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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tristesse on May 1, 2010, at 20:13:46
Hi, all - I'm a total newbie here. I'll try to keep this as to-the-point as possible, though some background is necessary.
I have a long history of depression and possibly bipolar II. I've been on several SSRIs (although never prozac), and none really worked for me. I've been on many, many depression meds and am not on anything right now, because I'm pretty bitter about having essentially nothing but horrible effects from nearly every med I've tried. I had my only child three years ago, and suffered from severe postpartum depression that resulted in hospitalization. Before I was hospitalized, I'd been on a coctail of geodon and seroquel, and I gained 50 pounds (first time in my life I was overweight). I still carry that weight. I'm severely depressed right now...though I do get up daily and go to work, etc.
For the first year of my son's life, I pretty much literally did not sleep. Most nights I did not sleep at all. Some nights I'd get two hours, some 45 minutes. but most nights I got none. Then, almost a year to the day he was born, I was able to sleep again. Since that time, I've taken four benadryl every night before I go to sleep. The lack of sleep that first year drove me absolutely crazy and certainly contributed to my hospitalization. So, for the past two years, I've taken the benadryl to sleep. It works well with no side effects, and I just feel I can't risk any more insomnia.
Fast forward to last night. For some reason, I took my four benadryl and forgot I'd taken it, and took four more. For those keeping score at home, that's 200 mgs of benadryl. I was still "drunk" when I woke up this morning, and I nearly had to pry my eyes open, they were so dry (as was my throat).
But the interesting thing is that, once my "hangover" passed, I felt terrific. Not manic, but just good. Like "normal." Felt fantastic. I couldn't believe how wonderful I felt, how well I'd been able to go about my day, how different it was to interact with my kid with no depression there to keep us company.
So it made me wonder, and I started to do some research. I found that benadryl is a seratonin reuptake inhibitor, and those effects were the catalyst for them to discover prozac, because they were looking for something that worked similarly without the drowsiness, etc. of the benadryl. (that's a gross oversimplification, but you get the point). I'm now sort of convinced that if I could find the right medication, I might be able to make great strides. So, what I'm seeking is an SSRI that might function similarly to the Benadryl, without the drowsiness, etc....but also one that won't make me gain weight. My time on geodon + seroquel resulted in me being very overweight, and I cannot get bigger. I just cannot handle that.
Can anyone lend some insight, maybe? Thanks.
Posted by Phillipa on May 2, 2010, at 0:22:20
In reply to SSRIs that work like Benadryl??, posted by tristesse on May 1, 2010, at 20:13:46
Welcome to babble that is quite a story. I don't have the answer hoping someone does and I'm sure they will. Phillipa
Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 2, 2010, at 7:24:07
In reply to SSRIs that work like Benadryl??, posted by tristesse on May 1, 2010, at 20:13:46
Have you tried taking small doses of Benadryl during the day plus a larger dose at night? eg. 25mg twice a day and 100mg at night. It might help.
None of the SSRIs are 'like Benadryl'. Benadryl resembles some of the older tricyclic antidepressants. They both act as antihistamines and anticholinergics (drying effect) as well as serotonin reuptake inhibitors. You might benefit from amitriptyline (Elavil) or clomipramine (Anafranil). You wouldn't want to take Benadryl in combination with tricyclic antidepressants, you would stop the Benadryl first. Amitriptyline is sedating and can be helpful for chronic insomnia.
Posted by Katgirl on May 2, 2010, at 10:28:44
In reply to Re: SSRIs that work like Benadryl??, posted by ed_uk2010 on May 2, 2010, at 7:24:07
Why can't you take benadryl and a TCA together? Just curious. Thanks.
I was going to recommend a TCA for you to. Or what about trazadone?
Posted by evenintherain on May 2, 2010, at 13:48:44
In reply to SSRIs that work like Benadryl??, posted by tristesse on May 1, 2010, at 20:13:46
Remeron (mirtazapine) is an anti-depressant that works on seratonin and norepinephrine.
It also antagonizes the H1 histamine receptor, meaning it is an antihistamine (just like benadryl but a lot more powerful). Maybe it would help you?
Unfortunately, it also makes you tired (but at least you wouldn't need the benadryl at night? it is supposed to improve quality of sleep) and hungry (severe night-time munchies after taking this, so you have to remind yourself that you're not actually hungry, your body doesn't need food, and go to bed without eating all the ice cream in the house).
You might find it all worth it if it helps your depression.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 2, 2010, at 16:04:01
In reply to Re: SSRIs that work like Benadryl??, posted by Katgirl on May 2, 2010, at 10:28:44
> Why can't you take benadryl and a TCA together? Just curious. Thanks.
The anti-cholinergic effects are additive and could cause considerable side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, urinary retention, dilated pupils, confusion and impairment of memory.
Also, since the sedating TCAs such as amitriptyline are potent antihistamines, they would be no need to take any additional antihistamine medications. If you were on a non-sedating TCA such as desipramine, a non-sedating antihistamine such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) could be used for allergies.
This is the end of the thread.
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