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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cindylou on January 2, 2002, at 12:29:59
Hi,
I read an earlier post and can't find it now from someone whose pharmacist "freaks out" whenever her doctor combines and SSRI with Serzone, claiming that the combo could be fatal in some cases.My pdoc just called in a script for Prozac for me, and I am taking a low dose of Serzone now (75 mg) plus Lamictal.
Should I be concerned for my life? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, cindy
Posted by tortoise on January 2, 2002, at 13:34:51
In reply to Prozac + Serzone OK??, posted by Cindylou on January 2, 2002, at 12:29:59
Hi Cindy--
When I switched over from Serzone to Prozac, I was instructed by my pdoc to stay on 200 mg of Serzone for several weeks while I started 20mg of Prozac. In my case, the Serzone helped take off some of Prozac's "edge." 75 mg of Serzone is very small. I think you should be fine.
> Hi,
> I read an earlier post and can't find it now from someone whose pharmacist "freaks out" whenever her doctor combines and SSRI with Serzone, claiming that the combo could be fatal in some cases.
>
> My pdoc just called in a script for Prozac for me, and I am taking a low dose of Serzone now (75 mg) plus Lamictal.
>
> Should I be concerned for my life? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks, cindy
Posted by Hattree on January 3, 2002, at 9:25:21
In reply to Re: Prozac + Serzone OK??, posted by tortoise on January 2, 2002, at 13:34:51
Haven't done Serz w/ Prozac, but have with Effexor, Celexa and Zoloft without incident. (Serzone, Zoloft and Lamictal, actually).
Posted by dove on January 3, 2002, at 9:31:03
In reply to Re: Prozac + Serzone OK??, posted by tortoise on January 2, 2002, at 13:34:51
> > Hi,
> > I read an earlier post and can't find it now from someone whose pharmacist "freaks out" whenever her doctor combines and SSRI with Serzone, claiming that the combo could be fatal in some cases.
> >Good Morning Cindy!
I'm the one whose pharmacist "freaks out" whenever my p-doc prescribes more than one SSRI-like med at the same time. Nevertheless, I've been on a multiple seratonin affecting meds together for quite some time without any dangerous or even mild negative side-effects.
You are taking a *very* low dose of Serzone. I take 400 mgs of Serzone every single day, along with 30-40 mgs of Prozac, some Neurontin (mood stabilizer with anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties), Adderall, Amitriptyline, and klonopin.
I truly believe that you are in no danger whatsoever! If you start having major panic attacks, or your heart rate increases significantly and spends its time pounding its way through your rib-cage, or you are experiencing severe forms of headaches, mental dysfunction, or confusion, then worry!
You are certainly way deep in the "safe zone" regarding Serzone + SSRI adverse reactions. I would expect very little problems aside from the usual initial ramping-up on the Prozac.
I hope this helps, best of luck to you!
dove
Posted by spike4848 on January 5, 2002, at 9:36:12
In reply to Re: Prozac + Serzone OK??, posted by dove on January 3, 2002, at 9:31:03
Dear Dove,
Are you the same dove that wrote,
Re: VERAPAMIL? [positive experience] » jodsteroo
"Verapamil changed my life, literally! I've had 'emotional problems' all my life, and I didn't figure out that these 'personality defects' were something more until I was prescribed Verapamil for relief from my life-long migraines. Actually, when I discovered this new beautiful world I was speechless and stunned."
The reason I ask is I have panic disorder, depression and family history of bipolar disorder. I really have only responded to Nardil, but have difficulties with the side effects. I am really desperate now. I was considering Verapamil .... it seems to have some effect on panic and bipolar.
Is there a reason you did not return to verapamil if it worked wonders for you? Thanks you.
Spike
Posted by dove on January 8, 2002, at 15:05:11
In reply to DOVE .... question please » dove, posted by spike4848 on January 5, 2002, at 9:36:12
Dear Spike,
>
> Are you the same dove that wrote,
>Yessirr! I did indeed write that a while back.
>
> The reason I ask is I have panic disorder, depression and family history of bipolar disorder. I really have only responded to Nardil, but have difficulties with the side effects. I am really desperate now. I was considering Verapamil .... it seems to have some effect on panic and bipolar.
>
> Is there a reason you did not return to verapamil if it worked wonders for you? Thanks you.
>I was having some side-effects which my Doc didn't like and for the life of me, I can't remember what they were! I have a very long family history (more than 5 generations) of heart disease and every male dying before the age of 54 from multiple heart-attacks. And I vaguely remember that perhaps I was having weird heart palpitations and that scared the doc???
I strongly recommend Verapamil because it may do nothing for a lot of people (that's what most of my doc's say) or, it may do something very amazing. My anxiety level dropped like a rock, moodiness was nearly flatlined, and my depression was greatly lessened, at least in the beginning, unfortunately, my depression returned at some point later on.
When they were weaning me off Verapamil the depression increased so greatly that I went into the "Urgent Care" unit of the local hospital. So, I know it can alleviate depression, maybe not completely (at least for me), but it really was an eye-opening and life-giving experience.
I strongly recommend verapamil, especially if you're getting desperate! It really did do a job on the bipolar cycling spectrum and the anxiety, and gave me a ton of energy. For the first time I was able to maintain an exercise routine, although I did gain 5-8 pounds while on it. I hope this helps! Verapamil is a very special med in my opinion, and should be tried more often, rather than going to much harsher meds first.
Keep us updated and best of luck!
dove
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