Lexapro vs Remeron

[concernedman003]

This may be a little confusing but I have been trying to find the right mix of antid's for a little less than a year. I am  28Yr old male in good shape other than my depressive and anxious thoughts. I visited a pdoc and was initially started on lowest dose of lexapro. Wellbutrin quickly added on for motivation. This mix seemed to work for me all except the ED I was experiencing from the Lex. This is a big problem for me. I then tried generic Remeron for about six weeks along w the generic wellbutrin.
Side effects of the remeron I experienced made me very drowsy as well as an increased appetite at night. I excerices 5 days a week so the increased appetite I could handle. The drowsiness took its toll on me.
I decided to go back to Lex w the help of Cialis to combat my ED issues. This is going to get too expensive. I dont think this is the solution and I;m not looking to increase pills either. Would adjusting the dosage on Remeron have an effect on those side effects. Im thinking about talking to my doc about the possibility of switching back at a different dosag of remeron because it had no sexual side affect. . Can anyone give me some feedback on options I could discuss w my doc.
Thanks for your help.

[TrudieC]

Something to keep in mind with the Remeron.  Most people feel more tiredness at a lower dose and less at a higher dose.  I know this applied to me.  At half a tablet, even taken at night, I was so tired.  When I moved up to a whole one I feel much more energy.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Evidence suggests that the best course of action to take care of the side effects would be to try another anti-depressant, instead of changing the dose of the current one. But you should weigh the benefits against the side effects. If the prescribed dose of Remeron was taking care of the depressive symptoms, then you may consider waiting for the sedative side effects to go. Some side effects are dose dependant while others are time dependant.

Other antidepressants also have their own set of side effects. A practical approach would be to chose between ED or drowsiness. ED has it's own consequences and Cialis won't be affordable long term. Sedation may go away with time, if this side effect turns out to be time dependant in you.

Most of the other anti-depressants are known for causing sexual side effects. Remeron - Wellbutrin combination ( or monotherapy) seems the best option at present for you.

Do post again here after you have seen your Psychiatrist.

Regards

Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD

[concernedman003]

Well the Cialis is similar to a viagara. It's a 36hr time released Vasodilator that helps w blood flow to the penis. It doesn't help w/ increased libido but it helps the erection problems. It works and is not covered by my insurance so it's quite expensive.

[Hensley258]

I have been on both those drugs. Your right. The Remeron made me very sleepy so that is why I took it at night only. Problem is that the Remeron made me gain weight like a mad man.

The Lexapro also gave me ED problems as do most SSRI's and SNRI's.
I understand your frustration. It's like you can't win with these meds sometimes.

Have you tried just taking The Remeron at night ONLY?

The med company that comes out with an effective antidepressant that does not cause weight gain or ED will probably make billions.

I am currently taking Pristiq and lamictal and my sex drive has hit an all time low. So tell me how does that Cialis work?