Posted by 4WD on September 9, 2004, at 21:00:09
In reply to Prozac 140mg - no improvement - time to switch?, posted by incessant void on September 9, 2004, at 4:33:01
> Hi I just joined the boards here. I've seen a lot of archived posts linked to from various other websites/threads but have finally got around to registering. I know that no one can tell me what meds are right for me, etc etc. but I am just asking for the intelligent and experienced opinions of those of you who have been on many anti-depressants.
>
> Currently my med regime (excluding anything non-psych-related) is as follows:
>
> Prozac 140mg - 1x daily
> Adderall 20mg - 4x daily
> Trazodone 150mg - 1x daily*
> Neurontin 600mg - 1x daily before bed
> Ambien 30mg - 1x daily before bed**
>
> *I am thinking of discontinuing this as I notice no response -- often I forget to take it and when I do I feel the same as I do if I remember to take it...
>
> **Doc just switched me to Seroquel to see if it helped me sleep better than Ambie, but I haven't started it yet.
>
> I've been in Prozac for the past 8 months. It's my second trial of Prozac actually, but the first time I was never above 40mg before quitting so thought I would give it a proper trial this time... got up to 100mg rather quickly (3 weeks) and was at that dose for 2 months before moving up to 120, and then 140. I have been at this dose (140mg/day) for the past 3 months. My depression (it's been ongoing for the last 6 years) has only gotten worse, especially lately, and I'm wondering if I should can the Prozac since I seem to be at the max dosage, or very close to it, with no help. It seemed to help me a little when I was at 100mg, but the effects were short-lived, hence the increase. Also I think that was related to a change in atmosphere that was a positive one for me (a past hospitalization).. and not so much the drugs I was on at the time.
>
> The Adderall is prescribed for ADD, which I have the inattentive, non-hypractive type. My (undiagnosed until adulthood) ADD lead to depression, which then lead to an eating disorder (anorexia purging type). Currently though I'd say depression and ADD are more the issue than the E.D. as it's pretty much under control, but the more depressed I get, the more it has a tendency to flare-up.
>
> I've been on Effexor (up to 450mg before I decided to go off it because I was left even more emotionally numb than before and that lead to severe worsening of my eating disorder), Paxil (no response), Zoloft (couldn't tolerate it; was constantly nauseous), Celexa & Lexapro (also no response). I have not tried Wellbutrin yet, which I might respond to, but my doctor will not prescribe it because of my eating disorder, fearing that it may get bad again (tho it is not at the moment).
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> Sorry for the length of this post. I'm terrible at getting my point across... basically I am just wondering if my thoughts that it's time to try something else (and my thinking is NOT another SSRI) are valid or not...
>
> Should I try a TCA? Would it be premature to try an MAOI? I've read the dietary limitations and think I could follow that very easily. I just feel like I can't wait another year or more of trying meds that are getting me nowhere. I feel so hopeless. I don't know why I've hung on at all to be honest. I've got nothing to show for it. The worst feeling I think is knowing that no one in my family understands how horrible I feel every day, and instead just thinks I am lazy.
>
> Any response is appreciated.Hi. I definitely think that after no response on 140mg of Prozac for eight months it is time to switch. You could try Cymbalta if you live in the U.S. I recently switched from Effexor to Cymbalta partly because I hated the emotional numbness from Effexor. So far the Cymbalta isn't causing that.
I also have an eating disorder which is currently in remission (bulimia - binge and purge). Effexor helped with that (though not as much as Celexa). I've been on Cymbalta for a week now and am not feeling any urge to binge. If I can help you in any way, please let me know and I will give you my email address. There are a few of us here on this board with the depression/eating disorder combo and we can help each other.
I agree with you about people not understanding. Even people who *should* understand simply do not have the ability to know what depression/compulsion feels like.
All my best wishes,
Marsha
poster:4WD
thread:388557
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040909/msgs/388966.html