Posted by Linda on March 5, 2000, at 22:43:45
In reply to Atypical depression, posted by kelly on March 3, 2000, at 11:45:59
> Does anyone know if serzone is a good choice for atypical depression where the patient sleeps and eats too much? I also have a lot of social anxiety. I have tried all the ssri's and I have some kind of weird reaction to them. It's like being in a fog. Does serzone cause this too? Excuse the ignorance(many of you are so knowledgeable).
Kelly, Serzone may offer some relief from your depressive symptoms, but does not have an indication for anxiety. Currently, the only med indicated for social-anxiety is Paxil (an SSRI). Atypical depressions include those major & dysthymic depressions in which hypersomnia, overeating & lethargy are seen more frequently than insomnia, anorexia & psychomotor agitation. Many patients with atypical depression tend to describe their mood more in terms of fatigue than sadness. Anxiety or panic attacks frequently accompany episodes of depression. These symptoms are often seen in patients with SAD (seasonal affective d/o) & bipolor d/o as well. My clinical experience has shown the more stimulating ADs to be more effective in treatment of these patients (and myself, as well!). The only AD/anxiolytic combination (excluding SSRIs) is Effexor XR (a good choice if you haven't tried it). Other non-SSRI ADs that have been effective in my clinical experience for atypical depression include Wellbutrin & Serzone. If anxiety is a significant problem, a second med can be added for this purpose. I have never had anyone discontinue Serzone due to a "foggy" or fuzzy head - that doesn't mean it can't happen! Good luck.
poster:Linda
thread:25780
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000302/msgs/26075.html