![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 7 to 31 of 31. Go back in thread:
Posted by Cam W. on February 9, 2000, at 20:22:27
In reply to Re: How Do Prozac & Serzone Work Different?, posted by Scott L. Schofield on February 9, 2000, at 17:32:42
> > Alice, John, Scott, and Cam...I took Serzone and it helped me a lot with social anxiety and depression but not OCD. Now I'm on Effexor-XR and a tiny amount of Serzone at night and feel a lot better in terms of OCD too. I can't understand why Serzone doesn't help with OCD though. Wish I understood better how and why SSRI's and similar drugs affect depression and OCD.--Cindy W
>
>
> Hi Cindy.
>
> > I can't understand why Serzone doesn't help with OCD though.
>
> I think I mentioned in an earlier post that Serzone (nefazodone) does not block the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) to the same degree as do the SSRIs or Effexor (venlafaxine). One study I found used blood platelets "in vivo" (inside the live subject) to determine how potent Serzone was as a reuptake inhibitor. The results indicated that it was weak at best. I guess it is possible that this is the reason why Serzone is less effective for treating your OCD symptoms. Or, perhaps it is the ability of Serzone to block 5-HT2 receptors that somehow antagonizes or prevents any anti-OCD effects that would otherwise be exerted by the increased levels of serotonin created by reuptake inhibition.
>
> > Wish I understood better how and why SSRI's and similar drugs affect depression and OCD.
>
> I think it is safe to say that you are not alone in this.
>
> It can be very confusing and disconcerting to read contradictory statements made in the medical literature as the quest for knowledge and understanding progresses. For instance, most of the more recent stuff I found regarding Serzone states that it also inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) to the same degree as it does serotonin.
>
> Who'd a thunk it?
>
>
> - ScottJohn - My appologies. I did not realize that Serzone had some NRI activity. From in vitro binding studies it shouldn't (high dissociation constants), but I guess this is another example of in vitro differing from in vivo. Sorry for doubting you. Sincerely - Cam W.
Posted by Cindy W on February 9, 2000, at 20:59:13
In reply to Re: Apology to John L., posted by Cam W. on February 9, 2000, at 20:22:27
> > > Alice, John, Scott, and Cam...I took Serzone and it helped me a lot with social anxiety and depression but not OCD. Now I'm on Effexor-XR and a tiny amount of Serzone at night and feel a lot better in terms of OCD too. I can't understand why Serzone doesn't help with OCD though. Wish I understood better how and why SSRI's and similar drugs affect depression and OCD.--Cindy W
> >
> >
> > Hi Cindy.
> >
> > > I can't understand why Serzone doesn't help with OCD though.
> >
> > I think I mentioned in an earlier post that Serzone (nefazodone) does not block the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) to the same degree as do the SSRIs or Effexor (venlafaxine). One study I found used blood platelets "in vivo" (inside the live subject) to determine how potent Serzone was as a reuptake inhibitor. The results indicated that it was weak at best. I guess it is possible that this is the reason why Serzone is less effective for treating your OCD symptoms. Or, perhaps it is the ability of Serzone to block 5-HT2 receptors that somehow antagonizes or prevents any anti-OCD effects that would otherwise be exerted by the increased levels of serotonin created by reuptake inhibition.
> >
> > > Wish I understood better how and why SSRI's and similar drugs affect depression and OCD.
> >
> > I think it is safe to say that you are not alone in this.
> >
> > It can be very confusing and disconcerting to read contradictory statements made in the medical literature as the quest for knowledge and understanding progresses. For instance, most of the more recent stuff I found regarding Serzone states that it also inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) to the same degree as it does serotonin.
> >
> > Who'd a thunk it?
