Posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on December 23, 2009, at 9:51:27
In reply to Nortriptyline (should I try it), posted by ihatedrugs on December 22, 2009, at 1:31:34
> Hello all,
>
> I am going to the psyc doctor tomorrow to discuss my lack of progress with Emsam. I don't know if I should give it more time but the insomnia is definitely not helping. I have been reading through some of the posts and it seems that Nortriptyline may be a possibility. The only thing was that I've had an ischemic attack a year ago and according to the literature this med should not be taken if you have any vascular disease eg. stroke. I don't have high blood pressure but I suffer from high cholesterol. I want a med that makes me feel relatively normal doesn't cause weight gain and allows me to get a good night sleep. I wonder if used in combination with Lexapro may work. I tried Lexapro several years ago and it performed at around 70% efficacy, perhaps if I add Nortriptyline, it could potentiate its effect.
> What do you guys think? How many of you have used Nortriptyline succesfully. Also in addition, it seems that Nortriptyline helps with body aches and pain which I have been lately suffering but do not know the reason. I guess I am a little hesitant because all the searches I did on this med basically said it works but it carries fatal danger risks.
>
> ihatedrugsHello...
Well, I am just going by my little bit of evidence, but I do have many years experience being on Nortriptyline. The drug has worked well for me, but Nortriptyline has some often bizarre side-effects, even though the drug is often great with many different types of depression and anxiety. There is a warning in the Canadian monograph about why you should not use the drug if you have problems with anger, or very activating drugs. If you have any cardiovascular issues, I'd honestly stay away from Nortriptyline. I think you would be taking too much of a risk. The drug often does cause weight gain.
There are often paradoxical reactions to Nortriptyline..sometimes Nortriptyline can be a bit sedating, and sometimes very activating.
It can affect blood pressure either down or up.I don't know the finer details about Cymbalta and cardiovascular issues, but it may be a med worth asking your pdoc about. It is supposed to help a bit with pain. An addition of another drug, Lyrica, may also help a bit with pain, and possibly a bit with depression.(It may help with anxiety too.)
Best wishes..
Jay
poster:Jay_Bravest_Face
thread:930284
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20091217/msgs/930502.html