Posted by JohnL on February 1, 2001, at 4:04:49
In reply to HELP! Prozac VS Effexor, posted by Theresa Viveiros on January 31, 2001, at 22:10:22
> Can anyone tell me the most effective way to wean off Prozac and try to make the transistion to Effexor? Prozac has created TOO MUCH ANXIETY and I have completely lost my interest in sex. I have been on Prozac for 7 years, was effective for the first two years, gradually increased to 60 mgs but am still depressed with even more anxiety. Any responses will be appreciated.
Hi Theresa,
I'm sorry things haven't been going very well for you. I hope it gets better pretty soon. In the meantime there are several options you could consider.
1) Reduce the Prozac to a non-anxiety dosage, and add Zyprexa for about 3 weeks or so, and if nothing then try adding Risperdal for a few weeks. According to clinical trials, profound antidepressant action has been observed when SSRIs are combine with either Zyprexa or Risperdal. In addition, they usually improve sleep and can be beneficial to sex as well. Other additions could be Lithium, stimulants, Remeron, Nortriptyline, Desipramine. But of them all, I favor Zyprexa or Risperdal the best. In trials, results were much better with the combination than either drug alone.
2) Stop Prozac anytime and begin titrating Effexor in at low doses. It will take 4 weeks or so for Prozac to be gone from your system. In the meantime, you could be starting Effexor at the same time. Some people even combine them, so weening off one is not needed. Keeping the Effexor dose very low at first is important for safety though.
3) Do a complete washout for 4 weeks, then start Effexor.
I like the first option the best. Just a personal preference.
John
poster:JohnL
thread:53067
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010131/msgs/53084.html