Posted by Iden on September 12, 2000, at 18:30:38
In reply to Re: Serzone , posted by Mary Jane M on September 12, 2000, at 0:30:17
Posted by Mary Jane M on September 12, 2000, at 0:30:17
Can anyone please share their experiences with any of following side effects of serzone?
*My comments all start with *.
*I started on Serzone on May 17th while tapering off Prozac. I started at a rather low dose for two reasons. The first being that I have been very sensitive to all the antidepressants I have tried. As an example, I could tolerate up to about 10 mg / day of Prozac. That dose helped keep me from going into a bad depression but it wasn't enough to really kick the depression. The other reason for starting Serzone at a low dose was that some have posted here that Serzone is best started low and then with slow dose increases.
*I started at 25 mg once a day. Even that dose knocked me for a loop. By July 27th, I had worked myself up to 125 mg twice a day. The side effects were unpleasant to say the least -- grogginess - wooziness. The cure was worse than the depression at that point. I was hoping the side effects would diminish over time but they did not. I was at that dose for 15 days. I then dropped back to 100 mg in the morning and evening. In three days I started to feel better -- side-effect-wise. Underneath all the side effects it seemed like the depression was improved.
*On August 27th, I dropped to 75 mg in the morning and 100 in the evening and then started feeling better -- more productive and optimistic. A few days ago, I dropped to 75 mg morning and evening. No real improvement with the grogginess this time. On the evening of the 8th, I forgot to take my dose and the next morning I was motivated, optimistic, and more interested in things than in a long time. Coincidence? I plan to stay at the 75 mg morning and evening for a total of 2 weeks to see how it settles out and then will probably drop to 50 in the morning and 75 in the evening.
*The point to this is that I am looking for a dose that I can tolerate and will hopefully help the depression. I believe in giving each med a real chance rather than just giving up after a few weeks. Maybe Serzone isn't for me but maybe it will work at a lower dose. Remember that I am sensitive to these drugs and what I say is just one person's experience. We are all different.
Does it cause weight gain or increased appetite?
*No weight change so far. No appetite change so far. Alcohol seems to hit me harder and in an unpleasant way -- but not being much of a drinker, I avoid alcohol now for the most part.
Does it help you go to sleep easily (within 30 minutes)?
*My fall-asleep time has been good for several years. No change.
Do you get into deep REM sleep?
*What I can report is that my dreams are more detailed and intense. My sleep seems sounder with few or no wake-ups.
Are you groggy the next morning?
*I am groggy and a bit slower-thinking most all the time in varying degrees and absolutely attributable to Serzone.
Does it help with panic and anxiety?
*I don't have panic problems. I always run with some anxiety and have experienced no change with Serzone. The exception is that caffeine + Serzone makes me quite irritable and emotionally reactive. I am not much of a caffeine user so now avoid caffeine.
Does it cause any shaking or tremors?
*No.
Is libido improved (from being on paxil)?
*Not really but others report otherwise -- I was hoping, after years of Prozac. Sensation is improved. Less difficulty having an orgasm.
I am looking for a "miracle"drug to help with all the side effects
I'm having form other stuff.*You too????
Iden -- male 60
poster:Iden
thread:11625
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000905/msgs/44712.html