Posted by papillon2 on May 30, 2012, at 9:20:22
I have been on the same dose of Nortriptyline (100mg) since August/September but over the past 1.5 months I've experienced a rapid worsening of side effects - severe constipation, urinary retention, moderately increased hunger/appetite, worsening dry eyes and what looks like massive weight gain but is not really showing much on the scales -- my abdomen in particular is blown up like a massive balloon and physically hurts. I seriously look pregnant but I'm not (meanwhile my back looks emaciated and my ribs are more prominant, WTF?). The blimp effect worsens as the day goes on. Went to GP yesterday and have been prescribed Movicol, but all it's doing so far is causing massive rumbling in my intestines and more gas.
Has anyone ever experienced a sudden worsening of side effects on Nortriptyline? I don't understand what the hell is happening to me. I noticed the packaging has changed recently (same generic, just a differently shaped box) -- could a different batch be the problem?
On top of it I feel profoundly depressed. Back to spending all day in bed. Can't be bothered doing anything, including showering. Suicidal ideation high (but am safe). Adverse to going out in public not just because it involves doing something but also because I'm so repulsive and don't want to have contact with anyone. Adverse to answering the phone. When I do go out for groceries (only reason to go out besides dr appointments) I'm like a deer in headlights, confused and can't make decisions. It takes a ridiculous amount of time to do anything. And I'm being ripped to shreds by ED thoughts (not surprising given my body is being taken over by aliens. Metaphorically speaking. I'm not delusional).
I feel like stopping Nortriptyline and throwing in the towel. But I'm acutely aware that any other treatment options are worse. Doxepin (fat, zombified and dietary/med restrictions which will make my allergies flare), ECT (more memory and cognitive problems) and Epilim (fat, bald and hormonally screwed) is what's being offered. In any case, I'm probably just not trying hard enough. I'm just a fat f***ing failure.
Depression sucks. Treatment sucks. Blah blah whinge moan. But back to my original question -- has anyone experienced a sudden worsening of side effects? None of this makes sense. Even my GP is confused.
Signed Papillon the Fail Whale
Ring the bells that still can ring
forget your perfect offering
there is a crack in everything
that's how the light gets in
~ Leonard Cohen
poster:papillon2
thread:1018899
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120522/msgs/1018899.html