Posted by hyperfocus on June 29, 2011, at 23:44:37
In reply to Re: more info » desolationrower, posted by B2chica on June 21, 2011, at 7:49:37
If you responded to Cymbalta and Wellbutrin, then a TCA like amitriptyline with a strong NE effect could be tried. Be warned though - the side-effects are very harsh initially for many people. But everybody's different and it could be that you might be one of the people whose brains can tolerate it. Nortriptyline is the active metabolite and has much less anticholenergic side effects.
I also have intrusive thoughts and visions of myself or others coming to terrible harm. It's not psychotic because I can never mistake them for reality. It seems they are part of the dissociation that developed out of my untreated anxiety. I also know quite well the spiral of dysphoric thoughts than can eventually lead to suicidal thoughts. Have you had the anxiety for a very long time? Do you experience very rapid cycles of dysphoria - like you'll be feeling good for a short time and then your thoughts just turn, for no apparent reason to dysphoria? Do you find your mood or thinking to be borderline - like simple things can turn your mood to negative drastically? Do you have like attachment problems, like problems with relationships with other people?
If you've been suffering with it for a long time you could be experiencing symptoms of Complex PTSD. It's not really a useful dx for treatment, but it does describe well a certain cluster of clinical symptoms and personality problems. Amitriptyline has helped people suffering with PTSD and complex PTSD symptoms. APs may not help you on their own but you could also try augmenting an AD with a low-dose atypical AP like Risperdal or Abilify. There's always the nuclear option - Nardil or Parnate, maybe with a benzo.
C-PTSD: social phobia, major depression, dissociation.
Currently on 225mg amitriptyline, 12.5mg tianepting, 50mg sulpiride: single dose at night.
Improving.
poster:hyperfocus
thread:988225
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110619/msgs/989818.html