Posted by Chloe on March 11, 2002, at 20:15:22
In reply to Are tricyclics now more or less discredited?, posted by lizzyg on March 11, 2002, at 11:55:04
> Having been (happily) free of depression for nearly seven years until a couple of months ago, I haven't done any research on antidepressants for a while. What I've noticed from this and other sites is that tricyclics now seem to be relegated to a third-line treatment behind SSRIs and the newer ADs.
>
> My first attack of major depression/anxiety 19 years ago was treated successfully with amitriptyline and a benzo (I guess there weren't as many options then). Subsequent attacks also responded well to Lofepramine (a third generation tricyclic available here in the UK but not in the US, which has fewer side effects) and a short course of benzos. I found the Lofepramine neither stimulating nor sedating; it just made me feel like myself - surely the goal of all ADs.
>
> I have tried SSRIs a couple of times and found them difficult to tolerate. In fact, this time round, my depression is not a severe as previously and I have found the side effects from all the prescribed meds I've tried unacceptable, so am testing out SAM-e. If that doesn't work it's back to the drawing board.
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> Just wondered, are there any positive stories about tricyclics out there, especially newer variants like Lofepramine or Tianeptine?
>Hi Lizzy
I too, was put on TCA's years ago before the advent of Prozac and did not *like* the side effects. I too, don't tolerate SSRI"s well, but the tiniest bit, say one tenth of the initial dose works well for me(1.3 mgs Celexa). So when I added a small amount of TCA, amitriptyline(20 mgs) to the SSRI, I really had a lift in mood and no major side effect complaints from the SSRI or the TCA.
So my humble opinion is that the older generation TCA's (though I am not familiar with the UK brands) are still extremely useful for some people who can't tolerate the newer AD's. And sometimes a lower dose of TCA can acheive remission of depression if it is combined with a small amount of newer antidepressant, lessening the chance of uncomfortable adverse effects.I don't think I answered your question, but this is what I was able to express about the topic! Ignore it if it's not useful!
Chloe
poster:Chloe
thread:97454
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020307/msgs/97515.html