Med Change - adding Prozac to Lexapro

[ReallyImFine]

I have been on Lexapro 20mg, Clonazepam .5mg twice a day, and seroquel 50mg for the last 8 months or so.

I recently tapered off the the seroquel because it just stopped working suddenly (it was to help with staying asleep). Even with less sleep I *feel* much better without it.

My wife is concerned that the Lexapro isn't working anymore. I'm not sure it ever worked that well. I went on it at the same time as the Clonazepam which I know works well so I can't really differentiate the effects of the Lexapro from the Clonazepam.

Anyway, saw my pdoc this morning (it has been three months) and she added Prozac 20mg twice a day (40mg total) and an additional Clonazepam at bedtime. After one week I will cut the Lexapro back to 10mg daily but then keep at that until I see her again in a month.

I'm not sure what I was expecting her to do but this wasn't it  I would love to hear from anyone that is / has taken these together, specifically what to watch out for.

 

[Bueler]

The prozac might be more activating than the Lexapro was.  Also, 20mg isn't the max you can go on Lexapro, you could always try 30mg.

Otherwise, just see how it goes... maybe take the prozac in the morning in case it's too stimulating.

[ReallyImFine]

Thanks for the insight. The first week went great, feeling better than ever. The second week (with the lexapro cut to 10mg) didn't go so well. A few days in to it I started to crash. Feeling irritable. Agitated all the time. Lots of obsessing. Ruminating. Strong suicidal ideation. Again my wife asked if I was taking my meds (I do, didn't miss one) so that is always a big clue.

So, I called my pdoc today and we talked (exchanged voice mails and messages with her assistant) about going back to the 20mg of lexapro. Haven't decided what to do yet. Her concern is the possibility of serotonin syndrome. Possible other concerns as well. She is supposed to call me back soon, hopefully I won't miss the call this time.