Posted by Cam W. on August 6, 2001, at 20:36:10
In reply to is there a maximum time for ssri's to work?, posted by zarathustra on August 6, 2001, at 20:07:02
Andrew - Everyone is different and it also depends on what you are using the SSRI for. For depression, the general consensus is to give the SSRI "at least" an 8 week trial before giving up on it. Some people respond in 3 to 4 weeks, others can take 16 weeks.
As to telling if it is the Paxil™ (paroxetine) or the lithium, it is probably both. Lithium is very seldom given alone for depression, but it seems to augment the effect of antidepressants, possibly through a synergistic effect.
Ask your doc what his/her plans are, and how much longer he/she plans to keep you on the combination before trying something different. It is probably a good idea to stay on the Paxil and lithium for another couple weeks, if you can.
I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:73856
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010804/msgs/73862.html