[kelsh]

Hi Hoover & Midnightfrost,

I took Zoloft for about four years when I changed from Doxipin. I had no noticeable side-effects at first and had already gained weight so did not notice that. Lithium was the cause of my weight gain.

I did start to have trouble with my stomach bloating and getting very hard when I did eat so ate less. I finally got so uncomfortable with my stomach and constipation that I asked my doc to change me to another antidepressant.

That is when I started Effexor XR. I have taken it for about15 years now and it is doing the job. I did quit Lithium because it was decided by my pdoc that I was not Bipolar I but had manic reactions to other meds such as psychotropics. When I titrated off Lithium I lost over 60 pounds which I needed to lose. Everything got better for me and I reduced my Xanax and a couple meds for my arthrits. This took a year for me to accomplish under the watchful eye of my doc. :comfort

I went back to my psycdoc for another evaluation and she was very pleased with my progress. Then she asked me to try Lexapro and I have been taking it for one year along with my Effexor XR. I take Lexapro 10 mg and Effexor 300 mg every morning. :mock

I have motivation, energy, and more up moods than down moods now. It is a miracle for me. I still have days that I have to make myself do the usual household chores rather than things I like to do such as be on my computer.

kelsh