Posted , 26 users are following.
Hello
I am currently coming off Mirtazapine as the Doctor has prescribed me Dosulepin. I seemed to be dizzy and the anxiety on mirtazapine seemed worse after 4 months on them ! I am no longer depressed tho.
I have tried Citalopram previously and had such a nasty reaction to the first tablet (panic, sweats, didn't sleep for 3 days) that the Doctor said they didn't agree with me.
He has prescribed me 75mg of Dosulepin, I guess I am anxious about taking them and if I will still get to work okay. Do they help with the anxiety and sleep issues? Its a mone field when your anxious about taking meds!! :?
Thank You for your answers
3 likes, 96 replies
Guest
Posted
I'm on 75mg like yourself. I honestly recommend you give this drug a shot. TCA's are much much much more effective that SSRI's, ....don't believe the double blind studies you read about, .....because A. They aren't blind and B. Drug companies play down the efficacy that people have had on the placebos. 70 -75 percent benefited from SSRI and 40 -45 percent benefited from the placebo, ....so that is 30 -35 percent success rate.
TCA's MAOI's and Benzodiazepines are gold standard for Anxiety/Social Phobia and depression.
I hope you have the success that I have had. Let me know how you get on.
criss_40499 Guest
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Guest criss_40499
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Hi ya
I'm a recovery worker for addictions. Benzos can be lethal to just stop taking. If you wean yourself off with a plan you will be fine but to stop taking them could cause epileptic reaction and hallucinations and fatal consequence. Depending on how
Much you are taking of course but if u have a cut down plan you wil be ok. 😊
ann55375 Guest
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nellyy ann55375
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Hi. I have had a total meds change around since I wrote my last post and feel like my life is moving ahead although I still experience anxiety. I have been on Lexapro 10mg mornings for three years now and my psychiatrist switched me from Xanax, as it has a short half life and I was having interdosal withdrawal anxiety, to Valium about a year and a half ago. I feel much better but still have bad days. I don't cope well with too much alone time so force myself to go out and be around people and friends which helps. When there are no friends around I sometimes chat with strangers if we find a commom talking point. I also try to structure my days so that I don't drift aimlessly which is when the anxiety creeps in, it helps to have a purpose, be it ever so small, even shopping for groceries. I found that the dosulepin worked quite well for me before the age of 50 but it didn't help with the hot flushes and night sweats and anxiety of menopause, so that's why I was forced to change to Lexapro which actually stops the hot flushes (I can't take HRT due to a blood disorder). Would be nice to be drug free one day but at the moment I can't see it happening. So, yes, give the dosulepin a try but give it time and build up the dose slowly, it's really great for sleeping!
ann55375 nellyy
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ellebi ann55375
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keepcalmandcarryon ann55375
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It makes you drowsy - so I take it ((125mg) only at night before bed. This works well for me as I need help with getting to sleep.
It took about 4-6 weeks to work for me. I had a higher dose to start with and brought it down to 125mg per day after a year.
It can make you put on weight so I always have a good walk each day and watch my diet.
ellebi keepcalmandcarryon
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keepcalmandcarryon ellebi
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By itself my exercise does not keep the weight off. I do eat anything but it has to be in moderation.
nicolas95358 keepcalmandcarryon
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keepcalmandcarryon nicolas95358
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nicolas95358 keepcalmandcarryon
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ann55375 keepcalmandcarryon
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keepcalmandcarryon ann55375
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I started with a high dose (225 mg at night) and am now on 125 mg. It does give me an appetite so I have to always watch the calories and exercise every day (walking - I try to walk over 10,000 steps a day on average).
ann55375 keepcalmandcarryon
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keepcalmandcarryon ann55375
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ann55375 keepcalmandcarryon
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ann55375 nicolas95358
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keepcalmandcarryon ann55375
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I was in the same position as you at that time and it is important to get a better nights sleep - which Dosulepin helped me do.
ann55375 keepcalmandcarryon
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keepcalmandcarryon
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keepcalmandcarryon ann55375
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ann55375 keepcalmandcarryon
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keepcalmandcarryon ann55375
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nellyy ann55375
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It is normal for your doctor to start you on 25mg dose, partly to ensure there are no adverse side effects and partly because with this medicine you have to increase the dose slowly until you reach the therapeutic dosage, which for me was 150mg. At the time I used it, it helped to lift me out of severe depression and I took Dosulepin (used to be called Prothiaden) for 14 years from 1999 to 2013. In 2013 I became menopausal and my doctor switched me to Lexapro (after I consulted with my psychiatrist) as this SSRI helps to reduce the hot flushes and night sweats which the Dosulepin was not addressing, as well as treating depression and some of the anxiety. I didn't like having to stop the Dosulepin because I felt safe on it but in the end I have adjusted to Lexapro for depression, anxiety and menopausal symptoms. I must add though that I also take Valium every day otherwise I simply don't sleep and also have anxiety. I have never found an anti depressant which fully treats anxiety and have always had to use a benzodiazapine as well, which my psychiatrist prescribes. I have never had to increase the dose of Valium I am on so although I am dependent upon it, it doesn't cause rampant, uncontrollable addiction as many people believe. My psychiatrist says that it is normal for some patients to need a tranquiliser as well (however many doctors disapprove of benzos, are judgmental and aren't as specialised as psychiatrists) so I don't worry about their judgmental attitude any more. I manage to hold down a permanent job as a specialised legal assistant, stay fit and live a healthy, balanced life. Menopause, on top of depression/anxiety, is a game changer so hopefully you either are too young to have to deal with this yet or have already been through it. Good luck with your journey of survival and to a happier, healthier more balanced and fulfilling life.
nellyy
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I just want to add that I was diagnosed with agitated depression, major depression and GAD in my 20's and am now 54. Thirty years ago people didn't talk about it as openly as these days which made it harder to get help. Keep up all of your doctor appointments and ask about a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist if you feel the need. Talking (to friends and family) really helps as does the specialised advice of a psychiatrist which I have found more helpful than any psychologist or doctor. Depression is extremely complex and can be caused by life stresses and/or chemical imbalance so it is important to get the right kind of help.
ann55375 keepcalmandcarryon
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ann55375 nellyy
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Lizy ann55375
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Hi Nellyy and Ann55375
I thought I would just update you on my mental health. It's 9 years since I posted on this thread.
