Posted by Conundrum on October 28, 2010, at 0:07:27
In reply to Re: To Cheryl-Lynne Anhedonia » Conundrum, posted by ggggg123 on October 27, 2010, at 23:30:42
I'm not on the low dose prozac now, but if I can't find anything that works better, I would consider taking it again. Its good for motivation and drive, but it didn't totally hit anhedonia at the core. I think Pristiq was starting to hit anhedonia, but it just stopped working and felt like an SSRI. I'd consider low dose prozac with an NRI in the future. I think it could be a good longterm strategy if it works, but once you're on it for a long time, don't stop it.
I'm skeptical about DA agonists helping with anhedonia, or drugs that are mainly dopaminergic in general. I'm sure they work for some, but there is more to the brain than low dopamine = anhedonia. Unfortunately there are too many sites that say dopamine is the pleasure chemical, but its not that simple. All the other neurotransmitters carry your emotions too. For example, mice unable to synthesize norepinephrine cannot distinguish between a pleasurable drug like cocaine from an unpleasant drug Lithium cloride. So without adequate norepinephrine, no drug reward, atleast for mice. The same is probably true with serotonin and endorphins.
Also people feel flat on drugs that increase dopamine strongly, like parnate and ritalin. Don't believe me? Look it up, tons of people saying they feel less creative on ritalin or people feeling flat on parnate.
Some people, with anhedonia, do better on drugs like nardil or even dexedrine that do increase dopamine but also have stronger effects on other neurotransmitters when compared to ritalin and parnate, respectively. Some don't.
There was one person on this board with anhedonia, who was taking selegine, adderall, DLPA and maybe one other dopaminergic and had no relief from anhedonia. I'm not trying to discourage you, but there is a reason DA agonists aren't marketed as antidepressants, so if it doesn't help, you may want to consider other options. As you might be able to tell, my anhedonia has not responded well to dopaminergic drugs. Some people do. I think a DA agonist would tell you whether you are on the right path or not. I mean what can tell you whether or not you need dopamine more, than a drug that acts directly on dopamine receptors and its effects are even more potent than the natural ligand.
I really look forward to hearing how you respond to it. I think it is interesting.
Complaints: post-SSRI problems: anhedonia, memory and concentration problems, sexual dysfunction. )
Country:USACurrently taking Lamictal, mirtazapine.
Does humor belong in depression?
poster:Conundrum
thread:10100
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20101020/msgs/967192.html