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Donna, I agree that the SSRI's are usually better antidepressants than the TCA's (tricyclics). I have heard that TCA's sometimes are felt to have some dopamine blocking properties but when that was all we had I used TCA's with PD patients with no trouble including nortriptyline which was my favorite prior to the SSRI's. Amitriptyline in the instances being discussed recently on the list was being used for its sedation side effects and in low doses. Amitriptyline is metabolized to nortriptyline in the body so in effect these individuals are also taking nortriptyline. Tremors and anxiety can occur in almost all the antidepressants although usually even with PD patients it is not a problem- but it can be. Charlie Donna A. Bassolino wrote: > > Funny some asked about this drug - cause in yesterdays local paper > the "dear doctor" column had a question about it. > > It seems the woman taking it was nervous/sleepless and developing tremors. > > I seem to recall that that series of anti-depressants (nortryptaline - "Pamelor") > are among those not recommended for PD patients becuase of some of the PD-like > side effects - which obviously a person with PD does not want. > Usually the SSRI series is better. > > Anyone have any other info ? Charlie ? any pharmacists ? > > best wishes to all > > donna > > (daughter of PD dad dg Jan 97 Mirapex) > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > - Donna Bassolino-Klimas, Ph.D. > Bristol Myers Squibb Pharma. Res. Inst. > Department of Macromolecular Structure > P.O. Box 4000 Room H3812 > Princeton, N.J. 08543 4000 > > (609) 252 4413 > INTERNET: [log in to unmask] > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- CHARLES T. MEYER, M.D. Middleton, WI [log in to unmask]