Hi All-
Jamie is right ( as usual) -Wellbutrin is not an SSRI, so side effect profile is different. One thing to remember - you have to taper off most of these meds, especially Paxil, or you can really feel VERY sick.
That said - some people can also tolerate Effexor, which has 2 mechanisms, one of which is an SSRI. It is one of the few drugs where the side effects go down as the dose increases - because the other mechanism takes over for the SSRI.
Give Wellbutrin a try, because often those who do not tolerate any SSRI's can tolerate this med. You have tried 3 different SSRI's with the same result, now might be a good time to switch classes of drugs. There is also a much older classification of drugs which are as effective as the current antidepressants: tricyclics. Elavil is one, Tofranil is another. Often these drugs are given in small doses to PALS to decrease secretions. They also have their side effects, but are worth a try.
After all of these drug problems - I hope you see an actual psychiatrist. Most MD's don't know what to do after the 1st one does not work, and they are often afraid to go up on the dose. Also - they are MUCH less likely to be up on the interactions of Psych meds.
Lorie -
Valium and ZANAX are variants of the same medication - the Benzodiazepine family. Do not ever give him both drugs. I cannot see why he has been prescribed both, unless by 2 different doctors who do not know about each other. These both relieve anxiety and aggression, but depress breathing. You MUST be very careful with those. Other drugs in the same class are Clonazepam and Lorazepam. Many of our PALS get a liquid formulation of Lorazepam for choking episodes. None of these should ever be mixed with each other or alcohol.
By the way - I take Prozac, the oldest of the SSRI's and it works well for me. It is a terrible problem of trial and error. Please stick with it, and keep trying.
Last point - SSRI's are one of the best drugs for anxiety - but they take a long time to work for anxiety,work a little quicker for depression. Valium, etc. work on anxiety, as well, but research is showing a very good effect from SSRI's and they are not lethal or addictive.
Good luck - Beth