new med - nortriptyline

I decided I was ready to try another anti-depressant after a horrible experience on lexapro. I've been using Xanax for panic attacks, but it makes me incredibly depressed and I can't actually take a high enough dose to do much more than help manage lessen the panic unless I'm going to bed. I told my psychiatrist that Xanax was like a roller coaster for me. He suggested nortriptyline. I've been on three SSRIs that haven't worked at all (Paxil, Prozac, and Lexapro) and one other tricyclic (Anafranil) that I don't really know if it worked or not, but I had bad side effects that I couldn't tolerate. He said notriptyline was pretty different.

I've been taking it for a week and my med anxiety is in high gear. The good news is that I'm pretty sure it is working for my chronic hip pain (complicated injury from the birth of my second child and being a runner), but I'm so terrified of bad side effects. So far the only thing is really bad constipation. I've been adding more fiber, but have only been able to go by taking an osmotic laxative - and this is at just 25mg and I'm supposed to go up to 50mg next week. I already eat pretty healthy and never had problems, but constipation is also bad because of that birth injury (4th degree tear)

I'm also really afraid of weight gain. I gained on lexapro, which made my hip pain worse. Running is part of my identity, so anything that complicates my hip issues freaks me out. It's good if it helps the chronic pain, but not good if I add weight that actually damages my joint.

The other side effect I've had on two meds now is bad itching/eczema (lexapro and anafranil). So far no signs of that, but both times it took a little time to develop.

I've had a terrible year, and I want something to work, but this process is exhausting.

Most of side effects will be vanished whitin a month
So, keep going if it has affected your mind in a good way and you feel good

hi. constipation can be resolved quickly with very high doses of vitamin C. the cheapest and easiest way to do a "vitamin C flush" is to buy the loose powder or crystals (health food store or online), then mix that with whatever beverage you want, and sip away.

tca drugs are kind old school, but they seem to be making a come back. they do have a long track record of (relative...) safety, so maybe that's why.

i think a doctor can order blood work to see if your blood levels are in the "therapeutic window," or whatever they call it. xanax is a very strong benzodiazepine. if its a bit too much, maybe a less potent one, like valium, ativan, or even the all day xanax (xanax xr, i think) would be a better choice, maybe.

sorry you've had a rough time of things. hope things get better in your world.

Stop running injuried do other forms of exercise so you don’t create permanent damage or misalignment