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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by 1980monroe on February 20, 2004, at 11:11:41
Ive read in articles that methamphetamine releases more dopamine than plain amphetaine. But ive also found that methamphetamine is more toxic than d-amphetamine, which it destroys dopamine circuts. Is any of this true
Posted by PsychoSage on February 20, 2004, at 12:24:42
In reply to Dopamine release, posted by 1980monroe on February 20, 2004, at 11:11:41
> Ive read in articles that methamphetamine releases more dopamine than plain amphetaine. But ive also found that methamphetamine is more toxic than d-amphetamine, which it destroys dopamine circuts. Is any of this true
I am not sure about the coparison in neurotoxicity to d-amphetamine because I am suspicious of plain amphets.meth is neurotoxic for sure as is MDMA. There is some debate as to how much and what are the long term implications. However, neurotoxic is neurotoxic. Methamphetamine, whether it is from the streets or prescribed, is very powerful, and its effects translate into a lot of changes that are not even subjectively recognizable until one lives off it for a while to assess the difference.
I've read posts about a lack of euphoria on methamphetamine [desoxyn]for medical conditions, and it is just like any other stimulant. One would think a prescription situation would be desirable, but I think people become as tolerant and dissatisified as any recreational user or addict.
Posted by Chairman_MAO on February 20, 2004, at 21:12:20
In reply to Dopamine release, posted by 1980monroe on February 20, 2004, at 11:11:41
I am no expert, but it's all about potency and route of administration. Meth is simply more potent than regular amphetamine, so it can be more neurotoxic (although I'm fairly sure there are specific differences in toxicity that I do not know about). It is possible to overexcite neurons to the point of death, but this requires fairly high doses. Also, the more dopamine that is released, the more toxic byproducts of dopamine degradation by MAO-B are produced, and the more oxidative stress DA neurons are subjected to. This can be eliminated altogether with selegiline, and some have said here that there is evidence that memantine can prevent tolerance to stimulants to some degree. Not sure if I buy it. I'd like to hear from humans who've actually tried this.
MDMA is far more neurotoxic in therapeutic doses than methamphetamine is. This serotonergic neurotoxicity is caused by the serotonin reuptake transporter becoming less selective in uptake due to MDMA and taking up toxic byproducts of DA degredation that they're not built to deal with. Again, this can be prevented altogether with selegiline.
This is the end of the thread.
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