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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bearfan on October 16, 2009, at 17:43:45
I have been on Prozac for many years and have found it hasn't been helping as much anymore and open to suggestions for a new option. The Prozac never totally got rid of the generalized anxiety and OCD but I did notice reduction in depression symptoms. Eventually I noticed low libido and issues with sexual performance. I have tried Effexor, but it totally removed my libido and tended to make me tired and feel strange. Pritiq made me more tired, hungry and made anxiety worse. With cymbalta I had too many issues with bloating and digestion. Is Savella (milnacipran) worth a try? I know Lexapro can better for anxiety but I also need a bit of a kick to go out and meet people/do things.
What would be a good option?
Posted by ricker on October 16, 2009, at 18:19:23
In reply to Best Med Alternative for previous sucess on Prozac, posted by bearfan on October 16, 2009, at 17:43:45
Zoloft
Posted by bearfan on October 16, 2009, at 20:22:42
In reply to Re: Best Med Alternative for previous sucess on Prozac » bearfan, posted by ricker on October 16, 2009, at 18:19:23
Did Zoloft and Paxil, didn't like them. Zoloft had terrible sexual dysfunction and zombie feeling, Paxil had too much weight gain issues.
Posted by Maxime on October 16, 2009, at 21:24:35
In reply to Best Med Alternative for previous sucess on Prozac, posted by bearfan on October 16, 2009, at 17:43:45
Celexa or lexapro. Or maybe you just need to add a mood stabiliser to the Prozac to give it a boost, maybe some lithium.
What does your doctor suggest?
Posted by Phillipa on October 17, 2009, at 0:13:20
In reply to Re: Best Med Alternative for previous sucess on Prozac » bearfan, posted by Maxime on October 16, 2009, at 21:24:35
Add a low dose benzo for the anxiety? Phillipa
Posted by bearfan on October 17, 2009, at 3:13:06
In reply to Re: Best Med Alternative for previous sucess on Prozac » bearfan, posted by Maxime on October 16, 2009, at 21:24:35
Is the sexual dysfunction significantly better on celexa/lexapro? I do use benzos on the side
Posted by morganator on October 17, 2009, at 7:50:41
In reply to Re: Best Med Alternative for previous sucess on Prozac, posted by bearfan on October 16, 2009, at 20:22:42
> Did Zoloft and Paxil, didn't like them. Zoloft had terrible sexual dysfunction and zombie feeling, Paxil had too much weight gain issues.
Did you spend time tinkering with the dosage of Zoloft? There can be a huge difference between 50 and 100 and 150 and 200.
Why did you stop Prozac? The notorious poop out? I'm not much of a believer in this poop out thing.
You could add wellbutrin to Zoloft or Lexapro. Or just try Lexapro, give it 6 to 8 weeks and find the right dosage.
Posted by morganator on October 17, 2009, at 7:52:38
In reply to Re: Best Med Alternative for previous sucess on Prozac » bearfan, posted by Maxime on October 16, 2009, at 21:24:35
> Celexa or lexapro. Or maybe you just need to add a mood stabiliser to the Prozac to give it a boost, maybe some lithium.
Not a bad suggestion. Low doses of lithium are good for the brain anyway, especially as we age.
Posted by morganator on October 17, 2009, at 7:56:15
In reply to Re: Best Med Alternative for previous sucess on Prozac, posted by bearfan on October 17, 2009, at 3:13:06
> Is the sexual dysfunction significantly better on celexa/lexapro? I do use benzos on the side
Try cutting out the benzos completely. Try working out religiously as this may improve your sex drive and treat your anxiety. Intense workouts followed by a period of stretching are best.
It is the belief amongst some doctors that benzos work against the efficacy of SSRIs and other antidepressants as benzos are CNS depressants. It's the same reason why alcohol may keep antidepressants from working as well.
Posted by Phillipa on October 17, 2009, at 20:49:13
In reply to Re: Best Med Alternative for previous sucess on Prozac, posted by morganator on October 17, 2009, at 7:56:15
Hi morgan for 40 years been on low doses of benzos. No ad till thyroid went bonkers. Didn't need an ad as seriously felt great!!!! But the very first ad was l0mg of paxil and with xanax still felt horrible. Only relief was 4-6 beers a night. So after three months felt okay. Took for two years went off. Fine then thyroid bonkers. I seriously believe that the thyroid impacts both depression and anxiety. Love Phillipa
Posted by bearfan on October 17, 2009, at 21:47:02
In reply to Re: Best Med Alternative for previous sucess on Prozac, posted by morganator on October 17, 2009, at 7:50:41
It's not so much of a poop out compared to less efficacy on symptom control. Although this could be changes to life circumstances as well. It mostly lack of help by the medication (not working as well as it has before). Also anxiety has been worse and I have been exercising more, but I am often tense which can makes it more difficult to feel relaxed while doing it.
This is the end of the thread.
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