Posted by Ann NY on May 11, 2001, at 17:22:17
In reply to Prozac Instead of Efflexor (was: Wish Me Luck), posted by Izzie on May 3, 2001, at 14:28:57
Izzie,
I hope you will be feeling better soon!
I have reoccurring major depression. It started when I was 18. I've had 3 serious episodes, the first two lasted 2 years and the current one I could feel coming on.
I tried Prosaic and it didn't help my depression at all and it just made my anxiety worse (common side-effect) and my doctor was not very helpful at all so I simply stopped.
Recently, my GP talked me into taking Paxcil and talked me into seeing a psychiatrist. She took me off Paxcil - because if prosaic didn't work, it was probable paxcil wouldn't either. I was put on Effexor.
My psychiatrist is of the opinion that chronic reoccuring depression require a dual action anti-depressant, i.e. Efexor - but there are others. Also she says Effexor has a higher patient response than prosaic.
Which is better depends on your depression and your individual biochemistry.
I know prosaic can "poop-out" after awhile and it may effect your sex life. And as I said, aggravates anxiety.
Effexor made me extreemly sleepy for a few weeks and then suddenly kicked in after 3 or 4 months (at 150 mg). I also had trouble getting to sleep. I got ritalin for the day and ambien at night to start me off. But I feel sooooo much better now. Many people on this board have also had trouble getting off effexor. I was so bad off that it was a risk I had to take.
Be persistant and make sure your doctors are listening to you! It will get better! For me it took longer than I would like - but I'm really happy on Effexor.
> I thank you all for your advice, but this morning I was informed that I was getting put on Prozac instead of EFXR. So, my question to all of you are: Is that a good or bad thing (in your opionions)? My doctor (not psychologist) explained to me why the medication switch.
>
> The dosage I started at is 20mg.
>
> So...any Prozac advice, experiences, etc, I am more than eager to hear about (if not already on the list).
>
> Thanks.
> Izzie
poster:Ann NY
thread:61420
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010507/msgs/62518.html