Posted by tecknohed on August 2, 2005, at 18:45:42
In reply to Double depression and hard time finding a med, posted by Cybele on August 2, 2005, at 17:48:05
> I've posted on here quite a bit, but it's been a while. I have had dysthymia for over 30 years now (I am 44), and only rarely is it so bad I need meds. My "depression" is mostly manifested in difficulty concentrating. I used to be helped by Wellbutrin, which I have taken off and on for 10 years (more off than on), but over time it caused increasing REM sleep problems to the point where I could only take 100mg of SR in the morning. If I took any more than that my REM latency would drop to about 2 seconds. Now I know what narcolepsy must feel like.
>
> The last 3 years have been very stressful for my family--job losses, a move, death of family member--and I've been really struggling. The last month has been really difficult, and I think I am going to have to drop out of the graduate class I was taking this quarter and will put a hold on my job search. I absolutely cannot concentrate. I watch TV, I play computer games, I minimally take care of house and family and finances.
>
> A year ago I had some luck with Effexor. My depression was not as bad then as it is now, and I felt pretty normal when I was on teh Effexor. However, I gained 20 pounds, despite exercise and watchign what I ate, and I have yet to lose this weight. Any med that lowers my metabolism, as Effexor undoubtedly did, is not an option for me; it will make me feel worse!
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> I also cannot take SSRIs. I took 6 weeks of Paxil 10 years ago which made me feel much worse. I took 2 weeks of Prozac once and felt like a zombie.
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> My family doctor asked me to schedule an appt with a PDOC, but it takes 2 months to get in to see one with my health insurance. Until then, she would consider any AD I present to her based on my research. Exercise helps, but the effect is temporary--lately only lasting a couple hours.
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> So double depression, no SSRIs, no Wellbutrin, no Effexor, nothing infamous for weight gain... what's left?
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> Thanks for reading this and any thoughts you might have.
>Hi. Sorry to here you've been haveing such a rough time lately. I'm no expert thats for sure, but I have one or two suggestions based on my own experience.
It seems to me, from the drugs you've already mentioned, both of which effect the Noradrenalin (norepinephrine) system, that a drug which targets this system might help. This neurotransmitter is greatly involved in concentration and focus. Even memory.
Personally I have found Lofepramine (a Noradrenergic Tricyclic) to be great for concentration and stamina/motivation, without any excessive stimulation (apart from at the very beginning, maybe). If you cann't get it in your country then Desipramine should be just as effective as it is Lofepramine's main and active metabolite.
Reboxetine, an SNRI (Selective Noradrenalin Reuptake inhibitor) may also be worth a look.
Also you may wish to look at drugs and supplements which increase the activity of acetylcholine, which is heavily involved in memory and concentration. DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) and Pyroglutamate are 2 good examples and and can be combined for a synergistic effect. DMAE also elivates mood. These can take a while to work, but it's worth the wait.
I hope you find something that works well and soon.
Keep us updated on how you are.
Kind regards, Kev.
poster:tecknohed
thread:536807
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050728/msgs/536826.html