Misc Need some opinions re: Largactil

[zzorg]

Hi there guys, not sure if this is the right part of the forum to post this on but here goes. I've suffered since the early 80's from 'reactive' depression, as the years have gone by it's been getting steadilly worse. I've been on *every* anti-depressant you could think of. From Imiprimine in the early days to Paroxetine for probably the last four or five years. Anyway, to cut a long story short, last year my partner (of 20 years) and I emigrated to Perth WA. I've not been able to find work and there's been a lot of relationship problems which culminated in me having the worst temper outbreak I've ever had last weekend. Really lost it (over something totally trivial). Started on Friday evening, Saturday was bad, Sunday just lost it. Didn't lift my hands to my partner, never had and never would, but I smashed a lot of dishes and stuff. Yes, the police were called.

So, by Tuesday morning I was clearly not coping but mostly because my partner wasn't around - I actually just needed a hug and some kind words from her -, and so it was a trip to the hospital. They kept me in for about 8 hours and then after a 'talk' sent me home with a script for Largactil 25Mg 1 before bed. Now, part of the reason I wasn't coping was because I can't sleep here - it's too damned hot! I'm from Scotland so anything above minus 10 is summer to me! I think that may be why they prescribed it. When I say I haven't slept I mean I get maybe an hour a night, constantly knackered.

My question is: I'm absolutely *wetting* myself to take the largactil in case I can't function in the morning - got a dog to look after. Can I assume 1x25Mg is a low dose? How will it affect me and would I be better just going to the doctor and getting a script for Ativan or Diaz perhaps?

I've heard a lot of negative stuff about Largactil, just don't want to jump into something I'm not sure about.

Any thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[thesameoldfears]

http://www.ehow.com/m/about_5412803_largactil-side-effects.html

That is a link to the side effects of this drug. I took thorazine specifically for the purpose of knocking me out when I was in severe pain. I could take like 1/4 of a dose (which was a low starting dose, I can't remember the exact mg) and it would put me to sleep. I can't tell you how your body will react, but I'd say start with 1/2 the pill and if it doesn't put you to sleep, take the other half. And I would expect some residual drowsiness so try not to take it too late.

 

[zzorg]

http://www.ehow.com/m/about_5412803_largactil-side-effects.html

That is a link to the side effects of this drug. I took thorazine specifically for the purpose of knocking me out when I was in severe pain. I could take like 1/4 of a dose (which was a low starting dose, I can't remember the exact mg) and it would put me to sleep. I can't tell you how your body will react, but I'd say start with 1/2 the pill and if it doesn't put you to sleep, take the other half. And I would expect some residual drowsiness so try not to take it too late.

Many thanks for your reply appreciated. I've take a quarter tablet tonight with no significant effects. I'm not totally happy about being on it so I think I'll get an appointment with my GP next week and see about getting something a little lighter just to help me sleep. I've also got enough weight gain problems from the Paroxetine without adding to them. Many thanks.

 

[thesameoldfears]

No problem! I'm sorry a quarter didn't help you, but better to be safe than sorry I feel. It's definitely not a drug I would want to stay on long term but for occasional use I never had any side effects. I hope you find some relief. Seroquel is good for evening out moods and sleep but it also causes weight gain. Good luck

 

[zzorg]

Many thanks for the reply. I'm taking a half at night, no real effects, maybe some slight improvement in sleep. Doesn't half burn when it sticks in your throat though! More water needed methinks!