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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Denise528 on November 13, 2002, at 8:09:38
Hello,
Does anyone know if smoking can enhance or decrease the effects of any ADs. If so which ones?
My current bout of depression started after I had quit smoking for a month. Now I am practically chain smoking. I would stop smoking if I thought it would help my depression but am scared it will make it worse.
Denise
Posted by jyl on November 13, 2002, at 9:51:24
In reply to Smoking, posted by Denise528 on November 13, 2002, at 8:09:38
hi denise
i am on 300 mg of wellbutrin
i heard it has some of the same ingredients as a nicotine patch.
i barely smoke anymore-dont really think about it either.
when i was on effexor i was chain smoking too...
good luck
jyl
Posted by Eddie Sylvano on November 13, 2002, at 10:47:55
In reply to Smoking, posted by Denise528 on November 13, 2002, at 8:09:38
> Does anyone know if smoking can enhance or decrease the effects of any ADs. If so which ones?
---------------------I would wager that it augments the actions of your AD. Smoking, iirc, causes dopamine release, which should elevate mood. It's also why you feel so crappy when you quit. Just like your brain gets used to the extra serotonin and goes into withdrawl when you quit certain ADs, your brain experiences a lower level of dopamine after quitting cigarettes.
Everyone reacts differently, though. I've smoked on and off for quite a while without really getting hooked.
Posted by Denise528 on November 13, 2002, at 10:49:05
In reply to Re: Smoking » Denise528, posted by jyl on November 13, 2002, at 9:51:24
Jay,
Did Wellbutrin make you more anxious initially?
Denise
Posted by jyl on November 13, 2002, at 10:59:02
In reply to Re: Jay, did Wellbutrin make you more anxious?, posted by Denise528 on November 13, 2002, at 10:49:05
to early to tell
just got out of the hospital.
anxious about everything right now.
i dont have a clue what i am doing with all these meds?
any wellbutrin advice would help!
jyl
oh yah-i cant seem to eat anything either
Posted by NikkiT2 on November 13, 2002, at 11:17:25
In reply to Smoking, posted by Denise528 on November 13, 2002, at 8:09:38
Wellbrutin is only available in the UK as a smoking cessation pill!! (Its called Zyban then!)... I keep offering to give up smoking if they'll put me on it, but they won't let me *sobs*
Nikki
Posted by Ed O`Flaherty on November 13, 2002, at 13:48:38
In reply to Re: Smoking » Denise528, posted by NikkiT2 on November 13, 2002, at 11:17:25
Why won`t "THEY" let you have Zyban.It is contraindicated in Bipolar Disorder and not everybody can tolerate it.Why not try another doctor.
Posted by Geezer on November 13, 2002, at 14:28:32
In reply to Smoking, posted by Denise528 on November 13, 2002, at 8:09:38
Hi Denise
Not sure I could show the effect smoking cessation has on ADs but I am a 100% believer that smoking has a very strong and direct effect on depression. I quit a two pack a day habit 15 months ago and have been in a chronic state of depression ever since. IMHO there is no question the effect on dopamine is the real issue. It is a shame there are NO REAL dopamine ADs and I don't expect to see any down the road......the powers that be fear the abuse potential of such drugs.
Wish you the best,
Geezer
Posted by babs on November 13, 2002, at 17:08:03
In reply to Smoking, posted by Denise528 on November 13, 2002, at 8:09:38
denise- I am a smoker too and I've read two things about smoking and AD's. One is that smoking actually makes Ad's less effective and if you smoke you may end up on a higher dose of Ad's than a non-smoker. Two, if you have experienced past depressive episodes and quit smoking, there is a good chance you will get depressed again. I read both in a psychaitric journal at my pdocs office, but I can't remember which one so take the info with a grain of salt. Hope this helps and hope you feel better!
Posted by Jumpy on November 13, 2002, at 18:06:34
In reply to Smoking, posted by Denise528 on November 13, 2002, at 8:09:38
> Does anyone know if smoking can enhance or decrease the effects of any ADs. If so which ones?Hey Denise,
Smoking can hinder the effect of ADs by decreasing there blood levels. Often smokers need higher doses to get adequate blood levels of AD.
Smoking in itself is an antidepressant ... and many smokers have an under lying depression which nicotine relieves. Of course, cigarettes have alot of side effect like lung disease, high blood pressure and VERY EXPENSIVE ... up to 7 bucks in NYC!
Jumpy
Posted by Denise528 on November 14, 2002, at 8:41:33
In reply to Re: Smoking, posted by babs on November 13, 2002, at 17:08:03
.
Posted by Denise528 on November 14, 2002, at 8:44:04
In reply to Re: Smoking » Denise528, posted by Geezer on November 13, 2002, at 14:28:32
Hi Geezer,
I thought that Wellbutrin, stimulants, remeron and nardil all affected dopamine in some way.
Denise
Posted by Geezer on November 14, 2002, at 11:04:15
In reply to Re: To Geezer, posted by Denise528 on November 14, 2002, at 8:44:04
> Hi Geezer,
>
> I thought that Wellbutrin, stimulants, remeron and nardil all affected dopamine in some way.
>
>
> DeniseHi Denise,
Although Wellbutrin is supposed to have an impact on dopamine it is so minimal as to be almost nonexistent. The primary effect from Wellbutrin pertains to norep. You are correct, stimulants (Dexidrine, etc.) do have a direct influence on dopamine, they tend to release or "flood" the brain with dopamine, but pstims can not be regarded as ADs in the same sense that TCAs or SSRIs would be (due to there abuse "potential" they are classified as class II controlled substances). I have a history of Dexidrine abuse dating back to the 60's and 70's - I have been clean for many years. I have no argument with the regulation, what I do object to is the complete lack of research on dopaminergic ADs simply because the governing regulatory agencies would never approve such a drug.
I believe Remeron has an effect on serotonin and at higher does norep. I took it for 2 months at 45mg. with no effect. Same result with Wellbutrin at 450mg for the same time period.
Nardil I know very little about (took it back in the 70s), would have to research that a bit. Parnate, another MAOI, was said to have secondary metabolites of amphetamine (like Dexidrine), but I now hear conflicting reports on that. It is one of the best drugs for oldtimers like myself who no longer respond to the new ADs.
Please don't take these comments as any kind of a predictor of your results with these medications. I am 58, have been in treatment for more than 30 years, and my illness is progressive. I am part of the 30% group unresponsive to the modern drugs.
I can only hope for future improvements and that progress is hindered by regulatory obstruction.Wish you the very best in your treatment,
Geezer
Posted by phoebes on November 15, 2002, at 12:07:27
In reply to Re: To Geezer » Denise528, posted by Geezer on November 14, 2002, at 11:04:15
Geezer, I remember from previous posts that you were planning to do ECT; what ever happened with that? Did you get the treatments? Did they work?
Thanks.
Posted by Geezer on November 15, 2002, at 15:57:23
In reply to Geezer -- update?, posted by phoebes on November 15, 2002, at 12:07:27
Hi phoebes,
Yes, I have had 9 treatments (#10 will be next Thurs. 21st) and yes they do help. After 15 months I can finally see through the darkness. There is still a degree of depression remaining that will need to be treated (probably poly-pharmacy) but at this point I am functional. I would recommend ECT to anyone unable to find relief in ADs.
Very best to you,
Geezer
This is the end of the thread.
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