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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by saintjames on March 10, 1999, at 20:45:08
In reply to Scared to try Serzone. Any exp. to share?, posted by Racer on August 25, 1998, at 23:07:12
> I've had bad experiences with a couple of anti depressants, and now find myself too depressed to function again.
James here...
If sedation is a problem take total dose in PM a few hours b4 bedtime. The sedation side effect tends to wear off with time for me.
james
Posted by Terry on March 11, 1999, at 15:46:17
In reply to Serzone Concerns, posted by Jessie on March 10, 1999, at 14:45:13
I agree 100% with Racer! I've been on a low dose of Serzone (I'm bipolar, so can't take a full dose) along with depakote and it's the best antidepressant I've tried so far. But be sure to take it at bedtime because it does make you sleepy. Terry
> > By now you've probably tried the drug; I hope you have found some relief. If you were too nervous to try it you should know that a) the side effects really suck at first; and b) if you take the correct dosage at the same time every day, the side effects honestly do go away. Don't be frightened by the initial feelings. If you increase your dosage as is often reccomended, every time you increase you will experience side effects. GIVE IT TIME!! I was so tempted to stop, too, but I stuck it out. It took a good two to three months before it truly began working, but it is so, so worth it. I have never felt so good.
>
> One thing to consider is to listen to the medication when it is sedating, though...that extra rest can be enormously helpful at times in combatting the depression. Drink lots of liquids and suck on hard candy or chew gum to get rid of the dry mouth. Also consider taking the entire dose several hours before you go to sleep, so that the sedation hits you worst when you are already sleeping.
>
> Hope that helps.
Posted by Patricia on March 15, 1999, at 9:22:55
In reply to Re: Serzone Concerns, posted by Terry on March 11, 1999, at 15:46:17
Does anyone know how long you should or can stay on Serzone? I've been using it in a low dose (150mg/day) for about three or four months, with three more renewals on my Rx.
It took a good 6-8 weeks to begin working, but I now feel pretty much like myself again, with no troublesome side-effects.
I suspect my doctor (whom I trust completely) will suggest stopping the medication in June.
What can I expect? Will the depression and anxiety return? Are there any long-term effects?
Hope to hear from someone.
Posted by BOBSNITRO@prodigy.net on March 15, 1999, at 13:41:36
In reply to PS: A look at the side effects scares me more, posted by Racer on August 26, 1998, at 1:08:49
I've been on elavil & imipramine, one or the other for the last 20 years-side effects are all true. The "gain weight" side effect is really a problem now. Before I retired, I seemed to keep it in control, but since then I've gained 50 lbs.
I've turned to Herbs instead of the drugs. St. John's Wort and Kava Kava. So far, so good. Coming down off drugs at 20mg every two weeks. Really recommend you find a good Herbalist Doctor and see that route helps you. Better than suicide. Prayer helps more than the meds sometimes. As the old Indian saying goes "Sometimes all you can do is pray."
God Bless
slewis
> OK, the side effects list includes things like dizziness, lightheadedness, and lowered blood pressure. My normal blood pressure is ranges from 90/60 to 98/65, so the blood pressure thing is a big deal to me. Anything to mention?
> Thanks for anything you can say to help. My depression is so far out of hand suicide doesseem the most reasonable response, but if there is a chance of a fix, I'm willing to try.
> So tell me, folks, how much of a jerk is this Dr? Did she read my chart at all?
> One last thing, anything on the interaction of serzone and ketoconazole (sp?)?
Posted by Karla on March 24, 1999, at 23:13:26
In reply to PS: A look at the side effects scares me more, posted by Racer on August 26, 1998, at 1:08:49
I have been taking Serzone for about six months. There are only side effects for the first four days or so, they make you feel kinda funny, but it's a lot better than being depressed.
It won't hurt you, try it.
> OK, the side effects list includes things like dizziness, lightheadedness, and lowered blood pressure. My normal blood pressure is ranges from 90/60 to 98/65, so the blood pressure thing is a big deal to me. Anything to mention?> Thanks for anything you can say to help. My depression is so far out of hand suicide doesseem the most reasonable response, but if there is a chance of a fix, I'm willing to try.
> So tell me, folks, how much of a jerk is this Dr? Did she read my chart at all?
> One last thing, anything on the interaction of serzone and ketoconazole (sp?)?
Posted by Karla on March 24, 1999, at 23:16:28
In reply to Serzone , posted by Karla on March 24, 1999, at 23:13:26
>I forgot to tell you that I've been on many meds, and Serzone is the best I've taken. I have a question though, has anyone taken Neurontin for bipolar disorder, and does it make you gain weight??????????
