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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by whitmore on January 13, 2009, at 11:15:23
I'm getting towards being 'elderly' (late 50's) and have terrible trouble with sleep. Would like to try a low dose of a TCA like dothiepin at bedtime, but am concerned about the anticholinergic effect on memory--cognitive decline is reported with the use of these meds in the elderly. Does anyone know of a supplement that could be used to counteract this effect?? If it's the anticholinergic effect that makes you drowsy, then I guess it would have to be taken during the day. Just to muddy the waters further, am hypersensitive to meds. and feel that a lifetime of anxiety has damaged my brain already! W.
Posted by sissy35 on January 13, 2009, at 12:22:53
In reply to question about TCA???, posted by whitmore on January 13, 2009, at 11:15:23
I know that Dosulepin is relatively mild and is used for low-level anxiety and depression but I have no first hand experience with it.
Have you ever tried Melatonin? It is a hormone our own body produces. Sometimes our body gets out of wack from too much stress and can deplete this horome. It can be gotten at any drug store in the vitiamin section. TCAs carry a lot of side affects you might not like.
A few people here including myself use it. Some even use it for anxiety during the day.Let us know how your doing
Sissy35
Posted by Phillipa on January 13, 2009, at 12:57:17
In reply to question about TCA???, posted by whitmore on January 13, 2009, at 11:15:23
Hi Whitmore then I guess I'm beyond elderly then as I'm 62!!! You're a youngster still. From what I've read TCA's have cardiac effects in some not all of course. I was on pamelor only 10mg and knocked me out literally. Personally prefer the benzos after over 37 years still low doses and don't think I have brain damage. Some tolerance. Some do well on lunesta, ambien, sonata, melatonin, remeron,a lot of choices. Have you asked your doc? He would be the first to consult and please discuss your concerns about brain damage. Best of luck to you. Phillipa
Posted by whitmore on January 13, 2009, at 14:22:13
In reply to Re: question about TCA??? » whitmore, posted by Phillipa on January 13, 2009, at 12:57:17
I've tried everything. Melatonin doesn't work for me. I've given Rozerem a fair trial and though it's very effective in inducing sleep(I was very surprised), I wake up a few hours later with panic attacks! Very low dose of a TCA seems like a good solution--except for the worry about memory decline...
Posted by desolationrower on January 16, 2009, at 1:37:06
In reply to Re: question about TCA???, posted by whitmore on January 13, 2009, at 14:22:13
low dose TCAs are just antihistamines. there are other antihistamines
-d/r
This is the end of the thread.
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