Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 8, 2014, at 14:14:04
In reply to Re: Brintellix 20mg: Fairly strong sexual side effect » ed_uk2010, posted by Chris O on May 3, 2014, at 17:38:24
>Does it (TCAs) have the possibility of harming the heart, or is that just in people with heart disease that it is contraindicated?
TCAs, at high doses (mainly in overdose), can alter the function of the electrical conduction pathways in the heart. This effect is temporary while the drug level is high, they do not 'damage' the heart. TCAs can also affect heart rate (which is often increased). In patients without any underlying heart disease, the possibility of abnormal heart rhythms is very low. If you are over 60 or have health condition(s) predisposing to heart disease such as diabetes, it may be prudent to have an EKG before starting a TCA.
>Do you think antipsychotics are "safe" to take long term (like, for the rest of one's life) if they are working?
No medication is 'safe' as such, it is about balancing the potential risks against the benefits. If you were to take a TCA or an AP and found it very helpful with minimal adverse effects, it would be well worth continuing it.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:1064210
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140419/msgs/1065371.html