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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by rjlockhart on May 9, 2006, at 13:12:52
I was wanting to ask.
Which is more effective for ADHD, i know wellbutrin is used sometimes but i dont know.
What is the TCA antidepressant that is used?
I heard its effective but what is it?
Thanks
rj
Posted by saturn on May 9, 2006, at 20:44:04
In reply to Wellbutrin or TCA antidepressant for ADHD, posted by rjlockhart on May 9, 2006, at 13:12:52
> I was wanting to ask.
>
> Which is more effective for ADHD, i know wellbutrin is used sometimes but i dont know.
>
> What is the TCA antidepressant that is used?
I think Desipramine.
Posted by Cairo on May 9, 2006, at 21:10:10
In reply to Wellbutrin or TCA antidepressant for ADHD, posted by rjlockhart on May 9, 2006, at 13:12:52
Desipramine, imipramine and nortriptyline have all been used for ADHD.
Cairo
Posted by saturn on May 9, 2006, at 21:46:44
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin or TCA antidepressant for ADHD, posted by Cairo on May 9, 2006, at 21:10:10
A few questions if anyone knows:
How efficacious are TCA's for ADHD compared to stims?
And how do they compare to stims in terms of peripheral stimulation (heart)? I realize they are cardiotoxic in overdose, but how about with just daily dosing?
Do people frequently get chest pain or the likes on TCA's at therapeutic doses. And how do they compare to SSRI's for depression and anxiety (especially social anxiety)?
When would a TCA be a better choice than an SSRI aside from failing the SSRI's? peace--sat
Posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2006, at 22:18:21
In reply to TCA's » Cairo, posted by saturn on May 9, 2006, at 21:46:44
Good question. But don't the TCA's cause massive wt gain? Love Phillipa
Posted by rjlockhart on May 10, 2006, at 16:58:50
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin or TCA antidepressant for ADHD » rjlockhart, posted by saturn on May 9, 2006, at 20:44:04
Yea i am a little concerned about wieght gain.
Is desirpramine the most stimulating?
are there any "groggy" or any kind of side effect that would cause drowsiness.
If there is....... i dont know.
Posted by saturn on May 10, 2006, at 21:46:36
In reply to Re: TCA's » saturn, posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2006, at 22:18:21
> Good question. But don't the TCA's cause massive wt gain? Love Phillipa
Yup they can cause weight gain. Not sure about the severity though. peace. sat.
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on May 10, 2006, at 23:22:01
In reply to Re: TCA's » saturn, posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2006, at 22:18:21
Thought I'd jump in w/ my desipramine experience (I'm MDD and GAD, no adhd). Some people can get weight gain, but I did not (or just minimal wt gain, probably due to my latte habit more than anything). I did not find it either particularly stimualting or sedating. My podc says that it is different for everyone. I took it at bedtime, but recently a (different) pdoc said that she found that unusual b/c most people find it too stimulating for that. My biggest side-effects were orthostatic hypotension (drop in BP upon standing or climbing stairs, resulting in light headedness) and wicked dry mouth. I could never leave the house w/o a bottle of water and I got more cavities. :(
To answer another ? above, some people do have cardiac side effects (other than the orthostatic hypo). My pdoc questioned me carefully to make sure that wasn't what I was experiencing. I don't know how common cardiac s/e's are.
My understanding is that it is a less prefered strategy for treating attentional disorders. Research supports the efficacy of stimulants over TCA's. However, if one can't take a stim for whatever reason, it might be worth a try.
I took it for almost 2yrs and found it to be moderately good for depression and anxiety. On the other hand, I've been going off of it for the past 10 days b/c it hasn't been helping enough so we are trying a new strategy. I hesitate to say it, but I think that I am feeling a little better physically now due to the lack of desipramine s/e's.
In my experience, desipramine is a mixed bag. But what med isn't?
Best,
EE
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