Posted by kazoo on April 1, 2002, at 0:06:13
In reply to Re: Anybody else hate tricyclic antidepressants? » Elizabeth, posted by Bob on March 27, 2002, at 14:30:27
In 1971, my doctor found it necessary to prescribe 450mgs. of Elavil taken h.s. to alleviate what he believed to be a form of atypical depression. He warned me of "some drowsiness" but this, he said, would wear off after a week or so.
I was in a stupor for ten whole months.
During those ten months, I didn't know if I were awake or asleep, alive or dead. I would dump boxes of Cheerios in a large salad bowl, fill it up with milk and sugar, put whipped cream on top, and sit mindlessly in front of the TV eating this mess from a soup ladle. I gained 70 pounds in the blink of an eye (although I don't remember blinking at all!).
I don't remember a Goddamn thing from that ten month period except that I think I went to work, I think I had a life and I think I was alive.
After the ten months, my hours at work changed, and I noticed a wonderful difference in my mood, so I flushed all my Elavil down the crapper.
Within 24 hours, I had a major convulsion with seizure-type animations and ended up at Yale New Haven Hospital. I slipped into a catatonic state for some time but came out of it. I was a mess.
During one particular period when strapped to the hospital bed, the doctor came in to see me and he was livid that I abruptly discontinued the drug without his permission. I said two words to him: "You're fired!" He never told me that this would happen if I did stop suddenly.
From that day on, I vowed never to touch a TCA again, and I haven't. You can put the whole lot of them on a barge and sink it.
They're pure crap and help no one.
Just another experience from the pile, so to speak.
kazoo
poster:kazoo
thread:99075
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020327/msgs/101213.html