Posted by hok on January 24, 2003, at 15:07:53
In reply to Re: fighting anhedonia by increasing reward pathway » hok, posted by Larry Hoover on January 24, 2003, at 14:22:03
Oh, I should mention I'm also on Lexapro, 1-2 grams of Omega-3, and a lot of vitamins/minerals (B's, C, Zinc Magnesium, 5HTP).
I agree that the fish oil has helped, although subtley. That's why I'm looking for something much more effective for the VTA dopamine pathway.
As to clarify what I meant when I said that "stimulants make me 'hyperfocused'". I mean to say that it's great at keeping me focused to repetitive tasks. The big However is that it blunts all my faculties of creativity and ability to associate. My conversational ability becomes slow and awkward and my emotions are shunted. Lowering the dose hasn't helped either. Over the years I think I've had enough exposure to focalin, methylph., and Adderal XR to know they're not for me. I haven't tried the regular Dex and would be curious to see how I'd respond to it though.
I had a little success with a recent 2 week trial of Strattera. It caused a lot less irritability. However, there were some considerable side effects, including heart palpiations, anorgasmia, dryness, and rebound effect at night. My doctor said that Strattera does actually give a slight boost to dopamine receptors even though it is a NARI. All said though, Strattera still doesn't come close to reducing my core symptoms of anhedonia and lack of motivation. Caffeine and nicotine, and to a lesser degree, the stimulants, do a better job at this.
As for SAM-e, I'm aware of its connection to boosting dopamine, but the cost factor as well as lot of friends' reports of increased hostility/irritability when taking it, make it an unlikely candidate.
So I'm still open to any other suggestions on the dopamine angle. Thanks.
poster:hok
thread:137341
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030119/msgs/137364.html