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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JayBTV on December 20, 2006, at 13:00:50
I've been on Tofranil (75mg) for the past week w/o noticing too much change in my depression. If anything I've just become more tired and sedated.
I saw my pdoc today and he raised the dose to 150mg which according to him (and what I've read) is more likely to yield benefit for depression.
I was just looking for info from people who've taken Tofranil as to approx how long it too them to notice it's effects. I've been on many different ADs before and of course I've read up so I know typically they say given them 4-6weeks.
Notwithstanding I was hoping some people who've used this medication could chime in regarding approx how long it took to notice benefits. With other SSRI/MAO type ADs I've usually noticed something positive within the first week.Thanks for any insight!
-Jay
Posted by med_empowered on December 20, 2006, at 23:35:02
In reply to Tofranil (imipramine) 150- How long until it works, posted by JayBTV on December 20, 2006, at 13:00:50
TCAs are weird. Improvement on core symptoms of depression may take a while, but since they tend to be either really sedating or markedly activating, usually there are some benefits pretty early on. I'd say give it 4-6 weeks, max, at the new dose, then move on.
Posted by jimmygold70 on December 22, 2006, at 4:39:15
In reply to Tofranil (imipramine) 150- How long until it works, posted by JayBTV on December 20, 2006, at 13:00:50
Tolerance to Tofranil sedation develops with time. This groups of medications is less likely to work for women.
How old are you? are you postmanupausal? Did you check you TSH, fT3 and fT4, Estradiol, Progesterone and free testosterone levels in various menstrual phases?
> I've been on Tofranil (75mg) for the past week w/o noticing too much change in my depression. If anything I've just become more tired and sedated.
>
> I saw my pdoc today and he raised the dose to 150mg which according to him (and what I've read) is more likely to yield benefit for depression.
>
> I was just looking for info from people who've taken Tofranil as to approx how long it too them to notice it's effects. I've been on many different ADs before and of course I've read up so I know typically they say given them 4-6weeks.
> Notwithstanding I was hoping some people who've used this medication could chime in regarding approx how long it took to notice benefits. With other SSRI/MAO type ADs I've usually noticed something positive within the first week.
>
> Thanks for any insight!
>
> -Jay
Posted by JayBTV on December 22, 2006, at 6:50:04
In reply to Re: Tofranil (imipramine) 150- How long until it works » JayBTV, posted by jimmygold70 on December 22, 2006, at 4:39:15
> Tolerance to Tofranil sedation develops with time. This groups of medications is less likely to work for women.
>
> How old are you? are you postmanupausal? Did you check you TSH, fT3 and fT4, Estradiol, Progesterone and free testosterone levels in various menstrual phases?
----I'm male 29yrs old so perhaps that's good news they tend to work better for men :)
Also nice to hear the sedation might go away after a few more weeks. I was just ramped up to 150mg three days ago (75mg for a little over a week just prior). This morning is the first time I can say I think it's helping my mood. Hopefully this trend will continue as I get myself back on my feet after a rough manic episode.
Thanks for the reply and if anyone has any personal experiences starting Tofranil (particularly in dosages +100) please post.
Cheers,
-Jay
Posted by jimmygold70 on December 22, 2006, at 10:02:48
In reply to Re: Tofranil (imipramine) 150- How long until it w, posted by JayBTV on December 22, 2006, at 6:50:04
> I'm male 29yrs old so perhaps that's good news they tend to work better for men :)
Ye, they do. And you're lucky to be a man - our society is too opresssive for women.
> Also nice to hear the sedation might go away after a few more weeks. I was just ramped up to 150mg three days ago (75mg for a little over a week just prior). This morning is the first time I can say I think it's helping my mood. Hopefully this trend will continue as I get myself back on my feet after a rough manic episode.Good too hear! Keep holding, take care and happy new year!
J
Posted by JayBTV on December 26, 2006, at 11:02:56
In reply to Re: Tofranil (imipramine) 150- How long until it w » JayBTV, posted by jimmygold70 on December 22, 2006, at 10:02:48
Just an update. Been on Tofranil-PM for 13 days now and it's definitely helping more than most of the other meds I've tried. First week at 75mg - last six days at 150mg always at bedtime. At first I didn't notice anything but tiredness. The AD properties definitely sneak up on you.
I'm also taking 600mg(low dose) of lithium in the morning and we added 10mg of Ritalin-LA. The Ritalin does is minuscule compared to the 60-80mgs I've taken in the past. The sedation has mostly abated but perhaps the ritalin is in part responsible for that.
No sexual side effects - if anything my sex-drive/abilty to orgasm has increased. I haven't noticed any of the standing up BP issues often mentioned w/ Tofranil but I would say I'm sweating more than usual. Also noticing pretty vivid dreams but I've found them enjoyable for the most part. I also experienced some constipation but that seems to be disappearing as well....
Mood has definitely improved and I've also been more focused/able to concentrate. IE: been able to watch/get into movies whereas the last few weeks I'd watch a few min and decide to do something else.
Anyway, it's still early but I'm optimistic. I just wanted to post a positive comment for this tricyclic as I see they get bashed a lot around here. There are side effects w/ all of the ADs I've tried but I'm just very thankful that so far this is working for me and hasn't yielded sexual side effects.
I'll update if anything changes or if improvement continues.
-Jay (29/male)
Posted by KarenRB53 on October 7, 2008, at 10:46:02
In reply to Re: Tofranil (imipramine) 150- How long until it w, posted by JayBTV on December 26, 2006, at 11:02:56
> Just an update. Been on Tofranil-PM for 13 days now and it's definitely helping more than most of the other meds I've tried. First week at 75mg - last six days at 150mg always at bedtime. At first I didn't notice anything but tiredness. The AD properties definitely sneak up on you.
>
> I'm also taking 600mg(low dose) of lithium in the morning and we added 10mg of Ritalin-LA. The Ritalin does is minuscule compared to the 60-80mgs I've taken in the past. The sedation has mostly abated but perhaps the ritalin is in part responsible for that.
>
> No sexual side effects - if anything my sex-drive/abilty to orgasm has increased. I haven't noticed any of the standing up BP issues often mentioned w/ Tofranil but I would say I'm sweating more than usual. Also noticing pretty vivid dreams but I've found them enjoyable for the most part. I also experienced some constipation but that seems to be disappearing as well....
>
> Mood has definitely improved and I've also been more focused/able to concentrate. IE: been able to watch/get into movies whereas the last few weeks I'd watch a few min and decide to do something else.
>
> Anyway, it's still early but I'm optimistic. I just wanted to post a positive comment for this tricyclic as I see they get bashed a lot around here. There are side effects w/ all of the ADs I've tried but I'm just very thankful that so far this is working for me and hasn't yielded sexual side effects.
>
> I'll update if anything changes or if improvement continues.
>
> -Jay (29/male)
Hi: I know this post is old but hoping you see it. My pdoc wants me to go on Imipramine. I was wondering if you're still taking it and if its still working well for you. Thanks for any info.Karen
This is the end of the thread.
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