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> John - My appologies. I did not realize that Serzone had some NRI activity. From in vitro binding studies it shouldn't (high dissociation constants), but I guess this is another example of in vitro differing from in vivo. Sorry for doubting you. Sincerely - Cam W.Scott and Cam, thank you for your explanations of differences between SSRI's and Serzone. I hope that more discoveries are made of AD to combat OCD. I think I read somewhere that the 5HT-2 receptor is tied in with sexual response, and that inhibiting reuptake of serotonin on that site (which SSRI's frequently do) also shuts down libido (?). --Cindy W
Posted by Alice on February 9, 2000, at 23:20:23
In reply to Re: How Do Prozac & Serzone Work Different?, posted by Cam W. on February 9, 2000, at 7:35:27
> > > In a reply to an earlier post, I had stated that my doctor had put me on Serzone, and for about 2 months I suffered through treatment on it. It had no effect on my depression. In fact, it almost seemed to make matters worse--my irritability, anxiety, and outbursts seemed to intensify. I then insisted my doctor put me back on Prozac, which I had previously taken for more than 6 years very successfully. I am wondering if anyone out there can explain to me how these two drugs work so differently? What is it that Prozac does in the brain that Serzone doesn't do? Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any info would be helpful. Thanx!
> >
> > Tough questions. I don't think anyone knows for sure why one works and another doesn't. It all has to do with how well a particular drug targets the underlying problem. Metabolites and liver enzymes probably have some poorly understood connection as well I think.
> >
> > Prozac and Serzone both inhibit reuptake of serotonin. Serzone also has some norepinephrine reuptake inhibition as well. And Serzone blocks certain receptors, which theoretically aids sleep and sexual function as well as serotonin stimulation. Prozac doesn't do that. Sounds good in theory. But if it doesn't address the underlying problem, or influences something that isn't a problem to begin with, there will be negative results.
> >
> > I too got worse on Serzone. It's just my own theory, and my doc chuckled at it, but I think maybe in some people blocking those receptors is not a good idea. And in some people, increased norepinephrine will make things worse. Those are my own far fetched theories of why Serzone makes some people worse. Wild guesses. I guess it all depends on how a particular person's brain is wired. And what chemical imbalance exists. All that really matters though, I think, is accepting when something works or doesn't work, whether we understand why or not. So often we find that what works in theory doesn't actually work in reality for each person. And often a drug from a different psychiatric class works wonderfully, when more appropriate drugs didn't work at all. Only through medication reactions can we find the best fit and find a clue as to what the underlying chemical imbalance/failure/instability is.
> >
> > Why does Prozac work with you but Serzone doesn't? Your guess is as good as mine. :) JohnL
>
> Alice - Actually Serzone has very little norepinephrine reuptake inhibition (John may be thinking of venlafaxine - Effexor). Serzone, or more accurately its major metabolite, block serotonin reuptake and also blocks the serotonin-type 2 receptor. This is supposed to give the drug less side effects than the SSRIs (decreased anxiety, insomnia & sexual dysfunction), although Serzone can stillexhibit these side effects. Serzone does seem to improve the quality of sleep, but this may be due to its antidepressant action, rather than an extra feature. Serzone does mildly block alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, but not enough to cause any heart problems (like the TCAs).
>
> Perhaps why Prozac works for you and Serzone doesn't, could be that Prozac's half-life, a measure of the length of time it works in the body is much longer than that of Serzone (with metabolites - approx. 3 - 5 days vs under 1 day). In some people, short acting drugs like Serzone don't seem to improve depressive symptoms as well as the longer acting agents. Hope this helps. Cam W
Thanks to all who replied, your info was helpful.
Posted by JohnL on February 10, 2000, at 4:27:06
In reply to Re: How Do Prozac & Serzone Work Different?, posted by Scott L. Schofield on February 9, 2000, at 7:22:51
Your vast knowledge of depression and drugs always fascinates me. I look forward to all of your posts. I always learn more and more from you all, as do I'm sure many other people. I'm very appreciative of folks like you who show up regularly to help all of us understand various things a little better.
Concerning NE reuptake of Serzone, that is a confusing issue because different sources of literature say different things. Some don't mention NE reuptake at all. Some say NE reuptake is weak. And some say it is potent. Some say it occurs only in the first few weeks and then dissipates. Who knows. Apparently even the research experts have a hard time helping us out with the facts.
