Posted by MattW84 on July 27, 2004, at 1:05:47
In reply to Why do ADHD meds cause a zombie effect?-sometimes-, posted by badmood on July 26, 2004, at 23:59:44
The thing about adderall and ritalin and other stimulants, is that their is no complete explanation for why they work and what exactly they do... It is generally believed that ADD is caused by a deficiency in dopamine. The idea is that the Basal ganglia is underactive and hence does not produce enough dopamine to "drive" the prefontal cortex. So stimulants then must increase dopamine production to counteract that. Perhaps the zombie effect is from over "stimulation" of the PF Cortex? Or tolerance to the stimulant?I haven't been able to find an answer to this one yet either, but I occasionally have the "zombie" effect. (adderall) Taking weekend holidays from the meds seems to help though.
That doesn't answer your question... but that's what i know... Post that link if you find it again!
Matt
poster:MattW84
thread:370989
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040724/msgs/371010.html