10 replies to this topic

[condition]

Hello I have read a big part of the site. I am on-off SSRIs since I cut alcohol, come years ago and now I am at my 40s. For the most part I use escitalopram but it doesn't cover me. And Sertraline doesn't. Earlier this year I switched to Cymbalta and after two months back to escitalopram, in view of the side effects of Cymbalta: mainly because of loss of sex drive  but also high bpm and early awakenings (and minor stomach disturbances).

 

I want to switch off escitalopram as it makes me dull, tired, gain weight and others. I also felt more stable with Cymbalta, was talking way more calmly, I was more concentrated and with less stress. But I can't cope with the side effects. Do you think if I try Effexor I maybe won't have loss of sex drive and high bpm? Or if a person has certain side effects from Cymbalta has more or less same side effects with Effexor? From personal experience escitalopram/sertraline, two SSRIs have not similar side effects, but both with Cymbalta are completely different.

[fishinghat]

Hi condition.

One of the main selling points of Cymbalta when it first came out was that it had less side effects including sexual than Effexor. Well, now we know that is not true. Actually the research shows that Zoloft is the one that causes the least sexual side effects. Of course things vary from person to person. I wish I could help more.

By the way, the nick name for Effexor is Sideffexor. lol

[condition]

Thanks. I have tested zoloft and lexapro enough. They help a bit but when I go higher than standard dose (50mg/10mg zoloft/lexapro) I am getting side effects in return. Do you think I can add 0.5 mg daily dose of Klonopin and go for a couple of years without increasing it?

[fishinghat]

That would be unlikely. Many people have success that way for short term but it you have been on Klonopin before it may be less effective the second time. You do know it is very addictive and has a strong withdrawal. Typically tolerance builds up within 4 months and the dose has to be increased. Because of that the manufacturer recommends to use Klonopin 4 months or less.

[fishinghat]

condition, is this for anxiety or depression?

[condition]

fishingcat i suffer from both

[fishinghat]

Errr, its ...hat not ...cat. But that is OK I have been called worse. lol

Has your dr ever tried clonidine or hydroxyzine? Both are good for anxiety but not depression. They are not addictive and have no withdrawal.

[condition]

I am really sorry fishinghat it was late at my country that moment.
Thanks so much for suggestion. I am allergic and very experienced with antihistamines and they are not so effective any more as I consumed so many over the years . They make me dry, tired and hungry. Too bad for me, as no prescription is required in Greece for atarax and its very cheap also. I have never tried clonidine though. My Doc has also mentioned a small dose of liquid abilify instead of the daily klonopin but I am reluctant to use daily an antipsychotic although I already bought it. I will revert regarding clonidine. 

[fishinghat]

FYI - Abilify has a tough withdrawal too.

[gail]

Hello Condition,

I would think it's worth trying a small dose of ability. The key is to make you comfortable with a certain quality of life. You've experienced with different antidepressants, maybe it's time to try something else to go with your current one. As for withdrawal, almost anything we take has the potential of withdrawal.

Clonidine works well on some and has no effect on others. Worth a try.

Let us know how it goes, feel free to write anytime. Were I to visit one country in the world, Greece would be it. Looks so beautiful in the magazines.

You naming Fishinghat by Fishingcat was funny, and it will stay for a while!

[condition]

Thanks. I will try abilify and clonidine and let you know how it goes.