Posted by JohnL on August 31, 2001, at 17:44:43
In reply to Fight Side-effects... Don't suffer any longer!, posted by SalArmy4me on August 31, 2001, at 15:19:44
I believe what is more important than merely fighting side effects is counteracting them with another drug that is also simultaneously helpful for treating the underlying symptoms.
As an example, my Prozac gave me terrible insomnia and I was losing weight badly. I was too skinny already to be losing weight, and losing sleep was very bad. What were my choices? Xanax, Valium, Trazodone, Remeron, Zyprexa, tricyclics. I ruled out TCAs, too many harsh side effects I could not tolerate. I ruled out benzos, they merely worsened my already troubling condition of feeling emotional numbness. Remeron and Trazodone knocked me out fast, but gave me a very poor quality sleep, and did nothing to help my condition. From research, I should have gone straight to Zyprexa. Not only does it have counteracting side effects for Prozac, but it has also been shown in clinical settings to dramatically boost serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, much more so than when combined with other antidepressants. It should have been my first choice.
The point is though, if one is to fight side effects, might as well do it with a drug that will compliment the existing drug and counter act the side effects simultaneously. No sense in merely counteracting side effects and not getting any other benefit out of it.
Just my opinion.
And just based on three years of anecdotal observations at this board, Buspar and Reboxetine stink. Please remove them from any priority list. Save them for people you don't like, or people you do not want to see get better. They look great on paper, but suck badly in the real world.
John
poster:JohnL
thread:77098
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010828/msgs/77135.html