Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Clayton on October 28, 2003, at 14:12:41
I used methamphtamines for a couple years in my tewnties and then stopped. Somehow, I avoided the cocaine scene (thank God). (I am now 52). Recently, I discovered and used Ritalin recreationally. I am trying to stop. I suffer from dpression and other psychiatric disorders that correspond to those noted for stimulant abusers in the medical literature. Might Bupropion be an option for long term augmentation of depressed dopamenergic activity caused by stimulants? I currently take Paxil and Remaron and so must be very careful not to cause problems with seratonin and norehinephrine supply and activity..
Posted by SandyWeb on October 28, 2003, at 20:16:37
In reply to Buproiion treat dopaminergic damage by stimulants?, posted by Clayton on October 28, 2003, at 14:12:41
I would be interested in what type of damage is done due to methamphetamine use. I used crystal meth (crank) for about 3 years while I was in my 20's, and I'm wondering if my anxiety disorder has been largely caused by the drug I used to regularly snort. That was a lifetime ago, but I guess we pay for our mistakes over the years.
What exactly is stated in the literature about damage done from meth use?
SandyWeb
Posted by Clayton on October 28, 2003, at 23:51:27
In reply to Methamphetamine Damage » Clayton, posted by SandyWeb on October 28, 2003, at 20:16:37
Posted by Clayton on October 29, 2003, at 13:50:25
In reply to Methamphetamine Damage » Clayton, posted by SandyWeb on October 28, 2003, at 20:16:37
I posted a long response last night that apparently hasn't appeared on the web site. It included many links to reputable articals on permanent damage to the neurotransmitter systems involving Dopamine, Seratonin and Norepinephrine. Anxiety disorder is one consequence. I, too, suffer from it. Several kinds of damage are involved including DNA and permanent changes in the action of receptors. My "reward system" is deficient and I lack motivation. These are signs of deficient function in thr Dopamine System. That's why I was looking for a medicine (bupropion) to help the problem. Anxiety disorders are mostly related to changes in Seratonin function. Of course, the altered functioning of all three systems can interact to cause the behavioral and mental heal symptoms that result. I'll try to post the links again. They are written by serious researchers and, frankly, I find them freightening. If you want to use email, that is okay. Our history and symptoms sound very similar. If inclined to email, you should know that I am interested ONLY in sharing info about our past abuse, symptoms, and what we've tried to help them. I'm empathic and level-headed - not an internet wierdo!. But feel free to stick to the Psycho-Babble posts if you are inclined.
Posted by Clayton on October 29, 2003, at 16:07:01
In reply to Methamphetamine Damage » Clayton, posted by SandyWeb on October 28, 2003, at 20:16:37
Here are the links to a few of the internet sites that discuss permanent damage to the brain caused by stimulant abuse. Results often manifest as Anxiety Disordrs, Depression and lack of drive and motivation.
http://amphetamines.com/methpsychosis/index.html
http://amphetamines.com/neurotoxicity/index.html
http://amphetamines.com/dopamine/index.html
http://amphetamines.com/serotonin/index.html
http://amphetamines.com/serotonin/
http://amphetamines.com/depression/dualdeficit.html
http://amphetamines.com/vta/index.html
Posted by SandyWeb on October 29, 2003, at 18:20:50
In reply to Damage to Neurotransmitters from meth , posted by Clayton on October 29, 2003, at 13:50:25
Hi Clayton,
I'd love to chat with you about our common difficulties from meth. I don't want to post my email address in the forum. I also don't use Messenger. Is there a private means to exchange email addresses??
SandyWeb
Posted by Clayton on October 29, 2003, at 20:57:34
In reply to Re: Damage to Neurotransmitters from meth » Clayton, posted by SandyWeb on October 29, 2003, at 18:20:50
Dear SandyWeb,
Feel free to write to me at TheoryQuery@aol.com. I would love to share and find it "theraputic".
Anyone who is dealing with the psychiatric consequences of past stimulant/pot abuse are welcome. I can't guarantee a reply but I will respond to messages on target as time permits. ATTENTION WIERDOS: ANY ABUSE OR HARASSMENT WILL RESULT IN THE QUICK DEMISE OF THE EMAIL ADDRESS.
Sandy,
You said you suffer from anxiety. My anxiety symptoms were manifested as SAD and insomnia. (These led to depression, or, perhaps, depression was another consequence of the abuse.) Symptoms started right about the time I quite swallowing the meth tabs. Also, a serious amotivational syndrome started. Even basic things necessary for my own survival were neglected...not to mention projects that might improve my life and make me happier. Motivation is related to drive and drive is related to norepinephrine and doamine. Dopamine is implicated in "reward mechanism" dysfunction. Currently, my anxiety symptoms are controlled by Paxil and Remaron. The pdoc says they are synergistic. The Paxil was only marginally effective but within two weeks of adding the Remaron, my mood disorders and resulting dysfunctional behavior were almost gone. It's not magic but iu's more than I had hoped for from any med out there. Anxiety Disorders on Paxil and Remaron: SAD is 98% improved - gone. Insomnia has reduced by about 75%. I am doing thigs I haven't been able to do for decades. And the Psychological pain associated with mood order (depresion) is dramatically reduced. Hope the meds don't poop out.It's the drive deficiency (amotivatioal behavior, planning and gaol setting) I have to deal with now. Unfortunately, there have been only two antidepressants that augment Dopamine activity and they've both been pulled from the market. They are nominifense and ameneptine...the later supposedly the best antdepressant ever made, it was pulled because of a small abuse potential.
Anyway, this is all very sterile sounding. Hope you find the Email address. I'll be able to include some more personal aspects of all this.
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