Posted by King Vultan on June 8, 2004, at 19:19:51
In reply to Maprotiline or Doxepine? Maprotiline for Burnout?, posted by rod on June 8, 2004, at 16:12:15
Doxepin is known as being quite sedating, as it has an extremely powerful histamine blockade. My reference "Psychotropic Drugs" describes both as sedating, but you get the impression that doxepin is more so:
"Doxepin (Sinequan) is a TCA that potentiates serotonin preferentially. Doxepin is sedating, has significant anticholinergic activity, and is often touted as a drug that effectively enhances sleep and reduces anxiety. Doxepin has often been recognized as a compound well tolerated among cardiac patients; however, there is no substantial evidence to show that doxepin is superior to other tertiary (or secondary amine) TCAs.""Maprotiline (Ludiomil) represents a tetracyclic antidepressant. It potentiates norepinephrine, has relatively mild potential for anticholinergic effects, and is sedating. Its neurochemical effects are similar to those of desipramine. Dosage increases are generally made more slowly than with the tertiary amine TCAs because this drug is almost twice as potent."
Looking at maprotiline's pharmacologic profile, it is similar to that of desipramine, but with a much more powerful histamine blockade; although, this blockade is not as powerful as that of doxepin (which I believe is similar in that regard to Remeron--ridiculously powerful). From what I can see, maprotiline does look to be more noticeably more activating than doxepin, even though it still may be sedating in absolute terms.
Todd
poster:King Vultan
thread:354847
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040608/msgs/354880.html