Concerning your question Scott of combining Serzone with an SSRI, I have heard of that being done. Mostly it has been done with Zoloft. Serotonin syndrome risk always exists when multiple serotonin drugs are combined. I think a cautious approach and prudent dosing minimizes or eliminates the risk. I have seen abstracts with the titles stating a dangerous reaction between Serzone and Prozac. Unfortunately the abstract itself was missing. Just the title. No details. I would assume though that the reaction of these two drugs is most likely due to elevation of certain liver enzymes. But it could have been serotonin syndrome. In Dr Bob's Tips I saw a case of uncomfortable anxiety created by combining Serzone and Prozac, which was determined to be caused by a dangerous rise in certain liver enzymes involved in the common metabolism of the drugs. I haven't heard of similar problems with Zoloft. Serzone is sometimes given on an as-needed basis with Zoloft a couple hours before sex. I even heard of one case where a guy was taking 200mg Zoloft and 1000mg Serzone. Holy cow. That guy must have been built like a tank, huh?
In summary though I believe pretty strongly that how any drug works, or doesn't work, for a particular person is determined by many different factors at a molecular level involving the unique chemistry of that person. So to me the fact that literature seems to be in confusion of Serzone NE reuptake, it is nearly irrelevant as I see it. All that matters is that during a personal trial it either works or doesn't work. I wish I could understand all the whys and hows. I don't think I ever will. I'd be happy just to get well. JohnL
Posted by Scott L. Schofield on February 10, 2000, at 7:33:06
In reply to Re: Scott, Cam, Cindy, posted by JohnL on February 10, 2000, at 4:27:06
> In summary though I believe pretty strongly that how any drug works, or doesn't work, for a particular person is determined by many different factors at a molecular level involving the unique chemistry of that person. So to me the fact that literature seems to be in confusion of Serzone NE reuptake, it is nearly irrelevant as I see it. All that matters is that during a personal trial it either works or doesn't work. I wish I could understand all the whys and hows. I don't think I ever will. I'd be happy just to get well. JohnL
Bull's-eye.
> I'd be happy just to get well.
I just wanted to see this written one more time.
I would gladly give up all my psychopharm knowledge (of questionable quality and value) for mental health.
- Scott
An enthusiastic teen-age daughter of a New York Yankees VIP was given the opportunity to visit the team locker-room before a game. Being a big fan of Yogi Berra, she walked up to him and said, "Mr. Berra, I think you're the coolest." To that, Yogi replied, "Thank-you. You're not so hot yourself."
Posted by jd on February 10, 2000, at 19:25:44
In reply to Re: Scott, Cam, Cindy, posted by Scott L. Schofield on February 10, 2000, at 7:33:06
It's hard to say exactly why one med works
and another doesn't. This being said, I'll
add a few things to the above thread:-- I've tried a lot of ADs, including Serzone.
For me, Serzone had nothing resembling the
effects I typically associate with NE-boosting
meds (such as tricyclics, effexor,
or mianserin). On the contrary, it did feel
rather serotenergic. This is subjective data
of course, but not entirely meaningless.--Many people on this board have hypothesized
that bad reactions to Serzone might have
something to do with one of its metabolites,
MCPP. Especially when MCPP breakdown is
blocked by coadministration of another med,
this could explain the paradoxical anxiety
and hostility some people feel while taking
it. Personally, I've yet to hear
of or read an anecdote about someone who's had
*great* response to Serzone, though I guess
such people are out there somewhere.--jd
> > In summary though I believe pretty strongly that how any drug works, or doesn't work, for a particular person is determined by many different factors at a molecular level involving the unique chemistry of that person. So to me the fact that literature seems to be in confusion of Serzone NE reuptake, it is nearly irrelevant as I see it. All that matters is that during a personal trial it either works or doesn't work. I wish I could understand all the whys and hows. I don't think I ever will. I'd be happy just to get well. JohnL
>
> Bull's-eye.
>
> > I'd be happy just to get well.
>
> I just wanted to see this written one more time.
>
> I would gladly give up all my psychopharm knowledge (of questionable quality and value) for mental health.
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
> An enthusiastic teen-age daughter of a New York Yankees VIP was given the opportunity to visit the team locker-room before a game. Being a big fan of Yogi Berra, she walked up to him and said, "Mr. Berra, I think you're the coolest." To that, Yogi replied, "Thank-you. You're not so hot yourself."
Posted by Cindy W on February 10, 2000, at 20:44:16
In reply to Prozac vs. Serzone--some random comments, posted by jd on February 10, 2000, at 19:25:44
>
> It's hard to say exactly why one med works
> and another doesn't. This being said, I'll
> add a few things to the above thread:
>
> -- I've tried a lot of ADs, including Serzone.