It took a long while to get me stable, but with the help of my Gp we found a way to get me through the day semi normal.
I take 150mg of Dosulepin every night and 40mg of Citalopram in the morning and have done for about 7 years. I still need diazapan but only rarely now. I don't notice the side effects at all now. I'm also very pleased I kept on taking the dosulepin even when the side effects were awful.
I will always be up and down with my depression and anxiety and it only takes a little thing to set me off.
Any questions I'm happy to answer.
Lizy
ann55375 Lizy
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it comes fortuitously for me as i am just starting the dosulepin route as i had no success with others, You are a ray of hope. I still need diazepam but have never used more than a five at night or four in day. Hoping to get it down when the dosulepin kicks in.
any helpful advice on dosulepin would be great. Its new for me and it seems to have given me loose bowel today. Hoping it will do its job as i really need a decent anti dep to aid my anxiety and low days.
so glad you found your regime
ann55375 keepcalmandcarryon
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keepcalmandcarryon ann55375
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nellyy Lizy
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Hi Lizy
It has taken years of trial and error to reach ''mostly stable'' with the help of my psychiatrist. Most days are good but, like you, a traumatic incident however small, can destabilise me. I just have to remember that I will be back to my level of normal soon if I keep taking the meds and keep moving forward with life. A recent death in the family really shook me so am giving myself time to get back to normal. If I feel anxious I slow right down with whatever I am doing, be it work or walking along the street and remember to breathe calmly. It just takes me time to recalibrate my nerves.
Cheers
nellyy ann55375
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Hi Ann
Give yourself at least six weeks to get used to the dosulepin. It is quite a strong medicine which is why you build up the dosage slowly. The side effects do go away in time. You feel down because the medicine hasn't kicked in and you are not on the therapeutic dosage yet, and depression can make you feel nauseous, it is one of the symptoms. My psych told me the therapeutic dosage for agitated depression is 150mg but this can vary from person to person. This is one of the great things about this medicine, you can easily tailor the dosage by 25mg increments to suit the individual. Feeling spacey can be a depression/anxiety sympton too, they call it depersonalisation. Don't worry. You are on the road to recovery, it just takes time. Keep asking your GP questions and try and spend time with people who are accepting of you while you are going through this temporary phase. You can do it.
Best regards
keepcalmandcarryon nellyy
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dan50499 keepcalmandcarryon
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DO u take dosulepin only or add other meds also?
any side effects like, impotency
dan50499 nellyy
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DO u take dosulepin only or add other meds also?
any side effects like, impotency
magmag1116 ann55375
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In the morning which is a trouble to me as I don’t get enough sleep. I am hoping to receive some advice from people who are taking the same meds. I am also on seroquel 200 mg and diazapam
ellebi magmag1116
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magmag1116 ellebi
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ellebi magmag1116
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magmag1116 ellebi
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ellebi magmag1116
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magmag1116 ellebi
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ann55375 Lizy
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I have had such problems have had to,stop,dosulepin. Another failed anti depressant for me. So many now. Psychnhas given up onme says he has tried one from every group and my body can't take them. He says imhave anxiety and hes right but hes left me with only diazepam and ilate, go to bed early. Have horrendous nightmares. In between i can shop, walk and speak to one or two friends but not back to normal. I have been told my system will eventually corect itself but doesnt feel like it at moment.
eleonora0422 keepcalmandcarryon
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Hi anne55375
I have been on dosulepin for 18 yrs. the last 8 years have been hell with menopause. I have tried alot of different hormones without much help. it's interesting doc hasn't suggested going up on this med. currently on 100mg. maybe I should try. I feel all my life force is going. how was your menopause. did u have to go up on dose. I am 59
nellyy eleonora0422
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Hi eleonora0422
I used to take dosulepin for about 14 years and it did help with depression but I still had to take a benzodiazapine for anxiety which was my initial problem, and then it evolved into depression over the years. But my current diagnosis is anxiety, depression and panic disorder. Seems to get worse during menopause and heatwaves.
Just wanted to mention that I read somewhere the tricyclic antidepressants such as dosulepin are no help during menopause. From what I read SSRIs work on your hippocampus area of the brain thus stopping those maddening night sweats which prevent sleep. The doctor tried me on hormone replacement therapy but after 10 days I developed a DVT in my calf, it was the worst, especially when I was then diagnosed with genetic thrombophilia. I was 50. I then was switched to an SSRI, namely escitalopram known as Lexapro which greatly reduced the hot flushes and night sweats causing me the insomnia which drove me nuts for over a year. I have been on 10mg Lexapro since December 2013 and still on it. I still have 'struggle' or 'low' days but at least I get a good night's sleep. Even during this Sydney heatwave! I also have diazepam for the anxiety as the Lexapro doesn't fully address that and I take 25 to 50mg Seroquel (a tiny dose) at night which makes me sleep. Everything is working most of the time at the moment so I don't want to change the delicate balance. I am now 55. Good luck surviving menopause. Trust in the powers of the universe, medication and time. And talk to your menopausal friends. It's something no one talks about as if it's taboo or something.