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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sregan on October 5, 2006, at 15:50:37
Anyone taken both and can tell me why one is better than the other. I've read all the info that says that Desipramine should have less side effects, etc. But I wonder if it is as effective.
Thanks,
Shawn
Posted by exquilter on October 5, 2006, at 22:53:13
In reply to Imipramine vs. Desipramine for Melancholic Depress, posted by sregan on October 5, 2006, at 15:50:37
I took them both years ago. Some response to imipramine, no luck with desipramine. Of course your mileage may vary.
Exquilter
Posted by sregan on October 6, 2006, at 9:40:41
In reply to Re: Imipramine vs. Desipramine for Melancholic Depress, posted by exquilter on October 5, 2006, at 22:53:13
> I took them both years ago. Some response to imipramine, no luck with desipramine. Of course your mileage may vary.
>
> ExquilterHave your ever taken Amitryptaline (sp?) or the Nor- version? If so how would you rate it vs. imipramine?
Posted by SLS on October 6, 2006, at 10:26:01
In reply to Re: Imipramine vs. Desipramine for Melancholic Dep » exquilter, posted by sregan on October 6, 2006, at 9:40:41
For me, imipramine and nortriptyline add a mood-brightening effect that desipramine lacks. Desipramine is energizing and alerting, but might lack something in the way of allowing you to feel good about doing things, motivation, interest, and reducing anhedonia. Perhaps this has something to do with its lack of serotonin reuptake inhibition. I prefer the way I feel on nortriptyline. I currently take 100mg. Remember, though, this is just the way I react to these drugs. Everyone is different.
Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by Squiggles on October 6, 2006, at 15:46:56
In reply to Imipramine vs. Desipramine for Melancholic Depress, posted by sregan on October 5, 2006, at 15:50:37
Desipramine is weaker; imipramine is the
strongest for major depression;Squiggles
Posted by SLS on October 6, 2006, at 17:31:48
In reply to Re: Imipramine vs. Desipramine for Melancholic Dep » sregan, posted by Squiggles on October 6, 2006, at 15:46:56
> Desipramine is weaker; imipramine is the
> strongest for major depression;I agree.
Of the tricyclics, though, clomipramine (Anafranil) has it beat.
Both drugs can leave one feeling a little stupid. The anticholinergic properties produce some cognitive impairments in some people. I feel a cognitive dulling with imipramine, but it is tolerable. Of course, there is some speculation that the anticholinergic effects of these drugs might be contributing to their antidepressant effects.
- Scott
Posted by Squiggles on October 6, 2006, at 17:38:13
In reply to Re: Imipramine vs. Desipramine for Melancholic Dep, posted by SLS on October 6, 2006, at 17:31:48
> > Desipramine is weaker; imipramine is the
> > strongest for major depression;
>
> I agree.
>
> Of the tricyclics, though, clomipramine (Anafranil) has it beat.
>
> Both drugs can leave one feeling a little stupid. The anticholinergic properties produce some cognitive impairments in some people. I feel a cognitive dulling with imipramine, but it is tolerable. Of course, there is some speculation that the anticholinergic effects of these drugs might be contributing to their antidepressant effects.
>
>
> - Scott
I don't know much about the anticholinergic
effect-- just some snippets, like it decreases
histamine reaction, represses the urinary urge,
flattens or delays response to stimulii;If anifranil is really good (in the sense
of being 'cleaner', then i would guess that
an adjunct drug with it might be good for
major depression.Major depression is very hard to treat. But
i recall reading something interesting by
Dr. Goodwin-- that recently a reassessment
of depression is taking place, i.e. that
manic depression, schizophrenia, etc. -- all
the affective disorders may respond to similar
drugs, which were once considered specific.
I hope i am not misparaphrasing him (this is
from memory of a recent conference in Scotaland--
i think that is the paper he presented).Squiggles
Posted by Squiggles on October 6, 2006, at 17:59:23
In reply to Re: Imipramine vs. Desipramine for Melancholic Dep » SLS, posted by Squiggles on October 6, 2006, at 17:38:13
dfn.: anticholinergic
[from Wikipedia]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anticholinergic_drug
DOH! i really am a lazy dog :-)
Squiggles
Posted by sregan on October 6, 2006, at 18:24:54
In reply to Re: Imipramine vs. Desipramine for Melancholic Dep, posted by SLS on October 6, 2006, at 10:26:01
> For me, imipramine and nortriptyline add a mood-brightening effect that desipramine lacks. Desipramine is energizing and alerting, but might lack something in the way of allowing you to feel good about doing things, motivation, interest, and reducing anhedonia. Perhaps this has something to do with its lack of serotonin reuptake inhibition. I prefer the way I feel on nortriptyline. I currently take 100mg. Remember, though, this is just the way I react to these drugs. Everyone is different.
Very true. I was interested in imipramine or amitriptyline because I've read both can reset the HPA over time (not as dramatic as RU486 or even what I've read about mirtazapine/remeron). I had a period of about 6 months of extreme stress (most stressful period of my life) and haven't recovered. From my research lately indicates my HPA is out of whack. My salivary cortisol was high at 8am then on the low end of the scale the other three testing times. I believe I'm dealing with Melancholic depression as I always feel pretty normal by the end of the day except on the days I was experimenting with licorice and I felt crummy into the late evening (extended cortisol?).
I thought I read that NE and cortisol have a see saw relationship. If cortisol is high then NE must be low? I'm wondering if low NE is causing my AM anxiety/dysphoria?
Posted by exquilter on October 6, 2006, at 23:48:35
In reply to Re: Imipramine vs. Desipramine for Melancholic Dep » exquilter, posted by sregan on October 6, 2006, at 9:40:41
I took them both in various combinations. Not sure now whether they were good or bad. I did have several good years with trimiprimine (Surmontil) and Cytomel (T3) together. Reacted badly to Asendin and no experience with Anafranil. Hope this helps.
Exquilter
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