Posted by Elizabeth on February 23, 2002, at 16:33:50
In reply to Re: Dexedrine Tolerance? A Theory » Geezer, posted by fachad on February 21, 2002, at 8:21:28
I think that fachad is right on it: euphoria isn't a sustainable state. I wouldn't expect people to experience euphoria on typical doses of amphetamine that are given for depression or ADD, though.
I suggest that if you feel euphoric on Dexedrine, it probably is doing more for you than you need (i.e. relief from depression) and you should be able to feel fine/well (but not euphoric) on a lower dose. I'm guessing that it's not quite as simple as that, though: the line between "euphoric" and simply "well" is a blurred one, especially if "unwell" is the only thing you've known (as in a lifelong disorder).
Stimulant monotherapy is supposed to be effective in about 50% of depressives, compared with the two-thirds-or-so with other ADs. It seems reasonable to me that people who haven't had luck with regular ADs might benefit from trying stimulants. If your doctor is reluctant, offer to get tested for ADD or to take them in combination with something you've tried before (something that doesn't work but doesn't cause bad side effects, either).
I think I mentioned that before MAOIs and TCAs were discovered, amphetamine was a common treatment for serious depression. A relative of mine took amphetamine for years without any trouble. Pdocs should be aware that it does work for some people. (Then again, these are the same pdocs who refuse to acknowledge the antidepressant efficacy of opioids -- the *oldest* class of drugs used as antdepressants, they were used long before amphetamine, which I think was discovered in the 1940's.)
> I think a valid analogy would be if someone really got off on the sedation an OTC antihistamine like Benadryl vs. someone whose allergies are relived by Benadryl.
<major giggling>
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:16036
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020222/msgs/95246.html