Posted by fachad on March 13, 2002, at 10:08:27
In reply to Are tricyclics now more or less discredited?, posted by lizzyg on March 11, 2002, at 11:55:04
Tricyclics are not discredited.
In fact, I'm fairly sure that no new antidepressant has ever really been proven to be more effective than the oldest tricyclic, Tofranil (imipramine).
It's just that the newer ones have less obnoxious side effects (at first anyway).
> Having been (happily) free of depression for nearly seven years until a couple of months ago, I haven't done any research on antidepressants for a while. What I've noticed from this and other sites is that tricyclics now seem to be relegated to a third-line treatment behind SSRIs and the newer ADs.
>
> My first attack of major depression/anxiety 19 years ago was treated successfully with amitriptyline and a benzo (I guess there weren't as many options then). Subsequent attacks also responded well to Lofepramine (a third generation tricyclic available here in the UK but not in the US, which has fewer side effects) and a short course of benzos. I found the Lofepramine neither stimulating nor sedating; it just made me feel like myself - surely the goal of all ADs.
>
> I have tried SSRIs a couple of times and found them difficult to tolerate. In fact, this time round, my depression is not a severe as previously and I have found the side effects from all the prescribed meds I've tried unacceptable, so am testing out SAM-e. If that doesn't work it's back to the drawing board.
>
> Just wondered, are there any positive stories about tricyclics out there, especially newer variants like Lofepramine or Tianeptine?
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> Thanks for your help.
>
> Lizzy
poster:fachad
thread:97454
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020313/msgs/97778.html