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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Buddy on March 27, 2001, at 19:03:38
I currently take 40mg of Dexedrine(Dextroamphetamine) a day .. When im in bed trying to get to sleep i hear weird voices and sounds.. They race through my mind EXTREMELY fast.. I also see bright Colors that move around and then turn into objects..
Also during the day i sometimes go into DEEP staring spells that it's almost hard to snap out of. When im in one, things change shape and color, my pupils get HUGE and im unable to move my body. I DO not have narcolepsy, epilepsy or schizophrenia, And all of this ONLY happens when i'm the medication.
What the hell is going on????????
Plus I don't want to be adviced to stop taking it or lower the dose cuz im already aware that i should do that, im just EXTREMELY curious as to what is going in my head.
Thanks
Posted by JohnX on March 27, 2001, at 20:10:59
In reply to PROBLEMS WITH DEXEDRINE:HEARING VOICES, posted by Buddy on March 27, 2001, at 19:03:38
> I currently take 40mg of Dexedrine(Dextroamphetamine) a day .. When im in bed trying to get to sleep i hear weird voices and sounds.. They race through my mind EXTREMELY fast.. I also see bright Colors that move around and then turn into objects..
> Also during the day i sometimes go into DEEP staring spells that it's almost hard to snap out of. When im in one, things change shape and color, my pupils get HUGE and im unable to move my body. I DO not have narcolepsy, epilepsy or schizophrenia, And all of this ONLY happens when i'm the medication.
> What the hell is going on????????
> Plus I don't want to be adviced to stop taking it or lower the dose cuz im already aware that i should do that, im just EXTREMELY curious as to what is going in my head.
> ThanksBuddy,
Please consult with physician about this asap.
Repeated administration of psychostimulants like dexedrine have the potential to induce psychosis
(hearing voices is a symptom). Its not unlike the psychosis reported in schizophrenia, although it does not mean you are schizophrenic.-John
Posted by JohnX on March 27, 2001, at 23:22:47
In reply to Re: PROBLEMS WITH DEXEDRINE:HEARING VOICES, posted by JohnX on March 27, 2001, at 20:10:59
> > I currently take 40mg of Dexedrine(Dextroamphetamine) a day .. When im in bed trying to get to sleep i hear weird voices and sounds.. They race through my mind EXTREMELY fast.. I also see bright Colors that move around and then turn into objects..
> > Also during the day i sometimes go into DEEP staring spells that it's almost hard to snap out of. When im in one, things change shape and color, my pupils get HUGE and im unable to move my body. I DO not have narcolepsy, epilepsy or schizophrenia, And all of this ONLY happens when i'm the medication.
> > What the hell is going on????????
> > Plus I don't want to be adviced to stop taking it or lower the dose cuz im already aware that i should do that, im just EXTREMELY curious as to what is going in my head.
> > Thanks
>
> Buddy,
>
> Please consult with physician about this asap.
> Repeated administration of psychostimulants like dexedrine have the potential to induce psychosis
> (hearing voices is a symptom). Its not unlike the psychosis reported in schizophrenia, although it does not mean you are schizophrenic.
>
> -JohnOh yeah, to answer your question on what may be happening in a physiological sense: it is possible that you are developing a hypothesis called "reverse tolerance". This hypothesis states that repeated intoxication with stimulants (such as dexedrine, or in a more severe case cocaine) results in an increased response to dopamine release in the brain. The thought behind this is that the post synaptic dopamine receptors typed "D2" are responsible for the decrease in fatigue, increased euphoria, and potential inhancement of mental acuity. The same receptors also are thought to control a feed back mechanism that slows down the release of dopamine into the synapse. When the stimulant artificially releases more dopamine the brain can adjust to this by creating more D2 post receptors or by making them more sensitive in order to use the feed back mechanism to fight off the extra dopamine. The paradox is that the chronic use of the stimulant will then be to invoke a greater response of dopamine into the d2 receptors. If this is strong enough, then it can lead to the psychosis symptoms.
If anyone else has heard of other hypothesis behind this, I would be interested in learning.
-john
Posted by Mark H. on March 27, 2001, at 23:39:12
In reply to PROBLEMS WITH DEXEDRINE:HEARING VOICES, posted by Buddy on March 27, 2001, at 19:03:38
Buddy,
I'd like to echo John's suggestion that you talk frankly with your doctor about your unusual symptoms as soon as possible.
On the one hand, you acknowledge -- at least indirectly -- that what you're describing are symptoms of psychosis and the "waking dream paralysis" that accompanies some forms of narcolepsy, and you also admit that you probably should cut back your daily dosage. The subject of your message also indicates that you consider what's happening to you "problems" with your medication.
Later, however, you assert that you're simply curious about what's going on in your head, and that you don't really want to change your dosage (or stop the effects?).
Given the intensity of your experience, I'd encourage you to honor the part of yourself that is concerned these symptoms are a problem. While the schizophrenic-like and other effects you describe may be "interesting" to you in the short run, even moderate sleep deprivation can be quite dangerous if you drive a car. Likewise, whether prescribed by your doctor or obtained on the street, overuse of stimulants in some individuals can cause psychosis and abnormally violent behavior.
I want to be supportive of your interest in the workings of the mind, while reminding you that it is safer to do some research rather than experiment on yourself with something that could be seriously dangerous. I knew an otherwise decent and mild man who will be in prison for the rest of his life for the things he did while on speed.
Please give your doctor a call, and let us know how it goes. You may find a different medication that works much better for you.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
Posted by stjames on March 28, 2001, at 1:10:46
In reply to PROBLEMS WITH DEXEDRINE:HEARING VOICES, posted by Buddy on March 27, 2001, at 19:03:38
I DO not have narcolepsy, epilepsy or schizophrenia, And all of this ONLY happens when i'm the medication.
james here....
Unless you have had an EEG, there is no way to know if you do/do not have epilesy. have you had one ? If not, take this test: http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/isse.html and mention it to your doc.
When I first read your post, Subsyndromal Epilepsy
was the first thing that came to my mind.Otherwise, I agree with the others that this could be a psychotic reaction, it is the likely
choice.You need to call your doc today and let him/her know about it. Calling your doc does not mean no more stimulants, perhaps Adderal, just like Dexadrine will not cause this. This is a significant reaction and you should call your doc.
James
Posted by kazoo on March 28, 2001, at 8:14:20
In reply to PROBLEMS WITH DEXEDRINE:HEARING VOICES, posted by Buddy on March 27, 2001, at 19:03:38
> I currently take 40mg of Dexedrine(Dextroamphetamine) a day...
^^^^^^^^^
When the sound of grass growing at night keeps you awake, then you know you have a problem. It is possible that you're experiencing what is called the "Mad Hatters Syndrome"; i.e., amphetamine induced schizophrenia after prolonged high doses.
You don't say why you're taking such a whopping dose (up 60 mgs. for narcolepsy), so it could very well be that you're taking too much for the condition you have. I suggest you consult with your doctor (as suggested prior) because this *will* only get worse if left untreated.
kazoo
(As a side note: Greetz to James...)
This is the end of the thread.
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