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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by GOLFER1983 on June 11, 2011, at 23:01:20
Hi -
I was put on Anafranil for OCD last year and it worked AMAZINGLY for depression/anxiety. Was really a great medicine but it made me incredibly dizzy at 50mg so my doctor had me taken off.
It's been one of the few medicines that has helped my symptoms. I was wondering if there were any ways to lesson the dizziness from this medicine OR to take 35mg of Anafranil combined with 25mg Tofranil (which I have taken and caused no dizziness).
Please let me know as I'd love to hear your thoughts,
Cameron
Posted by crazyjoe on June 11, 2011, at 23:52:28
In reply to ANAFRANIL, posted by GOLFER1983 on June 11, 2011, at 23:01:20
are blood levels required for anafranil--have you tried luvox and how do they compare
Posted by Christ_empowered on June 12, 2011, at 12:06:46
In reply to ANAFRANIL, posted by GOLFER1983 on June 11, 2011, at 23:01:20
I personally wouldn't mix TCA antidepressants. I actually would avoid multiple antidepressants if you can, but the TCAs are rough, so I'd think you might be better off finding one you can tolerate at an effective dose. From what I understand, some people get a therapeutic response to lower doses of TCAs.
Have you tried Tofranil-PM? Its a once nightly Tofranil that doubles as a sleeping pill (at least until you get used to the sedation). I tried it, and it worked OK--I gained a little bit of weight (5lbs), but other than that it was fine. I think its generic now.
Posted by GOLFER1983 on June 12, 2011, at 17:49:03
In reply to Re: ANAFRANIL, posted by Christ_empowered on June 12, 2011, at 12:06:46
Hey! I agree that it's best to avoid 2 antidepressants. Problem is I can't go above 50mg Anafranil because of dizziness but it greatly helps mood in general.
I have tried Tofranil PM and I got to 75mg but it didn't help my depression. Got less dizziness though.
Doctor now wants me to try Desiprimine?! Anyone have any thoughts on this medicine?
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on June 12, 2011, at 17:58:37
In reply to Re: ANAFRANIL, posted by GOLFER1983 on June 12, 2011, at 17:49:03
Desipramine is a tricyclic with a very low incidence of side effects (diziness, sedation, weight gain, dry mouth, constipation) compared to the others.
It can be combined with Zoloft to give some extra "kick", because desipramine almost exclusively targets noradrenalin, where as Zoloft targets seretonin.
Give desipramine by it self a fair trial, it is a very effective drug with a good side effects profile.
Posted by desolationrower on June 13, 2011, at 18:05:43
In reply to Re: ANAFRANIL, posted by GOLFER1983 on June 12, 2011, at 17:49:03
the anticholinergic effect might be both helping and causing the dizziness. I think combining amytriptline and imipramine is an ok idea.
The other likely option is you just need a combination of nri&sri. nortryptaline+any ssri (except paroxatine, it has significant anticholinergic effects too.)
-d/r
This is the end of the thread.
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