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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Theresa Viveiros on January 31, 2001, at 22:10:22
Can anyone tell me the most effective way to wean off Prozac and try to make the transistion to Effexor? Prozac has created TOO MUCH ANXIETY and I have completely lost my interest in sex. I have been on Prozac for 7 years, was effective for the first two years, gradually increased to 60 mgs but am still depressed with even more anxiety. Any responses will be appreciated.
Posted by orthius on January 31, 2001, at 22:36:53
In reply to HELP! Prozac VS Effexor, posted by Theresa Viveiros on January 31, 2001, at 22:10:22
well i was on prozac for a very short time made it hard for me to breathe i was on effexor for about 3 months didnt have much luck with it eighter it causes some anxiety at least in me some people say its sedating i seem to be opposite from the norm but it did cause severe sexual disfunction also
Posted by Pandora on February 1, 2001, at 0:24:12
In reply to Re: HELP! Prozac VS Effexor, posted by orthius on January 31, 2001, at 22:36:53
Your doctor is the best one to help you wean off any meds, but from personal experience, getting off Prozac isn't too difficult. Prozac has a long half-life and therefore stays in your body longer than a lot of other ADs. This also makes it easier to tolerate during withdrawal since you kind of wean yourself automatically. Your doctor may want to wait to see how you feel when you are completely drug free before giving you something else. If this is the case you may need to wait 4-6 weeks for all the Prozac to get out of your system. One more thing - Effexor has worked very well for me, but has many more withdrawal symptoms than Prozac.( This shouldn't discourage you from taking it, but don't think you can just go "cold turkey" off Effexor the way you usually can off Prozac). Good luck!
Posted by JohnL on February 1, 2001, at 4:04:49
In reply to HELP! Prozac VS Effexor, posted by Theresa Viveiros on January 31, 2001, at 22:10:22
> Can anyone tell me the most effective way to wean off Prozac and try to make the transistion to Effexor? Prozac has created TOO MUCH ANXIETY and I have completely lost my interest in sex. I have been on Prozac for 7 years, was effective for the first two years, gradually increased to 60 mgs but am still depressed with even more anxiety. Any responses will be appreciated.
Hi Theresa,
I'm sorry things haven't been going very well for you. I hope it gets better pretty soon. In the meantime there are several options you could consider.
1) Reduce the Prozac to a non-anxiety dosage, and add Zyprexa for about 3 weeks or so, and if nothing then try adding Risperdal for a few weeks. According to clinical trials, profound antidepressant action has been observed when SSRIs are combine with either Zyprexa or Risperdal. In addition, they usually improve sleep and can be beneficial to sex as well. Other additions could be Lithium, stimulants, Remeron, Nortriptyline, Desipramine. But of them all, I favor Zyprexa or Risperdal the best. In trials, results were much better with the combination than either drug alone.
2) Stop Prozac anytime and begin titrating Effexor in at low doses. It will take 4 weeks or so for Prozac to be gone from your system. In the meantime, you could be starting Effexor at the same time. Some people even combine them, so weening off one is not needed. Keeping the Effexor dose very low at first is important for safety though.
3) Do a complete washout for 4 weeks, then start Effexor.
I like the first option the best. Just a personal preference.
John
Posted by maribeth on February 1, 2001, at 7:58:30
In reply to Re: HELP! Prozac VS Effexor, posted by JohnL on February 1, 2001, at 4:04:49
> > Can anyone tell me the most effective way to wean off Prozac and try to make the transistion to Effexor? Prozac has created TOO MUCH ANXIETY and I have completely lost my interest in sex. I have been on Prozac for 7 years, was effective for the first two years, gradually increased to 60 mgs but am still depressed with even more anxiety. Any responses will be appreciated.
>
> Hi Theresa,
> I'm sorry things haven't been going very well for you. I hope it gets better pretty soon. In the meantime there are several options you could consider.
> 1) Reduce the Prozac to a non-anxiety dosage, and add Zyprexa for about 3 weeks or so, and if nothing then try adding Risperdal for a few weeks. According to clinical trials, profound antidepressant action has been observed when SSRIs are combine with either Zyprexa or Risperdal. In addition, they usually improve sleep and can be beneficial to sex as well. Other additions could be Lithium, stimulants, Remeron, Nortriptyline, Desipramine. But of them all, I favor Zyprexa or Risperdal the best. In trials, results were much better with the combination than either drug alone.
> 2) Stop Prozac anytime and begin titrating Effexor in at low doses. It will take 4 weeks or so for Prozac to be gone from your system. In the meantime, you could be starting Effexor at the same time. Some people even combine them, so weening off one is not needed. Keeping the Effexor dose very low at first is important for safety though.
> 3) Do a complete washout for 4 weeks, then start Effexor.
> I like the first option the best. Just a personal preference.
> JohnTeresa--
I too was on Prozac for a prolonged period. (six years) It seemed to just
quit working. I was hospitalized and the pdoc there simply tapered me down
from 60mgm to 10mgm over a week and after one day off the Prozac began me
on the Effexor 37.0 mgm. By the time I left the hospital a week later I
was on 150mgm XR of Effexor and finally (about six weeks later) my out patient
pdoc had me on 300mgm every morning. I have taken the whole pharmacy of AD's over
a period of about twenty years, and so far this one is is the best FOR ME that
is. Do remember that last part -- medication and humans are all so very different,
I just happened to hit the jackpot with this one with this on --Good Luck --
May you find whats right for you too! Blessings Maribeth
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