Posted by King Vultan on March 8, 2004, at 19:41:22
In reply to Med Intolerance when to quit?, posted by Mr. Scott on March 8, 2004, at 0:16:03
> When is enough... enough? How long do you think one should wait it out to see if med intolerance specifically for SSRI's will go away?
>
> On Lexapro...I develop Dystonic/Akathesia/Restless leg type symptoms...Anxiety and muscle tension teeth grinding you wouldn't believe. Digestive upset, mild but irritating facial swelling, increased appetite and weight gain. Moderate sexual dysfunction and nausea. Add in fatigue, dizziness, and low blood sugar spells and note that this all occurrs at 2mg. How long should one wait before trying something else?
>
> On Effexor I have a fear of the potential withdrawal. It constipates me somewhat. Causes activation or agitation above 37.5mg with very incomplete relief of depression. At the same time I could barely concentrate. Muscle spasms and Dystonic/Akathesia/Restless legs occurrs.
>
> I feel that I have to trade depression for agitation with these meds. Without relief of this depresion, my choices are dire. No that anyone should give a damn since we don't really know eachother here, but my situation is very bad.
>
> I can kill myself. I can go back to being a drug addict and for all intents and purposes kill myself slowly. I can get ECT. What else..
>
> What the cockadoodie am I too do here? Can you folks just tell me...
The side effects you mention are not uncommon on SSRI-type drugs; in theory, adding a drug that blockades serotonin 2A receptors such as Remeron or trazodone should alleviate or eliminate most of them, as well as reinforcing the antidepressant effect of the SSRI/Effexor. These drugs may also be taken as antidepressants by themselves. Don't give up yet.Todd
poster:King Vultan
thread:321892
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040308/msgs/322186.html