Posted by jflange on January 25, 2003, at 22:12:28
In reply to Re: fighting anhedonia by increasing reward pathway, posted by JohnL on January 25, 2003, at 5:27:22
hok:
Oddly, when Buspar is added to an SSRI, it apparently boosts dopamine. Do not know about Lexapro, but here's a link to a study of Buspar with fluoxetine that shows its dopaminergic effects.
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/busmech.htm
On a personal note, since adding Buspar to my SSRI (Zoloft), I have found relief for the first time since cigarettes, though I still "caffeinate". Many seem to find buspirone a paltry medication, especially when taken alone, but I can vouch for its positive effects in combination with an SSRI. The cocktail is activating without causing mania, jitters, or any of the negative s/e's you describe from the stims (I have never tried them).I agree that "coffee and cigarette" doses work well for the dopamine-effect you are looking for, but after awhile, I found the effects of a cigarette short-lived (thus the need for dosing). Caffeine alone is not so useful, in my experience. And now, alas, generic buspirone is FAR cheaper than cigs, or any other nicotine product. So here I am!
jflange
poster:jflange
thread:137341
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030125/msgs/137560.html