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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by downer on February 12, 2001, at 18:06:30
Finally, after trying Celexa, Prozac, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Lamictal, and Trazodone it seems as though Imipramine is helping. Thinking that a slow increase in dose would "cure" me of depression and some social phobia and anxiety, the pdoc told me to increase the dose on my own. I noticed that above 125mg the imipramine seems to stop working. At 125 life is tolerable and social phobia and anxiety is still present. I tried augmentation with Prozac (20mg every two days) and it didn't seem to help (make me a little more anxious in public). I don't know what I should do next. Should I increase the dose to over 200mg as the doc has said I should? Should I try a little Celexa? I felt like I was so close and now I don't know what to do. I also notice that caffine seems to lift my spirits. Does this mean anything? Thanks in advance for your help.
Posted by Sulpicia on February 13, 2001, at 10:35:44
In reply to Question about imipramine, posted by downer on February 12, 2001, at 18:06:30
> Hi,
tofranil [imipramine] is the only AD med that ever worked for me.
I take 150 mgs, tofranil PM and the only side effect I get is
orthostatic hypotension -- which I have anyway because I'm tall
w/low bp.How long have you been on the imipramine?
If you've noticed an improvement, you're likely on the right track.
Why 200mgs? Can you try 150 for 2 weeks and see what happens?I do recall once increasing the dose too fast and not feeling so
great. My tried and true schedule is 25mg increase every 5 days until
I hit 150.I notice some changes early on -- brightening of colors, better sleep,
better mood. But I guess if you stay on 150 for a week or 2 and then
try 200 w/out result, it might be time to consider
something to add. IMHO I wouldn't stop the imipramine if you're getting
a response. Sometimes it really does take 8 weeks.Some talking therapy [about you not the meds] can also help, as can
running [walking, swiming whatever] and some attention to healthy eating.Good luck,
S
Posted by downer on February 13, 2001, at 20:49:41
In reply to Re: Question about imipramine » downer, posted by Sulpicia on February 13, 2001, at 10:35:44
Thanks for the response. I've been on it for about 5 weeks. (Only 3 weeks above 100mg). What is the special about the PM version (Helps you sleep?) Do you feel "cured" and how long did it take for results? Maybe when I bump up the dose I don't give it a chance to settle in. Anyway, thanks again.
T
Posted by Sulpicia on February 13, 2001, at 22:11:32
In reply to Re: Question about imipramine, posted by downer on February 13, 2001, at 20:49:41
Hi- Tofranil PM is simply a single pill of 150mgs -- much better than all those little flipping 25s!
Tofranil is a funny drug -- it sort of sneaks up on you in various ways.
I noticed colors this morning, and sunshine. I also had a joyful reaction to music today. I know this sounds silly but it's been a while.
My sleep is different -- not quiet better yet; I'm having trouble getting out of bed.
Right now I prefer it to the previous insomnia.
My appetite is still slightly deranged [no I can't explain this one].
But on the positive side, I feel some physical strength coming back as the paxil leaves my system.
It does take about 6wks -- the standard increase to 150 or above, to work completely.
Did I feel cured? The symptoms of my depression which I found intolerable are going away.
I don't wake up in fear or total despondancy; the phone does not cause panic; I can think about the future;
I can laugh etc. To a great extent, I am cured. But, if I do not follow thru with what I've learned
and am learning now with the talking component of therapy [basically discovering an owner's manual for me] I will likely
have/create more problems for myself in the future.
I guess the bottom line is that tofranil gets me to the point where I have a choice
in the matter of my health and my life -- it's up to me to take it from there.
This is the end of the thread.
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