Posted by jay on April 30, 2002, at 14:43:28
In reply to Re: Nortriptyline Augmentation..Questions » jay, posted by Ritch on April 29, 2002, at 23:44:21
> > Hey folks:
> >
> > Well, after a lengthy trial of Effexor, Welbutrin, and Zyprexa all at various doses, and even seperately, I am taking a return shot at Nortriptyline.(It has been almost three years!) (Note: I seem to only get benefit from the brand name of this drug, Aventyl or Pamelor)
> >
> > This medication was *the* only medication I can recall that seemed like a 'powerhouse' of greatness compared to all the newer drugs. I know my depression is very much so organic based, and that is I suffered from severe developmental disabilities when I was young. I almost ended up in a 'special' school for developmentally handicap kids because of this. I have worked now as an adult with many developmentally handicap adults, and the medications that seem to help their symptoms are many of the older meds.
> >
> > In honesty, the best med I have found to take with Nortriptyline (actually, even PRN) has been some of the stronger benzos. I also really feel that many of my anxious sysptoms come from the developmental handicap experience, and it took a MAJOR blow to my self esteem as a youngster, and that has snowbaled into areas of major difficulty regrading work; relationships; finances; all things that can make-or-break our lives.
> >
> > Anybody else with similar symptoms, especially related to childhood disorders? If the Nortip/benzo combo works, may I be best in just working with that?
> >
> > I may have symptoms of 'ADD', BUT, I honestly think they are more related to my developmental problems, and ADD is Dx'ed too broadly too often. Plus, I have had horrid dysphoric reactions to the stimulants. So, I won't go the stimulant route. Also, after augmenting with so many meds, much of it honestly not only is a shot in the dark, and I think often is an excuse for doctors not to simply prescribe a med that looks after many, many symptoms, which are benzos.
> >
> > Anyhow...any comments appreciated! Thanx..
> >
> > Jay
>
> Hi Jay,
>
> Notriptyline+benzo combo working very effectively suggests ADD+anxiety dx. Nortrip. is the only TCA I can take in the daytime and still function reasonably. I added it to Wellbutrin a few times because of WB agitation and it settled it down! A Nortripytline+Zoloft combo works really well too for ADD+anxiety (if you can tolerate the Zoloft).
>
> MitchHi Mitch:
Hnmm..interesting, as I was at one point on Zoloft + nortriptyline, with excellent results. I really think this is a highly underused med. So far Nortriptyline + benzo seems good, and it was this combo that has only ever pulled me from the depths of depression, helping me lose weight, and feel much more "complete", and didn't numb me like the newer meds. (Esp Effexor). I actually found my first and best romantic relationship on nortriptyline, and actually lived very well on that med. I think I am going to stay with it, period, as I have found no med that equals it.
It also seems to be a major reliever of social phobia, minus the 'speedy' effect of SSRI's.Anyhow...thanks for your comments. :-)
Jay
poster:jay
thread:104434
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020425/msgs/104536.html