Posted by bleauberry on May 26, 2010, at 16:40:19
In reply to Drug Holiday?, posted by MrTook on May 24, 2010, at 12:01:27
Ask to add Nortriptyline to your ongoing Lex.
I have no scientific proof, but I am convinced that when a treatment targets both norepinephrine and serotonin simultaneously in fairly equal potencies, the likelihood of a more complete response is enhanced and the likelihood of avoiding poopout is enhanced. While SSRIs are so popular because of their supposed lighter side effects (not true) and because of the political atmosphere of the medical community, I am convinced that focusing treatment predominantly on serotonin at the expense of the other neurotransmitters is destined for disappointment down the road. I say that based on hundreds of posts I've seen here over the years from longtime SSRI users. The longest I ever saw someone go on prozac was 10 years, zoloft 8 years, lexapro 4 years, and all of those were very rare happenings in the big picture. Nearly everyone following longterm pure SSRI treatment develops some kind of weird problems they never had before, in addition to their original symptoms.
But that is just what my eyes have seen. Take it or leave it at your discretion.
Dr Gillman at www.psychotropical.com has some great stuff you should read on dual-function antidepressants. There are none on the market. Effexor and Cymbalta do not qualify, as their potencies for serotonin vs norepinephrine are predominantly serotonin with very little norepinephrine. You have to create your own with a combo such as Lex + Nortriptyline.
poster:bleauberry
thread:948597
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100524/msgs/949005.html