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Posted by Laurie on April 27, 1999, at 2:29:40
In reply to Thanks Toby., posted by Racer on August 27, 1998, at 11:55:13
> Thank you for taking me seriously. Thank you
for taking the time to respond, twice even. It's
nice to have someone listen, which obviously ain't
happ'nin' with the doctor who can see me face to
face. I'd be embarrassed for her if it weren't
for the part about being stuck with her.> My county has very limited resources for mental
health. Basically, they can pay to have me in the
hospital, or to see one of their doctors about
half a dozen times. After that, there's almost
nothing. After the 4 - 6 visits to the
psychiatrist, they shift over to a med clinic
where they give you the meds, and send you on your
way. If you don't like the doctor, your choice is
to drive across county, about 40 minutes, and go
to the walk in clinic where you may or may not be
able to be seen. If you are seen, the doctor can
change your meds, stop your meds, or write you up
as a danger to yourself and lock you up. As for
talk therapy, the sliding scale goes down to about
$35 per session, no billing, pay as you go. Since
my depression is tied up with my inability to find
work, gee, that sliding scale is still way out of
my reach. I can't buy food, how can I pay rates
like that? Not alot of choices there.> Thanks again, though. I am trying the drug,
just don't feel very good about the whole thing.
I do wish that I could talk to someone I could
trust about the side effects and my concerns, but
unless I can find someone to give up a couple of
hours to drive me up there, well, not much to do
about it. (Don't know if it's the drug or if it's
knowing about the potential side effect, but I am
feeling kinda disoriented and lightheaded. I'm
trying to tell myself it's the latter.)How timely! My doctor just prescribed Serzone to
me today. I've been taking Prozac for many years
with much success.However, the lack of sexual
interest and difficulty having orgasms has gotten
to me. I've decided that I have nothing to lose
and a lot to gain by trying this new drug. I'm
kind of excited about it. I'll report back to you,
Racer, about side effects, etc. I too have had to
deal with county docs and I know exactly how you
feel. But, try the new drug, maybe it will work
and you will feel better and can get a job with
insurance and won't have to deal with her anymore!
Good luck to you.
Posted by Jayne on April 27, 1999, at 2:34:19
In reply to Re: Serzone , posted by Karla on March 24, 1999, at 23:16:28
Am going to try it soon. Will let you know how it goes re: side effects, etc. Please keep posting on your progress. People really do care.
Posted by CeeCee on May 6, 1999, at 23:20:43
In reply to Re: Serzone , posted by Jayne on April 27, 1999, at 2:34:19
I tried Serzone 3 years ago. I got such severe headaches that I couldn't function. I had to crawl to the bathroom because I couldn't stand up.
I've been on Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor. I'm back on Effexor and it has helped me the most.
Posted by Gisele on May 14, 1999, at 10:39:25
In reply to Scared to try Serzone. Any exp. to share?, posted by Racer on August 25, 1998, at 23:07:12
>I know this message is late in response to yours but I'm just learning how to get on the Internet. I took Serzone for several years with pretty good affects. I've been having a hard time loosing weight and was concerned that it might be contributing to weight gain (I doubt it, but I was hoping). Anyway I just started Celexa (similar to Prozac) a couple of weeks ago and I have terrible nightsweats and the inability to reach orgasm. I think I probably will go back to Serzone. Sometimes I'd like to just not take anything. But I have two major depressive episodes in my life (currently 41 years old - first episode at 18 years old, 2nd at 34 years old).
I'd appreciate any feedback. There aren't too many people you can talk to about this. Thanks.
Posted by Sylph on May 14, 1999, at 18:49:58
In reply to Re: Scared to try Serzone. Any exp. to share?, posted by Gisele on May 14, 1999, at 10:39:25
I just got my starter kit and a scrip for Serzone. My doc was in such a hurry he never mentioned side effects or anything of that nature. Was afraid to try it, but read your posts. will watch for the side effects you mentioned, and will keep you posted.
Thanks!
Posted by John on May 25, 1999, at 2:46:15
In reply to Re: Serzone Just Prescribed for Me, posted by Sylph on May 14, 1999, at 18:49:58
> I just got my starter kit and a scrip for Serzone. My doc was in such a hurry he never mentioned side effects or anything of that nature. Was afraid to try it, but read your posts. will watch for the side effects you mentioned, and will keep you posted.
