Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 8, 2010, at 20:31:25
In reply to Re: Off Lexapro? - apathy syndrome //Help! » ed_uk2010, posted by orbital on August 8, 2010, at 18:15:38
>I recall reading an unpublished paper in which the authors couldn't determine the appropriate dose range of Prozac; they tested something like 2mg/day, and went so far as to recommend one weekly 10mg dose. This was in 1987 I think.
The manufacturer's early clinical trials (of fluoxetine) used a variety of doses. One trial used 5mg per day and did demonstrate some efficacy. Most trials used 20mg. Higher doses were also tried but did not appear to be any more effective for depression than 20mg, although they were somewhat better for OCD and bulimia. The higher doses all tended to cause more side effects. I don't think any trial used less than 5mg per day.
>Right now, though, I'm tempted to stop taking SSRIs to see how I feel without them. At the moment, it feels like I've had a lobotomy.
I don't blame you. I suppose what I'm saying is that 5mg of fluoxetine might be a useful 'stepping stone' because it should reduce the risk of SSRI withdrawal symptoms, whilst at the same time allowing you to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose fluoxetine against your depression. You could then make a definite decision RE whether or not you want to stop all SSRIs completely.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:957856
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100731/msgs/957948.html