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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 29. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by AMD on August 20, 2005, at 10:09:31
Folks,
Any suggestions for medications useful in reversing the depression and cognitive decline associated with stimulant abuse (primarily cocaine)?
I recently entered an outpatient rehab program for the twice-monthly abuse of (bingeing on) alcohol and cocaine. I'm still feeling, however, the devestating depression of mood that follows their cessation. I can't focus; I want to sleep constantly; I have no energy and no motivation to do things I typically enjoy, such as going to the gym; and I feel, basically, horrid.
I've been off these substances for a week now. I thought that by now any residual effects from my past binge would have tapered. But this depression subsists.
Which makes me wonder: am I on the right meds? Hence this post.
I'm taking Lamictal 200 m.g. and Celexa 80 m.g. daily. I also take fish oil (high EPA-DHA ratio), and a high-potency vitamin B supplement.
Yet presently these aren't helping at all. I've thought about raising the Lamictal to 400 m.g., or 600 m.g., even, as the former has often helped bring me back to a decent mood. But I tried 400 m.g. earlier this week to no avail.
I should note that I've been on Celexa for more than four years now, and Lamictal for almost two years. Perhaps it's time to switch medications.
I'm soliciting advice on psychopharmaceutical options. Any thoughts?
Thank you,
amd
Posted by rjlockhart98 on August 20, 2005, at 10:25:16
In reply to Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse, posted by AMD on August 20, 2005, at 10:09:31
Wellbutrin is used for cocaine withdrawl. Its a dopamine reuptake inhibitor.
300-450mg XL would be a the maximium dose.
I was on Wellbutrin 450mg XL but i had a siezure when i took 650mg i stopped it. Wellbutrin is known to cause siezures but its rare under 450mg. I got the bad side.
I am on Dexedrine 20mg. I went thought some cognitive decline after i stopped Adderall 40mg, i have abused adderall before but insomnia tore me up. I was a changed person after that. I am now phobic of abusing anything.
I recommend Wellbutrin and maybe a low-moderate dose of a stimulant. Focalin, or Adderall.
Best Luck
Posted by SLS on August 20, 2005, at 11:01:45
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse, posted by rjlockhart98 on August 20, 2005, at 10:25:16
Hi Folks.
> Wellbutrin is used for cocaine withdrawl. Its a dopamine reuptake inhibitor.
Do you find that Wellbutrin is specific to preventing cocaine cravings or do you think it also reverses the rebound (let-down) depression that goes along with cocaine cessation?
Substituting a stimulant for cocaine makes sense so long as you are not likely to abuse it. As has already been suggested RJL, combining Wellbutrin with a stimulant might work well to prevent cravings and reduce depression. The stimulant should probably be tapered as soon as possible as it is just meant to be a substitute to buffer the depressive rebound.
Lamictal is an interesting choice. I believe there is something dopaminergic going on with this drug. Unfortunately, it often occurs during monotherapy that the dosage of Lamictal is pushed higher and higher as the energizing benefits fade. People end up "stuck" at dosages of 300mg and higher and receive no more benefit than they did at 75mg. From such a high dosage, the taper must be very gradual to prevent or mitigate a depressive rebound. You might need to stay at the dosage you are on presently while searching for a more effective method of dissipating the depression. Has anyone suggested imipramine, amantadine or memantine? Tyrosine?
You might want to inquire over at the Alternative board. There may be things besides tyrosine or DLPA that might offer relief.
Whenever I discontinue Parnate, a stimulant-like antidepressant, I experience a let-down that includes a heavy fatigue. I have never tried to treat it in any way, though. It only seems to last for a few weeks.
I wish I could offer somethings definitive. There's got to be something, though. If you find something that works, please post it, as I might use it the next time I must d/c Parnate.
Good luck.
- Scott
>
> 300-450mg XL would be a the maximium dose.
>
> I was on Wellbutrin 450mg XL but i had a siezure when i took 650mg i stopped it. Wellbutrin is known to cause siezures but its rare under 450mg. I got the bad side.
>
> I am on Dexedrine 20mg. I went thought some cognitive decline after i stopped Adderall 40mg, i have abused adderall before but insomnia tore me up. I was a changed person after that. I am now phobic of abusing anything.
>
> I recommend Wellbutrin and maybe a low-moderate dose of a stimulant. Focalin, or Adderall.