> For me, Serzone had nothing resembling the
> effects I typically associate with NE-boosting
> meds (such as tricyclics, effexor,
> or mianserin). On the contrary, it did feel
> rather serotenergic. This is subjective data
> of course, but not entirely meaningless.
>
> --Many people on this board have hypothesized
> that bad reactions to Serzone might have
> something to do with one of its metabolites,
> MCPP. Especially when MCPP breakdown is
> blocked by coadministration of another med,
> this could explain the paradoxical anxiety
> and hostility some people feel while taking
> it. Personally, I've yet to hear
> of or read an anecdote about someone who's had
> *great* response to Serzone, though I guess
> such people are out there somewhere.
>
> --jd
> jd, I agree with you that the effects felt serotonergic, except that there were no sexual side effects! Also, I did feel I had a very good response to Serzone for depression and social anxiety...unfortunately, it just doesn't decrease OCD or I'll still be taking it (I'm taking 40 mg/day of Serzone at night, and 300 mg of Effexor-XR in the daytime). I like Serzone!--Cindy W
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > > In summary though I believe pretty strongly that how any drug works, or doesn't work, for a particular person is determined by many different factors at a molecular level involving the unique chemistry of that person. So to me the fact that literature seems to be in confusion of Serzone NE reuptake, it is nearly irrelevant as I see it. All that matters is that during a personal trial it either works or doesn't work. I wish I could understand all the whys and hows. I don't think I ever will. I'd be happy just to get well. JohnL
> >
> > Bull's-eye.
> >
> > > I'd be happy just to get well.
> >
> > I just wanted to see this written one more time.
> >
> > I would gladly give up all my psychopharm knowledge (of questionable quality and value) for mental health.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
> >
> >
> > An enthusiastic teen-age daughter of a New York Yankees VIP was given the opportunity to visit the team locker-room before a game. Being a big fan of Yogi Berra, she walked up to him and said, "Mr. Berra, I think you're the coolest." To that, Yogi replied, "Thank-you. You're not so hot yourself."
Posted by David M on February 14, 2000, at 14:54:31
In reply to Re: Prozac vs. Serzone--some random comments, posted by Cindy W on February 10, 2000, at 20:44:16
Cindy W. --
You mentioned switching from Serzone to (mostly) Effexor because of Serzone's lack of OCD efficacy.
Compared to Serzone, how well does the Effexor help your Social Anxiety? And does the Effexor seem to be effective with the OCD?
Thanks.
David
Posted by Cindy W on February 14, 2000, at 20:35:43
In reply to TO CINDY W: Serzone vs. Effexor for Social Anxiety, posted by David M on February 14, 2000, at 14:54:31
> Cindy W. --
>
> You mentioned switching from Serzone to (mostly) Effexor because of Serzone's lack of OCD efficacy.
>
> Compared to Serzone, how well does the Effexor help your Social Anxiety? And does the Effexor seem to be effective with the OCD?
>
> Thanks.
