Posted by SLS on January 5, 2004, at 11:47:58
In reply to Meridia as anti-depressant, posted by ethel basset on January 4, 2004, at 20:27:27
Hi Ethel.
> It does not have an anorexic or stimulant effect on me, but rather an anti-depressant effect.
What depressive disorder are you diagnosed as having? Can you describe your depression? I have not responded well to antidepressants in the past, and I am considering giving Meridia a try.
> But I feel so much better when I am taking it. I feel normal and not depressed or weepy as I feel when I don't take an anti-depressant (or even when I do take an anti-depressant).
When taking Meridia, would you say that your depression is completely gone? Would you be happy to take Meridia alone if it were provided to you or do you feel that there is still something missing?
> Okay, the question is, is there another anti-depressant that is comparable to Meridia?
It is usually difficult for doctors to predict exactly which drug a patient will respond to. Unfortunately, it often ends up being a process of trial-and-error. The first antidepressant that comes to mind as being similar to Meridia is Effexor (venlafaxine). Several of the tricyclic drugs like imipramine might also be effective. What these drugs have in common is that they all inhibit the reuptake of the same two neurotransmitters - serotonin and norepinephrine. In addition, both Meridia and Effexor inhibit the reuptake of dopamine, although it is to a lesser degree.
Why can't your doctor continue to prescribe Meridia for obesity and have your insurance company pay for it?
Good luck.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:296485
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040105/msgs/296706.html