Posted by phidippus on September 3, 2012, at 22:37:52
In reply to THE MONSTER HAS AWAKENED..., posted by Prefect on September 1, 2012, at 11:47:53
>Is this a relapse or discontinuation syndrome?
This does not sound like a discontinuation syndrome. This seems like a return of symptoms.
You are right about the dose. You should be taking at least 200 mg to treat your anxiety, however, even at 50 mg, Luvox can be a powerful antidepressant. One of its mechanisms of action is sigma-1 receptor agonism. It also has very high affinity for the seratonin transporter.
>Is it usual and safe to be on an SSRI for life >for a condition like this?
If you have a generalized anxiety disorder, it is to your benefit to take antidepressants for life, unless they come up with a cure for GAD.
Antiddepressants are generally neuroprotective and ward off the real damage caused by anxiety-long term anxiety can shrink the Hippocampus, an important brain structure. Don't be afraid of taking the Luvox long term.
You are doing the right thing with regards to the Agoraphobia-developing coping mechanisms to deal with it. Agoraphobia responds strongest to therapy and not so much drugs.
Have you had an increase in stress in your life?
Eric
poster:phidippus
thread:1024636
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120830/msgs/1024816.html