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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Learning on January 9, 2001, at 0:44:58
I am looking (and have read input on the boards, as well) for information on Serzone. I have been told by someone who is on it that it was a Godsend to her but we all react differently. My key interests are ending the "funk" I have been in for what seems has been my whole life, NOT gaining weight and NOT losing my libido (which is in enough jeopardy as it is). My friend says that her libido increased, she had to fight to NOT lose weight (she couldn't afford to, I can) and she felt better than ever.
I have never taken any prescriptions aside from antibiotics, so this is all a vast field of the unknown for me. I once had a doctor prescribe Zoloft but I couldn't bring myself to take it. (That was years ago) I've grown up now and am ready to help myself...but want to do so in an educated manner. Any input is appreciated!
Posted by Cam W. on January 9, 2001, at 8:55:05
In reply to Serzone Info Needed, posted by Learning on January 9, 2001, at 0:44:58
Learning - Unfortunately (fortunately?) everyone has different biochemical make-ups. Even within the same family, meds will work differently for each person (even in identical twins, but usually they react more similar than most others).
We still don't have a complete picture of what makes us work (or any of those neat Dr.McCoy scanner things). So, we can only guess if a drug will work in a certain person. In most cases, the first med tried for depression will work, but as many on this board will attest (including myself), this is not always the case.
It has been my experience that Serzone (nefazodone) works well in a subgroup of people with depression. I have seen more luck with the TCAs and SSRIs, but, as you mention, several of their long-term side effects really bite. Serzone does seem to have a much less propensity of causing sexual dysfuntion, but I have seen people gain weight with the drug. Whether this is due to an increased appetite from a resolution of the depression, I am not sure. With Paxil, the weight gain occurs in many people, partially because of carbohydrate cravings. You can minimize the weight gain with the SSRIs by (very) diligently watching what you eat and exercising regularily.
Zoloft seems to cause less weight gain (on average) than Paxil (seeming the worst offender of the SSRIs), but sexual dysfunction occurs with this med, as well.
Remember, with side effects, you are playing the odds. Not everyone gains weight, nor has sexual problems, but some people aren't willing to gamble. The important thing is that you give any antidepressant a 6 to 8 week trial before giving up on it.
Good luck - Cam
Posted by Noa on January 9, 2001, at 9:55:27
In reply to Re: Serzone Info Needed » Learning, posted by Cam W. on January 9, 2001, at 8:55:05
I take Serzone, but in combo with effexor xr. For me, it does this well: counteracts the overstimulating aspects of effexor xr---fidgitiness, restlessness, myoclonus, nervousness, insomnia, restless legs at night, etc. It is somewhat sedating, though not as intesely as other meds I have taken (trazodone, klonopin). And, it seems to add enough antidepressant effect so that in combo with the effexor, I have a good AD response.
Initially, Serzone was rough to get used to. For the first 3-4 weeks, as I increase doses (starting very low and increasing slowly), I experienced emotinality, crying, anger, zombiness, coordination problems, etc. But all that wore off.
I can't say whether serzone is a strong antidepressant on its own. I just know it works for me in combo with my other meds. And, that it is hard to get used to, and it is not for everyone, as Cam mentioned. We do each react differently.
Posted by Learning on January 9, 2001, at 10:02:23
In reply to Re: Serzone Info Needed, posted by Noa on January 9, 2001, at 9:55:27
Noa- thank you! I'll be printing all of the helpful information out to take to my doctor so I can make an informed decision. I appreciate your help!
> I take Serzone, but in combo with effexor xr. For me, it does this well: counteracts the overstimulating aspects of effexor xr---fidgitiness, restlessness, myoclonus, nervousness, insomnia, restless legs at night, etc. It is somewhat sedating, though not as intesely as other meds I have taken (trazodone, klonopin). And, it seems to add enough antidepressant effect so that in combo with the effexor, I have a good AD response.
>
> Initially, Serzone was rough to get used to. For the first 3-4 weeks, as I increase doses (starting very low and increasing slowly), I experienced emotinality, crying, anger, zombiness, coordination problems, etc. But all that wore off.
>
> I can't say whether serzone is a strong antidepressant on its own. I just know it works for me in combo with my other meds. And, that it is hard to get used to, and it is not for everyone, as Cam mentioned. We do each react differently.
Posted by Learning on January 9, 2001, at 10:04:37
In reply to Re: Serzone Info Needed » Learning, posted by Cam W. on January 9, 2001, at 8:55:05
Cam- Thank you for your information and insight. It is greatly appreciated. It appears this will be a "learn as you go" experience for me, but I certainly appreciate your help!
> Learning - Unfortunately (fortunately?) everyone has different biochemical make-ups. Even within the same family, meds will work differently for each person (even in identical twins, but usually they react more similar than most others).
>
> We still don't have a complete picture of what makes us work (or any of those neat Dr.McCoy scanner things). So, we can only guess if a drug will work in a certain person. In most cases, the first med tried for depression will work, but as many on this board will attest (including myself), this is not always the case.
>
> It has been my experience that Serzone (nefazodone) works well in a subgroup of people with depression. I have seen more luck with the TCAs and SSRIs, but, as you mention, several of their long-term side effects really bite. Serzone does seem to have a much less propensity of causing sexual dysfuntion, but I have seen people gain weight with the drug. Whether this is due to an increased appetite from a resolution of the depression, I am not sure. With Paxil, the weight gain occurs in many people, partially because of carbohydrate cravings. You can minimize the weight gain with the SSRIs by (very) diligently watching what you eat and exercising regularily.
>
> Zoloft seems to cause less weight gain (on average) than Paxil (seeming the worst offender of the SSRIs), but sexual dysfunction occurs with this med, as well.
>
> Remember, with side effects, you are playing the odds. Not everyone gains weight, nor has sexual problems, but some people aren't willing to gamble. The important thing is that you give any antidepressant a 6 to 8 week trial before giving up on it.
>
> Good luck - Cam
Posted by Noa on January 9, 2001, at 13:53:10
In reply to Re: Serzone Info Needed, posted by Learning on January 9, 2001, at 10:04:37
L-
there is also more about serzone at the following address:
http://www.egroups.com/links/psycho-babble-tips/Serzone_000967674931
it is a folder of PB posts, info from Dr. Bob's psychopharm tips, etc. on serzone.
There have been many posts here about serzone, with all kinds of reactions. For many, taking serzone was a negative experience, for some, positive. For some, it took waiting out the initial few weeks til the adverse effects wore off. But we are all so different. Hope reading helps.
Posted by jojo on May 6, 2001, at 10:23:48
In reply to Re: Serzone Info Needed » Learning, posted by Noa on January 9, 2001, at 13:53:10
> L-
>
> there is also more about serzone at the following address:
>
> http://www.egroups.com/links/psycho-babble-tips/Serzone_000967674931
>
> it is a folder of PB posts, info from Dr. Bob's psychopharm tips, etc. on serzone.
>
> There have been many posts here about serzone, with all kinds of reactions. For many, taking serzone was a negative experience, for some, positive. For some, it took waiting out the initial few weeks til the adverse effects wore off. But we are all so different. Hope reading helps.Try http://mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-n05.html
The Product insert for American distribution doesn't seem to mention any effects on Growth Hormone, although this Canadian review mentions a 1000% increase. Is their Nefazone different than ours,
or is it just their legal system?
This is the end of the thread.
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