Posted by JohnL on October 27, 2000, at 17:30:07
In reply to Re: Worried!!!, posted by Jenny F. on October 27, 2000, at 16:24:21
Jenny,
Sorry to here about your situation. It's very troubling I know. Maybe some ideas to think about...The only antidepressants known for being prosexual are Wellbutrin or Serzone. But since you've already been on all kinds of antidepressants, as you say, I would almost be tempted to not even go there. Been there, done that, right? Wasn't the right way, right?
Your depression could be caused by some part of your brain that is not influenced by antidepressants, and thus their failure for you. Side effects as you mentioned can be limiting too. One doctor kept track of what percentage of patients got completely well (after years of not getting well, like you) on which medications. What is interesting is that some of the things that worked had no clinical justification. Neurontin was probably a good move in that respect. Sad it didn't work out. But here are ideas to think about:
Serotonin antidepressants Worked completely for 34% of patients
Norepinephrine antidepressants Worked completely for 7%
Mixed antidepressants 6%
Lithium 29%
Benzodiazapines 15%
Antipsychotics 13%
Stimulants 12%
Depakote 11%
Tegretol 3%
Thyroid, even when blood tests were OK 28%Just based on what worked for others, take a look at Lithium. No wonder it's a top choice by many doctors. It works best when combined with a serotonin antidepressant though. Normal dosing is usually low, such as 300mg to 900mg, which is pretty mild in my own experience. Benzo choices might be Xanax or Clonazepam, probably if you have an anxiety component with your depression. On the other hand, if your depression is the blah kind, a stimulant like Ritalin or Adderall might be considered, and usually work better when combined with a low dose serotonin antidepressant.
Have you ever tried Prozac? It is usually the least offensive for sex, and sometimes even good for sex, among the SSRIs. If you need a serotonin AD as a base with something else, like stimulant, antipsychotic, or Lithium, Prozac might be considered. Paxil and Zoloft on the other hand are notorious sex offendors.
Lamictal could also be a fine choice for a Neurontin replacement. Antipsychotics of choice would be first Zyprexa, and then maybe Risperdal. Is this all overwhelming, or what? That's why I think it's helpful to look at the list of statistics, start with you best odds, and work your way down the list until you find what's right for you.
I wish we could all get well on the same meds. If we could, I would say order some Amisulpride and Adrafinil and be well. Either one or both together worked for me after years and years of just about everything else not working. But without trying those, referring to the above list should help steer you in the right direction.
What can you do right now today? You could go to Wal*Mart, buy a $20 box of NatureMade SAMe, take one pill in mid morning with water on an empty stomach, one more in mid afternoon the same way. After a couple days, double the dose. SAMe has the potential to work very fast, like within 3 days. It may or may not be a longterm fix, but it is a very good stepping stone to buy you some time. Immediate relief is a real potential with SAMe. I find it best in those times of crisis, because it is a solid stepping stone and lifts me out of the deep long enough to wait until I can see the doctor again. While you're waiting and thinking, SAMe can be started right away. Right after you finish reading this. No prob mixing it with 10mg Paxil or Neurontin. It is sometimes used to speed up the response of an antidepressant anyway.
John
poster:JohnL
thread:47539
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001022/msgs/47549.html