Posted by SLS on January 7, 2013, at 7:50:55
In reply to Re: Need Advice next Tricyclic Antedepressant to try, posted by reconscout on January 6, 2013, at 23:59:09
> > > I tried (Nortriptyline)(Pamelor) with awesome results for two weeks. My pain was managed within 3 days. After 1 week my depression was totally gone, My Anxiety was gone, I had more energy, I was motivated, no sexual side effects and I was sleeping all the way through the night. I thought I had found my perfect wonder drug. Problem was after two weeks I started having a pounding heartbeat.
> >
> > What was your interpretation of this phenomenon?
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> Well Scott, I'm not sure why the heart issues took two weeks to emerge? I have read other posters description of tachycardia coming on 1, 2, or even 3 weeks after start. All I could think is whatever chemical triggered the cardio effects took that long to fully build up in my system. Out of curiousity why do you ask?My first reaction is to say that it is not a cardiac issue, but, rather, a CNS issue. Research heart palpitations. They very often have nothing to do with the heart.
I suggest that you consider returning to nortriptyline at a dosage of 75 mg/day and have a ECG performed should the palpitations return - just to be safe and ease your mind. I find that for me, mild palpitations are actually a symptom of depression, and that they can temporarily get worse as an antidepressant begins to work or if the dosage is to low. These really aren't "heart palpitations". It is more accurate to just call them "palpitations". That's because it is a sensation rather than a mechanical event located in the heart - although it can be. While you are at 75 mg/day, get a test to assay your blood level of the drug. If it is low and you are a rapid metabolizer, you will likely need 150 mg/day. However, your positive therapeutic response to lower dosages would seem to indicate otherwise.
Please research the causes of chest palpitations. It would be sad if you were to miss a unique opportunity to get well.
Desipramine can be "harsh" when you first begin treatment. Give it time.
- Scott
Some see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1034851
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20121231/msgs/1034923.html