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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by terrysquier on November 19, 2006, at 1:03:41
I know probably you'd have to be experimenting on your own to do this because most docs usually put you on one or two ADs at a time, but has anyone ever tried taking a combination of the various antidepressant meds in lower doses at the same time to see how their depression responded. For example, Paxil (20 mg), Wellbutrin (75 mg), Effexor (75 mg), Lexapro (10 mg). You'd probably have to order them online at various sites to try this, but just wondering if others have tried this and what the results were.
Terry
Posted by Declan on November 19, 2006, at 1:03:41
In reply to Combination of Antidepressant drugs, posted by terrysquier on November 12, 2006, at 14:54:59
Well, if I was thinking about something like this maybe it might be tianeptine parnate or Nardil tianeptine or nardil deprenyl. It wouldn't work though for me though. I'd never sleep for a start. Even bacopa keeps me awake, 4 standard drinks ditto.
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on November 19, 2006, at 4:20:02
In reply to Combination of Antidepressant drugs, posted by terrysquier on November 12, 2006, at 14:54:59
Its a thought, but you've got to remember that even at low doses, you're going to get all the side effects added up too, which might be quite unbearable.
Perhaps if you started one, waited for the start s/e to subside, then start another one after a month, then wait for a month, then add in another.....thing is, you'd have to wait five months....
I mean wellbutrin + effexor would be like rocket fuel I imagine.
It might just end up being abit too much.
M
Not to mention serotonin syndrome etc etc
Posted by blueberry on November 19, 2006, at 8:52:21
In reply to Combination of Antidepressant drugs, posted by terrysquier on November 12, 2006, at 14:54:59
> I know probably you'd have to be experimenting on your own to do this because most docs usually put you on one or two ADs at a time, but has anyone ever tried taking a combination of the various antidepressant meds in lower doses at the same time to see how their depression responded. For example, Paxil (20 mg), Wellbutrin (75 mg), Effexor (75 mg), Lexapro (10 mg). You'd probably have to order them online at various sites to try this, but just wondering if others have tried this and what the results were.
>
> TerryHi Terry,
In a combo like this it is hard to tell what is doing what in terms of effects and side effects. If you have already taken these individually though and you know how each feels, then you are at an advantage.
Caution must be observed in mixing various serotonin meds. Read up on serotonin syndrome. It is dangerous and sometimes deadly. Starting with very low doses would be wise.
It is just my opinion that I don't think more than 2 prescription antidepressants should be combined at any time.
Posted by linkadge on November 19, 2006, at 10:45:32
In reply to Re: Combination of Antidepressant drugs » terrysquier, posted by blueberry on November 19, 2006, at 8:52:21
Sometimes combinations can be usefull but you've got to know which drugs are doing what.
I remember when I was swiching from prozac to effexor to zoloft, I felt ok during the transition phase, but lousy on any one drug alone.
To avoid redundant combinations, you could restrict yourself to combinations which affect different neurotransmitter systems.
Linkadge
Posted by Phillipa on November 19, 2006, at 11:59:28
In reply to Re: Combination of Antidepressant drugs, posted by linkadge on November 19, 2006, at 10:45:32
I'd let a doctor help me decide. Love Phillipa
Posted by madeline on November 19, 2006, at 15:41:49
In reply to Combination of Antidepressant drugs, posted by terrysquier on November 12, 2006, at 14:54:59
I'm with phillipa, this is not something you want to start mixing and matching at home without a doctor's advice.
I also think that ordering drugs online without a prescription is illegal.
It sounds like you may have a good idea, but I would run it by a doc first.
Posted by stargazer on November 19, 2006, at 21:33:22
In reply to Combination of Antidepressant drugs, posted by terrysquier on November 12, 2006, at 14:54:59
I get frightened of combining more than 2 or 3 medications. So many people here are on many more. Is one doc prescribing all of the medications you take? One doc should be aware of all the meds you taken, psych and others.
The risk of combining many different drugs can lead to severe kidney or liver damage, and possibly failure. There is NO way to test for the various combinations of meds, so unless you want to risk organ failure and the possibility of a transplant, you have to know that this can be a risk of polypharmacology. I see this area of medicine sorely lacking in attention.
I'm not trying to be a doomsayer, but just know that the body has a limited capacity to process all medications taken on a daily basis. It is now known that severe damage to the liver can result from the combination of alcohol and small amounts of acetaminophen (Tylenol). Think of the combination of meds we take to alleviate our acute despair. Our concern is with known side effects, due to the immediate impact of these, but the potential for long term damage has to be evaluated as well.
If I were on more than 2 or 3 meds I would ask my doc about long term risks to my liver and kidneys. The only problem is that you may not know what the meds are doing until the damage is done. So, I guess you could have blood tests for liver and kidney function every 6 mos or so and have your primary MD monitor these based on your medication history. That is what I think I will do if my meds get more complicated.
Thanks for listening. By verbalizing this concern, I just figured out how I may handle this situation for myself. Does anyone else feel this is a serious concern or am I worrying needlessly? I do have a preventative nature so I'd rather think about it now than later when the decision has already been made for me...SG
Posted by Phillipa on November 19, 2006, at 21:48:36
In reply to Re: Combination of Antidepressant drugs/Scare me, posted by stargazer on November 19, 2006, at 21:33:22
Yes as I just had severly messed up liver enzymes from diverticulitis. Hopefully they are getting back to normal as they have always been in the normal range. I did have an ASMA along with my ANA which shows slight elevation of each indicating autoimmune hepatitis but I'm not going there as the meds are cortisone and a cancer on. More dangerous to me. Love Phillipa
Posted by stargazer on November 19, 2006, at 22:20:31
In reply to Re: Combination of Antidepressant drugs/Scare me » stargazer, posted by Phillipa on November 19, 2006, at 21:48:36
I don't know what ASMA is? I only know the kidney ones like BUN, Creatinine, being the most basic blood tests and the LFT's, i.e. SGOT, etc.
Hey, you and I have the same evening routine lately. Still having trouble going to bed by 12 AM. Ensam is working, I think my brain is making better connections. My memory is improving, and I'm thinking more critically. I forgot that when the brain works and the memory can store and recall, life is easier, less stressful, even if there is morestress inyou life. I really could not process information like I should have but when you lose it you start to forget what it was like to be able to follow conversations and contribute in an active way, not just superficially...SG
Posted by Phillipa on November 19, 2006, at 22:34:45
In reply to Re: Combination of Antidepressant drugs/Phillipa, posted by stargazer on November 19, 2006, at 22:20:31
Stargazer here's your first research assignment. You have my e-mail. I always feel best at night and horrible in the morning. So if the EMSAM keeps working I'll probably join you. Love Phillipa we have 26 minutes til midnight.
This is the end of the thread.
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