Might a third SSRI be a charm re: side effects?

[lei]

Hi,

I feel like I need an SSRI again for my OCD but am dreading the side effects. I know it ultimately comes down to whether they're worth the benefit or not, but in making that decision (which I know my docs will support) I'd like to know:

Has anyone had bad side effects with two SSRIs but not as bad with a third? Lexapro and Celexa both worked beautifully for my head, but badly for my body. Any guesses on my odds if I tried a third? And if so, which one?

Side effects included but were not limited to anorgasma (but testosterone creme handled most of that, so I'd be willing to take that on again) and digestive havoc. On Lexapro I had no appetite, and bad nausea and diarrhea. On Celexa I had some nausea and the belly of my 96 pound body ballooned like I was pregnant. Promethazine helped with the nausea but the rest sucked.

Anyway I'm weighing it all out and hoping for some hope. What sucks least for you?

Thanks.

[lei]

Thanks, anthro. This is the kind of anecdote I'm seeking. I wish you luck, too!

And I'll appreciate further input as it comes, anyone.

[netsavy006]

It's possible for the third SSRI to be better than the other 2. Zoloft (sertraline) and Pexeva (paroxetine) made me manic. Lexapro (escitalopram) helps the anxiety and depression without sending me into mania.

[lei]

Thank you for your reply, and just that you bumped this up today. I was about to do the same.

Last week I tried Zoloft, a mere 1/2 of a 25mg pill/day. I know that benefits and side effects are not normally felt so quickly, but apparently I'm ultra-sensitive to these things because within a few days my mind was crystal clear and my stomach was a complete mess, just like with the others.

I'm frustrated but ready to try a fourth. Doc will call back soon and call in whichever I want. He acknowledges that it's a crap shoot.

Input still very much appreciated. Paxil? Prozac? Anyone with a crystal ball have a hunch what won't make me nauseous? Thank you.

[MikeInVa]

Thank you for your reply, and just that you bumped this up today. I was about to do the same.

Last week I tried Zoloft, a mere 1/2 of a 25mg pill/day. I know that benefits and side effects are not normally felt so quickly, but apparently I'm ultra-sensitive to these things because within a few days my mind was crystal clear and my stomach was a complete mess, just like with the others.

I'm frustrated but ready to try a fourth. Doc will call back soon and call in whichever I want. He acknowledges that it's a crap shoot.

Input still very much appreciated. Paxil? Prozac? Anyone with a crystal ball have a hunch what won't make me nauseous? Thank you.

I've been on paxil for a few weeks now after the lexapro crapped out on me a month or so ago & the only major side effect I've experienced so far is a decrease in appetite which is why my pdoc recently reduced the dosage from 20mgs per day down to 10 mgs per day.

[lei]

I've been on paxil for a few weeks now after the lexapro crapped out on me a month or so ago & the only major side effect I've experienced so far is a decrease in appetite which is why my pdoc recently reduced the dosage from 20mgs per day down to 10 mgs per day.

If I may ask, are you less hungry because you're nauseous? That is the problem for me, and I'm tiny so I can't afford it. In any case I know yours is one of many possible anecdotes but I appreciate it nonetheless. Hope is hope.

Meantime, doc and I spoke earlier and he phoned in Prozac. So that will be #4 and hopefully the winner, but if not I will try Paxil (or anything!) because I so long for the peace of mind they all provide....please please please

[MikeInVa]

I've been on paxil for a few weeks now after the lexapro crapped out on me a month or so ago & the only major side effect I've experienced so far is a decrease in appetite which is why my pdoc recently reduced the dosage from 20mgs per day down to 10 mgs per day.

If I may ask, are you less hungry because you're nauseous? That is the problem for me, and I'm tiny so I can't afford it. In any case I know yours is one of many possible anecdotes but I appreciate it nonetheless. Hope is hope.

Meantime, doc and I spoke earlier and he phoned in Prozac. So that will be #4 and hopefully the winner, but if not I will try Paxil (or anything!) because I so long for the peace of mind they all provide....please please please

The paxil just supresses my appetite in general,now when I was on the Lexapro I had to deal with nausea in the beginning & couldn't take it without eating but that wore off after a while.Of course my nutrition hasn't been very good from the start( please see my thread posted in the ED forum) so it's bad enough not being able to eat due to the meds having such an impact on an already low desire to eat.

Good luck on the Prozac & I hope that it helps,I swear my brother's on Paxil & he says it makes him feel more energetic but all I want to do is sleep while taking it so I have no idea where he gets that from.

[lei]

The paxil just supresses my appetite in general,now when I was on the Lexapro I had to deal with nausea in the beginning & couldn't take it without eating but that wore off after a while.Of course my nutrition hasn't been very good from the start( please see my thread posted in the ED forum) so it's bad enough not being able to eat due to the meds having such an impact on an already low desire to eat.

Good luck on the Prozac & I hope that it helps,I swear my brother's on Paxil & he says it makes him feel more energetic but all I want to do is sleep while taking it so I have no idea where he gets that from.

Thanks for the clarification re: appetite. I appreciate your good wishes and send the same to you in your healing.

The part I bolded is just 'cause I realize more how my doc and all you folks are right about this being a crap shoot. Gosh if I wasn't already crazy....