>
> Best Luck
Posted by bart on August 20, 2005, at 13:15:15
In reply to Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse, posted by AMD on August 20, 2005, at 10:09:31
yes, wellbutrin is more than likely the prescibed medication of choice. As you probably know it's also prescribed for nicotine withdraw. Wellbutrin doesn't have any sort of euphoric stimulant effect though.
Like the person before me mentioned, there's a lot of alternative supplements that are good like L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine (my favorite).
There's also some mild dopaminergic drugs like mirapex and bromocriptine that are typically used for Parkinson's disease.
As for focalin, ritalin, dexedrine, or adderall, some people coming off drugs of abuse I'm sure have had some success by substituting with these medications, But for any TRUE addict, it's pretty much general knowledge that these are not safe to take if you are to trying arrest the disease by staying sober. I've tried it before and any of those mentioned scheduleII prescription stimulants just further reinforced my compulsion to get high. that's just my experience, I'm not trying to give advice
Posted by Empathy on August 20, 2005, at 13:29:21
In reply to Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse, posted by AMD on August 20, 2005, at 10:09:31
A week is not very long... you need to be patient with yourself and remind yourself often that you are "withdrawing" and the feelings and sensations that you have will not always be as "intense" as right now. It takes awhile to get your brain chemistry back to somewhat normal - at least a couple of months. Please try hard to not get discouraged, as it is worth it. There may be meds to help you, but time is really going to help the most. Another helpful thing to work on after discontinuing cocaine and alcohol is your nutrition - a good multi-vitamin and multi-mineral to nurture your body cells is a good idea.
Wishing you the very best - hang in there, you will be so glad that you did.
Posted by Declan on August 20, 2005, at 14:18:24
In reply to Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse, posted by AMD on August 20, 2005, at 10:09:31
Hi AMD
Maybe you should be taking something dopaminergic. This is sometimes tried with people who overuse cocaine. That's why I suggested deprenyl over on the substance use board. At the very least it shouldn't hurt you.
If this line of thinking is right, maybe an SSRI isn't the way to go. What do you think? They've used bromocriptine for cocaine users, I dunno how successfully.
Do you think that your cocaine use is motivated at all by the numbing of the Celexa?
Declan
Posted by tecknohed on August 20, 2005, at 19:44:12
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse, posted by Empathy on August 20, 2005, at 13:29:21
I agree with Empathy. Time would be the best remedy, that is assuming that withdrawal is the main cause of the depression and fatigue.
Now I know stimulants can be very helpfull in some conditions, but I cannot see how replacing cocain with another stimulant can be at all helpfull for someone with an abuse/addiction problem. out of the frying pan & into the fire!
I have a loooong history of stimulant addiction and dread the thought of my doc prescribing a stim for my emotional problems, no matter what the cause. What goes up, must come down, right?
An 'activating' med rather than a stimulant would seem to be far more appropriate, I think. A couple have already been mentioned. Modafinil and Adrafinil would probably help (despite sometimes being refered to as stimulants, they appear to be non-addictive). But check for interactions with your current meds first. I always found some valium helped amphetamine withdrawal alot - the anxiety produced from a 'come down' can be exausting in itself. But again, for someone with drug abuse problems this may still be risky.
Hope you feel better soon AMD.
Posted by tecknohed on August 20, 2005, at 19:50:20
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse » AMD, posted by Declan on August 20, 2005, at 14:18:24
>
> Do you think that your cocaine use is motivated at all by the numbing of the Celexa?
>
> DeclanThats a good point! When I take SSRIs I crave stimulants like theres no tomorrow!
Posted by rjlockhart98 on August 20, 2005, at 20:32:56
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse, posted by tecknohed on August 20, 2005, at 19:50:20
Exactly. SSRI's reduce that feeling of stimulation needed. Wellbutrin is a very good choice. 450mg XL, somewhat produces a stimulant effect, more alertness.
Posted by Sarah T. on August 20, 2005, at 21:56:47
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse » AMD, posted by Declan on August 20, 2005, at 14:18:24
> Hi AMD> > > Do you think that your cocaine use is motivated at all by the numbing of the Celexa?
> > DeclanHi Declan. I think you're right. I've met a few people here and "in real life" who do well on Celexa, but most people I know who've taken Celexa end up with severe apathy, fatigue and amotivation sooner or later. I'm still very upset that my psychopharmacologist prescribed Celexa for me to add to Dexedrine. I had been stabilized on the same dose of Dexedrine for quite a while when Celexa was added. Within days, I had to DOUBLE my stimulant dose, and I never, ever got the same benefits from Dexedrine again.
