Posted by 4WD on August 19, 2005, at 21:47:50
In reply to Re: Remeron blocks SSRI side effects, posted by linkadge on August 19, 2005, at 20:28:36
> "If you weren't taking an SSRI, just the Remeron alone, what would be the effect of this antagonism at the different 5HT sites?"
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> I guess it depends on the baseline activation of the receptors. Since Remeron does increase serotonin release via alpha-2 antagonism, it may block some of that serotonin and prevent side effects.
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> If the 5-ht2a receptor is blocked excessivly, it can cause short term memory problems. If the 5-ht2c receptor is blocked excessivly you can experience obsessivness, and seizures. I don't know the side effects of excessive 5-ht3 receptor antagonism.
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> Personally, the magic dose of remeron for SSRI augmentation was 7.5 mg, which was 1/4 of a tablet.
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> Linkadge
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>Interestingly, that's just what my pdoc suggested. I had tried 15mg and 30mg. Got some sedation at 15 at night and big sedation at night at 30. Bad hunger pangs the next day and major dry mouth issues. Restless legs at both doses.
I've been on Celexa 10mg, not working great. Switched to Lexapro 5mg three weeks ago and got more anxious and more depressed. Cut it to 2.5mg and was still very anxious and depressed. Now I'm supposed to raise the Lex to 7.5 and if that doesn't work, then up to 10. If that doesn't work, then it's back to Celexa. Once I see what happens with the upped Lexapro dose, I will then add the Remeron if necessary. Same deal if I go back to Celexa.
Linkadge, have you ever been on imipramine? It really was more helpful to me than any SSRI has been. No mental or cognitive side effects at all. There was some pretty bad dry mouth but it got some better over time. Some nasal congestion but I have that anyway. Some postural hypotension but not bad at all. I was on 150mg. I only switched because my doctor put me on Prozac when it came out. The only reason I haven't gone back is the dry mouth issue. I've got so many crowns and bridges and general dental issues that I just can't risk more dental issues from dry mouth.
I just remember going on imipramine and feeling like the world had stopped being shades of gray and was suddenly in color again.
Marsha
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poster:4WD
thread:543903
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050816/msgs/544060.html