Posted by Jay-Bravest_Face on February 20, 2008, at 0:03:48
In reply to Re:Prozac Vs. Effexor SSRI's » Jay_Bravest_Face, posted by Shenandoah on February 19, 2008, at 8:02:23
Hi Deb:
> Jay-
> Great. Great advice!
> More questions & answers Please !!!!!!!!!!!!I go to the Dr. tomorrow & since he gives me little info. or feedback, I will need to ask informed questions. I think he would like to see me off Xanax-but he doesn't get what my old Dr. did (who had total trust in me)- & I have only seen him a few times.
>
> To answer one question-I believe my diagnosis is Chronic Mild Depression with Panic or Anxiety disorder. I just thought Effexor was another SSRI. It is OK with my depression, but don't like what I have read about it & if I just forget one night, I feel awful the next day! That didn't happen with Prozac.
>Yeah, Prozac stays in the system so much longer, it takes a long time even to tell when you adjust doses. I think what makes Effexor both sometimes good and for some bad, is its immediate action. As you say, you miss a dose, and you feel it! How does Effexor compare to Prozac regarding your depression and anxiety?
> Re: the stimulants, I have only heard of this prescribed for people with ADD. I do not have this disorder- though do wish I was more motivated sometimes & had a normal sex life with libido.
>Well, the stimulants are being used quite a bit for people with depression, in particular those with a more vegetative depression (i.e. Sleep, eat, too much, lack of social interest, etc.) As a particular side-note, the stimulants and Wellbutrin seem to have an excellent effect on womens sex drive and libido et al. They dont seem to work so great for men (cest moi ..lol. )
> Sounds like you did OK with the SSRI's too- but just felt eventually that they didn't do enough for you. Do you mind telling me your diagnosis too? & then maybe we could compare a bit better?
>
Well, I fall into that bipolar 2 or 3 gap. I have major depression and anxiety.
I just rapid cycle often between the two. I always take a mood stabilizer (risperdal) and (topamax) with my antidepressant to prevent the rapid cycling. The clonazepam helps too. The SSRIs just drain me too much. They give me serotonin overload, along with major fatigue, like a heavy weight. Effexor an SNRI like I said before, was a bit TOO energizing, and Cymbalta seems to be the right balance.
> Will look up the Cymbalta after this note. Also, could you tell me about the other 3 meds you take & what they are for?
>
I think I mentioned the Risperdal. It is an atypical antipsychotic (dont let that scare you..) It just helps keep the moods nice and smooth and even. The Topamax is an anti-convulsant but also a mood stabilizer, which I am not sure HOW well works, but again is supposed to help keep thing even and smooth. And the clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, like Valium(sp?), and is great for breaking those tense moments, and when you want to relax, and/or get to sleep.> Re: my Xanax- My old Dr. (when my life was really stressful/ awful), she had me on 1 mg 3 times a day. It worked wonders for me. As time went on & I got out of a bad situation, I really cut down myself- though the scrip remained the same. Then my job & office moved home-from a less stressful atmosphere with the public & intense work----so I cut down even more. BUT, I have turned into somewhat of a Hermit! Probably not healthy. We run 3 + businesses & are getting ready to tackle a huge new venture. Public Meetings are heating up, newspaper will be interviewing & my office will go back to a busier location & I will be pretty involved with this stressful new business. Crazy? I suppose so! Anyway, I sure want to hold on to my Xanax scrip's, as time goes on & life gets wilder. Currently, I take as needed in partial amounts. Usually half or less than half of my original needs. Public speaking is "Out" for me & I am afraid I will be forced into some very soon? So part of the story............
>
> Please reply & explain how the Cymbalta is going for you & how the other 3 combine & help you. & I soooooooo appreciate your HO, Humble Opinion!
>Hey, no prob! I hope I shed some light on the other meds. I am going to be looking at maybe trying some other meds for the sexual dysfunction and weight gain. On is Meridia, a weight loss drug. You arent supposed to take it when on Cymbalta, but I have heard others taking it. I am just going to try a small dose (5 mgs) I should be getting that stuff by next week. Ill let you know how I am doing then. Right now, I am fine, actually, I just dont want to push my luck..lol..:-) Thanks for the questionsand interest!
Best,
Jay> Thanks, Deb
poster:Jay-Bravest_Face
thread:813191
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080207/msgs/813706.html