Posted by saint james on October 10, 1999, at 19:58:38
In reply to Re: TCA's and sleep, posted by JohnL on October 10, 1999, at 15:33:04
Pamelor is the only one I've tried. Some TCAs lengthen REM sleep, some shorten it. I've read info about that somewhere, wish I could remember where. Somewhere out there in cyberspace is info on TCAs and their effects on REM sleep. In any case, you will likely have some side effects even at low doses, most probably dry mouth.
James here....
Correct, in general most AD's that sedate, esp the TCA's, seem to make people dream more and improve the quality of sleep. Benzo's don't have this effect, tend to change sleep cycles so you sleep, but really don't get the best sleep, just more quanity. In judgeing sleep we tend to be more worried about quanity, but the real issue is
good sleep. Good sleep is when you feel rested when you wake up.I took Doxipin for years, as it is the most sedating TCA. Very anti-colinergic, excellext for my allergies. The allergist and dermatologist use Doxipin often for allergic conditions. Start at 25 mgs, no higher, lest you want to sleep 24/7. In general, you should try it, or any sedating AD used for sleep, for 1 month because you can't really tell at first if it is too sedating. Everyone finds these meds very sedating at first, but it is a mistake to quit b4 one month. Once you get used to a med, adjust dose to whatever gives good sleep (i.e. you feel rested in the AM)
At first if a dose is making you a total zommbe after a few days, consider halfing the dose.I had to take 75 mgs of Doxipin to sleep and grew tired of the sexual side effects so I moved on to Remeron, 15 mgs. I found it had less daytime sedation, and worked quicker. TCA's took 1-2 hrs but Remeron takes 30 mins. no sexual side effects.
In general to AM sedation is pretty strong on either, till you get up and start moving, then it goes away. Remeron to me has less daytime sedation than TCA's.
james
poster:saint james
thread:12957
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991001/msgs/12978.html