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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Malco47 on February 4, 2011, at 3:21:37
Hello friends,
I have been begun taking a combination of two SSRI's. I am taking 15mg Lexapro and 50mg Zoloft. I had been taking 25mg Lexapro alone. My psychiatrist explained that lower doses of two SSRI's is basically equivalent to a higher dose of one SSRI.
Since it is assumed that 10mg of Lexapro is similar in effect to 50mg of Zoloft, we made the change accordingly.
He suggested the change because Zoloft is more "activating" than Lexapro, and therefore the combination would cause less drowsiness than Lexapro alone, while still maintaining the same basic anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects.
I am wondering, has anyone else used this strategy? It makes sense if he is correct that the combination of two smaller SSRI doses has no more risk or side effects than taking a higher dose of either one alone. Would anyone like to share their experiences? Thank You!
Posted by creepy on February 4, 2011, at 8:30:01
In reply to Lexapro Zoloft Combination, posted by Malco47 on February 4, 2011, at 3:21:37
Are you sure youre taking lexapro not celexa?
thats a pretty big dose of SSRI.
I found lexapro to be sedating and zoloft to be activating. Id imagine celexa or zoloft with wellbutrin would make better combos.
Posted by Phillipa on February 4, 2011, at 11:26:23
In reply to Lexapro Zoloft Combination, posted by Malco47 on February 4, 2011, at 3:21:37
Hi Malco my pdoc also said it was fine to combine low dose of lexapro with the 50mg Luvox (lowest dose of luvox as dosing goes to 300mg). I've been combining either 2.5 or 5mg of lexapro as someone concerned me that could be too much serotonin on this board. But my pdoc basically laughed at that said call if I got it. Since your doc also feels it's fine to combine two think I will up the dose of lexapro. I don't find lexapro sedating. So far nothing. But maybe a higher dose will work better. Zoloft can dose to 200mg. I know people who take up to 40mg of lexapro. I'd try something other myself than luvox but since on it so long my body or mind won't let me off it. Have you started the two meds yet would love to know how you do. So keep posting. Phillipa
Posted by morgan miller on February 4, 2011, at 22:38:57
In reply to Lexapro Zoloft Combination, posted by Malco47 on February 4, 2011, at 3:21:37
It's perfectly safe to combine SSRIs at reasonably low doses. If this combo works, I see no problem with it at all. The only thing I would change is to lower Lexapro to 10 mg. This dose may be all that is needed with 50 mg of Zoloft
Posted by ed_uk2010 on February 11, 2011, at 15:59:24
In reply to Lexapro Zoloft Combination, posted by Malco47 on February 4, 2011, at 3:21:37
>He suggested the change because Zoloft is more "activating" than Lexapro, and therefore the combination would cause less drowsiness than Lexapro alone, while still maintaining the same basic anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects.
It is not standard practice to combine two SSRIs. It has not been adequately studied for safety or effectiveness. There is no evidence to demonstrate that such combinations would offer any advantages over using a single SSRI at a higher dose. Personally, I would stick with one SSRI - titrated to an optimal dose.
Posted by Phillipa on February 11, 2011, at 20:10:06
In reply to Re: Lexapro Zoloft Combination, posted by ed_uk2010 on February 11, 2011, at 15:59:24
More and more docs are combining SSRI's here. Really no different than combining a mood stabalizer to boost an ad. Phillipa
Posted by ed_uk2010 on February 15, 2011, at 15:05:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro Zoloft Combination, posted by Phillipa on February 11, 2011, at 20:10:06
>Really no different than combining a mood stabilizer to boost an AD.
That's not really true. Combining SSRIs is neither logical nor established to be safe or effective.
Posted by Phillipa on February 15, 2011, at 21:13:34
In reply to Re: Lexapro Zoloft Combination, posted by ed_uk2010 on February 15, 2011, at 15:05:18
My pdoc just told me to increase the lexapro and keep the luvox. Many on here are taking two SSRI's Just as long as not at high doses. One gives what the other is lacking. PJ
Posted by ed_uk2010 on February 19, 2011, at 14:18:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro Zoloft Combination » ed_uk2010, posted by Phillipa on February 15, 2011, at 21:13:34
>Many on here are taking two SSRIs.
I wouldn't say many, but even if that were the case it doesn't make it a great idea.
>One gives what the other is lacking.
Not sure about that :) I'm not aware of any great success stories.
Posted by Phillipa on February 19, 2011, at 20:04:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro Zoloft Combination » Phillipa, posted by ed_uk2010 on February 19, 2011, at 14:18:28
Seriously I do know quite a few people doing well on two low doses. PJx
Posted by ed_uk2010 on February 20, 2011, at 14:52:01
In reply to Re: Lexapro Zoloft Combination » ed_uk2010, posted by Phillipa on February 19, 2011, at 20:04:56
> Seriously I do know quite a few people doing well on two low doses. PJx
Ok, well so long as they're ok x
This is the end of the thread.
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