![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by crabcakebenny on November 5, 2014, at 22:13:10
So to start off, I've had a severe rebound of psychiatric symptoms after a lengthy period off medication. I've started taking Tianeptine: 12.5 mg 3x/day w/o doctor approval
Before I get criticized for managing my own treatment, I've been on a static cycle of SSRIs, neuroleptics, etc. my whole life. Frankly, I'm tired of them. I've had the distinct feeling of arriving nowhere with the entire process. I'm aware mood stabilization at the expense of full-spectrum emotion is viable at this point, but I'm willing to take the risk with the drug w/ supposedly no side-effects before I suck it up and numb my emotions again. There is a lack of information about Tianeptine. I don't trust online reports, but if they are anything to go by, Tianeptine holds questionable efficacy; some people regard it like like the holy grail and others seemingly despise it or claim it's useless
Here are things I'm ambivalent/unsure about w/ Tianeptine: the half-life of the drug (2.5 hours?), considering there's an approx. 12 hour period i'm not taking it, and uncertainty about the onset of effects(instantaneous or built-up over time like most conventional ADs?) If it's the former I'd consider it useless, but I'm holding out.
Posted by phidippus on November 10, 2014, at 17:08:06
In reply to What's the deal w/ Tianeptine, posted by crabcakebenny on November 5, 2014, at 22:13:10
"it is known to serve as a selective serotonin reuptake enhancer, although more recent research suggests that tianeptine produces its antidepressant effects through indirect alteration of AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptor activity and altered neuroplasticity and release of BDNF"
"Tianeptine research was revolutionised in July 2014 with publication of the unexpected discovery that tianeptine is a full agonist at the μ and δ opioid receptors with negligible effect at the κ opioid receptors. Selective μ opioid agonists in the brain's "hedonic hotspots" typically induce euphoria...the delta opioid receptors may be critical to tianeptine's mood-brightening and anxiolytic effect - a therapeutic action seemingly unaccompanied by the physiological tolerance and dependence that have plagued traditional opioids" ~ Wikipedia
It seems its anxiolytic effects are very strong and has been compared to paroxetine in the treatment of panic disorder.
Its effects are not built up, but rather immediate. Think of Xanax, but even shorter lasting.
Eric
ps. Why do people complain about numbing of emotions while on drugs? I take 5 different medications and never experience a flattening of affect. I still cry, I still get pissed. I'm no robot.
Posted by crabcakebenny on November 10, 2014, at 21:17:07
In reply to Re: What's the deal w/ Tianeptine » crabcakebenny, posted by phidippus on November 10, 2014, at 17:08:06
I feel with less intensity and nuance while on ssris, it isn't really that big of a deal though ymmv. I just resumed Prozac and I feel better so whatever (It definitely had an immediate effect...).
I find that APs negate emotion; it's like they deactivate my frontal lobe or something and I become solely reactive and primitive. Effexor also causes flat affect for me it was horrible.
Posted by former poster on November 13, 2014, at 13:01:11
In reply to What's the deal w/ Tianeptine, posted by crabcakebenny on November 5, 2014, at 22:13:10
My Tianeptine trial was a scary experience. Gave me some really weird dreams. I think it destabilised me. However I only gave it a 2 week try.
Posted by Twinleaf on November 14, 2014, at 14:32:02
In reply to Re: What's the deal w/ Tianeptine » crabcakebenny, posted by former poster on November 13, 2014, at 13:01:11
I have taken tianeptine for about five years now, and, although it is not a strong antidepressant, it has been a definite help - both with depression and anxiety, but anxiety especially. Although TMS and psychotherapy have helped tremendously, I never had any luck with the 10-12 ADs I trialed; all of them caused weight gain, sexual difficulties and a horrible anhedonia which I had never before experienced. I just wanted to put in a good word for it, in case someone else might find it helpful!
Posted by Mogger on November 15, 2014, at 20:19:36
In reply to Re: What's the deal w/ Tianeptine » former poster, posted by Twinleaf on November 14, 2014, at 14:32:02
I see you can buy tianeptine in powder form in the US. I would be interested in trying this as I have OCD/anxiety fueled depression. Twinleaf did you find that TMS helped your anxiety? Also have you heard of Sarcosine for anxiety and depression?
mogger
Posted by Twinleaf on November 16, 2014, at 10:58:13
In reply to Re: What's the deal w/ Tianeptine » Twinleaf, posted by Mogger on November 15, 2014, at 20:19:36
I have been getting the tianeptine from Europe in pill form. I have seen advertisements for the powder form, but have never tried it, and so can't offer a comparison.
I have found that TMS does help both anxiety and depression - often noticing a slight to moderate effect on anxiety first.
I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with Sarcosine at all. Was it something you found helpful?
Posted by mogger on November 16, 2014, at 11:04:58
In reply to Re: What's the deal w/ Tianeptine » Mogger, posted by Twinleaf on November 16, 2014, at 10:58:13
Thanks Twinleaf,
Good to know about Tianeptine. I don't think my pdoc would be receptive about it as it is from another country for liability reasons.
Yes Sarcosine is very powerful. I had to stop taking it because I was tapering onto another med so I wanted to do one thing at a time. I am thinking about giving it another shot as it definitely gives one energy and had a positive effect on my mood/anxiety.
On page 15 you see this Dr. talk about it.
http://ocfoundation.org/uploadedFiles/Pages%20from%20Vol%2027%20Issue%203%20Summer%202013.pdf
Here is a study on it
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.