Posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2000, at 6:30:47
In reply to Re: Paxil and TCAs, posted by Russel on March 23, 2000, at 0:28:02
Russ - The use of Prozac with Desipramine would be a safer SSRI/TCA combination. Prozac more selectively blocks serotonin reuptake amd Desipramine more selectively blocks norepinephrine reuptake. Serotonin syndrome becomes more of a problem when you combine an SSRI with a TCA that has more serotonin reuptake blocking action than norepinephrine blocking action (eg esp Clomipramine). Other TCAS lie on a spectrum between Desipramine and Clomipramine in their abilities to block these 2 reuptake pumps.As an aside, adding Desipramine to Prozac is similar to increasing an Effexor dose from, say 150mg to 300mg (Effexor begins to block the norepinephrine reuptake pump at this point, instead of just the serotonin reuptake pump). Remember, just because a drug combination works for someone else, does not mean that it will work for you. Ask your doctor if he thinks that the Desipramine augmentation might be a good choice for your type of depression. Good luck - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:27872
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000321/msgs/27919.html