Posted by Rick on September 2, 2004, at 17:56:39
In reply to Alternatives to Lexapro, posted by wyzeguy on September 1, 2004, at 0:20:25
> Hello everyone,
>
> I've been reading this board for quite some time now, but this is my first post. After quietly suffering from some form of depression for roughly 9 years, I finally had enough and sought therapy roughly 8 months ago. I was diagnosed with borderline moderate/severe clinical depression, although my humble opinion (I'm working towards a career in medicine) is that I have more of a dysthymia set of symptoms for the past few years. Since then I have been prescribed several antidepressants, each with negative effects. First was Lexapro, which had the greatest AD effect but nausea and very frustrating sexual side effects. I then tried a Wellbutrin supplement, but that did nothing but cause my appetite to go through the roof (weird huh?). I tried fluoxetine, paroxetine, and Wellbutrin separately with no avail.
> My question is this: what are some other alternatives to curb these side effects and still have the desired AD effect? I've read about remeron, effexor, edronax, etc -- any suggestions? the effexor addiction horror stories scare me, but I am willing to try it if that's what it takes. I appreciate your input, and thanks for reading
>
> ScottNefazodone (generic Serzone), assuming you are in the U.S. But some doctors (and patients) shy away from it since it can cause very serious, sometimes fatal, liver dysfunction. But this is extremely rare despite all the negative hype. I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to go back to nefazodone if I needed it. The lack of sexual side effects was so welcome after dealing with the SSRI's. It would have made me sleepy without concurrent low-dose Provigil, though. Some people can take it all at night to avoid the daytime sleepiness.
It continues to be a godsend for a friend with persistent GAD and possible dysthymia. She has no side effects of any kind from it, not even sleepiness. Conversely, others can't tolerate it...everyone reacts differently. Might be worth a try.
Rick
poster:Rick
thread:385107
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040830/msgs/385768.html