I cannot understand why doctors prescribe a highly selective SSRI like Celexa to someone like the original poster, who craves dopaminergic meds!
Posted by 4WD on August 20, 2005, at 23:22:07
In reply to Declan, that's exactly what I was thinking. . ., posted by Sarah T. on August 20, 2005, at 21:56:47
> > Hi AMD> > > Do you think that your cocaine use is motivated at all by the numbing of the Celexa?
> > > Declan
>
> Hi Declan. I think you're right. I've met a few people here and "in real life" who do well on Celexa, but most people I know who've taken Celexa end up with severe apathy, fatigue and amotivation sooner or later. I'm still very upset that my psychopharmacologist prescribed Celexa for me to add to Dexedrine. I had been stabilized on the same dose of Dexedrine for quite a while when Celexa was added. Within days, I had to DOUBLE my stimulant dose, and I never, ever got the same benefits from Dexedrine again.
>
> I cannot understand why doctors prescribe a highly selective SSRI like Celexa to someone like the original poster, who craves dopaminergic meds!
>
>
Just my two cents worth, but I crave stimulant type drugs, not amphetamines, but hydrocodone, which has a stimulant/euphoria effect on me. However, I do extremely badly on dopaminergic drugs. Wellbutrin made me feel awful, wired but mentally exhausted. Same with Concerta and Provigil. I've never understood why a narcotic like hydrocodone produced this effect on me - almost like cocaine but more euphoria. Does it release lots of dopamine into the brain like cocaine does? Or lots of serotonin, like Ecstasy? Or what, exactly.Marsha
Posted by djmmm on August 21, 2005, at 13:48:15
In reply to Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse, posted by AMD on August 20, 2005, at 10:09:31
> Folks,
>
> Any suggestions for medications useful in reversing the depression and cognitive decline associated with stimulant abuse (primarily cocaine)?
>
> I recently entered an outpatient rehab program for the twice-monthly abuse of (bingeing on) alcohol and cocaine. I'm still feeling, however, the devestating depression of mood that follows their cessation. I can't focus; I want to sleep constantly; I have no energy and no motivation to do things I typically enjoy, such as going to the gym; and I feel, basically, horrid.
>
> I've been off these substances for a week now. I thought that by now any residual effects from my past binge would have tapered. But this depression subsists.
>
> Which makes me wonder: am I on the right meds? Hence this post.
>
> I'm taking Lamictal 200 m.g. and Celexa 80 m.g. daily. I also take fish oil (high EPA-DHA ratio), and a high-potency vitamin B supplement.
>
> Yet presently these aren't helping at all. I've thought about raising the Lamictal to 400 m.g., or 600 m.g., even, as the former has often helped bring me back to a decent mood. But I tried 400 m.g. earlier this week to no avail.
>
> I should note that I've been on Celexa for more than four years now, and Lamictal for almost two years. Perhaps it's time to switch medications.
>
> I'm soliciting advice on psychopharmaceutical options. Any thoughts?
>
> Thank you,
>
> amdI would suggest a diet high in protein (either from food, or in a supplement-shake-form)
Also, a potent B complex vitamin.You may want to do some research on wellbutrin and the supplements SAM-E and Mucuna Pruriens (a natural source of L-Dopa)
Posted by AMD on August 21, 2005, at 13:57:56
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse, posted by Empathy on August 20, 2005, at 13:29:21
Thank you for the words of encouragement. I need them right now, not least of all because I feel depressed and physically sick.
I'm entering out-patient rehab for three days a week, and I hope that and a firm dedication keep me focused for this tough time.
amd
> A week is not very long... you need to be patient with yourself and remind yourself often that you are "withdrawing" and the feelings and sensations that you have will not always be as "intense" as right now. It takes awhile to get your brain chemistry back to somewhat normal - at least a couple of months. Please try hard to not get discouraged, as it is worth it. There may be meds to help you, but time is really going to help the most. Another helpful thing to work on after discontinuing cocaine and alcohol is your nutrition - a good multi-vitamin and multi-mineral to nurture your body cells is a good idea.
>
> Wishing you the very best - hang in there, you will be so glad that you did.
