Posted by KaraS on July 15, 2004, at 18:29:31
In reply to Re: TCAs and Tachycardia - experiences ...KaraS » KaraS, posted by SLS on July 15, 2004, at 1:40:00
> I don't think that any one tricyclic is markedly better than another with regard to accelerating heart rate. Perhaps Sad Panda or King Vultan can comment on that. I guess the ones with the lower anticholinergic load would be preferable - desipramine and nortriptyline. Surely, clomipramine is no bargain when it comes to side effects, although it does score high on efficacy for depression and OCD.
>
> If you are that concerned with TCAs and their producing a resting HR of 100 at the beginning of treatment, you should consult with a physician who has lots of experience using them. What alternatives have you explored without success?
>
> Wellbutrin
> Adderall
> Ritalin
> Thyroid
> Prozac
> Lamictal>
> If nothing exists more palatable than a TCA, I don't think 100 bpm is too much of an issue. It is more important to screen for ECG irregularities and heart disease than for accelerated HR per se. Consult with a cardiologist. I don't feel qualified to tell you anything more than my own personal experience and relate to you the level of concern that the doctors who have treated me have shown over the last 22 years regarding my elevated heart rate on tricyclics. I would be surprised if your HR didn't eventually settle down to something closer to 80 bpm, but I am unwilling to sign and contracts.
>
> I guess I've said this stuff already. I'm such a bore. :-)
>
>
> - ScottHere's my history:
Wellbutrin - I tried a small amount but felt like I couldn't breathe on it.
Adderall - I haven't tried it yet but it's on my list. I would have to see a doctor often for that one so it's at the bottom of the list for now. (I have no health insurance.)
Ritalin - I took 5 mg. of a generic which made me so tired. I was afraid of going any higher on the Ritalin for fear it would completely (and unsafely?) knock me out. I still have the pills here and really should muster some courage and try a larger dose. I'm particularly interested in Concerta should I get past my fear.
Thryoid - I'm on Armour now for Hashimoto's. I may try straight T3 in the form of Cytomel or patch at some time in future as well.
Prozac - I had a really good, but short, response to it. (Also some things in my life really improved around that time so it's hard to know how much was attributable to the Prozac.) It pooped out quickly though. Also I had tremors from it which people interpreted as my being afraid of them. I wasn't aware of the tremors yet and people were asking me if they were scaring me. Very strange.
Lamictal - haven't tried it. Just read about BarbarCat's experience with it though and it doesn't make me want to try it.
Scott, you are opinionated but never boring!!!-Kara
poster:KaraS
thread:366212
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040714/msgs/366635.html