Posted by Bob on March 15, 2010, at 20:16:45
In reply to SSRI - better response with less frequent dosing?, posted by linkadge on March 15, 2010, at 11:03:10
> I have been lately thinking that SSRI's might work better with less frequent dosing.
>
> For instance, when I take an SSRI, I ususally feel a little bit worse initially. After the drug leaves the system, then I start to feel better than baseline.
>
> Could it be that the improved mood actually occurs when the serotonin inhibition drops and there is the corresponding dopamine boost?
>
> Similarly, people often report feeling better than usuall for a little while after withdrawl.
>
> So, what about taking SSRI's less frequently? So that the transporter inhibition stops and the system has the opportunity to swing back the other way?
>
> I seem to do better on escitalopram dosing every *other* day. But, if I go more than 2 or 3 days, then I start to feel worse.
>
> Linkadge
>I have always pondered this conundrum with frustration. Ever since the first time I ever discontinued an SSRI I've often gotten that positive rebound. It's quite fleeting... maybe one day, but undeniable. Since I began treatment those discontinuation windows of reprieve have been some of the best I've ever felt.
There is definitely something going on there where the steady state over time becomes crap, and then the discontinuation bounces my brain back into a good state for a fleeting moment.
My doctor has actually suggested what you have hypothesized here, that I take a little dose but less often than everyday. It has never really worked out in reality though for me. I never stabilized on or off the drug.
poster:Bob
thread:939632
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100305/msgs/939668.html