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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jammyd on January 20, 2001, at 9:45:00
I had been on prozac for almost 11 years and it seemed to crap out on me. My doc recommended Serzone which I've been taking for about 3 months now. I've noticed a significant weight gain (which I did not have with prozac) as well as being easily agitated and anxious.
In reading through some of these posts, I have some concerns about coming off serzone (which I really want to do) - if I go back on prozac, will it not work as well? What are some other choices that don't have the weight gain side effect?
Serzone *did* pick me up out of the sluggy doldrums I was experiencing but brought out new things (my thighs, and a really mean side - how fun is that?) that I really am not fond of it at all.
I see the doc (who is a pcp) on Thursday - I hear the term "pdoc" tossed about and was wondering what that is.
Any and all thoughts are welcome!
Posted by Joy on January 20, 2001, at 13:45:35
In reply to Serzone Questions, posted by Jammyd on January 20, 2001, at 9:45:00
Hi Jammy,
I attempted to answer these questions in the post on Serzone side effects. When Prozac poops out doses go up to 80 and 100 mg, also Naltrexone is sometimes added. Please see my response above to you on your other posting.
Joy> I had been on prozac for almost 11 years and it seemed to crap out on me. My doc recommended Serzone which I've been taking for about 3 months now. I've noticed a significant weight gain (which I did not have with prozac) as well as being easily agitated and anxious.
>
> In reading through some of these posts, I have some concerns about coming off serzone (which I really want to do) - if I go back on prozac, will it not work as well? What are some other choices that don't have the weight gain side effect?
>
> Serzone *did* pick me up out of the sluggy doldrums I was experiencing but brought out new things (my thighs, and a really mean side - how fun is that?) that I really am not fond of it at all.
>
> I see the doc (who is a pcp) on Thursday - I hear the term "pdoc" tossed about and was wondering what that is.
>
> Any and all thoughts are welcome!
Posted by Joy on January 20, 2001, at 14:54:29
In reply to Re: Serzone Questions, posted by Joy on January 20, 2001, at 13:45:35
>
pdoc is a psychiatrist
Hi Jammy,
> I attempted to answer these questions in the post on Serzone side effects. When Prozac poops out doses go up to 80 and 100 mg, also Naltrexone is sometimes added. Please see my response above to you on your other posting.
> Joy
>
> > I had been on prozac for almost 11 years and it seemed to crap out on me. My doc recommended Serzone which I've been taking for about 3 months now. I've noticed a significant weight gain (which I did not have with prozac) as well as being easily agitated and anxious.
> >
> > In reading through some of these posts, I have some concerns about coming off serzone (which I really want to do) - if I go back on prozac, will it not work as well? What are some other choices that don't have the weight gain side effect?
> >
> > Serzone *did* pick me up out of the sluggy doldrums I was experiencing but brought out new things (my thighs, and a really mean side - how fun is that?) that I really am not fond of it at all.
> >
> > I see the doc (who is a pcp) on Thursday - I hear the term "pdoc" tossed about and was wondering what that is.
> >
> > Any and all thoughts are welcome!
Posted by JohnL on January 21, 2001, at 5:54:05
In reply to Serzone Questions, posted by Jammyd on January 20, 2001, at 9:45:00
The most popular ways to restore Prozac's original effectiveness are to add small dose Lithium (300mg to 900mg), small dose Ritalin or Adderall, small dose Zyprexa or Risperdal, small dose Nortriptyline or Desipramine. Remeron also combines well. A few people here found that Prozac+Effexor worked real well. Another method, though not as popular, is to add Naltrexone. In one clinical study I was reading, they tested different ways of restoring Prozac's effectiveness. In that study, the best way was to merely increase the dose up to 60mg. So there are plenty of options. In general I think it's usually best to work with a med that has been successfull to you in the past, and to explore all options (adding a second agent, increasing dose, decreasing dose) before doing a complete switch.
And who knows, if you have any Prozac leftover, you could try one here and there just to see how it combines with Serzone. Better yet, empty it into juice, stir well, and drink just a little bit for experimentation. I wouldn't place too high of hopes on it, but as long as you are already on Serzone it might be easy to try.
If you decide to quit Serzone, just ween off it by decreasing the dose slowly in small chunks. When I quit, I did it too fast. Still though the only withdrawal side effect I had lasted for a weekend. It was primarily heavy sedation (the previously blocked serotonin receptors were being opened up to a flood of serotonin) and some nausea, but not too bad. I just couldn't get off the couch for a couple days. It passed quickly. Slow weening helps a lot.
John
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