Posted by simcha on August 18, 2010, at 16:06:44
Folks, I'm coming to you again after having a few good years with my MDD with recurrence. Currently I'm on the following regimen:
Morning:
60mg CymbaltaEvening:
450mg BuproprionXL
.5-1mg of Klonopin for restless legs
25mg Trazodone for insomniaI used to be on 300mg BuproprionXL until 2 weeks ago when my pdoc increased the dosage to 450mg because I was very depressed. I've started to feel better but I'm not all the way back to remission yet. I'm still having a "why bother" attitude. I have a lack of motivation. I have a hard time focusing. And I'm still down in mood more often than not.
My pdoc mentioned he might max out the Cymbalta dose next to 90 or even 120mg? The thing is that I sweat so much and I think that the Cymbalta makes that worse. And I have Ectopic Atrial Tachycardia and I suspect that they Cymbalta may be contributing to raising my pulse rate sometimes.
He mentioned that he could try to start changing my meds. He reasoned that since I'm on so many meds that he's not sure what does what. I have this feeling I'm still benefiting from the BuproprionXL since in increase of 150mg for the past two weeks has helped somewhat.
He said that I should investigate the following meds:
Remeron
Lamictal
AbilifyMy brother is on Remeron. He used to be quite thin. He isn't anymore. The medication makes mornings groggy for him. I'm not a morning person. I'm not a thin guy. I'm already a big guy. Anything that makes you gain weight is not going to work for me.
Abilify scares the crud out of me. I already have borderline high cholesterol and this drug increases serum cholesterol. Beyond that it can encourage diabetes. Also there is a significant risk of Akathisia. I already have restless legs, so I don't want that.
Lamictal sounds more benign but is it really all that effective for depression? Also there is the chance of getting a rash. I've had allergic reactions to some medications in the past and they are not fun.
In the past I've already tried EffexorXR (effective but major impotence and intensely horrific withdrawal).
I was on Neurontin for the longest time, gained weight and it didn't really seem to do much of anything.
Celexa was also in my mix. It pooped out.
I have no clue what to tell him. I don't know what would be best. Should I get off of the Cymbalta and have it replaced by Remeron, Abilify, or Lamictal eventually? Anyone have any suggestions or experiences to offer. I'd appreciate it.
poster:simcha
thread:959064
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100811/msgs/959064.html