Posted by bleauberry on July 21, 2008, at 16:48:29
In reply to Please help; remeron/lexapro combo, what to do?, posted by hansi555 on July 21, 2008, at 13:21:20
Have you ever heard of adrenal fatigue? It is not often talked about in mainstream medicine but is well recognized in integrative medicine. I only mention it because the pattern and timing of your symptoms fit. The physical and mental stress we all endure with our illnesses and some meds I think contributes to the strain placed on the adrenals. They are simply being asked to do more than they can. Drugs that cause an accelerated rate of norepinephrine release (like remeron) add addition demand and strain. If I'm not mistaken, I believe I saw a couple abstracts at pubmed.com that showed lexapro increases cortisol, which is a strain on the adrenals. Not a bad thing if the adrenals are healthy, but spells trouble in the fatigue and mood stability area if they aren't.
This is purely opinion. I am a strong believer that the adrenal axis is a major player in fatigue, tiredness, depression, and bipolar. I can't offer any suggestions or science, only to say maybe do some web research on adrenal fatigue and see for yourself if it sounds like you and maybe if you should seek an integrative doctor to guide support recovery.
I could also say just give it some time, but it looks like you've already done that. I could also say it is just side effects. But when the side effects are as debilitating as the illness, one has to wonder if there is a better choice in meds. Especially since you say it has been a rocky road all the way anyway.
poster:bleauberry
thread:841252
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080718/msgs/841284.html