Posted by christophrejmc on October 31, 2001, at 0:50:33
Hello. I'm new to PB, so I'll start off with some background information. I started psychotherapy at age seven for suicidal behaviour, was diagnosed with ADD (no H) at age ten and major depression at age twelve (after a failed suicide attempt). I spent the majority of ages 12-15 in various short- and long-term psychiatric hospitals (I am 20 years old now.) I have been on every SSRI, imipramine, Nardil, several benzodiazepines, BuSpar, Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, Thorazine (prescribed by an aging pdoc after I complained of insomnia), and most of the newer ADs. Nothing has been of much help; most result in a dulling of emotions. Some of the symptoms: hypersomnia (or insomnia), fatigue, social anxiety, irritable mood, anhedonia, poor concentration, et cetera. These symptoms started at about age four (when my older brother died [which may or may not mean something, depending on which one of my past shrinks you ask]) and have gradually worsened.
Anyways, for the past two weeks, I've been taking 2.5mg/day olanzapine and 25mg/day desipramine. The only side-effects I experienced were chest pains (which strangely disappeared after I increased the desipramine to 50mg/day) and muscle soreness. Are these potentially serious? I see my pdoc in a week, but I'd rather not die or anything before then. So far I haven't noticed any positive effects. How long, typically, do TCA's take to "kick in." Is there any reason why olanzapine augmentation would be more efficacious with an SSRI? Has anyone had any success with olanzapine augmentation?
Also, if anyone has any other advice, I would love to hear it.
Thanks,
Christophre
poster:christophrejmc
thread:82728
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011025/msgs/82728.html