Posted by Simcha on November 27, 2001, at 8:13:45
In reply to dysthymia -- need help, posted by Margit on November 26, 2001, at 22:56:40
I also have underlying dysthymia and OCD added to the Major Depressive Disorder.
I am on 40mg of Celexa/day and 200mg of Wellbutrin SR/day.
The theory on this is that the Wellbutrin knocks out the side effects of the Celexa (sedation, lack of libido/sexual functioning) and the Celexa knocks out the side effects of the Wellbutrin on my OCD (agitation, panic, obsession, unease.)
Wellbutrin acts like a stimulant in my cocktail. It perks me up. I think that without it I would not have a sex life and I would want to sleep much of the day.
The thing is with the OCD I cannot be without a good strong dose of SSRI. The Wellbutrin could accentuate the OCD and anxiety so anyone who suffers from these must be careful if adding Wellbutrin.
For me this med mix works. It took a while to find the proper mix. I think that the pdoc and I have it right for now. I hope you find something that works.
By the way, to get more technical, the theory is that Celexa increases levels of seratonin. The Wellbutrin increases levels of dopamine and possibly norepinephrine. Therefore you get the benefits of increases in three happy chemicals, in theory.
Your reactions to SSRIs may suggest that you need something more stimulating while on them. Maybe you and your pdoc should discuss your apathy and lethargy. Maybe the pdoc can think of a good med that will lift you.
Everyone reacts to meds differently so my experience with meds may not be the same as yours.
Take Care,
Simcha> I suffer from dysthymia, Panic Disorder, OCD, and depression. I have been on Paxil, now Celexa; yet, every time they up the dose, I become more apathetic. For my PD I take a benzo. My pdoc gave me 2.5 Zyprexa a while ago; felt a little better for a while, but I have still this underlying depression. He also gave me Ritalin, but I don't tolerate that very well due to myPD. I tried Amisulpride a while back - wasn't for me. What else could I do for my dysthymia? Maybe a more activating SSRI, although I wonder? I would like to hear from anybody suffering from dysthymia and how they are treating it. Thanks for any responses.
poster:Simcha
thread:85252
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011123/msgs/85290.html