Posted by West on November 3, 2008, at 15:10:34
In reply to Feeling apathic on Dextroamphetamine - straight up, posted by rjlockhart04-08 on November 3, 2008, at 14:22:33
That amphetamines are still in use as psychiatric drugs is a very contentious issue as i'm sure you are aware. They have no lasting benefits on mood and will cause depression even in those otherwise unsusceptible. Their use even at modest dosages tends to deplete the brain of endogenous monoamines and prevents their levels from reaching a level healthy enough to provide a good mood. What you describe might be tolerance or even some breakthrough depression. Tapering off is an option if you wish to remain free from reliance on amphetamines. Ritalin is much safer if you feel you need to take a psychostimulant for difficulties with attention and concentration, a drug habit is still a drug habit regardless of who is dispensing the drugs, and receiving them on script from a doctor doesn't legitimise their use. If you ARE depressed i suggest taking an antidepressant. Tapering off the dexedrine and hanging at a low dose is an option. Selegiline inhibits MAOb, the enzyme responsible for deanimating 80% of dopamine produced and is in addition a neuroprotectant, not a neurotoxin. Omega 3 oils might also be worth looking into. In drive deficient apathetic/anergic states i can recommend the ADs milnacipran, bupropion and reboxetine.
Incidentally During world war II British scientists ran some very scrupulous research on d-amphetamine when its use was proposed for fighter pilots in the RAF during long missions. The results they came up with concluded that it was ratings of pleasure, not performance, that were enhanced. Caffeine provided a better overall performance but had peripheral effects unsuitable for pilots navigating planes and manning sensitive controls, so they allowed its use only where srtictly necessary. Germany had long stopped using amphetamines at this point after manufacturing and distributing huge quantities of it to troops during world war I and discovering the detrimental effects they had on troops long-term. Reports of increased time for recovery and fatigue after taking Pervitin became common, as did the incidence of mood disruption and addiction.
Thanks
West
poster:West
thread:860566
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081027/msgs/860580.html