changing meds

perigrine

New Member

Joined : Aug 2005

Posts : 5

Posted 9/1/2005 9:39 PM (GMT -7)

Hi folks,

After being on Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) since February this year, going from 5 - 10 - 20 mg and having bugger all effect on me, the Dr has prescribed Lovan (fluoxetine).

Now I know you shouldn't just stop medications, so I am wondering if I should lower the dose of the Lexapro til they are all gone, wait another couple of days or a week, and then start the Lovan, or stop the Lexapro and start immediately on the Lovan which I'd rather not do, coz I'd like to sort withdrawal effects from new med effects.

Does anyone have an opinion on this?

cheers,
Monique

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed." Chamfort

harry4

Veteran Member

Joined : Mar 2005

Posts : 1449

Posted 9/2/2005 4:11 PM (GMT -7)

fluoxetine and lexapro are both SSRI type so an overnight swap is usual however I doubt it will work either and would be thinking of trying another anti depressant of a different type, such as effexor, whgich is a SNRI type

there are lots of differerent types of antidepressants and several types may need to be tried to find 1 that works for a person, sadly many docs dont seem to realise this, its not unusual to hear of someone who has been tried on 4 or more antidepressants all of the same type and still with no help from any

another common mistake is for doc to forget to raise the low starting dose later

some meds are promoted as 'add ons' to get an antidepressant working but I dont think they help

recovered former longtime anxiety and panic attack sufferer and helper of other sufferers but no training or qualifications in medicine or psychology, any remarks that may be taken as advice must be confirmed with doctor or other health professional

AlwaysRosie

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2005

Posts : 8616

Posted 9/2/2005 7:57 PM (GMT -7)

Hi Perigrine,

There are several members here who have tried different SSRI's to find the right one. I am one of them. You don't necessarily need to change the class of medines to get a better result.

As far as weaning off one and onto the other, your pharmicists should be a great help with that. They know how each of these meds interact. I would think that if there were particulars, your doctor would have talked about it, but the pharmacist is a great resource.

Keep us posted!

Blessings!

In His Grip,

AlwaysRosie "We can't control the waves, but we can learn to surf!"

Psalms 139

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perigrine

New Member

Joined : Aug 2005

Posts : 5

Posted 9/2/2005 10:46 PM (GMT -7)

Sadly the pharmacy isn't open again until Monday morning.

Normally I'd trust the Dr'd reccomendation, but this one is an idiot. I'd change Dr's but this one is the only one that bulk bills and is local. I can't afford the 50$ per visit for any other Dr, even if they are willing to take on new patients.

So I guess I get to work it out for myself and hope for the best.

cheers,
Monique

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed." Chamfort

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