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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by bearfan on May 26, 2010, at 4:55:56
Since Desimpramine (Norpramin) or Pamelor (Nortriptyline) tend to be the most common tricyclics nowadays, what tends to be the difference between the two? Is one better for anxiety and other for depression or are they very similar?
Posted by BrainDamage on May 26, 2010, at 6:51:16
In reply to Tricyclic Lovers: Desipramine or Pamelor, posted by bearfan on May 26, 2010, at 4:55:56
Don't forget Lofepramine
Its a third generation Trycyclic with a fairly benign side effect profile
Not available in the US though
Posted by Brainbeard on May 27, 2010, at 13:01:25
In reply to Tricyclic Lovers: Desipramine or Pamelor, posted by bearfan on May 26, 2010, at 4:55:56
> Since Desimpramine (Norpramin) or Pamelor (Nortriptyline) tend to be the most common tricyclics nowadays, what tends to be the difference between the two? Is one better for anxiety and other for depression or are they very similar?
I don't know if they're the most common ones - not here in Holland, at least.. Desipramine has been abandoned completely here.
The drugs are very different. Desipramine is a very powerful and relatively pure NRI (Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor), while nortriptyline is a much less potent NRI and has several other actions. Desipramine is almost like a stimulant, while nortriptyline is more like an anxiolytic (anxiety busting), sleep-promoting mild energizer (if it can even be called that..).
Desipramine can be a little rough on the heart, while nortriptyline is about the least side-effect ridden TCA there is.
Posted by bearfan on May 27, 2010, at 14:15:34
In reply to Re: Tricyclic Lovers: Desipramine or Pamelor, posted by Brainbeard on May 27, 2010, at 13:01:25
I thought desimpramine had nearly the same effect as tofranil . I am wrong here ?
Posted by Brainbeard on May 31, 2010, at 6:41:57
In reply to Re: Tricyclic Lovers: Desipramine or Pamelor, posted by bearfan on May 27, 2010, at 14:15:34
> I thought desimpramine had nearly the same effect as tofranil . I am wrong here ?
Yep. Desipramine is a metabolite of Tofranil (imipramine). Imipramine is not only an NRI but also a strong SRI. Desipramine lacks affinity for serotonin transporters.
This is the end of the thread.
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