Posted by Sad Panda on April 11, 2004, at 13:43:51
In reply to serotonin and body image, sociability, self-esteem, posted by zeugma on April 11, 2004, at 12:58:23
> I had a terrible series of responses to seronergetic drugs in the past (Prozac- rapid weight loss, aggravated insomnia; Zoloft- some kind of CNS-toxic reaction, possibly allergic) so I have steered clear of them since returning to meds two years ago. I currently take nortriptyline, 75 mg, Strattera, 80 mg, buspirone, 30 mg, and clonazepam .5 mg. These drugs are strong on NE but not so much on 5-HT. The symptoms I currently have are the following:
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> 1) a severe lack of energy;
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> 2)a strong desire to isolate, due in part to the lack of energy (I just want to lay around) but also due to self-consciousness, feeling improperly connected to my body (Body Dysmorphic Disorder?) and still experiencing visceral feelings of fear when in the company of others. Basically, I feel so weak that I want to stay by myself so as not to be overwhelmed by another's presence. I feel inferior to everyone I meet, and can be highly suggestible, passive, and fearful.
>
> Do you think Anafranil would be a better choice of TCA than nortriptyline? I've also considered Effexor, but I need a sedating AD in order to sleep. TIA for any opinions.
>
>I go for Anafranil as it wouldn't be hard to switch to from Nort & it wouldn't be hard to switch back. One downside is it will have more side effects mostly because you will have to take twice as much of it. An advantage to Anafranil is it one of the few drugs that is actually above average, rather than below average.
You never know until you try it.
Effexor... well it works for me & it's great combined with Remeron. The first drug I got given was Prozac & I know what you mean about 'aggravated insomnia' as I had that + agitation in the daytime + it drastically worsened my social anxiety to near paranoia. When sleep did come I had my first ever dream of killing somebody & a reoccurring nightmare from my childhood.
Back to my Effexor + Remeron, it has fixed alot of my problems, but it hasn't given me the energy/motivation I need, but I strongly suspect I am hypothyroid & I will be trying to get some thyroxine from my doc this week.
Cheers,
Panda.
poster:Sad Panda
thread:335210
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040407/msgs/335229.html