Posted by jay on November 15, 2001, at 0:59:18
There is much talk about how the tricyclics somehow aren't good for "atypical" depression. I think, though, that most folks have a number of symptoms that do somewhat indicate atypical depression, but also have many endogenous symptoms. (Irritability, anxiety, bouts of insomnia..etc.) I also think the reverse of the first statement is true...and that meds for atypical depression can are little to no-good for endogenous depression symptoms, and maybe can make them worse, especially in the long run.From my little bit of experience (n=1..heh,) it seems the highly activating quality of the newer SRI/SNRI's seem to really complicate endogenous depressive symptoms. I think that is why many only attain partial relief from the newer a.d's. I've noticed that the tricyclics, in particular nortriptyline, help my depression and anxiety in a fairly different way than the newer meds.
Again, this is why I believe folks should consider (especially if you have had many problems with the newer a.d.'s..or they haven't helped.) a tricyclic. Two of the more popular ones seem to be desipramine and nortriptyline. As far as side-effects go...some are different than the newer meds, but I don't think much worse in the long-term. Weight-gain is not much different, from what long-term experience seems to show.
There are a vast number ot tricyclics to try...so I would suggest taking a shot.
Jay
poster:jay
thread:84318
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011113/msgs/84318.html