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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by obsidian on September 8, 2010, at 23:05:17
an antidepressant?
something with a longer half life
for depression with significant anxiety,
a too high dose of effexor created some mood instability for me, certainly irritability.I'd like something without exceedingly harsh withdrawal, and something that works for anxiety.
any thoughts??
VERY much appreciated :-)
thanks,
sid
Posted by morgan miller on September 8, 2010, at 23:24:14
In reply to an alternative to effexor???, posted by obsidian on September 8, 2010, at 23:05:17
What have you tried? What has worked and what has not worked for you in the past?
Hmm, I'm thinking Lexapro or Zoloft would be much better options than Effexor.
Are you open to using supplements as adjuncts to antidepressant treatment? Several come to mind:
Fish oil-1 to 2 grams of combined EPA and DHA
Curcumin/Turmeric-may boost serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine
Resveratrol-high potency pure product
Holy Basil-New Chapter's-may have to be cycled to maintain effectiveness.
Magnesium-glycinate or taurinate
Glutamine-1 gram morning and evening
GABA-1 to 2 grams whenever anxiety is worse
Taurine-500 mg-may need to cycle to prevent tolerance. Don't use high doses as this may create more anxiety in the long run
Glycine-2 to 3 grams at night for sounder deeper sleep
Posted by Phillipa on September 9, 2010, at 0:08:11
In reply to Re: an alternative to effexor???, posted by morgan miller on September 8, 2010, at 23:24:14
Pristiq is longer acting? Phillipa
Posted by sigismund on September 9, 2010, at 2:31:26
In reply to an alternative to effexor???, posted by obsidian on September 8, 2010, at 23:05:17
>a too high dose of effexor created some mood instability for me, certainly irritability.
So there was a lower dose of Effexor that did not do this?
How much lower?
Approaching a lower dose will likely raise issues about some withdrawal between doses.
Posted by sigismund on September 9, 2010, at 2:33:05
In reply to Re: an alternative to effexor???, posted by sigismund on September 9, 2010, at 2:31:26
Has this higher dose of Effexor given you anything good?
If so, what?
Some kind of relief?
Posted by Lil'Deb on September 9, 2010, at 12:25:04
In reply to an alternative to effexor???, posted by obsidian on September 8, 2010, at 23:05:17
I would also like an alternative - or an addidtion to - this med. It's effectiveness has decreased significantly. I tried going to 225mg, then a drug holiday for about a month (anxiety and irritability returned). Back on 75mg bid, but no motivation or enjoyment like when first started med a couple of years ago. Have tried Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Serzone
Posted by morgan miller on September 9, 2010, at 12:51:32
In reply to Re: an alternative to effexor???, posted by Lil'Deb on September 9, 2010, at 12:25:04
What dose or doses of Zoloft did you try? What was your experience with it like? Have you ever considered trying Zoloft + Nortriptyline? I may try this soon. I will keep you guys posted if I do.
I find the best way to maintain the effectiveness of antidepressants is to get into a regular pattern of healthy diet and moderate exercise. Staying in great shape and eating right, along with some supplements like fish oil, may help maintain AD effectiveness. I just found that this worked well for me for many years, it may not work for everyone. As long as I kept moving and engaged in moderate to intense exercise with plenty of meditative stretching, it seemed like I was able to get through the periods where my AD did not seem to be working as well.
Posted by Lil'Deb on September 9, 2010, at 15:31:23
In reply to Re: an alternative to effexor??? » Lil'Deb, posted by morgan miller on September 9, 2010, at 12:51:32
Thanks. Just a low dose of Zoloft, but no improvement at all - just sleepy and no energy. Effexor has been the only thing I could actually feel work...increased energy, concentration, and improved mood overall
Posted by morgan miller on September 9, 2010, at 16:55:13
In reply to Re: an alternative to effexor???, posted by Lil'Deb on September 9, 2010, at 15:31:23
> Thanks. Just a low dose of Zoloft, but no improvement at all - just sleepy and no energy. Effexor has been the only thing I could actually feel work...increased energy, concentration, and improved mood overall
Low dose meaning 25 or 50 mg? How long were you on it? A full 8 weeks? I find that many find their sweet spot at 100 mg and that effects can vary significantly between 50 and 100.
Have you ever considered combining something like Zoloft with Nortriptyline?
Posted by obsidian on September 9, 2010, at 17:40:20
In reply to Re: an alternative to effexor???, posted by sigismund on September 9, 2010, at 2:31:26
I was on 225mgs xr....irritability
then 187.5 anxiety peaked, then subsided
then 150mgs
then 112.5mgs got depressed
back up to 150mg....ok I guess
Posted by obsidian on September 9, 2010, at 17:43:11
In reply to Re: an alternative to effexor???, posted by morgan miller on September 8, 2010, at 23:24:14
I've taken zoloft...I know it was at least 100mgs, I think I went to 200mgs??
It didn't do the job like effexor, and I had stomach upset.
interesting options morgan,
thanks :-)
Posted by morgan miller on September 9, 2010, at 17:51:48
In reply to Re: an alternative to effexor??? » morgan miller, posted by obsidian on September 9, 2010, at 17:43:11
> I've taken zoloft...I know it was at least 100mgs, I think I went to 200mgs??
>
> It didn't do the job like effexor, and I had stomach upset.
>
> interesting options morgan,
> thanks :-)Was it brand name Zoloft? Brand may have solved the stomach issues, but I'm not sure if it would be more effective than generic.
I really think you should consider trying New Chapter's Holy Basil. The pleasant calming and uplifting effects are fairly profound. I also think a good dose of fish oil and the right kind of magnesium should be a staple in most of our regimens.
Posted by Lil'Deb on September 9, 2010, at 19:38:23
In reply to Re: an alternative to effexor???, posted by morgan miller on September 9, 2010, at 16:55:13
I ended with Zoloft 100mg and probably took it about a year. Isn't Nortriptyline a tricyclic? The risk for adverse effects with those worries me. I don't suffer from major depression, more like dysthmia, but the symptoms are pretty pervasive
Posted by Brainbeard on September 10, 2010, at 13:05:53
In reply to an alternative to effexor???, posted by obsidian on September 8, 2010, at 23:05:17
A true alternative for Effexor may be imipramine, the old tricyclic antidepressant. Imipramine deserves the title 'SNRI' more than Effexor does. It addresses both depression and anxiety (at least on higher doses). Has analgetic properties. Can cause (hypo)mania. Unfortunately shares harsh withdrawal syndrome with Effexor...
Posted by SLS on September 11, 2010, at 5:26:45
In reply to Re: an alternative to effexor???, posted by Brainbeard on September 10, 2010, at 13:05:53
> A true alternative for Effexor may be imipramine, the old tricyclic antidepressant. Imipramine deserves the title 'SNRI' more than Effexor does. It addresses both depression and anxiety (at least on higher doses). Has analgetic properties. Can cause (hypo)mania. Unfortunately shares harsh withdrawal syndrome with Effexor...
I have a much easier time discontinuing imipramine than Effexor. I guess there is the potential for a cholinergic rebound with imipramine, but tapering should take care of that.
- Scott
Posted by Lil'Deb on September 11, 2010, at 14:22:31
In reply to Re: an alternative to effexor??? » Brainbeard, posted by SLS on September 11, 2010, at 5:26:45
Thanks for the info. If I could handle stopping Effexor for a month or two, I suppose I could manage others. I'll research the s/e's, then talk to my doctor.
This is the end of the thread.
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