Posted by JohnL on December 1, 1999, at 3:12:27
In reply to Need info on Serzone, Manerix, posted by kevin on November 30, 1999, at 13:30:03
> I would greatly appreciate it if anyone out there would be willing to share their knowledge, experience, and opinions of Serzone and Manerix, with particular regards to: effects on cognition and memory; anxiety and nervousness; activation of hypomania or mania; and, of course, efficacy in re-energizing the depressed person.
Hi Kevin. Here's a summary of the two drugs. It is based on my personal experience with them, others' experiences I've read about here, and things I've seen in literature. Keep in mind the saying, "Your mileage may vary" is certainly very true. Also, neither drug is any better or any worse than any other. They are both 60% to 70% effective, depending on the person. They do have different side effect profiles though.
Serzone:
Good for all types of depression, but especially
depression with anxiety.
Slight effects on cognitive function.
Can cause irritibility or restlessness early on,
but is a calming drug.
Can activate hypomania, as can all drugs.
Side effects are mild sedation, mild hangover
upon waking, slight dizziness upon standing.
Great for sleep and sex.
It seems to be a finnicky drug, with a narrow
therapeutic window. The drug works best when
increased by 25mg at a time every four days,
which is far more conservative than most docs do.
Some people get irritated or more depressed on
Serzone, while it works very well for others.Manerix:
Good for all types of depressions.
Anxiety and restlessness are common side effects,
especially at higher doses.
Cognitive function either remains normal or is
improved.
Can activate hypomania, like all drugs.
Side effects are generally related to psychic and
psychomotor activation.
Supposedly no sexual side effects, but it sure
made my sex life impossible.
Higher than max doses are often needed for full
effect, but also give more activation side
effects.
Some people become irritated or more depressed on
Manerix, while it works very well for others.I don't think there is any way to predict in advance which drug would work better for you. It's more a matter of choosing a favored side effect profile as the first choice drug to try. In general Serzone is more calming and sedating, whereas Manerix is more activating. Serzone is likely better for sleep and sex. Based on my own experience and others, both drugs have the potential to actually worsen your condition. When they work, they work great. But when they don't work, they work real bad. There's no way to know without trying. Hope some of this helps. JohnL
poster:JohnL
thread:15995
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991123/msgs/16037.html