Posted by SLS on August 3, 2005, at 7:33:47
In reply to Question for SLS: Nortriptyline with Parnate?, posted by Jedi on August 3, 2005, at 3:51:43
Hi Jedi.
> I’ve been following your posts for many years and I was wondering about your current thoughts on nortriptyline augmented with Parnate?
I'm getting some mild relief from the following combination:
Parnate 80mg
nortriptyline 100mg
Lamictal 150mg
Abilify 10mg
Trileptal 900mgI really thought the Trileptal was going to work indefinitely. After a few weeks of a moderate response, it plateaued and all but disappeared. This has been a constant theme for me. Currently, I am diagnosed as bipolar depression with occasional dysphoric manias induced by medication.
I think using Parnate with nortriptyline is something that makes sense to explore, simply because you have not tried it before. I don't think you should become hugely optimistic, though. You didn't seem to be affected in any way by either of these drugs when taken independently. I would approach the combination with cautious optimism.
I have never had a problem combining desipramine with either Parnate or Nardil. Parnate + desipramine is the only thing that ever worked for me. Traditionally it was considered prudent to add the MAOI while the TCA was already on board or start the two together. I found that for me, it doesn't matter which order I take them in.
What dosage of nortriptyline have you used in the past? Did you get blood-levels?
One thing that you may want to consider is the addition of small dosages of lithium if you get "stuck". Lithium at dosages of 300-600mg can act to make Parnate work better. It is being reported by some doctors that the addition of Lamictal is producing similar results.
I wish you luck in your pursuit of health.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:536982
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050803/msgs/537009.html