>
> Thanks!I've been on Serzone and may go back. Here's the deal...It has a sensitive window of therapy. Start low and raise dose slow. Stay at a new dose a two or three weeks. If you get too aggressive and go past the right dose, which is different for everyone, you may actually get worse. Find your window and stay there. It will cause some sedation, but also seems activating once you get moving. Great sex. Slight headache that does go away. Generally a pretty mild med compared to most. Again, to make it work, go slow. Don't believe it if someone pushes you too fast to a high dose, you may go past your window of therapy. It is sensitive and works in a small window, which you must find by trial, error, and patience. Hope this helps. John.
Posted by Delores on December 22, 1999, at 9:49:21
In reply to Re: Serzone Concerns, posted by Terry on March 11, 1999, at 15:46:17
> I am a new candidate for this drug. My confusion is beginning to deminish. I was a Paxil user until the late summer and due to side effects dropped the drug. Big time depression set in and was not relieved until a month of serzone. I am not seeing anyone professionaly-my HMO doc has not recommended this. The up side is that I am feeling more like my old self-secure,happy,etc. I am so glad that at least I have received a temporary reprieve from this illness. I only discovered I was going thru depression when I contacted my HMO in spring of 98. I was there to determine if I was going thru menopause. I had no idea that my life of mood swings was directly related to depression and that as I have gotten older my depression has surfaced and taken hold.
> > Hope that helps.
Posted by jeff on December 22, 1999, at 14:42:38
In reply to Re: Serzone Length of medication Concerns, posted by Delores on December 22, 1999, at 9:49:21
what dose are you at. Do you sleep well? Any agitation?
> > I am a new candidate for this drug. My confusion is beginning to deminish. I was a Paxil user until the late summer and due to side effects dropped the drug. Big time depression set in and was not relieved until a month of serzone. I am not seeing anyone professionaly-my HMO doc has not recommended this. The up side is that I am feeling more like my old self-secure,happy,etc. I am so glad that at least I have received a temporary reprieve from this illness. I only discovered I was going thru depression when I contacted my HMO in spring of 98. I was there to determine if I was going thru menopause. I had no idea that my life of mood swings was directly related to depression and that as I have gotten older my depression has surfaced and taken hold.
> > > Hope that helps.
Posted by Cindy on December 22, 1999, at 20:23:28
In reply to Re: Serzone Length of medication Concerns, posted by jeff on December 22, 1999, at 14:42:38
> what dose are you at. Do you sleep well? Any agitation?
>
> > > I am a new candidate for this drug. My confusion is beginning to deminish. I was a Paxil user until the late summer and due to side effects dropped the drug. Big time depression set in and was not relieved until a month of serzone. I am not seeing anyone professionaly-my HMO doc has not recommended this. The up side is that I am feeling more like my old self-secure,happy,etc. I am so glad that at least I have received a temporary reprieve from this illness. I only discovered I was going thru depression when I contacted my HMO in spring of 98. I was there to determine if I was going thru menopause. I had no idea that my life of mood swings was directly related to depression and that as I have gotten older my depression has surfaced and taken hold.
> > > > Hope that helps.I took Serzone for three months, at a max of 450 mg/day. It made me feel much better (less depressed, less social anxiety, better sleep). I'd still be taking it if it worked for OCD (now am trying Effexor). The side effects at first were weird (dizziness, some strange visual effects, dry mouth, irritability) but these went away after a couple of weeks.--Cindy W
Posted by Alice on December 23, 1999, at 19:26:48
In reply to Re: Serzone Length of medication Concerns, posted by Cindy on December 22, 1999, at 20:23:28
I've been on Serzone for nearly 3 weeks now, and though I do feel a little less depressed and anxious, it is not much of a noticable change. The side effects are getting to me...I sleep until 1 in the afternoon, and then can't sleep at night until late. My stomach is off. The other night I threw up after taking my dose of 300 mgs. I feel forgetful and drained of energy. Some people have written that these side effects will subside, and that this med takes several months to begin to work. I hope that this is true for me. I need to get out of this...depression, anxiety, mood swings. I was thinking of going off of it until I read some of the other comments. If this drug can really make me feel good, and normal eventually, I will stick with it.
Posted by bob Moses on October 18, 2000, at 10:30:10
In reply to Re: Serzone , posted by CeeCee on May 6, 1999, at 23:20:43
anyone here anymore?this board still werk?
any serzone folx around?
Posted by Cindy W on October 18, 2000, at 21:57:39
In reply to Re: Serzone , posted by bob Moses on October 18, 2000, at 10:30:10
> anyone here anymore?this board still werk?
