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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on September 7, 2005, at 15:51:47
Okay I tried l0mg of nortriptaline last night with my valium like pdoc said and couldn't wake up this morning. Called the pharmacist first and she said the Theophylline I was taking for Taste and Smell was causing my liver enzymes to make valium much stronger. And she said obviously if I couldn't tolerate l0mg nortriptaline I should quit. Called pdoc then and awaiting callback. But the pharmacist told me not to drive and sides effects should be gone by sometime tomorrow. All reponses welcomed please. Need to understand why such a small dose could create such sedation. Thanks, Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by wildcard on September 7, 2005, at 16:38:56
In reply to Nortriptaline didn't work!, posted by Phillipa on September 7, 2005, at 15:51:47
has ur doc not called back yet???!!! i know everyone reacts differently to meds. and it very well cld have caused adverse effects b/c of what ur on. i sure wish something wld. help u!!!
ur friend,abbey
Posted by Phillipa on September 7, 2005, at 16:51:09
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work!, posted by wildcard on September 7, 2005, at 16:38:56
No call yet! Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Racer on September 7, 2005, at 23:42:37
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work!, posted by Phillipa on September 7, 2005, at 16:51:09
Well, if the pharmacist said that the valium was higher because of the theo-stuff (not motivated enough to look back for the name, sorry), then my guess is that it's not the nortriptyline per se, but the combination in its entirety. How does the valium effect you without the nort? And can you try the nort for a day or two without the valium?
Another thing, which you already know even though you don't want to know it, is that a lot of side effects like this are very transient. You won't know what the "real" side effects will be until you've been on a drug for a while. At 10mg, I doubt you're feeling anything at all from the nort yet, frankly, although your anxiety about taking it has been so high for a while now that you may be reacting to that.
Hope that helps, and hope you don't give up quite yet. Be well, and take care.
Posted by Phillipa on September 8, 2005, at 0:21:12
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work! » Phillipa, posted by Racer on September 7, 2005, at 23:42:37
Pharmacist said to stop it and so did pdoc. Evidently the combination of theophylline and valium elevates liver enzymes so nortriptalize and even the valium affect you more. Pharmacist said to cut down valium and I already had as pdoc had upped it to 20mg a day but i didn't take it thank God. But seriously I expected to be hyper and was so surprised when I couldn't even get out of bed until l2noon. And the pdoc said wait til next appointment and ask pharmacist what she feels is a good combo. Now I ask you what kind of pdoc is so unknowledgeable. So I guess it's try my own thing and since my daughter is doing well on prozac and my chemistry has changed maybe I'll try that. I'm not motivated to do anything anymore so maybe I can tolerate it now. Thanks for caring it means a lot. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by rod on September 8, 2005, at 6:45:34
In reply to Nortriptaline didn't work!, posted by Phillipa on September 7, 2005, at 15:51:47
hmm even if you would have tolerated the sedation more dont expect Nort to work overnight!? And well, obviously you did wake up this morning otherwise you couldnt post here :-P
I would reduce the valium and try Nort again. 10 mg is VERY LOW
regards
Posted by linkadge on September 8, 2005, at 9:52:27
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work!, posted by rod on September 8, 2005, at 6:45:34
Yeah, I agree. Adjust other meds if neccesary and keep trying the nortryptaline. I would give 10mg 2 weeks just to see if it nudges you at all in the right direction.
Linkadge
Posted by Phillipa on September 8, 2005, at 11:06:20
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work! » Phillipa, posted by Racer on September 7, 2005, at 23:42:37
Okey you're all the med experts so put your heads together. I lost my smell and taste a year and a half ago. I went to two taste and smell center. The only med that may help is theophylline used for respiratory disorders. I don't have faith in this drug and when I've mentioned this before noone answers so I guess you all think I'm crazy. But go to Tast and Smell Loss on internet and you will see it's a lot more common than any one would believe. The pharmacist said theophyline is raising my liver enxymes and that's why the nortriptaline isn't the right med and also raising valium in my blood. I've been through so many doctors for a lot of other ailments. So please take me seriously and if you have any hope suggestions let me know as I'm sinking faster and faster and am out of hope. This is the truth. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by ed_uk on September 8, 2005, at 13:54:11
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work!, posted by Phillipa on September 8, 2005, at 11:06:20
Hi PJ!
Nortriptyline often causes sedation at first, even at low doses..... the sedation does usually pass quite quickly though. It's much too early to give up. Don't expect nortriptyline to work overnight - it won't.
Love ed x
Posted by phillipa on September 8, 2005, at 21:47:55
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work!, posted by Phillipa on September 8, 2005, at 11:06:20
Ed, Both the pharmacist and pdoc told me not to take it anymore. But it certainly put me out. Wish I could have talked with you first. Can't continue with it as I didn't bring it with me and I'm out of town 6 hours away in Charlotte. How does theophyline raise liver enzymes and intensify effects of valium and nortriptaline? Love PJ O
Posted by ed_uk on September 9, 2005, at 16:38:20
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work! » Phillipa, posted by phillipa on September 8, 2005, at 21:47:55
Hi PJ,
>How does theophyline raise liver enzymes and intensify effects of valium and nortriptaline?
