Posted by iris2 on October 9, 2004, at 11:31:33
In reply to Re: Geno....Let's Brainstorm.....(links) Iris, posted by thug life on October 9, 2004, at 9:07:18
> > I am going to seem stupid. I cannot concentrate or focus enough to even begin to understand or learn what I want/need to know for my own self to know what medications to take.
>
> Iris,
> You can do it! It might seem difficult at first with big words and whatever but....let's change those "I cannot's" to "I must" and you are not stupid,I can tell by your posts you are very intelligent...I am the vibe master and can tell lol.
>
>
> > Without going into an extended background. I have atypical depression and bulimia and personality disorder all depending on which pdoc or therapist you ask for my diagnosis. Some probably might say severe depression instead of atypical. I do not know that it always matters.
>
> So the personality disorder is it borderline? You can correct me but you might have these symptoms:
>
> 1-Extreme sensitivity to rejection
> 2-Mood reactivity based upon when something good or bad happens
> 3-weight problems(in all forms)
> 4-Lethargy
> 5-more etc.
> These all have a tendency towards the sensitvity to rejection which is why you can get so many "disorders"
>
> > For me one of the severe symptoms I deal with is my inability to focus, concentrate essentially read and learn and remember. I have not dealt with this with any of my docs. I am just generally so depressed it is not the first of many issues I would deal with. Felling a bit better I am very upset all the time about this.
>
> In my opinion you have defeciencies in these areas..... Serotonin,Gaba and Dopamine.By being sensitive to rejection and the focusing problems all tend to indeed point to a Dopamine problem.
>
> > You seem to know a lot about the mechanisms (my bet choice of wording) of how some of these medications work. I take Ritalin. It helps me get out of bed and perhaps dose a little more but not much. I find it difficult to read more than a paragraph at a time and comprehend, remember or be able to focus on what I am reading. I cannot take most other stimulants because of a bladder disease. It is impossible.
>
> Since you are having an o.k. reaction to Ritalin(Methylphenidate) Have you considered...Focalin,cocerta,Methadate or if you don't go that route you can keep upping your ritalin dose until you get the deired effect.
>
>
>
> > Anyway I was looking into possible alternatives for this problem and Strattera seemed to keep popping up. The probability that I can take it is slim. I cannot take for instance Effexor, many amphetamines, Flexeril, can take a little Amisulpride more than 50mg I cannot tolerate. There are many more antidepressants and other drugs I just wanted to give you an example. My pdoc says he thinks SI cannot take anything stimulating but then I can the Parnate
> > I was curious if you thought it prudent for me to try Strattera as much for its antidepressant value as for the ADHD or ADD stuff?<
>
> Stattera is basically to me Desipramine wothout anti-cholinergic effects.And Start is more specific.But all in all it is a Specific Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor,Hence the SNRI name given to it.Desipramine was always known as an NRI.So if you have any experience with Desipramine you can kind of get what it will do.You for sure though need something thats going to stimulate Dopamine.....
>
> Can you take Nardil? This to me is a wonder drug.In atypical depression it has been shown to have a 72% response rate compared to prozac or Imipramine coming in at a 44% success rate.Nardil is the gold standard when treating atypical depression.Parnate isnt effective as it works on different mechanisms.
>
> Also Selegine might be of some interest to you.It is an MAOI-B that works on dopamine.Not as much dietary effects also.
>
> Modafinil-Don't know how effective it would be but its worth a try.The cost is the big downfall but it doe shave a psychostim effect which might help you.
>
> ***All drugs are touch and go and big what if's so only by experimental means are often the only way.
>
> Here are some drugs that are recommened for Atipycal.....
>
> Gold standards...Nardil and Klonopin
> Neurontin,Lamictal,Wellbutrin,Ritalin,Vestra etc.
> As far as Dopamine goes there are a few routes...
> -Bromocriptine
> -Mirapex
> -Survector
> -Selegiline
> -Requip
> -Dostinex
>
> There are more drug therapies but as usual I'm very tired and don't think I could be given the best response you'd need but I will try and give to answer tomorrow.
>
>
> > I would value your opinion or anyone else who might have some knowledge of this.
> >
> > Thank you,
> >
> > Irene
>
> Actually thank you Irene for opening your life to us and being at that level where you are researching trying to make yourself better.Sometimes I get down on myself but its people like you that ask questions,share knowledge that make me think this world has some hope left.I hope you understand I am getting at the point where I will start to jump all over the place due to----sleep deprivation!!! So please take care of yourself and remember after the darkest night is always brighter tomorrow.
> Take care
>
>Thanks for all the input.
It gets kind of confusing because I do not keep a journal of all I have taken and its effects.
I have taken Ritalin- with good effect on low dose larger dose makes me talk incessantly and body tension.
Parnate- worked wonders for years with lots of side effects but I could care les pooped out.
Nardil- had no effect.
Selegiline-cannot remember how long and at what dosage- had no affect
Survector-had the best mood elevating almost no side effects- had to stop because it affected my interstitial cystitis (I.C.)-have tried again four times now and I seem not to get any affect at all. Do you think I should just give it a real long trial? Even though the first time I took it it worked within less than a week?
Several other stimulants-cannot take because of I.C.
Modafranil-made me crazy anxious
Adafranil-nothing
Topimax-nothing
Effexor-seemed like it was going to work definitely calmed me but the I.C. kicked in-tried it several times since and cannot even take one dose anymore
Almost every SSRI-no effect
Reboxetine-helped a little especially in combination with Parnate or Moclobimide
Oxycontin-take currently helps some with mood
Klonopin-take currently as needed helps with anxiety
Amisulpride-Current-helps some with depression but none with anehedia and has increased my prolactin too high. I was thinking of taking Mirapex which I see is on your list
I have also looked at Requip although I have not taken much of a look at Dostinex.
I definitely have the following:
1-Extreme sensitivity to rejection
> 2-Mood reactivity based upon when something good or bad happens
> 3-weight problems(in all forms)
> 4-Lethargy
> 5-more etc.
Yes some docs have labeled me as borderline others prefer to say I have some tendency of or for it. I used to ( years ago) self mutilate.Based on what you have put out here I am wondering if I should go ahead and try the Survector one last time. I just went off of it. It seemed to be making the Amisulpride not work. If I do decide I will have to make a commitment to stay on it for at least two to three weeks regardless of how I feel in-between. Would you not agree?
Perhaps I am better of with the Mirapex?
I thought since the Strattera is used for focus and concentration (ADHD or ADD) that it might be a way around trying to take a stimulant directly? The Ritalin just does not do the trick. I take it because without it I would never even get out of bed though.
I don't know perhaps I will try Adderal. The chance that I could take that is so slim it is a joke. But if I do not try I will never know for sure.
Thanks again and hope to hear from you again,
irene
poster:iris2
thread:396950
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041007/msgs/400708.html