Hi L&T,

I was originally a unipolar depression Dx back in 1998. I've only been completely SSRI free for about 7 months during 2012 to 2013 and on Risperidal only for BP 2. Mostly I was on Lexapro for 7 years. Paxil is my favorite, but it's a little to sedating for me to maintain a career and be on. Prozac, being more energizing, is the ticket right now. There is a small risk for rapid cycling or mania w SSRIs and BP 2 that my doc has concerns about, but as long as I stay in good routine and especially monitor my sleep cycles, he says I'll be ok.

The GAD is really the worst for me. I cannot and will not do Benzos or Gabapentin, awful experiences in the past for me. SSRIs reduce the GAD from crazy panic attack hell to just a few minutes of needing to deep breathe in the morning. Not sure I'll ever get off SSRIs again.

A long time ago a pdoc recommended Ginko Biloba suppliments to help w delayed orgasms from SSRIs. It took a few weeks and helped a great deal. Not sure if there's real basis or studies. I might try to get off SSRIs again one day, but for now, I'm on a good mix.

moogs