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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by DsevenO on July 10, 2002, at 5:46:38
Greetings. Over the last 5 or 6 years, I have tried many, many types of antidepressants for treatment-resistant unipolar depression and anxiety/panic disorder. In the end, I have wound up taking 100mg Sertraline with .25mg Clonazepam. This combo has a limited therapeutic benefit for me (which is more than I can say for every other drug/drug combo I've tried), but the lethargy and hypersomnia have left me completely non-functional. I used to be a varsity athlete; now I can't even summon the energy to walk around the block. I was an A student at one time, but now I can barely remember a phone number, let alone remember enough factual information to even get a passing grade in any university level course. But I digress...
I'm just wondering if anyone out there has had any success with augmenting an SSRI like Zoloft in order to enhance their energy and mental functioning. Any and all experiences or suggestions are welcome. Thanks.
Posted by Bill L on July 10, 2002, at 9:11:31
In reply to Overcoming SSRI-Induced Lethargy, posted by DsevenO on July 10, 2002, at 5:46:38
I have been there. I am on 40 mg Celexa. I also take Ginkgo Biloba to increase mental alertness. I think it works pretty good. It also makes me more energetic
The other herb I take is Yohimbe (the active ingredient is Yohimbine). That is to reverse the sexual side effects of SSRI's. It works very well for sexual side effects and it also gives me energy.
The dose for Ginkgo is 120 mg per day (divided into 2 or 3 doses) for mental alertness. The dose is 240 mg per day (also divided into 2 or 3 doses) if you are taking it for sexual side effects of SSRI's. If you have or develop a bleeding disorder you should check with your doctor before taking Ginkgo.
The dose for Yohimbine is either 5 mg per day, or just take 10 mg about an hour or 2 before sex. Yohimbine can cause insomnia for about 5 or 6 hours after taking it so try not to take it at night. It can cause elevated blood pressure in some people so be careful about that.
I personally take 120 mg per day of Ginkgo and I only take Yohimbine before sex.
Another option for you might be to add Wellbutrin to your Zoloft. Wellbutrin can give you more alertness and energy.
Posted by Geezer on July 10, 2002, at 15:37:10
In reply to Overcoming SSRI-Induced Lethargy, posted by DsevenO on July 10, 2002, at 5:46:38
Hey DsevenO,
Could I ask for a little more information? Are the SSRIs causing the lethargy or "pooping out" for you? There are many augmenting strategies. I have symptoms like yours and will try a combination of Prozac, Lamictal, and Depakote beginning next week. I am already on Lam & Dep but Prozac was the only AD that ever helped me.
Given your symptoms, Parnate might be another good choice (after a proper wash out period from the SSRIs).
Wish you the best,
Geezer
Posted by Shawn. T. on July 10, 2002, at 17:36:38
In reply to Overcoming SSRI-Induced Lethargy, posted by DsevenO on July 10, 2002, at 5:46:38
My old roommate was on this to help with drowsiness from Seroquel and Paxil. Paxil is similar in sedation qualities to Sertraline, and the Provigil definitely helped me. It's main use is narcolepsy, and it is an atypical stimulant.
Posted by Ken on July 16, 2002, at 0:34:13
In reply to Try modafanil (Provigil), posted by Shawn. T. on July 10, 2002, at 17:36:38
May I ask how long it took for the modafinil to take effect for you? (E.g. within minutes of taking it? Or after a few days/weeks of being on it? etc...)
Ken
> My old roommate was on this to help with drowsiness from Seroquel and Paxil. Paxil is similar in sedation qualities to Sertraline, and the Provigil definitely helped me. It's main use is narcolepsy, and it is an atypical stimulant.
Posted by Shawn. T. on July 16, 2002, at 15:03:32
In reply to Re: Try modafanil (Provigil) » Shawn. T., posted by Ken on July 16, 2002, at 0:34:13
I believe that it began working about 45 minutes after the very first time that I took it. That is to be expected.
Shawn> May I ask how long it took for the modafinil to take effect for you? (E.g. within minutes of taking it? Or after a few days/weeks of being on it? etc...)
>
> Ken
>
>
> > My old roommate was on this to help with drowsiness from Seroquel and Paxil. Paxil is similar in sedation qualities to Sertraline, and the Provigil definitely helped me. It's main use is narcolepsy, and it is an atypical stimulant.
This is the end of the thread.
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