Posted by SLS on May 31, 2002, at 8:52:13
In reply to Re: Dr Goldberg, so there is no hope? » Anna P., posted by Psydoc on May 30, 2002, at 4:47:49
> Feeling hopeless about the possibility of finding a solution to the problem of an ongoing depression is common and is the result of a frustrating series of failed drug trials plus the "negative thinking' of someone who is depresed.
> I have seen many patients who have developed resitance to many drugs but who eventually find a combination of medications that provide ongoing relief. Such combinations are often complex and involve two or three antidepressants plus one or two mood stabilizers or low doses of an antipsychotic. Very often such successful "cocktails" involve
Dear Dr. Goldberg,
Have you ever heard of the use of memantine (Akatinol - Germany) or acamprosate (Campral) to help prevent the development of "tolerance" or "medication break-through" relapse during the treatment of depression? Memantine is the one I am most interested in, and is currently under development in the US for the indication of Alzheimer's Dementia.
I have experienced robust responses to TCAs, MAOIs, nomifensine, and Lamital. This state of nearly complete remission lasts exactly three days before it disappears abruptly. Since memantine has been reported to obviate the development of tolerance to the psychostimulating effects of amphetamine, I a wondering if you have ever heard of its use in treating depression.
Is there any other drug that comes to mind when treating someone who experience such transient responses to drugs?
It's always nice to have hope. I was very happy to read your reply to Anna. It is a monumental achievement to maintain hope after so many treatment failures. Depression is a hideous and oppressive altered state of consciousness. It is a dark and dank prison cell without windows to the outside world.
Thanks.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:107617
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020525/msgs/108149.html