Posted by tensor on April 7, 2010, at 16:46:08
In reply to Start AD's at lower than FDA starting Dose, posted by Phillipa on April 7, 2010, at 12:29:47
> What do you think of this seems to be the new trend too. But what if your're already on an ad? Even if it's lower dose think this will work? It's very short. Please respond. I feel others would benefit as well as myself with this Phillipa
>
> How should doctors dose antidepressants? Thomas Schwartz, MD N/A posted:
> You can also advocate for yourself once you know this.
> 1- start at a dose lower than that usually advocated by the FDA. Do this for a few days to get your body and brain used to it in order to hopefully lower your side effect risks
> 2- increase and take the lowest FDA dose for 4-6 weeks
> 3- if you are not better increase to the middle dose for 4-6 weeks
> 4- if you are not better increase to the highest FDA dose for 4-6 weeks.
>
> if you and your doctor accomplish this then you have had a 'full trial' of the antidepressant. If the full trial has failed, ask your doctor for another similar trial ideally of an antidepressant to works on a different set of neurotransmitters. Do not stay on the same low dosed antidepressant for several months if it is not helping....Overkill and overgeneralization. Fluoxetine and reboxetine don't need same startup time, for instance. Side effects are useful indicators in my opinion if you're going too slow or too fast.
/Mattias
poster:tensor
thread:942635
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100406/msgs/942660.html