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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TrishP on March 19, 2007, at 10:42:53
Besides SSRIs, what meds boost serotonin? I love the way it makes me feel (calm and happy), but I get terrible side effects from SSRIs.
Posted by Joe Bloe on March 19, 2007, at 11:02:33
In reply to Serotonin meds?, posted by TrishP on March 19, 2007, at 10:42:53
I've read that Lamictal *brushes* serotonin receptors. It doesn't feel overwhelmingly serotonergic like SSRIs, but does seem to largely mitigate withdrawal syndrome from Prozac, which is typically unbearable for me.
Also, Adderall and amphetamines affect serotonin.
I'm sure people know of many more drugs to post, such as anti-psychotics, etc.
There's a whole slew of alternative meds that increase serotonin, like St. John's wort and EPA (from omega 3s) and others, that could be used as a first treatment for mild depression, with much fewer side effects than SSRIs. See the alternative board for info there.
Posted by Phillipa on March 19, 2007, at 14:29:20
In reply to Serotonin meds?, posted by TrishP on March 19, 2007, at 10:42:53
Not to be rude but how are you calm and happy with the side effects? Love Phillipa
Posted by TrishP on March 19, 2007, at 14:34:08
In reply to Re: Serotonin meds? » TrishP, posted by Phillipa on March 19, 2007, at 14:29:20
> Not to be rude but how are you calm and happy with the side effects? Love Phillipa
The drug makes me feel calm and happy. The burning, acidic bladder puts me in pain - doesn't make me hypomanic.
Posted by Racer on March 19, 2007, at 15:59:44
In reply to Serotonin meds?, posted by TrishP on March 19, 2007, at 10:42:53
SLS has a webpage that shows mechanisms of many drugs. You can find it here:
http://sl.schofield3.home.att.net/medicine/psychiatric_drugs_chart.htmlFrom a quick look, here are some options:
amitriptyline
clomipramine
clonazepam
clozapine
doxepin
duloxetine
imipramine
mirtazapine
nefazodone
nortriptyline
sibutramine
trazodone
venlafaxineThose are only the drugs I'd heard of, which list serotonin increase or reuptake inhibition. And they're not necessarily drugs that target primarily serotonin. The tricyclics are represented pretty heavily, for example, alhtough most aren't especially selective.
Frankly, I think I'd ask your doctor what can be done about the side effects, if the drugs are helpful for you, rather than looking for a whole 'nother category of medication, with a whole 'nother category of side effects.
Good luck.
Posted by Ines on March 19, 2007, at 18:45:31
In reply to Serotonin meds?, posted by TrishP on March 19, 2007, at 10:42:53
I wonder if Mirtazapine (Remeron) could be an option for you to try. It acts mainly on serotonin (and also somewhat on noradrenalin), but as far as I'm aware the mechanism of action is different from an SSRI. It's supposed to be free of some of the troublesome side effects of SSRIs, e.g. sexual side effects. (although it has some troublesome side effects of its own, notoriously sedation and weight gain)
I've heard of people who did well on SSRIs who also respond well to St John's Wort, if you wanted to try the herbal thing.
Posted by theo on March 19, 2007, at 22:05:30
In reply to Re: Serotonin meds?, posted by Joe Bloe on March 19, 2007, at 11:02:33
Interesting, you actually have withdrawal from Prozac? It has such a long half-life, I can start and stop with zero problems, that's interesting.
Posted by Joe Bloe on March 19, 2007, at 22:50:54
In reply to Re: Serotonin meds? » Joe Bloe, posted by theo on March 19, 2007, at 22:05:30
Oh yeah, Prozac withdrawal was really bad the last 2 times I tried, both from 20mgs. Both times, one time cold turkey, one time slow 2 month withdrawal down to 5 mgs, I would start crying and feel hopeless for no apparent reason. I experienced night sweats, difficulty concentrating, and felt an overwhelming depression most of the time. I even had head shock sensations one time.
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