Posted by Cam W. on December 16, 2001, at 12:15:52
In reply to Serzone: Does it even work?, posted by dhldn on December 16, 2001, at 11:14:55
dhldn - Careful with making blanket statements about approved drugs. I use to do it all the time (eg. BuSpar, Seroquel), but it seems that there is always a person or two who have been greatly help by these medications, when seemingly all else has failed. It is a case of throwing the baby away with the bath water.
As for the antidepressant ability of trazodone, when it was first released, I found that a number of my elderly patients with depression became functional again, after starting Desyrel™ (trazodone). Yes, the drowsiness is a problem, especially at first, but many do overcome it at doses of 450mg to 600mg a day.
The most troublesome side effect I noticed with trazodone being used as an antidepressant, was an enormous increase in libido, in those tolerating higher doses. It literally turned little old ladies into sex machines (or so said their, sometimes desparate, husbands). Also, I did notice, but am not sure it was caused by trazodone, that several of those who were taking trazodone got that "cow tongue"; a rolling and flicking of the tongue, usually seen with TD.
Anyway, I have seen Serzone™ (nefazodone) also successfully treat both old and young people for depression. I have seen it work in lower (100mg) doses at bedtime, as an adjunctive antidepressant for those taking SSRIs, but having in bed, runminating thoughts. Serzone seems to give a more restful sleep than the currently available hypnotic agents (including trazodone).
At lower doses, I have not found m-CPP to be a problem. You do not see many people get anxious after taking Serzone, especially as an add-on.
The enzyme inhibition by Serzone has been used to advantage, by some doctors in our area. It can artificially raise levels of certain drugs, without increasing their dose. This may be a good option for those who poorly absorb certain medications.
As with those who want to take Effexor™ (venlafaxine) off of the market, I do not think that Serzone should be removed. It would just be one less tool in our armamentum.
IMO - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:87093
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011213/msgs/87098.html