>
> David
David, the Serzone really helped with social anxiety, but had no effect on my obsessions and rituals at all. The Effexor helps somewhat/moderately with the obsessive thinking and gives me energy to try to change my life (e.g., prevent myself from hoarding more stuff, and energy to overcome the anxiety involved in giving away/throwing away extra stuff I really don't need.) Unfortunately, the Effexor doesn't seem to decrease my social anxiety at all.--Cindy W
Posted by naysa on March 9, 2000, at 15:50:01
In reply to How Do Prozac & Serzone Work Different?, posted by Alice on February 9, 2000, at 1:36:28
I am totally new to the anti depressant drug scene and would appreciate any info on taking Serzone. So far here I havn't seen to many good feelings about it so im a little worried! Any information would be apprieciated. Also, I was wondering what the difference between Prozac and Serzone is. Thanks :)
naysa
Posted by Cindy W on March 9, 2000, at 21:31:08
In reply to Request for information, posted by naysa on March 9, 2000, at 15:50:01
> I am totally new to the anti depressant drug scene and would appreciate any info on taking Serzone. So far here I havn't seen to many good feelings about it so im a little worried! Any information would be apprieciated. Also, I was wondering what the difference between Prozac and Serzone is. Thanks :)
> naysa
Naysa, I've tried both medications, and much preferred Serzone. Prozac is an SSRI while Serzone is not; Prozac caused me total anorgasmia and "pooped out" after a while (the beneficial effects stopped), while Serzone doesn't affect sexual functioning in most people and I haven't heard of "poop out" with it. I really liked the Serzone a lot (it really lifted my mood and made me much less socially anxious), but the first two weeks were hard (dizziness, feeling very moody and angry for no reason); if you can tolerate the initial adjustment, it's a great medication. I'd still be taking it if it helped with OCD and not just with depression!--Cindy W
Posted by Cam W. on March 10, 2000, at 7:30:34
In reply to Re: Request for information, posted by Cindy W on March 9, 2000, at 21:31:08
Naysa - Serzone does block serotonin reuptake but differs from the rest of the SSRI antidepressants (incl. Prozac) by blocking the serotonin-2 (5HT-2) receptor. The other SSRIs stimulate this receptor. Theoretically, by blocking this receptor the amount of agitation, anxiety, movement problems (akathisia), insominia, sexual dysfunction and initial panic attacks are reduced (I'm not convinced). Serzone is also very much shorter acting than Prozac and has to be usually taken twice daily. This can, but not always, lead to withdrawl symptoms upon stopping the drug (doesn't seem to be as bad as Effexor in this regard). One advantage that I have noticed Serzone has over other SSRIs is an improvement in sleep quality. Hope this helps - Cam W.
Posted by PATRICIA on March 31, 2000, at 21:47:43
In reply to Re: Request for information, posted by Cindy W on March 9, 2000, at 21:31:08
> > I am totally new to the anti depressant drug scene and would appreciate any info on taking Serzone. So far here I havn't seen to many good feelings about it so im a little worried! Any information would be apprieciated. Also, I was wondering what the difference between Prozac and Serzone is. Thanks :)
> > naysa
> Naysa, I've tried both medications, and much preferred Serzone. Prozac is an SSRI while Serzone is not; Prozac caused me total anorgasmia and "pooped out" after a while (the beneficial effects stopped), while Serzone doesn't affect sexual functioning in most people and I haven't heard of "poop out" with it. I really liked the Serzone a lot (it really lifted my mood and made me much less socially anxious), but the first two weeks were hard (dizziness, feeling very moody and angry for no reason); if you can tolerate the initial adjustment, it's a great medication. I'd still be taking it if it helped with OCD and not just with depression!--Cindy WSERZONE CAUSES SEXUALL DYSFUNCTOIN BEWARE
Posted by Dana M. on April 1, 2000, at 1:54:25
In reply to Re: How Do Prozac & Serzone Work Different?, posted by Scott L. Schofield on February 9, 2000, at 17:32:42
I am so glad I read these posts! I am sitting here late at night wondering what the heck is going on. The serzone hasn't worked for me at all - and, I also think it is having an adverse effect on me. I was previously on zoloft and it worked great for almost five years. I only switched because I was starting to feel it wasn't working as well as it used to and a particularly stressful event came up, so they switched me to serzone.I'll take zoloft "not working well" over this stuff! And the really weird thing - I was given a sleeping pill named Sonata to help me sleep as I am being weaned off of serzone. Everyone is saying how great this new sleeping pill is - well, it does the exact opposite to me! It makes me completely wired about 20 minutes later. The pharmacist was shocked which made me feel like something was definitely wrong with me. I guess it's the combination of serzone and sonata - I'm now hyperalert at midnight when I took the thing an hour ago. Not sure how much good this will do anyone, but it's helping me to vent my frustration. I want my zoloft!!! Hope it works again.I'll be back on it in about a week.
Posted by Julie Voigt on April 22, 2000, at 22:27:45
In reply to Request for information, posted by naysa on March 9, 2000, at 15:50:01
I have been taking serzone now for almost two years and have had a wide range of experiences. What I have come up with is that too high a dose can have the same, or worse affect as not enough. I am curently on just 50mg morning and night and that works great for me. When I first started on it I had really bad reactions to the usual dosage increases and it took some time to figure out what was going on, but it has been worth it for me. I also take just 25mg of imipramine at night as well. I have fibromialgia and a family history of depression. This combo seems to help with both. If anyone would like more information please e-mail me. Hope I can help.
