Posted by dove on February 4, 2005, at 9:16:57
In reply to Re: Least Intrusive SSRI, posted by medhed on February 4, 2005, at 5:21:24
Effexor at a dosage of 75 mg supposedly doesn't push the nore so much as just the serotonin, so you should probably look at Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro and lastly Paxil for the social anxiety/GAD.
Lexapro is the newest of that grouping, with a milder side-effect profile than Paxil. Paxil is known as the worst offender when it comes to sexual side-effects and dysfunction. Paxil also seems to cause weight gain more often than Zoloft or Lexapro (Prozac being the most weight neutral of all SSRIs). Zoloft is older than Lexapro, so more firsthand experiences and anecdotal advice will accompany it.
Lexapro is one of the few SSRIs I have not had to try, but my pdoc did not think it would be very beneficial to me due it being "very mild" and "serotonin specific". Which might make it a good choice for you :o)
Zoloft is broader than Lexapro, and Prozac is known as the broadest SSRI as well as being the most activating. Prozac also has the longest half-life, is easy to discontinue if needed with little if any withdrawal symptoms. Prozac's activating profile does lend itself to initially increase anxiety, but within a few weeks its anti-anxiety effects should kick in.
I know I'm rambling and I apologize, I didn't get much sleep last night (took my Effexor before bed--not a good idea). Personally, I would look at Zoloft, Prozac, and then Lexapro.
Hope this ramble helps in some way, best of luck to you!
dove
poster:dove
thread:451684
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050202/msgs/453034.html