple with PB; hummos & pita; a few pretzels) througout the day helped me deal with the sedation.
>
>
> > Hello,
> >
> > I have been on Serzone for 6 weeks, the first 3 were also spent weaning off Zoloft. I wanted to loose the "sexual side affect" as my husband was becoming a bit frustrated with me. I was started on 100mg at night for 4 days, added another 100 for 4 days. Added 100mg in the morning 4 days later, and the last 100mg in the morning for a total of 400mg, 200before bed and the other 200 in the morning. My reason for taking any antidepressant is mainly so I don't honk at bad drivers! Also a mild case of depression that runs through my family.
> >
> > I can barely stay awake during the day, my memory is not functioning, and I'm crankier than ever in the car. I'd like to quit, but see my doc in a week. Please help with any suggestions.
> >
> > Thank you.
poster:Leighwit
thread:58726
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010522/msgs/64145.html