![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
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 blondiegirl on February 17, 2003, at 9:45:27
I'm new to this board but am hoping that I can get some advice. After being diagnosed with mild depression in early 2000 by my regular doctor(and told I would most likely need AD's for life due to a chemical imbalance), I started on Celexa and it did wonders for my overall mode. After about 6 months, I noticed that my appetite was enormous and after doing some research, asked to be put on Wellbutrin. That was a nightmare, causing extreme anxiety and agitation. So, I started taking the Celexa with the Wellbutrin, and it seemed to help, though I was still slightly agitated, but my appetite improved.
Well, about 4 months ago, my doc (again, a general practioner), switched me to Lexapro and took me off the Wellbutrin. For the past 4 months, I have felt completely run down and have no motivation to do anything. I feel generally happy, but don't seem to care about cleaning my house, exercising, etc.
After all of this, I'm not sure what to do next. I realize that I most likely need to see a psychiatrist, but if the Lexapro isn't working and it's the newest drug available, what chance is there that something else, like Prozac, will work?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Posted by Patient on February 17, 2003, at 12:57:20
In reply to If Lexapro isn't working, what's next?, posted by blondiegirl on February 17, 2003, at 9:45:27
Hi,
Many of the SSRI's as well as other serotonergic drugs cause apathy. In a way, that is how they work, by putting you on an even keel, no highs and no lows. As for myself, I experienced apathy with every SSRI I've tried (Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa), but only after I'd been on them for about 3 months or more.
I would question why your doctor switched you.
Wellbutrin is stimulating for most, and this can counteract the apathy; something to do with it potentiating the norepinephrine system.
Make an appointment with your doctor and tell him what you are experiencing. You might let him know you were doing allright on the Celexa/Wellbutrin mix. You may also decide to add Wellbutrin to the Lexapro. Wellbutrin is commonly added to another SSRI to help boost the SSRI, as well as counteract libido problems associated with SSRIs.
Take care!
Posted by blondiegirl on February 17, 2003, at 13:09:11
In reply to Re: If Lexapro isn't working, what's next? » blondiegirl, posted by Patient on February 17, 2003, at 12:57:20
My doct switched me to Lexapro because she said that Celexa was being discontinued. Obviously after doing research, I know that Celexa is still be prescribed. I'm just surprised that I'm feeling worse on the Lexapro vs. Celexa since Lexapro is supposed to be so much better.
Thanks for your input.
> Hi,
>
> Many of the SSRI's as well as other serotonergic drugs cause apathy. In a way, that is how they work, by putting you on an even keel, no highs and no lows. As for myself, I experienced apathy with every SSRI I've tried (Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa), but only after I'd been on them for about 3 months or more.
>
> I would question why your doctor switched you.
>
> Wellbutrin is stimulating for most, and this can counteract the apathy; something to do with it potentiating the norepinephrine system.
>
> Make an appointment with your doctor and tell him what you are experiencing. You might let him know you were doing allright on the Celexa/Wellbutrin mix. You may also decide to add Wellbutrin to the Lexapro. Wellbutrin is commonly added to another SSRI to help boost the SSRI, as well as counteract libido problems associated with SSRIs.
>
> Take care!
Posted by indirect00 on February 18, 2003, at 20:13:11
In reply to If Lexapro isn't working, what's next?, posted by blondiegirl on February 17, 2003, at 9:45:27
I take 20mg of lexapro daily and have mild amotivational syndrome (laziness). I find it strange that you responded to celexa but not lexapro. Many SSRIs exist: luvox, paxil (addictive), zoloft, effexor, etc. You also may want to get a second medical opinion from another doctor.
Good Luck
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 19, 2003, at 0:42:41
In reply to Re: If Lexapro isn't working, what's next?, posted by indirect00 on February 18, 2003, at 20:13:11
Hi, I am currently taking Wellbutrin 150 mg twice a day and 20 mg of Lexapro and it is working Awesome! I have actually lost weight, got my libdo back and have lots of energy to clean my house and play with my kids and have fun again. If your General Doctor doesn't seem to know much about combinations of these drugs my suggestion is someone specializing in mental health. Ask your couselor if you have one or even your Doctor. My general finally had to tell me a year ago I was more than what he could handle. IT was not a mean thing it was for my best interest for getting better. Good Luck! KP
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.