I've been on this drug for 4 years, and until recently it's served me well. Now it doesn't seem to be doing its job anymore, and I'm already at close to the maximum dosage (I'm taking 40mg QD, and I think the highest safe dose is 50mg).
Now, I know there's a whole wide world of antidepressants, and newer ones than what I'm taking.......which one(s) do you guys think is the best, and tell me what you like about it? I want to have some solid information before I go to my PCP and ask him to switch me to something else.
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
Paxil and Paxil CR are virtually the same thing. The CR version delays release by .8-4.8 hours due to different binders in the pill. These binders also inhibit the active ingredient so paxil cr 25 mg is equal to paxil regular 20mg. CR isn't truely a "time released" pill since the dosing is the same,unlike a true time released cap like Cardizem cd where the dose is 240mg vs regular cardizem 60mg. CR was marketed when the exclusivity on paxil regulars patent was running out.
Aha! I was wondering about that, seeing as how Paxil CR came out around the same time I was switched to the generic form of Paxil. Hmph! :stone
Think I'll just try upping my dose to 50mg for the time being......it'll probably be of some help, since the depression isn't severe AND it's been 2 years since my last increase.
After about 8 years on Zoloft the doc added Wellbutrin (SR?) 150. I got up to 200 of Zoloft and 200 of Wellbutrin (now the generic SR-) . Anyway last month I started noticing that I had like NO emotion...none.
Shrink said sometimes the D's quit working for some reason or another. He put me on Effexor SR 150 last week and off the Zoloft. So far I haven't noticed any difference so I'm at the wait and see. I did quit Zoloft a couple of times on my own and that was a BIG mistake.....downhill slide almost immediately.
The ki information is great. I knew there were some drugs that acted on specific receptors, but now that's a great piece of knowledge to have. Thanks.
I've tried various antidepressants but could not stand the side effects. The only thing that works for me is running 3 times a week. I don't do long distance - a mere 2.5miles on a soft path with good quality shoes and I love the side effects! I realize not everyone can run but there are other options. Walking is okay but I have found in order to change my brain chemistry I need something more intense.
Good luck.
Exercise is my Godsend too . . . especially something outdoors in the sunlight. But I'll jog in the rain or snow if it gets me out of the house for awhile.
You want the Ki value goldmine?? The wonderful people at Case Western University have been compiling a database for us Interent folk to access for free!! Professional or not. http://kidb.cwru.edu/pdsp.php
Just found it a couple months ago and was psyched. When it comes up with your query input page, just select your receptor from the drop-down menu on the right, then select a test ligand such as Paroxetine or whatever. Leave the other fields empty until you get the hang of it. Some things just don't have a reference, haven't been tested with a certain receptor, or you'd simply not know what tissue was tested (e.g., human cortex, cloned tissue). Same with the hot ligand. The hot ligand is the radioactive tracer used to bind with the test chemical to determine the values. So all the nulls are fine, except the receptor and test ligand (drug/chemical).
Have fun! Let me know if you have problems. It took me a few tries to get it to show anything. I wanted to type my own data in and stuff, but that just complicated the search engine.
Also, keep in mind human tissue and animal tissue might vary a lot, or even the hot ligand used might give a different result. So keep in mind these values are usually done by different reseach teams, different tissues, and other controls, so it's best to average out the Ki values for a complete picture of binding.
Ex. I just chose the dopamine transporter (DAT) and dopamine (DA) as the test ligand. DA came out with a >1000 and 100 and 10 and
I'm a Lexapro woman. I loved the mood effects of Effexor, but it made me nauseous all the time, even after a month. I stopped all ADs until my son died, then I really needed help.
So for now, Lexapro it is. No weird side effects, though I don't know that it's working as well as Effexor. But it's keeping me going.
TCAS11, I think you missed your calling...you should be in pharmacology school instead of nursing school...(or are you?) :)
I wish. Got a couple classes before I can apply to nursing school. My obstacle is math. I'm so bad at it, that I'd never survive anything pharmacy or MD, which is what I'd really love to do. Too much chemistry and other high level classes. It would drive me insane. I good with anything, and have no problems with numbers as long as I don't have to come up with them.
I wish. Got a couple classes before I can apply to nursing school. My obstacle is math. I'm so bad at it, that I'd never survive anything pharmacy or MD, which is what I'd really love to do. Too much chemistry and other high level classes. It would drive me insane. I good with anything, and have no problems with numbers as long as I don't have to come up with them.
It's a shame to let math limit you. Have you sought help in overcoming your math difficulties? Most math that I've encountered is pretty much limited to algebra. I think some med schools might require calculus--but the only thing I've found calculus useful for is physics.
It's a shame to let math limit you. Have you sought help in overcoming your math difficulties? Most math that I've encountered is pretty much limited to algebra. I think some med schools might require calculus--but the only thing I've found calculus useful for is physics.
NurseFirst
Beyond simple conversions and intermediate algebra, I really have too much trouble. All those high level math classes are really a struggle, since I have difficulties with algebra anyhow. I'm also 32, and this will be a new career choice for me. I'd be in my late 40s before I got anywhere with med school or pharmacology.
I've been on this drug for 4 years, and until recently it's served me well. Now it doesn't seem to be doing its job anymore, and I'm already at close to the maximum dosage (I'm taking 40mg QD, and I think the highest safe dose is 50mg).
Now, I know there's a whole wide world of antidepressants, and newer ones than what I'm taking.......which one(s) do you guys think is the best, and tell me what you like about it? I want to have some solid information before I go to my PCP and ask him to switch me to something else.
Thanks!
I have been taking Zoloft for a few years and for me it is wonderful. It is the first and only antidepressant I have ever taken. I started out with 50mg, then went to 100mg, now I am back at 50mg. I started taking it for panic attacks, and thank god I have been panic attack free for some time now. I guess it all depends on the body chemistry, I don't know a lot about the other antidepressants that are on the market. Good luck in finding one that's right for you.
I used to take Effexor XR. That stuff did NOT agree with me at all and the withdrawl was horrible. It took me 2 months to ean off it and I still struggled with withdrawl. I completely understand now what drug addicts go through. I had the chills, then I would be soaked in sweat. I was having vivid dreams with AND without the drug, hallucinations, loss of body controls, etc. I can't remember everything except that it was horrible. But it's different for everyone.
I'm glad to say that I've been anti-depressant free for almost a year now! (July is when I got off them)
I take my Centrum Mutivitamin and calcium and that's it! I've taken up walking and I think it helps a lot.
:)
VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN
22 Articles; 9,996 Posts
Aha! I was wondering about that, seeing as how Paxil CR came out around the same time I was switched to the generic form of Paxil. Hmph! :stone
Think I'll just try upping my dose to 50mg for the time being......it'll probably be of some help, since the depression isn't severe AND it's been 2 years since my last increase.
Thanks again!