T3 for augmenting antidepressants

[tensor]

Hi, I don't know if this is the right place to post this question but I feel that only an expert in endocrinology can answer it. I have tried about 15 antidepressants and combinations of them with various success. We have tried augmenting strategies with Lithium, Lamictal and Buspiron added to my antidepressants with no success. I have also responded best to AD's that boosts norepinephrine transmission, like nortriptyline, Remeron and Edronax which makes augmenting with T3 an interesting choice since I have read that it (likely) enhances NE and Dopamine transmission.
Now, there is very limited data on dosing strategies for T3 and T4. Some suggests T3 25-50mcg, but there is an uncertainty for how long and which tests to do, and some suggests T3 should be taken with T4 with different T3:T4 ratios but again hard to find any data how long a treatment should last and safety of treatment.
If I responded to T3, how long should I take it? When I have stopped, how long should I wait before restarting treatment, until symptoms reemerge?

Lots of difficult questions, I know. Thanks, Mattias.

[kitty9309]

found it!!

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/379146

[kitty9309]

Sorry your pdoc (do you mean psych?) wasn't up on things. Mine is.
She aknowledged that even though my TSH wasn't too high (5.96), it was not right for ME and was causing my anxiety/depression that came on suddenly when my TSH went from 3.8 to 5.96 in 1 month.
The psych said she uses thyroid hormone to treat depression sometimes. I am in Maryland, you are probably not.
PCP didn't agree before this and out me on Lexapro.
I hope you get some answers! Go to the archives here. Somewhere in Nov-Dec, one member discusses the same thing you are asking. I replied to it, so look for my initials. I'll try to find it for you.

Kitty

[tensor]

Hi,

I get the feeling that pdocs doesn't generally know much about hormone treatment, and you can't really blame them, the endocrinologists themselves are not agreed about this. I have asked a pdoc and they drew some blood from me and concluded I wasn't hypothyroid, so no T3. Clearly he missed my point but now I have another pdoc. I noticed the experts here wouldn't receive anymore posts today so I will have try tomorrow.

Thanks.

[kitty9309]

Has your psychiatrist recommended adding t3? Can you ask him/her? I have read about it, but know no more than you.

To reach the doctor you want to go to forums, ask an expert, and then find thyoid disorders.

There is also a mental health forum which may help you more in ths area.

Good luck.