Posted by AMD on August 21, 2005, at 14:00:21
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse » AMD, posted by Declan on August 20, 2005, at 14:18:24
I think what worries me is that it's never taken this long to get over my post-use withdrawal. More than a week is a rarity. Perhaps in the long-run it will be a good thing, causing me to think twice when the temptation to sin reenters my mind. But right now, I want relief, and I'm prepared to do anything for it, which itself is a dangerous thing.
amd
> Hi AMD
>
> Maybe you should be taking something dopaminergic. This is sometimes tried with people who overuse cocaine. That's why I suggested deprenyl over on the substance use board. At the very least it shouldn't hurt you.
>
> If this line of thinking is right, maybe an SSRI isn't the way to go. What do you think? They've used bromocriptine for cocaine users, I dunno how successfully.
>
> Do you think that your cocaine use is motivated at all by the numbing of the Celexa?
>
> Declan
Posted by AMD on August 21, 2005, at 14:11:25
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse, posted by tecknohed on August 20, 2005, at 19:44:12
*** Now I know stimulants can be very helpfull in some conditions, but I cannot see how replacing cocain with another stimulant can be at all helpfull for someone with an abuse/addiction problem. out of the frying pan & into the fire! ***
I have not suggested I want another stimulant. I definitely do /not/ want another stimulant. The thing is, when I'm sober and off drugs, the Celexa and Lamictal do the trick. Or perhaps they "over-do" the trick, making me hypomanic enough to forget the vagaries drugs and alcohol lead me to. But one thing is certain: right now, my mind is gone. My energies and ambitions are out of sight, and I don't know if I'll be able to get them back this time.
*** couple have already been mentioned. Modafinil and Adrafinil would probably help (despite sometimes being refered to as stimulants, they appear to be non-addictive). ***
That's Provigil, right? I've taken that a few times recently, and it definitely keeps me awake and helps lift my mood. Right now, though, I am in-between pdocs, and don't have any means of getting my hands on any.
At this point I'm not sure I'm in withdrawal. I think, rather, the methamphetamine and/or cocaine (let's face it, I doubt I took any methamphetamine at all) triggered depression, which has yet to subside.
Thanks for the reply.
amd
Posted by AMD on August 21, 2005, at 14:12:43
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse, posted by tecknohed on August 20, 2005, at 19:50:20
> >
> > Do you think that your cocaine use is motivated at all by the numbing of the Celexa?
> >
> > Declan
>
> Thats a good point! When I take SSRIs I crave stimulants like theres no tomorrow!
I've been on that stuff for so long I'm not sure it even works any longer. Given these ups and downs, it's clear it's not particularly efficacious!amd
Posted by AMD on August 21, 2005, at 14:25:09
In reply to Declan, that's exactly what I was thinking. . ., posted by Sarah T. on August 20, 2005, at 21:56:47
>
> I cannot understand why doctors prescribe a highly selective SSRI like Celexa to someone like the original poster, who craves dopaminergic meds!
>
I should explain my history a bit more.I began taking Celexa about five years ago, when I was bulimic, down to 98 pounds (I'm a slim, if muscular, 165 lbs now), and at the time I'd never had a single drink of alcohol nor any drugs.
Around the same time, I began drinking. I found that alcohol, along with the Celexa, mellowed me out, and for a year or two I was in bliss: life was exceedingly good.
Then I became erratic in my behavior: I would skip work, and think nothing of it. I would drink to excess. I eventually lost my job (and blamed it on my employer, of course!), and spent a summer in a "party mode," as I light-heartedly put it, drinking, smoking (for the first time), and starting to indulging in cocaine.
Around the end of that summer, I decided it was time to get a job again, and I secured an excellent position with a financial firm, with terrific opportunity for growth, and in a field I thoroughly enjoy. So, I told myself, it's time to kick the partying habit.
I was still on Celexa at this point, rarely seeing a psychiatrist, as "it was working" -- and it was, in my mind. It kept me happy and at the time I could still remember the misery of my bout with bulemia and the general depression that had washed over me right before I was put on that drug.
And for a few weeks, I got to work, did my job, and thought, again, life is grand.
But then I started drinking. Then taking drugs on weekends. Being late for work. Acting erratically again. And this time, the aftereffect of the drugs and alcohol were leaving me depressed. For days. Much like now.
