Posted by JD on June 3, 1999, at 5:58:40
In reply to Re: nardil/maoi -- and coffee!, posted by John on June 2, 1999, at 11:20:21
I believe that I've read somewhere that people who tend to (ab)use stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine for an anti-depressant effect often have a very positive response to MAOIs (and probably Parnate in particular). Not surprising given the general dopamine-stimulant connection, but food for thought nonetheless...
Best,
JD> > This nardil thread is really fascinating. I've never been on an MAOI, but, after seven years of only partial success with other antidepressants, may be starting a trial on an MAOI. What struck me about your comment, Bruce, was the mention of coffee, or rather, it made me aware of how little coffee is discussed in general with respect to depression on this site. When I first went into psychotherapy, my doctor noted that I stated that I found coffee to be the most effective antidepressant (non-prescription). Looking back, and even today, I realize that, in many respects, it still is. I drink quite a lot off coffee, and smoke cigarettes, unfortunately. Ican't quit them despite being on a high dose of prozac (nor when I tried other SSRI's or tricyclic.). I've noted also that coffee (by which I mean caffiene) gives me a tremendous mood lift, decidedly stronger than does alcohol. My doctors insist that drinking coffee is far less of a concern than drinking alcohol, which I found quite easy to quit altogether. (And no wonder, coffee gives me more of a buzz anyway). I've read on the subject, and found that, especially when coffee was first introduced and popularized into societies, studies showed that the psychological ramifications were quite dramatic, severe, and mostly bad. Lately, no one seems to take caffiene into account as a factor of sufficient weight. I'm with you, and I feel that coffee is an antidepressant medication of tremendous strength, and also of tremendous possible detriment and relief. Any other thoughts on this, anyone?
poster:JD
thread:6791
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990601/msgs/7001.html