Don't give up hope.
Posted by Tony P on April 24, 2000, at 2:02:43
In reply to My serzone experience, posted by Julie Voigt on April 22, 2000, at 22:27:45
I have been taking Serzone for several years - it was a godsend to me, just as other A/Ds have been for others. I couldn't tolerate Paxil - for me that was sweats, shakiness, constant anxiety - the opposite of what I needed, to say nothing of sleeping worse than ever. Serzone let me sleep
through the night for the first time in years and began to relieve my depression within days. The drowsiness was hard to take at first, but I cut back to 75mg initially then gradually incremented up to 300 or 400 mg a day - all in one dose at bedtime, which sometimes makes it hard to get out of bed in the morning, but leaves me energetic during the day.Certainly for me it has been a relatively easy medication to tolerate - dry mouth and drowsiness are my main side effects. I am a bit suspicious that it is not without sexual side effects and am currently in process of trying a switch to Remeron to see how that works for me.
TP
> I have been taking serzone now for almost two years and have had a wide range of experiences. What I have come up with is that too high a dose can have the same, or worse affect as not enough. I am curently on just 50mg morning and night and that works great for me. When I first started on it I had really bad reactions to the usual dosage increases and it took some time to figure out what was going on, but it has been worth it for me. I also take just 25mg of imipramine at night as well. I have fibromialgia and a family history of depression. This combo seems to help with both. If anyone would like more information please e-mail me. Hope I can help.
> Don't give up hope.
Posted by JB on April 25, 2000, at 16:52:32
In reply to Re: My serzone experience, posted by Tony P on April 24, 2000, at 2:02:43
> I have been taking Serzone for several years - it was a godsend to me, just as other A/Ds have been for others.
My doctor switched me to Serzone because my employer's new HMO doesn't pay for Prozac. Serzone ide effects for me include hostility, anger, and I'm sunburning incredibly easily. It hasn't worked yet to relieve my depression much and I'm up to 350 mg each night. Does anyone else experience the sunburn? What is that all about? How high in dosage do I go before deciding it doesn't work for me? Also, what does OCD stand for?
I'm glad I found this message board.
- JB
Posted by Rita on April 26, 2000, at 17:31:10
In reply to Re: My serzone experience, posted by JB on April 25, 2000, at 16:52:32
Serzone, 75 mg. at night along with Desyrel, 75 mg. at night; plus 20mg. of prozac in the morning have been more than a godsend to me for my major depression for several years (10 years ago I started Prozac while in a clinical study; the others were added 5 years ago)
4 months ago the prozac just stopped handling my deep depression- anguish, hopelessness and difficulty in getting to sleep.
My longtime psychopharmacologist switched me to Celexa which was hell. I felt "manias" for the first time ever- and their aftermath, extreme wipeouts so physically and emotionally exhausted. Plus, I had terrible irritability, anger outbursts and hideous dreams. The rather extraordinary upside was that I was better in certain cognitive functions that had been compromised due to a car accident and brain injury several years ago...I could express longer and more coherent and complex
concepts, was much more productive on writing proposals and giving presentations.So, a month ago, he put me on Luvox, 50 mg and Aricept 10 mg, both in the morning. The Aricept was to see if I could hold onto some cognitive improvements.
My insomnia is now morbid. I cannot sleep- this has been slowly coming on since Jan. and is now total. I can't sleep until 5 or 6 in the morning and have therefore lost my ability to work and earn a living during the day. My dreams are still dark, but the awful garish violent content from Celexa has abated.
Shall I increase my Serzone at night?
I tried Xanax this morning and I slept oh so well. But I know prolonged use will compromise the anti-depressant meds.I would so much appreciate if you have the time to give me any helpful information during this awful time.
Thank you.-Rita
Posted by Bookgurl99 on June 18, 2001, at 15:36:53
In reply to Re: Request for information, posted by Cindy W on March 9, 2000, at 21:31:08
I have anxiety with some traits of depression and OCD. I have taken Serzone for about a year. I started on 300mg and have worked up to 450mg/daily. My main side effects are that I feel sleepy often and often 'zone out', with effects worse the higher the dosage goes.
