Quote:
Originally Posted by mrsD
Most doctors are afraid of high dose TCAs. This family of drugs can cause long QT syndrome, and affect the heart.
Low electrolytes (low potassium and low magnesium) can also bring this on when you are using a TCA.
more here:
http://www.azcert.org/
Any dose of TCA may do this, esp when mixed with other drugs on the lists. However, mostly it appears when people overdose (depression patients may take overdoses in suicide attempts), or when electrolytes get low from diarrhea/vomiting.
Recovering from an overdose of TCA is not easy, so doctors are afraid to use high doses.
50mg of Elavil is not a typical dose (or higher) for PN. Typically 10-25mg are the more common doses.
If a doctor goes higher, then he is seeking a bit of antidepressant action, as well.
You can be screened for long QT with an EKG. |
I was prsecribed 10mg and felt it wasnt doing any good so the doc prescribed Imipramine and still I think I am taking it needlessly, I may try doing without. I am afraid to speak too soon but my Lidocaine Infusion seems to be giving really good results, the past three weeks have been lovely and I have just had another so am hoping this will last through Christmas.