Posted by Mark H. on April 17, 2000, at 19:42:43
In reply to Re: Any happy, stable rapid cyclers out there? , posted by KarenB on April 17, 2000, at 11:23:27
Right on, Karen!!
I have never read that point so well made. I think everyone with refractive depression should eventually TRY stimulants if indicated, whether as primary or adjunctive medication. Among those I've spoken with, people who DO NOT need stimulants know it within a day or two -- it just doesn't help. Likewise, those of us who do need them often seem like we're the most unlikely candidates, yet the stimulants have an immediate and profoundly positive effect on our condition.
Methylphenidate also potentiates some antidepressants. I've said this before, but the combination of ritalin and Effexor (at least with my body chemistry) allows me to get the same AD effect from 1/4 the amount of Effexor that I was taking 6 years ago (150mg/day vs 600 mg/day). That alone is a great blessing, since I avoid most of the side effects of Effexor by taking so little, and I don't have to keep increasing my dosage to get a good anti-depressant effect.
poster:Mark H.
thread:30276
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000411/msgs/30383.html