I also have had some anxiety attacks on Serzone, which I never had before. But this is usually in conjunction with drinking caffeine to battle the sleepiness.
While I still don't feel 100%, I have to say that Serzone tremendously helped me to be more social again and to stop being afraid of the world (OCD).
Bookgurl99
Posted by PuraVida on June 21, 2001, at 1:39:52
In reply to Re: Request for information, posted by Bookgurl99 on June 18, 2001, at 15:36:53
I've had alot of sedation on serzone, and not really full relief from the depression. I just dropped the 500 mgs of serzone to 400, and started 10 mgs of Prozac. I'm feeling much better - need less sleep, feel more positive, confident and energetic - not as much anxiety as on Serzone alone...
> I have anxiety with some traits of depression and OCD. I have taken Serzone for about a year. I started on 300mg and have worked up to 450mg/daily. My main side effects are that I feel sleepy often and often 'zone out', with effects worse the higher the dosage goes.
>
> I also have had some anxiety attacks on Serzone, which I never had before. But this is usually in conjunction with drinking caffeine to battle the sleepiness.
>
> While I still don't feel 100%, I have to say that Serzone tremendously helped me to be more social again and to stop being afraid of the world (OCD).
>
> Bookgurl99
Posted by atoianap on December 30, 2003, at 22:34:41
In reply to Re: Prozac vs. Serzone--some random comments, posted by Cindy W on February 10, 2000, at 20:44:16
Some people have mentioned that Serzone has helped w/ depression and social anxiety. If you wouldn't mind, could you tell me what your symptoms were and how fast and to what extent Serzone or Prozac eliminated them? I've been depressed for a long time and also frequently& easily blush and feel nervous around people that I think it's starting to affect my job situation. Any help will be appreciated! Thanks.
Posted by bookgurl99 on December 31, 2003, at 16:01:26
In reply to Re: Prozac vs. Serzone--social anxiety help, posted by atoianap on December 30, 2003, at 22:34:41
I think either medication could help, but I experienced strong side effects with both of them. If I had to pick one, it wouild be Serzone, because it eliminated my symptoms (which were more ocd-like, but did include excessive fear of confrontations), but still allowed me to have a range of feelings and even orgasms.
Have you thought of one of the newer ssri's with supposedly less side effects?
Posted by atoianap on January 1, 2004, at 9:24:46
In reply to Re: Prozac vs. Serzone--social anxiety help, posted by bookgurl99 on December 31, 2003, at 16:01:26
What were the side effects w/ each? Didn't they go away w/ time?
How quickly did Serzone help your symptoms?
Thanks for writing!!
Posted by bookgurl99 on January 1, 2004, at 23:06:22
In reply to Re: Prozac vs. Serzone--social anxiety help, posted by atoianap on January 1, 2004, at 9:24:46
> What were the side effects w/ each? Didn't they go away w/ time?
>
> How quickly did Serzone help your symptoms?
> Thanks for writing!!Hey Atio,
Side effects --
Prozac: a much shorter range of emotions (never very happy or sad), lack of motivation, very difficult to achieve orgasm(as a woman), loss of appetite.
Serzone: mild weight gain, panic attacks in combination with heavy use of caffeine (only on Serzone), frequent headaches, mild sleepiness.
Both drugs 'removed,' the symptoms, but for me, Prozac also took away my motivation and positive aspects of my emotional self. I was quite flat. Serzone let me feel 'normal' emotionally, while simply not experiencing the previous symptoms at all. Serzone seemed to have more physical side effects, but they seemed worth it to not be afraid of everything at the time that I was experiencing my symptoms.
Considering that Serzone is no longer available in Europe, where are you? What meds are you considering? Are you in treatment with mental health or medical professionals right now?
Posted by atoianap on January 2, 2004, at 11:38:53
In reply to Re: Prozac vs. Serzone--social anxiety help » atoianap, posted by bookgurl99 on January 1, 2004, at 23:06:22
Thanks for the info. It's helpful to know.
I'm in the U.S. and I've heard good things about Serzone, but it seemed by reading other posts, Prozac was more powerful in relieving symptoms of social anxiety and depression. I can't get a doctor's appointment until next month, so I'm just doing my own research.
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