> any serzone folx around?bob, there are a lot of Serzone folks around (I only take 75 mg/day right now). This board is very active, but the threads you want are probably archived. See below and I'm sure people will comment on Serzone. Personally, I loved it in terms of its antidepressant effect, but unfortunately it didn't help my OCD.
Posted by Snowie on October 18, 2000, at 21:58:42
In reply to Re: Serzone , posted by bob Moses on October 18, 2000, at 10:30:10
Bob,
Yup, and lots of posts on Serzone. And if you can't find it on this Current period, do a search of Serzone up top. It will likely blow your mind how many Serzone posts there have been!!!
Snowie
> anyone here anymore?this board still werk?
> any serzone folx around?
Posted by noa on October 19, 2000, at 7:55:24
In reply to Re: Serzone » bob Moses, posted by Snowie on October 18, 2000, at 21:58:42
Check out this folder:
http://www.egroups.com/links/psycho-babble-tips//Serzone_000967674931/
It contains some posts from here, items from Dr. Bob's tips, and various web sites.
Posted by Bob Moses on October 25, 2000, at 7:11:03
In reply to Re: Serzone » bob Moses, posted by Snowie on October 18, 2000, at 21:58:42
> Thanks Snowie.... I'm on ma way!
Posted by Bob Moses on October 26, 2000, at 13:35:53
In reply to Re: Serzone , posted by Bob Moses on October 25, 2000, at 7:11:03
Well, I've been lost the last few days.this 200 mil.tab's been kickin the bejegus outta me.My stomockas not right at all and dizziness is a LOT worse than every before.I understand now why folx quit stuff like this jus because of the side effect alone.I'm not sure I want to take this large a dose too long.My doctor is leaving for Manila 11/1,not to return till next May.I struggled for a month when my therapist moved to California last Spring.So... jus me n ma 3yr.old dawg,wandering around in the Great NORTHWOODS of Maine.... semi-retired,practicing for the real deal.So far,so good.Jus need to let go of more buggies in ma burntbrains,I guess!
Have a happy 24!! Till then....
Bear
Posted by chdurie2 on October 27, 2000, at 22:45:41
In reply to Re: Serzone , posted by Bob Moses on October 26, 2000, at 13:35:53
>
> Well, I've been lost the last few days.this 200 mil.tab's been kickin the bejegus outta me.My stomockas not right at all and dizziness is a LOT worse than every before.I understand now why folx quit stuff like this jus because of the side effect alone.I'm not sure I want to take this large a dose too long.My doctor is leaving for Manila 11/1,not to return till next May.I struggled for a month when my therapist moved to California last Spring.So... jus me n ma 3yr.old dawg,wandering around in the Great NORTHWOODS of Maine.... semi-retired,practicing for the real deal.So far,so good.Jus need to let go of more buggies in ma burntbrains,I guess!
> Have a happy 24!! Till then....
> Bearbob- boy, you really know how to pic your docs so that they run from you! (only kidding!)hope you have someone new lined up.
i was taking up to 400 mgs/night of serzone cuz my infectious disease doc recommended it for its alleged benefits to the immune system as well as being a good anti-d. although i was also taking cns stimulants in the a.m for ADD, the serzone made me real tired during the day and did nada for my depression. my p-doc said i'd kept with it long enuf, but his decision to take me off was the most absolute of any call he's made. (Had nothing to do with MD politics - my p-doc likes and respects my infectious disease doc a lot; just says serzone was not one of her better recs.)
a few months ago, when we were reviewing possible anti-d's for me to revisit (must admit, i'm pretty med-resistant,) he very dryly remarked that serzone wasn't on the list. (Serzone, paxil and celexa were my three true deadbeats.)
so everyone's different, and as i said, i'm pretty med-resistant when it comes to the anti-d's.
so that's my experience, for what it's worth. but the main thing is what it does for you - not 200 others on this board.
caroline h.
Posted by Log on November 1, 2000, at 21:00:55
In reply to Re: Serzone , posted by Bob Moses on October 25, 2000, at 7:11:03
I just started Serzone yesterday(100mg then 200 a day) after a list of other Anti-depressants most of which either worked or did not, or had side effects too harsh(SSRI's), and dont really know what to expect besides the nausia, warmness and dry mouth I have already aquired from it, however it really dosent make me that drowsy or drowsy at all. If anyone can tell me at this dosage or similar how long it will take to begin noticing the anti-depressant effects of it, please let me know. Thanx.
Posted by Bob Moses on November 2, 2000, at 15:39:22
In reply to Re: Serzone , posted by Log on November 1, 2000, at 21:00:55
sounds like a lot for the first day.
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