Posted by zeugma on May 19, 2003, at 15:57:38
In reply to Re: p.s. there's also Strattera » zeugma, posted by hildi on May 18, 2003, at 15:35:36
I'm taking both nortriptyline and Strattera. My dr. thinks that with 75 mg nortriptyline in my system a day, I would only need 25 mg Strattera a day to help with my ADHD- about a quarter of a normal dose. So far (day 6) it seems to be working. My mind feels transparent, not opaque (ADHD is my primary dx and my depression tends to be brought on by ADHD-related crises in my personal life and career).
Nortriptyline from what I can tell is about EQUALLY potent to Strattera- there are similar effective dose ranges for the two drugs. Nortriptyline is a lot less selective, though, also blocking histaminic, cholinergic, alpha-1 adrenergic, and 5-HT 2A receptors. Some of this probably helps anxiety- e.g. histamic block causes sedation, which can help with sleep. In my experience, nortriptyline is like a stimulating drug overlaid woth a sedative, with the sedation slightly predominating, while the Strattera so far seems to be without the sedating component. That's why the Strattera and nortrip seem to be complementary and why I will continue to take both until a reason presents itself not to.
So you didn't like EFfexor or Wellbutrin? I had a terrible time with WB as well- probably an allergic reaction, as I had immediate autonomic CNS side effects. WB however is a drug that seems to cause a LOT of idiosyncratic side effects and dysphoria. And it is by no means a pure NE reuptake inhibitor. Looking thru articles on WB's 'mechanisms of action' reveals convolutions unmatched by any other drug in the armaterarium. What dose Effexor were you on? Effexor at relatively low doses is more of an SRI.
poster:zeugma
thread:227219
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030514/msgs/227709.html