Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1798

Shown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Prozac and Serzone

Posted by Charlotte on December 28, 1998, at 3:35:55

I have been on Prozac for two months now; it has worked well to alleviate my depression, but the sexual side effect is prompting me to switch to an antidepressant that does not affect the libido. My psychiatrist wants to try Serzone but I am now concerned about the side effects of that medication. I work nights and go to school during the daytime, so my sleeping schedule is not regular; I read that Serzone can cause excessive sleepiness or fatigue, if this is the case, then it is not something I would be able to cope with, as I am tired all the time anyway because of my irratic schedule.
I would appreciate it if anyone can share their experience or knowlege of Serzone, or of an alternative antidepressant that does not affect the libido.
thanks!
charlotte

 

Re: Prozac and Serzone

Posted by Toby on December 28, 1998, at 9:26:25

In reply to Prozac and Serzone, posted by Charlotte on December 28, 1998, at 3:35:55

Sometimes adding just a little Serzone to an SSRI can relieve the sexual side effect without causing sedation (you would take it at night just to be on the safe side). If your doc wants to just switch, though, generally it's best to start the Serzone only at night and work up slowly and then there's usually no daytime sedation. The package insert is written for Serzone to be taken twice daily, but it lasts in the system long enough that now it's OK to take it once daily, at bedtime and that usually does OK. That said, however, if you don't have a lot of anxiety going along with your depression, perhaps another approach for the sexual side effect would be better (especially if Prozac works for you, it's better not to mess with it unless absolutely necessary). If the libido is the problem (your drive is down) and not orgasm, perhaps Wellbutrin would be a better choice than Serzone. On the other hand, think back to before the depression got better: was your drive OK then and now it's gone, or do you just have the energy now to notice it's gone? If the former is the case, sometimes another month or so on the antidepressant is all that's needed to restore the libido to pre-depression levels. Just some thoughts. Good luck.

 

Re: Prozac and Serzone

Posted by Charlotte on December 29, 1998, at 8:46:49

In reply to Re: Prozac and Serzone, posted by Toby on December 28, 1998, at 9:26:25

Thanks for the response.
I dont have a problem with reduced libido, or sexual drive, the only effect the prozac has had is making orgasm impossible. Im completely unable to achieve orgasm, and i never had a problem with this before. So it looks like my only solution is to get off the Prozac. Ive given it some time, but this side effect does not seem to be wearing off. Ive also tried supplementing gingko bibola, without any success.
I appreciate your thoughts...

 

Re: Prozac and Serzone

Posted by Lexia on December 30, 1998, at 8:02:41

In reply to Prozac and Serzone, posted by Charlotte on December 28, 1998, at 3:35:55

Hi Charlotte. I have been on Serzone for about a year now. My system is very sensitive to food and drugs of any kind. At 150mg (x2) a day my mood is normal and there is no problem sleeping whenever I want. I have no discernable side-effects. It's like I'm not on anything at all! Check with your Dr. and maybe explore it. Different people have different reactions to medication. You have to experiment. Good luck!

Lexi


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