SSRI's and SAD

[metamorphosis]

I have SAD and depreson,my doctor has me on klonipin and wants to start an SSRI.He is thinking either Zoloft or Prozac for two reasons.My depression leaves me very lethargic and these two seem to be more stimulating out of all of the other SSRIs.Also I don't have insurance for newer ones like Lexapro.I would like some feedback on people who have taken either or both of these.Does one seem to work better for SAD and depression and I definatley do not want weight gain as that tends to be a factor in my depressive state and I know some meds can be known for that.Also any other side effects that I might expect.He's basically letting me decide between the two.
Thanks

[dss]

As with most medications of this type it will come down to a trial and error process to see which will help you. There is no "best" , try one to see it it works , if not , move on to the next one. Prozac was the first SSRI so you could chose based on that , or you could flip a coin maybe?

Weight gain can be a side effect of most SSRI I think. No way to tell if you will get it as everyone reacts differently.

Some quick side effects copied and pasted. Probably can be applied across the board for most SSRI

* diarrhea
* dizziness
* drowsiness
* dry mouth
* headache
* insomnia
* nausea
* tiredness or weakness
* trembling or shaking
* trouble sleeping

Less common

* agitation, anxiety, or nervousness
* back pain
* changes in taste sensations
* changes in vision, including blurred vision
* constipation
* decreased appetite or weight loss
* difficulty concentrating
* flushing or redness of skin, with feeling of warmth or heat
* heartburn
* increased appetite and weight gain
* increased sweating
* increased urination
* joint pain
* menstrual disorder
* stomach or abdominal cramps, gas, or pain
* vomiting
* yawning


Good luck with whichever you chose!

[31GoingOn13]

I take Lexapro, but don't know if it helps. I wish I could give it a glowing endorsement, but I'm undecided.

[jaayhou]

Talk to a medical professional if you're seeking medical advice, and take everything you see here with a grain of salt.

That said, here are some tips from my perspective.

First of all, Lexapro is simply the S-enantiomer of citalopram, a cheap generic. In other words, citalopram is a mixture of Lexapro and an inactive drug. Lexapro is just the active portion, and is thought to have fewer side effects since the majority of adverse effects are thought to be due to the inactive enantiomer. In theory, citalopram will have the same efficacy as Lexapro.

I took citalopram for about half a year and it worked surprisingly well for me. I don't mean to say I'm "cured," but I seem to have gained some insight into how to deal with my anxiety. I'm convinced SSRIs can work for SOME people.

SSRIs have relatively few common side effects.

[KurtG85]

I would second the mention of celexa, and I can't think of any SSRI's that dont have increased appetite as a side effect. If anything it is just encouragement to exercise which is an anti depressant in itself. I have been on SSRIs for years and am not overweight, though I do have a voracious appetite for sweets. I just don't buy them at the grocery so I am not tempted.

[ScaredofBeez]

I've always watched my weight and measurements meticulously and since I started Celexa I have actually been losing weight. I think b/c I can't just sit down any more, I have to be constantly doing something. As far as my diet goes I normally try to eat healthy and nothing has really changed.

[dontcare]

I liked Zoloft, I don't see how Celexa is any better. It's given me headaches and affected my sleep patterns too.