Posted by Racer on March 12, 2006, at 18:46:32
In reply to Opinions on best antidepressant, posted by Mandy on March 12, 2006, at 18:10:27
Well, as you mention, everyone's different, but I found both Lexapro and Lamictal very, very -- well, not quite sedating, but more paralysing. On Lexapro, it didn't touch my depression, but at 10mg, I nearly couldn't talk, because it would take too much energy and wouldn't be worth it. Lamictal wasn't quite that bad, but it was still pretty amotivating. It may be that you're getting some of that response, too, from one or both of those drugs.
Here's a question, which may help you find a better cocktail (why do I think the question should be "gin or vodka?") -- think back, did any of those drugs work for you when you first took them? Was there that "WOW! THIS is what remission feels like!" moment? Or was this, "Well, this is a bit better, but" and then add another drug? If it was the former, heading back to where you were then makes some sense. But if it's the latter, well -- time to try another approach.
What meds have you been on, and what did they do for/to you? Any horrible experiences -- really bad, like me getting so paralysed by Lexapro, or some people get terrible hypotension on some TCAs -- or really great responses that just faded over time? Any of those might help give some clues about a good choice for you.
Also, what sorts of symptoms are you targetting? And what sorts of adverse effects are deal killers for you? Again, that helps narrow it down...
Based only on what you've said, I'd say maybe swapping the Lexapro for Zoloft or Prozac, just because they might be less sedating, or even Paxil might be worth a try -- but only if the Lexapro helped your depression enough that it would make sense to stay in the same class. Otherwise, maybe look into a TCA like nortriptyline or desipramine; maybe Cymbalta or Effexor, although Effexor XR is better, but it sounds as though that would be a no-go for you; Remeron and Wellbutrin might be a worthwhile possibility.
What makes it so hard, of course, is the part about having to keep a job while trying all this. I'm so sorry you've got all that going on at once.
Good luck.
poster:Racer
thread:619463
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060310/msgs/619496.html