"i&rsquo;ve been taking desipramine (the generic from actavis) for depression since 2003, returning to it after trying many other meds.  it&rsquo;s the only one that helped, although high doses caused shortness of breath, low-back pain, nightmares, stress, and anxiety.  the key has been finding the correct dose.  an important discovery was that chocolate produces a synergistic effect.  taking it in the evening right after a large serving of dark chocolate and 10 ounces of milk allows me to keep the dose and prescription costs low.  it&rsquo;s not nearly as effective without chocolate during the day.  but a problem is that it&rsquo;s addictive.  increasing the dose made me more depressed but going down improved my mood, so finding the optimal one has been difficult."