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Re: Lab Rats

Posted by canine on February 28, 2001 at 19:42:45:

In Reply to: Lab Rats posted by -O- on February 27, 2001 at 21:55:09:

O,

I too have had (and probably still do have) depression that stems from my inability to cope well with N and from the anxiety that N produces in me.

I will detail some of my experiences and share the knowledge that I have. Keep in mind that although I have done a lot of research, I am still just a non-MD shmoe.

I am on a class of anti-d's known as an SSRI and I specifically take Zoloft. An SSRI inhibits the reabsorption of Serotonin in the synapses (gap between nerves) so that effectively, there is more left to "float around." Since serotonin has a sedative effect, people who are nervous and insomniac benefit from this extra serotonin, which calms them. I find that this class of drugs successfully soothes me without making me more sleepy than I would be off of the drugs. In any case, since I take the Zoloft at night, any excessive sleepiness would be regulated during the day by a stimulant drug -- Ritalin in my case. The worst side-effect that I have from this drug is horrible acid-reflux so I am on an acid-reducer pill as well. Interstingly enough, SSRI's seem to also be an anti-cataplectic to some extent. Another drug that is an SSRI is fluoxetine or Prozax.

The other classes of ant-d's that I know of and have tried are SSNRI's and tricyclic anti-depressants. Tricyclics, I found (and I tried a few, namely Elavil), do cause a lot of drowsiness which is why they are prescribed in low doses for insomniacs or as a sleeping aid. As far as I understand it, they also seem to promote deeper sleep and provide a kind of "bridge" into delta phase sleep. I found that they caused lethargy and, paradoxically, depression. I had a bad experience with an SSNRI (prescribed for cataplexy actually and not depression) that I won't detail here other than to say that I had some nasty side-effects.

In sum, I would ask about the SSRI's. Also, if prescribed one of them, stick with it. It takes a few weeks to work for depression and the side-effects are worse during this time. If you get through that hump, it is worth it; they have given me back my confidence and taken away that horrible gut-wrenching angst. Dealing with N is hard enough without other conditions complicating things.

Canine.

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