[netsavy006]

I've tried several SSRIs (Zoloft, Pexeva, Lexapro) and I've tried to SNRIs (Cymbalta, Remeron).

I've been on these meds for anxiety, however, these medications have induced manic episodes.

I'm thinking about asking for a tricyclic antidepressant for anxiety.

But what I would like to know how do TCAs compare to other antidepressants, and what's the likelyhood that a TCA could induce a manic episode?

Thanks,
~ Andy

[dragonfly2]

Quite likely, actually. But as always, these meds don't affect everyone the same way. TCAs are one of the classes more prone to inducing mania though. It's worth asking your pdoc about it, and you may do just fine on a TCA with the Lithium on board, but don't be surprised if he says no with your history.

[sunrise]

If an antidepressant induces mania, the standard approach is to add a mood stabilizer. Something like Lamictal. Have you tried that? I have not heard that TCAs induce mania less than other ADs in those with bipolar. What does your doc say? I'm surprised if you have a history of mania with one antidepressant that a doc would keep prescribing different ones, even though each induces mania. It sounds like a strange approach! Why no mood stabilizer?

[dragonfly2]

Originally Posted by sunrise

Why no mood stabilizer?

He's on Lithium, which is a mood stabilizer, and is actually better at warding off mania than Lamictal.

[sunrise]

Oh I see now he's listed all the meds at the bottom of his post. Good to know about the Lithium.