Posted by AndrewB on June 13, 2000, at 14:16:02
In reply to Augmentation with Amphetamine-like Drugs?, posted by Libby on June 13, 2000, at 11:57:30
Libby,Maybe somebody else can say whether your past history of stim abuse makes it a bad idea to use amphetamines. However, our drug(s) of abuse, those we self medicated with, while inappropriate for long term health and well being, can give us important clues as to which of our receptor systems and areas of the brain may be not working properly.
Street speed I believe affects the adrenal glands, norepinephrine (essentially alpha 1) receptors, and D2 dopamine receptors.
Provigil is not an amphetamine. It works, I think, mainly on the alpha 1 andrenergic receptor, supplementing the action of norepinephrine. So note that Provigil does one of the things street speed did for you. Because of the mode of action that Provigil uses, it does not cause the roller coaster ride of energy and emotion that amphetamines can be noted for. Provigil also won't (normally) cause the anxiety or addiction/abuse potential of amphetamines either. Drugs similar to Provigil- reboxetine, adrafinil, and too lesser extent Wellbutrin, also share these characteristics.
Certainly one option for you, without having to use stimulants, is to try one of the aforementioned drugs. Drugs like Provigil can often help concentration. Again these aren't speed, but they do one of the things speed does (that is, stimulate the alpha 1 adrenergic receptor) but in a better way. I personally think, before anybody tries Provigil or similar drugs, they should try over the counter naphazoline eye drops. These eye drops act in a few minutes on the alpha 1 receptor and quickly, I believe, tell a person whether or not they will respond to a drug like Provigil. For example if the eye drops suddenly focus your concentration, you know that a drug like Provigil has the potential to help you. For more info. on these eye drops see the post entitled, 'For those interested in reboxetine and adrafinil'.
BTW, the insulated feeling is associated with (too much) serotonergic action.
Also, if the alpha 1 stimulator class of meds (i.e. Provigil) doesn’t help your concentration, the next place to look at is dopaminergic options. But that is another story......and another day.
Let me ask you, for I am curious, how has Zyprexa improved your condition and what have been its side effects.
Andrewb
poster:AndrewB
thread:37162
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000610/msgs/37175.html