Posted by tonyz on February 6, 2010, at 12:10:50
In reply to Re: UPDATE: Off Lamictal now » Girlnterrupted78, posted by Tony P on January 30, 2010, at 19:00:15
My depression has always been the result of or accompanied with high anxiety and severe insomnia. So for me Nortriptyline is a reasonable choice. As mentioned by others everyone reacts somewhat differently to drugs. I am not sure about the Parnate adderal combination, and by the that I mean I don't know much about those medications other than adderal is stimulating. Nortriptyline can be sedating.
I only took lamictal very briefly and I can't really comment on my experiences with it one way or the other.
But, getting back to Notriptyline here are some characteristics: it has been around a long time so a lot is known about it. Generally people prefer SSRIs as opposed to tricyclics of which Nortiptyline is a tricyclic. (I can't handle SSRIs they are too stimulating for me, but my situation is probably a lot different than yours) It works on multiple neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. This drug is known to raise heart rate slightly and must be ramped up to a therapeutic dosage slowly. There is a blood level test that can be done to determine if you are in the correct range for it to have a therapeutic effect. You should ask your doctor when he thinks you should have the blood level taken. Some of the side effects can be troubling: dry mouth, constipation, increase in occular pressure, dizziness on rapid rising from a seated position, etc. Miralax works great for managing the constipation. Miralax is available by prescription or otc. It has helped to alleviate depression for me. I have read that high fiber can interfere with Notrtiptyline absorption so it would probably be best to time your dosages a sufficient time after eating. I take the full dosage at night, but again insomnia is a big issue for me and this may be helping. A doctor I was seeing suggested that there tends to be less poop out with the older drugs than the SSRIs, but I am not sure. I have never been on it for a very long time, but I am rethinking my choices now along with other medications.
Besides the poop out effect you have described, your doctor must have some reason for switching to these meds. Maybe he sensed you had too much anxiety and needed something more calming. I don't know. I know a lot of people are suffering now with life situations and job issues, etc. You are not alone and it is hard to assess how much that is affecting your life and your depression. Try as best you can to keep your chin up and have a plan for each day. You also may be concerned because you normally come across as a very high energy person and you feel that quality is important for the job interview(s). It may be a false perception on your part that you have lost that.
Anyway best of luck, hope some of this helps. I'm sure others will chime in and add comments.
poster:tonyz
thread:934714
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100204/msgs/936138.html