Long story short, I ended up in California, was diagnosed bipolar, and went through a series of medicine changes until I finally settled on Lamictal and Celexa, which I continue to take this day. At no point did I stop the Celexa.
In February, after a year of stability, and feeling happy and refreshed, I moved back to New York. Within two weeks, I was drinking and doing cocaine again. That once-or-twice habit of blacking out, smoking, and doing drugs, had returned. I was right back where I started. And I'm still there.
So, as you can see, the Celexa was prescribed at a time when taking stimulants was the furthest thing from my mind. Perhaps it's time to reevaluate that.
amd
Posted by ed_uk on August 21, 2005, at 14:35:42
In reply to Re: Declan, that's exactly what I was thinking. . » Sarah T., posted by AMD on August 21, 2005, at 14:25:09
Hi AMD,
Perhaps you should replace Celexa with a different type of AD.
~ed
Posted by med_empowered on August 21, 2005, at 14:39:24
In reply to Re: Declan, that's exactly what I was thinking. . » Sarah T., posted by AMD on August 21, 2005, at 14:25:09
Hey! I'm sorry about your troubles. Tricyclics have been used a good bit with helping post-cocain use depression. But...they can have all sorts of undesirable side effects, so you might want to back-burner that option for now. Provigil is a stimulant, technically a schedule IV w/ a bit of possibility of abuse. It seems to be pretty much non-addictive though, and it helps lots of people with tough-to-treat depression and narcolepsy and ADHD. I read somewhere that its being used in stimulant-withdrawal treatment...it boosts dopamine, but selectively, so there's less weight loss and blood pressure increase than with old school stimulants...its a good add-on to antidepressants for a lot of people. Wellbutrin would be an option...it mildly inhibits reuptake of dopamine, which could be helpful...as antidepressants go, its considered "cleaner" than a lot of the others for bipolar disorder, but you might get anxiety and weight loss. Aside from these, all I can think of (and this would be pretty hardcore, in terms of side effects) would be combining an MAOI (which will bump up the dopamine levels in your brain, but will also carry very strick dietary restrictions) with a Tricyclic (inhibits the reuptake of some chemicals in your brain, depending on the drug and dosage used) with a low-dose stimulant (Provigil, I think, can be used for this). This is the kind of combo used for "atypical" depression--depression characterized by lethargy, slow thoughts, lack of motivation, etc.--that fails to respond to "standard" treatment. Good luck!
Posted by AMD on August 21, 2005, at 14:46:31
In reply to Re: Declan, that's exactly what I was thinking. ., posted by med_empowered on August 21, 2005, at 14:39:24
What's I've read about Provigil is that it has stimulating properities, but doesn't effect these changes via the means of typical stimulants. It seems to keep me awake and alert, but doesn't make me wired. It's a calm stimulant, I suppose you could say.
Thanks for your suggestions. I'll keep these in mind when speaking with my psychologist.
amd
Posted by 4WD on August 21, 2005, at 15:12:14
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse » Declan, posted by AMD on August 21, 2005, at 14:00:21
> I think what worries me is that it's never taken this long to get over my post-use withdrawal. More than a week is a rarity.
Hi. You did just what I did. For years, I experienced post drug abuse depression each time I used (anywhere from once a week to once a month). It didn't happen every time at first but then it got to where it happened almost every time.
I kept taking the risk. Each time I'd feel bad, for a week at most. Finally, the last time I used, the week went by and the depression/fear/terror didn't lift.
We both pushed it just one time too far. It's been five months now and I'm better. It took at least three months to stop waking up with the feeling of fear and apprehension and dread. (It may have taken me longer because I was trying to get off Effexor at the same time and switching to different antidepressants.)
I don't know how long it takes for your brain to recover. I'm still waiting to find out. And my use for the last year or so was pretty infrequent. The horrors I have been through in the last six months are a big part of what is keeping me clean. I will never go through that again. For me, the terror was worse than the depression. That's now gone away. I still have anxiety and I'm still working on it and on my depression.
I can tell, you, though, that taking more drugs to keep from feeling the horror of stopping drugs will get you nowhere. It's a never ending cycle that just gets worse every time. Stopping the abuse is the only way. You are in for a long haul but it does get better. I promise you that.
Marsha
Posted by SandyWeb on August 21, 2005, at 15:47:27
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse, posted by Empathy on August 20, 2005, at 13:29:21
I did crystal meth for many years, in large doses and pretty much on a daily basis. I was heading straight towards death.....knew it, but just needed the speediness to live. Which, of course, was going to kill me within another year, I figured.
