I have some experience with antidepressants...SSRI's work to increase the seratonin in the brain. Lexapro is one of these and also Paxil, Zoloft, and Celexa. Some of the common side effects are sexual problems including low sex drive or inability to have an orgasm are common but reversible, dizziness, headaches, nausea right after a dose, insomnia, feeling jittery.

Cymbalta, Effexor, Pristiq, and Remeron all increase the nuerotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine to the brain. Side effects can include: Drowsiness, blurred vision, lightheadedness, strange dreams, constipation, fever/chills, headache, increased or decreased appetite, tremor, dry mouth, nausea.

Remeron can be sedating. Cymbalta may increase sweating and blood pressure and also cause fatigue and reduced energy.

Welbutrin is an example of an anti depressant that increases norepinephrine and dopamine. Common side effects: Weight loss, decreased appetite, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, constipation, dry mouth, diarrhea, dizziness, seizures.

Interestingly enough...many people find welbutrin helpful in reducing cravings when stopping smoking.

I have used several of the above anti depressants with limited benefits.

Everyone is highly individual of course and responds differently. Sometimes it takes a lot of patience and will be a "cocktail" rather than a single med. Many people are helped by boosting their antidepressant with Abilify. You just have to try and see. Many side effects go away in a short time.

I hope this was somewhat helpful. I would do some homework and learn about the benefits and risks. I would also keep a "mood journal" and you will be surprised how helpful this is as you work with your dr. Just very simple even. It's so helpful to see patterns etc.

: ))

This is one of those things that 'one size does not fit all. If you don't think the anti-depressant you're taking is working well enough you could try another one. Hopefully you can find one that is more than satisfactory and helps you be you.

kathy

Kathy is right...I think I did about 3...before I found my right fit...the one I take now is for depression/anxiety which much better suits me. Best of luck finding your fit... :-)

Thanks for the replies. I have tried Wellbutrin-but it made me severely depressed and made me feel sooo weird! I had very good results with Cymbalta but it was damaging my liver so I had to come off of it. And I am currently on Lexapro but still experiencing a great deal of depression that comes and goes.

merrymommy- have you tried Abilify? Could I add this to a 20 mg daily dosage of Lexapro?

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Cataja- which one was the most helpful in your case? Thanks

I did use Abilify effectively with Pristiq but after about a year...it became less and less effective. I never had any of the oddball side effects many have with Abilify...ie...the super intense dreams...lol

Welbutrin is great because of the lack of sexual side effects...but made me kinda irritable and a cranky camper. lol

I do not know for sure if your Dr could use Abilify to "boost" Lexapro. But if its been working therapeutically for awhile...and you are just experiencing some "break thru symptoms"...I would think it might be great to try to keep with the Lexapro.

I was just going to add.

Abilify was originally approved for use primarily with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia. It acts as a Dopamine Antagonist I believe.) Dopamine receptor antagonists are used for some diseases such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, nausea and vomiting. It is classified as an Atypical Antipsychotic and has been associated with some blood sugar issues. Some patients have experienced a condition called DKA which is basically a sharp rise in blood sugar and if not treated in time can even cause coma and eventually death.

This is very rare but I would advise anyone to get a baseline blood panel done before starting any medicine from that group and regularly (at least every 3-6 months) monitor your blood sugar level. Just to be on the safe side.

These medications are not a joke and the benefits must be carefully weighed against the possible risks.