Quote from jealibeanz:

How common is it to use Straterra for depression? I'd ask my doc about it, but he may think I'm really grasping there. It does make sense though. I'm also wondering whether I'd have a chance because I do have some general anxiety, but oddly enough caffeine calms a relaxes me, so maybe this would too. I'm not longer deeply depressed, but have had dysthimia my whole life. I suffer from lack of motivation and apathy during periods when I'm not terribly depressed. Would norepinephrine inhibition help?

Jealllibeanz,


With a name like that you surely have SOME humor hiding down there somewhere :) Just kidding :)

If I was you I would continue to try different medications BUT at a lowest dose possible until you find one that helps you. Have you tried Anafranil? It is a very old tricyclic, affects several neurotransmitters and has often been described as an "oldie but goodie". You can get it in 25mg. capsules and start out small increasing it or lowering it until you like what you feel. It also has a mild sedative in it to help you relax and sleep well. I believe it has been around for 35 years now and people have been known to use it that long as well.

My son uses it for his OCD with phenominal success. Alot of psych's (docs) do not like to prescribe older ones because they may be getting perks from the newer ones.


Try it once and see if it helps. I cannot guarantee anything but one doc had my son on a couple of others and they were not good.

Quote from December716:

You could also try Elavil. It's an old one too, but specifically good at treating dysthymia. It's a Tricyclic antidepressant. SSRI's shouldn't really be prescribed for people with mild to moderate depression. They're really for people with major depression. But a TCA at a mild dose is a perfect first step antidepressant for someone experiencing mild to moderate depression. There have been really bad side effects reported on TCA, but I think its rare and at higher doses.

December,
That is an interesting thing to note. Interesting how the various meds will end with a "il" that are in the same class. I never heard of Elavil, but it would certainly be worth a try for her.

Anafranil-Elavil....I bet there may be several other older tricyclics that we are not aware of. I know that with Anafranil they recommend it be taken before bed but that is not totally conclusive for everyone.
The only side affect my son had from Anafranil at first was a racing heart , but that quickly disappeared and he has been on it for over 2 years. Now he is at the lowest dose possible and might even skip once in awhile.


But to the original poster...don't give up. Keep trying but take it slowly and easily. :)