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Is It Safe To Lower The Dosage Of Fetzima And Propranolol?
Question: I have have been on 80 mg of fetzima, 100 mg of lamictal, 80 mg of propranalol er, and 300 mg of wellbutrin xl, 40 mg of diazepam. I have also had 16 current treatments of deep tms. I have had bad nasuea every day for the last 6 months and current doctor thought it may be the fetzima so he lowered the dose of it to 40 mg and the dose of propranalol to 60 mg regular just 4 days ago. I was doing well on the deep tms and he thought it was good time to start lowering the meds with intentions of getting me off all medications at a slow rate. Since he changed the medicines 4 days ago I have become more depressed, nauseous, and not sleeping as well. I was wondering what was going on. I have also been getting sick for sometime when I get overheated or go out in the sun for any length of time. What is that from?
Brief Answer:
I think this is due to lowering of multiple medications
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. I think his decision to lower the dose of fetzima is in right direction but I do not understand why multiple drugs should be lowered in one go.
At this stage my request is to go higher with propranolol and Lamictal (previous dose) and keep the lower dose of fetzima after discussing with your doctor.
In addition I feel you should avoid getting out as there is chance of light sensitivity. The sun sensitivity is side effect of both Fetzima as well as Lamictal. I understand this is difficult to ofllow but you can avoid sun by using sunscreen on sun exposed areas and using full sleeve clothes as far as possible.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
I think this is due to lowering of multiple medications
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. I think his decision to lower the dose of fetzima is in right direction but I do not understand why multiple drugs should be lowered in one go.
At this stage my request is to go higher with propranolol and Lamictal (previous dose) and keep the lower dose of fetzima after discussing with your doctor.
In addition I feel you should avoid getting out as there is chance of light sensitivity. The sun sensitivity is side effect of both Fetzima as well as Lamictal. I understand this is difficult to ofllow but you can avoid sun by using sunscreen on sun exposed areas and using full sleeve clothes as far as possible.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am not sure what you mean by the previous dose of lamictal. I have been on 100 mg of it for some time. What would the higher dose of propranolol do for me? I guess what would be the benefits of it?
Also, how long should it take the symptoms of lowering these med doses to subside to where I am back to feeling better?
Also, how long should it take the symptoms of lowering these med doses to subside to where I am back to feeling better?
Brief Answer:
Generally around one to two weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
The earlier dose (100 mg lamictal, 80 mg propranolol and 80 mg Fetzima) was reduced to 60 mg Lamictal, 60 mg propranol and 40 mg Fetzima abot four days back. So I mean to say that previous dose of lamictal was 80 mg and should not be lowered along with other medications. Ideally no two drugs should be changed at the same time if possible. I mean to say that current feeling of nausea, depression are most likely contributed by withdrawal symptoms of lamictal which are common if there is sudden change in dose (here 60 mg from previous 100 mg). So it can be stated that higher dose will help you in controlling the withdrawal symptoms which are causing problem on this day.
If you continue with them with current dosage the withdrawal symptoms will be settled in one to two weeks. There is good possibility of feeling better by the end of next week.
I hope this clarifies.
If you feel I understood wrongly please correct me and let me know about the correct situation.
Thanks and regards.
Generally around one to two weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
The earlier dose (100 mg lamictal, 80 mg propranolol and 80 mg Fetzima) was reduced to 60 mg Lamictal, 60 mg propranol and 40 mg Fetzima abot four days back. So I mean to say that previous dose of lamictal was 80 mg and should not be lowered along with other medications. Ideally no two drugs should be changed at the same time if possible. I mean to say that current feeling of nausea, depression are most likely contributed by withdrawal symptoms of lamictal which are common if there is sudden change in dose (here 60 mg from previous 100 mg). So it can be stated that higher dose will help you in controlling the withdrawal symptoms which are causing problem on this day.
If you continue with them with current dosage the withdrawal symptoms will be settled in one to two weeks. There is good possibility of feeling better by the end of next week.
I hope this clarifies.
If you feel I understood wrongly please correct me and let me know about the correct situation.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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