Posted by SLS on May 6, 2016, at 8:20:11
In reply to Ropinirole and Bipolar Depression, posted by phidippus on May 6, 2016, at 7:01:03
> Anybody use Ropinirole for bipolar depression?
>
> EricIs this a question driven by curiosity, or are you considering this for yourself?
The only DA receptor agonist I have tried is bromocriptine (Parlodel). It helped for a few days. However, I have not heard good things about pramipexole (Mirapex). It doesn't have a high rate of success, and has some side effects that are often problematic. Someone on Psycho-Babble reported persistent residual anhedonia after discontinuing pramipexole. Although anecdotal, this would not surprise me. Long-term downregulation of post-synaptic receptors could be the culprit. I have not heard anything bad about ropinirole (Requip). Nor have I heard anything good.
I would not want to dissuade you from trying ropinirole. It might work. If it does, you should feel an improvement within a few days. I just don't like the idea of using DA receptor agonists for depression. In my mind, the risks outweigh the benefits. If you receive no benefit after 7-10 days of treatment, I would consider ending the trial and reduce the risk of developing extensive DA receptor downregulation. I think 2 weeks is the average period of receptor turnover.
That's a lot of conjecture on my part, I know.
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1088727
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20160501/msgs/1088733.html