Posted by J.Lester on January 19, 2001, at 22:42:50
Hello :
There was a similar question here long time ago, without a clear answer though, but anyway I want to repeat it again. Has anybody personally tried dopamine agonists for depression ? Any success ? These drugs are antiParkinsons that means their intended purpose is to alleviate Parkinson disease. They affect (stimulate ?) D2 and D3 dopamine receptors which is believed to be beneficial for dopamine depleted depressive folks.
They include :
bromocreptine (Parlodel)
pramipexole (Mirapex)
amantadine (Symmetrel)
pergolide (Permax)
ropinirole (Requip)
cabergoline (Dostinex)The drugs are approved in the US and thus seem particularly attractive. My own internet research revealed some contradictory information :
1. they do not help depression at all
2. they work only for a short period of time several months then stop
3. they work only in combination with other more conventional antidepressants
4. they have serious side effects and therefore not advisedCan anybody clear the situation ? Personal experience would be most valuable.
Thanks a lot,
J.L.
poster:J.Lester
thread:52050
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010111/msgs/52050.html