Posted by Ron Hill on March 10, 2003, at 10:26:38
In reply to Re: Any side effects? » JaneB, posted by BarbaraCat on March 10, 2003, at 2:06:24
Hi Barbcat,
>I was doing OK until this past December when my Mother died suddenly under very traumatic circumstances.
I saw some of your posts regarding your Mom’s passing a few months ago, but I was unable to respond at the time. I am truly sorry for your loss, Barb.
> Since we'd run out of options, my pdoc suggested Nortriptyline and within 3 weeks I was literally saved. Side effects? The only bothersome one is cotton mouth which does not usually go away.
Interesting. First, and foremost, I'm really excited that you have found something that is working. Second, TCA's have a reputation of causing mood instability in BP II patients and, thereby, inducing hypomania. Not the case with you, huh? Just goes to show that blanket statements do not apply in all cases.
You have been taking the TCA for about two months now, right? No hint of hypomania, correct?
>There is no substitute for exercise. We hate to hear it, but we've got to just accept it. Nothing else will budge that pudge.
I agree. Exercise can keep the pudgy factor in check and, even more importantly; exercise plays a key role in keeping the brain healthy. Here's a short quiz: What do exercise, ECT, rTMS, and effective AD medications all have in common? Answer: They all increase BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor). An increase of BDNF is correlated to a decrease in depression.
-- Ron
poster:Ron Hill
thread:206329
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030310/msgs/207712.html