Went cold-turkey when the kids and I left and moved to a place where no one even knew what crystal meth was! Lol. Let me tell you, it took ONE YEAR to withdraw from it. One year!!! It was horrible. And the only reason I didn't go back was simply because it wasn't available in this part of the world. It was definately a roller-coaster ride, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I really feel for you as you now begin your withdrawal.
I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this, but I've found that Neurontin helps to curb the desire to want to use something. It has very mild anti-anxiety properties. I take 3200 mg daily, and it just takes away that "need" for something else.
What do others thing about Neurontin and crystal meth or cocaine withdrawal?
Sandy
Posted by AMD on August 22, 2005, at 8:10:58
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse » AMD, posted by 4WD on August 21, 2005, at 15:12:14
Marsha,
What a wicked, wicked cycle it is, no? You're right: this time I really think I crossed a line. It's unfortunate, particularly given that six months ago I was doing so well. But I hope that even if my cognition does not improve, my mood will, and that eventually, through physical and mental exercise, I will be back at a place where my mind is clear, crisp, and functioning to the best of its ability. Possible?
All:
I'm worried about Parkinson's. Does excessive cocaine and stimulate use /cause/ Parkinson's, or merely result in like symptoms? I hold my hand up and it vibrates slightly, and this morning such vibrating sent a surge of panic up my spine (I am speaking in cliches! stop!). I don't want to be riddled with such a debilitating disease at my young age.
amd
> > I think what worries me is that it's never taken this long to get over my post-use withdrawal. More than a week is a rarity.
>
>
>
> Hi. You did just what I did. For years, I experienced post drug abuse depression each time I used (anywhere from once a week to once a month). It didn't happen every time at first but then it got to where it happened almost every time.
>
> I kept taking the risk. Each time I'd feel bad, for a week at most. Finally, the last time I used, the week went by and the depression/fear/terror didn't lift.
>
> We both pushed it just one time too far. It's been five months now and I'm better. It took at least three months to stop waking up with the feeling of fear and apprehension and dread. (It may have taken me longer because I was trying to get off Effexor at the same time and switching to different antidepressants.)
>
> I don't know how long it takes for your brain to recover. I'm still waiting to find out. And my use for the last year or so was pretty infrequent. The horrors I have been through in the last six months are a big part of what is keeping me clean. I will never go through that again. For me, the terror was worse than the depression. That's now gone away. I still have anxiety and I'm still working on it and on my depression.
>
> I can tell, you, though, that taking more drugs to keep from feeling the horror of stopping drugs will get you nowhere. It's a never ending cycle that just gets worse every time. Stopping the abuse is the only way. You are in for a long haul but it does get better. I promise you that.
>
> Marsha
Posted by AMD on August 22, 2005, at 8:12:45
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse » Empathy, posted by SandyWeb on August 21, 2005, at 15:47:27
Sandy,
Have you regained your happiness and/or cognition after these years? Are you still feeling and mental or physiological effects?
If I did crystal methamphetamine -- and I don't think I did -- it was only this one time. Would that be enough, do you think, to trigger cell death?
amd
> I did crystal meth for many years, in large doses and pretty much on a daily basis. I was heading straight towards death.....knew it, but just needed the speediness to live. Which, of course, was going to kill me within another year, I figured.
>
> Went cold-turkey when the kids and I left and moved to a place where no one even knew what crystal meth was! Lol. Let me tell you, it took ONE YEAR to withdraw from it. One year!!! It was horrible. And the only reason I didn't go back was simply because it wasn't available in this part of the world. It was definately a roller-coaster ride, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I really feel for you as you now begin your withdrawal.
>
> I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this, but I've found that Neurontin helps to curb the desire to want to use something. It has very mild anti-anxiety properties. I take 3200 mg daily, and it just takes away that "need" for something else.
>
> What do others thing about Neurontin and crystal meth or cocaine withdrawal?
>
> Sandy
Posted by Paulbwell on August 26, 2005, at 18:42:15
In reply to Re: Drugs for recovery of stimulant abuse, posted by AMD on August 22, 2005, at 8:12:45
I have read of quiet success with Cocaine addicts greatly/stoping their use with Imipramine+L-Tyrosine.
I have taken Imipramine and found it very Norephrine stimulating.
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