Posted by Amelia_in_StPaul on June 22, 2009, at 11:29:10
In reply to Re: Sigh. Abilify is now prescribed. What about Luvox? » Amelia_in_StPaul, posted by emme on June 21, 2009, at 6:03:46
Weight gain isn't the only concern, although I probably presented it that way. Classes of drugs matter to me. One, because I have a genetic mutation that means I don't metabolize drugs well that use P450 2D6. That includes SSRIs, SNRIs (which I have allergic reactions to anyway), APs. So I am thinking I don't even want to try again any of the drugs that use 2D6, including Luvox and Abilify. Two, because I do not want to mess with dopamine, not to the level that APs do it.
When I first went on Prozac 17 years ago, I did not have major depression. Now, whenever I try to get off Prozac, I plummet. Yet, it doesn't work anyway, not well. It has pooped out, and after awhile, true to my 2D6 problem, the drug seems to saturate my system, and the side effects become overwhelming.
I do not want a similar thing to happen after taking antipsychotics. Plus, APs aren't safe drugs, IMO, either. With the risk of tardive dyskenesia and other extra-pyramidal symptoms--of which I would be more likely to get because of my 2D6 problem--I've read the studies--I am not interested.
People who take abilify and love it--I am glad for them. They are probably normal metabolizers, with two perfect alleles for the 2D6 enzyme. Seems like heaven to me. Sigh.
> > Okay, here's what's happening. Any feedback is appreciated...
> >
> > Pristiq was an unqualified disaster. My pdoc, looking at the long list of SSRIs and SNRIs I tried, and failed or couldn't tolerate, has prescribed 1 mg Abilify as a standalone (still keeping my ativan for anxiety and trazodone for sleep).
> >
> > There are, however, two SRIs I have not tried: Cymbalta (I don t expect that I could tolerate it, though) and Luvox. I have heard of great success with Luvox.
> >
> > After all my trouble with meds, I am very, very resistant to jumping to another class. I have read that people on Abilify can gain weight over time. I already have 15 lbs to lose, which has really affected my self esteem.
> >
> > Couldn't I just--has anyone--be okay on supplements? Should I ring my pdoc and ask about Luvox?
> >
> > Tired and mired (but better than wired and tired), Amelia
>
> If weight gain is your only worry about Abilify, I wouldn't discount it too quickly. Yes, there can be a slow, sneaky weight gain on it, and that is something to watch out for. But I have the impression that is not universal.
>
> Abilify has been a far more reliable antidepressant for me than those classified as antidepressants. I have stopped caring about the class of a drug as long as it works well and the side effects are tolerable.
>
> I know supplements are tempting and that there are people who find them very helpful. But remember that you are still introducing a substance into your body and there may be problems. 5HTP rapidly made me a complete and total wreck. Melatonin made me more depressed. St. John's Wort (Kira brand) did nothing but make me logy and queasy. SAM-e was a bust. Alternative remedies are worth looking into, but don't be surprised if it's hit or miss like prescription drugs. Fish oil should be pretty benign and there have been controlled studies on it - I'd probably start there. Check out the "alternative" board.
>
> Good luck.
> emme
>
poster:Amelia_in_StPaul
thread:902046
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090620/msgs/902613.html