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Is anyone in the world still taking Dosulepin??

Posted , 75 users are following.

Lisa362
Lisa362

HI,

I was wondering if anyone can help me here? I have been taking the tricyclic antidepressant dosulepin for the past 12 years. Last year I started reading stuff on the internet about it causing heart problems for people and that it wasn't being prescribed anymore. My doctor had never mentioned this to me. But I was worried so I went to my doctor to ask if I should change to another newer pill. She said she thought it was a good idea and switched me onto mirtazapine. To cut a long story short my anxiety and depression rocketed and I thought I was going to die so after a month I had no choice but to go back on dosulepin again. I had deteriorated so much that it literally took 4 months before I started to feel in any way well again.

Anyway I have now been back on dosulepin for 5 months and I know that I will have to take it for the rest of my life as it is the only drug that can help me. But I am starting to worry about the fact that NOONE seems to be prescribed it nowadays and everything on the internet seems to relate to how dangerous it is. I am frightened that I am on a drug that might give me a heart attack.

The doctor says I can have an EGC to check my heart but even if it comes back ok I think I will still worry about the fact that I have to take it daily for ever.

Please is there anyone on here that Is on dosulepin or another of the tricyclic's and if so do you have any information on the associated heart risks?

Thank you

Lisa

6 likes, 196 replies

196 Replies

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  • barbs61
    barbs61 Lisa362

    Posted

    well there are many in leaflet..i have never been told or had anything said to be by my Gp or that ..but i have not got anything. but as we say risk in every drug we take thats why there are always loads of side effects in leaflets....

  • jan14530
    jan14530 Lisa362

    Posted

    Hi,

    can i ask you if dosulepin works on insomnia immediately? I use 50mg for about 10 days and no effect. Mirtazapine works on sleep immediately. Bigger dose means more sleepiness?

    Thank you

    Jan

    • bilal97954
      bilal97954 jan14530

      Posted

      Hi jan

      Its most likely because 50mg is not high enough dose. I remember i was started on 75mg.

      The maximum dosage is 225mg (I dont recommend you take that dose), but you might need to increase to 75mg if not being able to sleep is a problem.

      You need to talk to your doctor before you make any changes.

      (The higher the dose the more sleepy ?......Yes because Dosulepin causes drowsiness)

    • jan14530
      jan14530 bilal97954

      Posted

      I'll try to raise to 75mg and see. I asked because mirtazapine had a paradoxical effect - the less the dose, the higher the sleepiness - i took only 3.75mg

  • barbs61
    barbs61 Lisa362

    Posted

    I been on it for decades , between 150mg-50mg over years, recently had crisis in which I have had panic attacks and been on diazepam 2mg 3times a day, and had to see psychiatrist privately due to real deterioration, and he has changed my meds and I will be coming off dosulepin, I gave never heard of heart problems or my dr telling me this. I'm trying two different meds so wish me luck.

    • bilal97954
      bilal97954 barbs61

      Posted

      Good luck i hope you find the right meds for you and wishing you the best of health.

  • Ian78874
    Ian78874 Lisa362

    Posted

    Hi, Lisa.

    I've been taking Dosulepin under its many names for over 25 years without any problems but, like you, I was taken off it for a short time and the depression hit me like a brick, so I went back on it and it took several weeks before I began to feel reasonable again. This Status Quo lasted for about five years until my family doctor contacted me about the possible link to heart problems. He didn't take me off the medication but suggested that, provided I had never experienced anything untoward, I should continue taking the medicine as the consequences of stopping it outweighed the risk of heart trouble. However, I did agreed to his suggestion that I reduce the dossage slightly by taking a full dose one night and a half dose the next night. This came with a proviso that I would return to a full dose if my depression showed signs of returning. I Know it's worrying that you may be taking a drug that could have serious repercussions on the health of your heart but if you haven't had any bad effcts in twelve years I would be inclined not to worry unduly. But perhaps a chat with your doctor wouldn't be amiss? As far as I'm aware, here in the UK, Dosulepin will continue to be available but I beleive it is only being prescribed to patients who already take it and won't be given to "new" patients.

    All my very best to you and I hope you stay well.

    Ian.

  • chris13679
    chris13679 Lisa362

    Posted

    Hi Lisa i was on Dosulpin for over 20 years, my heart is fine. the reason they don't want to prescribe it is because its very toxic to the heart in overdose.

  • jackie26312
    jackie26312 Lisa362

    Posted

    hi lisa362

    ive been on dothiepin 24 years now tried coming off but got to 125 mg and i was a mess recently ive had another low period so my doctors has up them to 175 mg im off work at moment as cant cope with stress the side affects i was told about but the doctor was'nt concerned about it so im happy to continue hope this helps

  • Akeela
    Akeela Lisa362

    Posted

    Dr has prescribed me dosulpin prothiaden for backpain I'm worried any serious sideaffects u experienced plz tell m???

  • Debs1959
    Debs1959 Lisa362

    Edited

    Hello Lisa...

    I have been taking Dosulepin now for over 30years and i am still here with no heart problems as such or not that i know of...

    I to tried may other antidepressants which made me feel worse so come back to the above...

    Hope this is helpful to you..

  • keepcalmandcarryon
    keepcalmandcarryon Lisa362

    Edited

    Hi,I have been taking it for 24 years. Been on 125mg daily for 20 years. Works really well for me.

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