I have never heard of such an interaction.
Love Ed xx
Posted by phillipa on September 9, 2005, at 21:47:06
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work! » phillipa, posted by ed_uk on September 9, 2005, at 16:38:20
Gee Ed I know how busy you are but could you check on that as i quit the theophyline too. Just don't know what to do! Love Pj O
Posted by ed_uk on September 10, 2005, at 2:32:46
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work! » ed_uk, posted by phillipa on September 9, 2005, at 21:47:06
Hi PJ!
Here is what I think you should do:
1. Stop the theophylline.
2. Stop the Luvox. Go to 12.5mg for a few days then stop completely.
3. Stay on the same dose of Valium.
4. After you've stopped the theophylline and Luvox, wait for a few days before starting nortriptyline. Take 5mg at 9pm. The powder might numb your mouth a bit, don't worry about this, it will pass.
Love Ed x
Posted by phillipa on September 10, 2005, at 23:24:42
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work! » phillipa, posted by ed_uk on September 10, 2005, at 2:32:46
Whatever you say Ed. I stopped the theophyline today and I'll cut the luvox to l2.5mg. don't know when we'll go home as another hurricaine is scheduled to hit the Carolinas I think tuesday. Don't want to go home to a storm and we're 6hours inland here. Much safer. I had to take 30mg of valium last night cause I couldn't sleep. But I'll try and cut back tonight. I have to anyway because I will run out and can't fill Rx early. Thanks for always being there for me. And seriously is there any scientific basis for what the theophylines supposed to do? You know what that is and my kids say that doctor just found a niche and is taking advantage of people. Love PJ O
Posted by ed_uk on September 11, 2005, at 5:59:13
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work! » ed_uk, posted by phillipa on September 10, 2005, at 23:24:42
Hi PJ,
>I stopped the theophyline today.......
Treating your anxiety and depression is the priority. You can always start the theophylline again once you're feeling better. It seems the theophylline was making you feel worse.
>And seriously is there any scientific basis for what the theophylines supposed to do?
Perhaps there is .....but I can't find any. I'm only aware of its use as a bronchodilator.
Did you actually ask your pdoc if she was willing to prescribe Nardil? I think it might help you.
Most of all, I think you need to start volunteering. After a few months of volunteer work you need to get a job. Too much time at home is enough to make you ill.
Love
~Ed xxx
Posted by Phillipa on September 11, 2005, at 22:47:30
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work! » phillipa, posted by ed_uk on September 11, 2005, at 5:59:13
Thanks Ed, I'm home today. Daughter and husband serious problems and she may get a divorce. Uncomfortable there so we left. Slept better last nignt on the l5mg of valium l2.5mg of luvox. And stopped the theophyline. I will volunteer as soon as we decide where we're moving and get a new pdoc and find a therapist. We actually were going to sign a contract on a house in Charlotte today but then my Dauthter said she doesn't know where she'll be going. But I always try to do what others want me to do so we may just buy house and move as one is for sale that is already built. Can't keep living my life for other people. That's where most of my anxiety is coming from. Trying to please others at my expense. Thanks for caring and I'm definitely listening to your advise on the meds. Then when I move maybe there will be a pdoc who knows whats going on. Charlotte is a very large city so there must be good ones[at least i hope so] and good therapists too. If not I'll always listen to you as i know you really care. Love PJ O
Posted by ed_uk on September 12, 2005, at 15:09:28
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work! » ed_uk, posted by Phillipa on September 11, 2005, at 22:47:30
Hi PJ,
A good therapist might really help you.
Stop the Luvox when you feel you can. A couple of days later, take 5 mg nortriptyline at 9pm.
Love Ed xxx
Posted by Phillipa on September 12, 2005, at 17:02:51
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work! » Phillipa, posted by ed_uk on September 12, 2005, at 15:09:28
Ed so you think a wash out period is necessary from the luvox? And what do you mean stop luvox when i feel I can? Love PJ O
Posted by ed_uk on September 13, 2005, at 14:57:31
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work! » ed_uk, posted by Phillipa on September 12, 2005, at 17:02:51
Hi PJ,
>Ed so you think a wash out period is necessary from the luvox?
2 days :-)
>And what do you mean stop luvox when i feel I can?
If you're not having any withdrawal symptoms on 12.5mg, stop now.
Love Ed xx
Posted by Phillipa on September 13, 2005, at 18:04:16
In reply to Re: Nortriptaline didn't work! » Phillipa, posted by ed_uk on September 13, 2005, at 14:57:31
Ed, I will but after the hurricaine. And everyone Ed is my new pdoc! Love PJ O
This is the end of the thread.
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