Posted by ggggg123 on October 28, 2010, at 5:52:30
In reply to Re: To Cheryl-Lynne Anhedonia » ggggg123, posted by Conundrum on October 28, 2010, at 0:07:27
I agree with you that theres much more to it than dopamine, at least the dopamine that drugs provide, I think the only way is for the brain to normalize. But its very hard to succeed as drugs which increase one neurotransmitter often attenuate another, I think this is why we end up with anhedonia after taking ssri's. I agree that low dose should be the best policy in theory, still allowing the brain some natural input. Theres a new drug out here in the uk, called agomelatine, which indirectly increases norep and dop but not serotonin, also high dose venlafaxine is meant to have high affinity for norep and it is also dopaminergic (although I don't think going on a high dose ad is a great option), agomelatine might be useful though. I think norepinephrine and dopamine are very sensitive and respond to subtle changes, this is why stimulants and noradrenergic ad's don't make good ad's, as although it is well known they play a role in the aetiology of depression, these drugs can often increase dopamine and norep beyond normal levels, inducing mania and causing anxiety, basically theres a only a very thin line, between depression, feeling normal and mania. SSRI's can be beneficial as serotonin can be increased fairly substantially and the worst symptom you will experience is anhedonia,unlike dopaminergic drugs which are not ideal to dole out to the public as they could make you a threat to society or nervous wreck . There is virtually no ad's that increase dopaminergic output, just a few that have a slight disinhibiting affect and very slight reuptake inhibition.
My theory is to increase the brains dopamine very very slightly, hopefully acting as a probe to help initiate the flow of da and to also help motivate one back into an active life which inturn could prove very beneficial to the mind. I think its alot of trial and error to find something that helps, but I am positive that something will. I will keep you updated on the bromo and my progress. Cheers.
poster:ggggg123
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URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20101020/msgs/967215.html