Posted by Roman on September 2, 2002, at 16:51:22
Greetings,
I'm new here. Have been reading/learning a great deal from all of you--it's fantastic--Bravi!
I seek advice/experience on starting an AD, and hope some of you will assist me in deciding which way to go.
Here's my hx:
40 y/o male, average weight, good health, good diet, regular exercise, no other drugs/supplements (aside from SAMe) currently being taken.
Moderately depressed/anxious for several years. Depression deepened by relationship break-up early 2001. Anxiety increased significantly along with depression. Mood somewhat improved over time but far from enjoying life.
- Tried Paxil: Lasted a few weeks due to zombie-like feelings and insomnia. Some relief of depression. Nasty stuff.
- Tried Serzone: Did not feel right (spaced-out) after first dose--discontinued. Also not willing to risk liver damage.
- Traditional Psychotherapy: For six months--somewhat helpful, not cured by any means.
- Prescribed Wellbutrin but decided not to take them--concerned with seizure risk and tendency to induce anxiety.
- Started taking SAMe six weeks ago. Started at 400mg/dy now at 100mg or 200mg/dy. Takes the edge off depression, but makes me feel jittery and a little high most of the day. Still far from happy and quite anxious.
Considering the following ADs (in order of preference):
Lexapro: Concerned with insomnia, fatigue, and weight gain. I understand no AD is side-effect free, yet Lexapro/Celexa seem comparatively safe/mild. Lexapro has a particularly attractive s/e profile.
Celexa: Same concerns as above. Since I'm sensitive to medications, think it might be easier to start at very low dose of Celexa (easier to cut tabs) as opposed to Lexapro, and titrate slowly to therapeutic dose.
Zoloft: Understand it's more potent than Celexa/Lexapro, but heard many success stories--especially interested in its effect on Social Phobia and GAD. Don't like the fact that it's hard to kick.
Effexor: Also good for my Social Phobia/GAD + Depression. Concerned about it being too activating and harder to kick than Celexa/Lexapro.
Remeron: Sounds okay but can't afford to be heavily sedated during the day--maybe worth a try or in combo with another AD.
My GP doesn't like benzos and thinks an SSRI would be best in my case. I haven't been to a pdoc yet, but considering it. GP will prescribe ADs but doesn't know much about them.
Benzos knock me out but are life savers when insomia hits.
Also thinking of continuing on SAMe since it is somewhat helpful and may reduce required dosage of AD--I've read posts about combining SAMe and pharm ADs--any reason not to start by adding AD to current SAMe dosage?
Very sick of being down and uptight all the time. I'm sure a better life through chemistry is a possibility. Although I know drugs are not perfect, they can helpful. It's worth the risk of side-effects at this point.
I look forward to your suggestions.
Thanks,
Roman
poster:Roman
thread:118574
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020829/msgs/118574.html