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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bigpopper on November 16, 2006, at 11:21:40
Has anyone gone from say 10mg up to 15 or 20mg and have worse effects. Then move back to 10mg with less SE's and feel better?
Posted by blueberry on November 16, 2006, at 20:16:52
In reply to Anyone feel better on Less Lexapro than More?, posted by bigpopper on November 16, 2006, at 11:21:40
> Has anyone gone from say 10mg up to 15 or 20mg and have worse effects. Then move back to 10mg with less SE's and feel better?
Yes. Actually it is like that with me and all ssris. One theory says that is a sign of bipolar, even when manic symptoms have never been seen. People who respond that way to ssris might possibly do better with lithium, lamictal, or depakote.
Posted by stargazer on November 19, 2006, at 0:47:25
In reply to Re: Anyone feel better on Less Lexapro than More?, posted by blueberry on November 16, 2006, at 20:16:52
Yes... over the years I have proved I need much less than recommended doses for many AD's. I just start at lowest dose and stay there longer. Attempts to increase the dosage too quickly have usually resulted in side effects or a feeling that is worse than the original symptoms. I only increase if there is no improvement after a week or better. My pdoc just listens to what I want to do and usually supports my decisions.
I think the drug companies overshoot the needed dosage to boost sales and perhaps to get patients really dependent on higher dosages than necessary. And when you have to come off the drug, the higher the dose you are on, makes it that much longer to come off it,all affecting the bottomline.
It seems though no one, patients and doctors included, try to stay at the lowest dose possible, as I believe should be everyone's goal. Perhaps a higher dose may be needed to get you out of a severe depression, but after period of stability passes, a reduction in dosage should be attempted to minimize side effects and to minimize dependancy. Else, withdrawing from them (which occurs fairly commonly) will be your worst nightmare.
This is particularly true of antipsychotics with the potential for tardive dyskinesia. The warnings to take as low a dose as possible and only when absolutely necessary, seem to have fallen on deaf ears lately. I have to remind my pdoc of this at our next appt., even though I am slowly tapering myself off Seroquel, for a veriety of resons, one being this very real SE...It just shows you have to be your own advocate if you're able to...SG
This is the end of the thread.
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