Posted by Ritch on March 3, 2003, at 23:44:53
In reply to EXP'NCED P'BABLRS PLS ADVISE: Parnate or Effexor? , posted by Jack Smith on March 3, 2003, at 12:32:28
> OK, here's the situation. . . .
>
> I suffer from depression/GAD with some atypical features (hypersomnia, leaden paralysis). I experienced an almost total remission from Celexa for about a year and a half and then it pooped out. Added Wellbutrin, helped but didn't really get me far (about 50% normal now). So, anyway, I have finally weaned myself off Celexa in about two weeks time--almost NO withdrawls.
>
> So the question is this: My pdoc suggests that I try Effexor but is willing to give me Parnate. I know the conventional wisdom is that I should probably try Effexor first since I have only really tried three drugs (Paxil--OK but total sedation, WB and Celexa). BUT I know that an MAOI would work on my symptoms. I think Effexor has a good shot of working and I would be willing to give it a full 3 month trial working my way up to 225 (where there is a norepinephrine effect). I am just worried that if it doesn't work, it will take me months to get off and then I will have to suffer for quite some time before I try Parnate.
>
> It is a crucial time now, I can wait two weeks and go to Parnate or I could try Effexor. What do people think? Any advice helpful.
>
> JACK
What about a Prozac trial instead of the Effexor? If you got "near total remission" from Celexa that seems to indicate an SSRI would help. I got more anti-ADD effect from Prozac at low-doses than I do with Effexor at low-doses. I don't know why, but I felt more alert on fluoxetine. I take a tiny bit of Effexor now, but at low doses it helps anxiety much more than depressive symptoms. OTOH, Prozac at low-doses was energizing.
poster:Ritch
thread:205524
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030301/msgs/205710.html