Posted by KaraS on March 8, 2005, at 19:49:28
In reply to Re: TCA plus bethanechol? » KaraS, posted by Sarah T. on March 8, 2005, at 19:35:32
> Hi Kara. I think bethanechol is a pretty safe drug. I used it with several TCA's, primarily maprotiline. Although maprotiline was reputed to have fewer anticholingergic effects, it turned out to be much worse for me than any other TCA as far as constipation, urinary retention and dry mouth. All of the other TCA's had bad anticholinergic effects, but their adverse effects seemed to diminish with time. That did not happen with Ludiomil, perhaps because of what Steven Stahl refers to as the "pseudo-anticholinergic effect" produced by highly noradrenergic medications. The idea behind his theory is that the parasympathetic nervous system attempts to counteract the sympathetic stimulation caused by all that excess norepinephrine. I thought bethanechol was helpful. It was particularly helpful for constipation if I took it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. My main concern was urinary retention, however, because that can be dangerous. Bethanechol helped counteract most of the urinary retention, but I think I had to take it several times a day. It's been a long time and I don't remember the dose.
Thanks, Sarah.I found maprotiline to be milder in terms of side effects but I was only taking 25 mg. to help with sleep. Just a couple more questions if you don't mind. Do you remember any side effects from the bethanechol itself? Did it manage to counter the "dumb drug" effect as well? It would be great to get my concentration and memory up to par.
Kara
poster:KaraS
thread:468334
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050308/msgs/468434.html