Posted by psycho-explorer on June 10, 2002, at 0:27:43
In reply to Re: sertraline + methylphenidate = MY KEY, posted by katekite on May 31, 2002, at 12:49:31
Much stuff to talk about:
1. Side Effects from sertraline
* No sexual-related side-effects. (Probably, is Ritalin what counteracts them).
* But, when I discontinue ritalin, then sertraline seems to cause slight (but odd) tremors (pseudoparkinsonian-type). I think that this is due to the lowered dopamine release, indirectly induced by 5-HT2 targeting.
this fact, combined with moderate tolerance to ritalin, are a feasible explanation. I avoid this side-effect taking each dosage of ritalin as scheduled. But I think clonazepam has also something to do with it, because I have been taking it for months and much tolerance may has developed. so, those tremors could be intensified by the fact I am trying to lower its dosage last days. I strongly believe that clonazepam should not be used for more than 4 weeks. but, how to initiate clonazepam withdrawal? any idea?
* Also I have read that 75 mg is the minimmum effective dosage of sertraline for social phobia or related symptoms, so may try lowering the dose from 100 mg to 75 mg expecting to mantain desired results.
* In the long term, when sertraline has definitely kicked-in, may sustitute clonazepam
with another substance, any one with benign cognitive-impairment effects. Probably, GABA + GABOB will be enough for go to sleep and long-term SNC modulation. But difenhidramine, which has a shorter-half life, could be useful for sleep, too. even prometazine could be a suitable option. zolpidem is also in the list.2. Prozac
I tried prozac but was not on ritalin then. it worsen the syndrome, but, honestly, it did feel great! it simply made me happy, but absolutely improductive. but I consider it a wonder antidepressant. Then tried to
combine it with ritalin but it produced a bupropion-like agitation. That´s why I chose the second most activating SSRI, sertraline, which nicely interacts with ritalin and has additional benefits. For instance, it produces less inhibition of the cytoprome P-450 enzyme, reducing the risk of toxic interactions. Also, it has a weak activity as dopamine-reauptake inhibitor, which may be appreciated for ADDers (but i don´t consider that it is really relevant). To be honest, I must mention that its shorter half-life is relevant for me, cause I esporadically enjoy the empathogenic propperties of ecstasy (on prozac, a previous week of abstinence is required for X to work...).
Finally, sertraline doesn´t provoke the nervousness/anxiety offen associated with prozac, specially when combined with Ritalin. It is less activanting that prozac, but definitively, it is not sedative. so sinergy with amphetamine-type stimulants seems to be clear.
Something I consider important: those who are chronically taking prozac + ritalin + clonazepam,
usually add the clonazepam to counteract anxiety/nervousness from the other substances... then, it would be worth for them trying another SSRI instead of prozac, which is the most likely to reforce those reactions. I mean... clonazepam could be avoid.4. Stimulant + Nootropics
I tried pemoline with aniracetam, but results were definitiley BAD. aniracetam, when taken alone, is a memory booster, but it seems to promote excesive inter-hemispheric activity in the brain, and (in my case) doesn´t enhance ability to synthezise information in the frontal lobe, causing great mental- connections but dirty planification performance. And great ideas are not enoough. But it is an issue for further reserach.
5. Selegiline
Took it with dl-phenylalanine. It is effective. but it is not a comfortable med. I consider it too strong. and its activation of peripherical dopamine is excessive for people who actually don´t have parkinson disease, causing rigidity and being very intrusive for relax purposes.
> What about side effects with the sertraline? Did the stimulant stop the sexual side effects from occurring or are you one of the lucky ones that is unaffected by ssris?
>
> I had a similar experience with bupropion to yours, although I like to call it 'agitation'.
>
> I found prozac the best of the ssris for my ADD (though sertraline was second), and both adderall and methylphenidate are very good.
>
> I am currently on Adderall and also take 0.25 mg of klonopin a day (but am trying to wean down).
>
> Can you say more about selegiline side effects and aniracetam effects? I have been considering both. Do you think you could take methylphenidate or another stimulant, and aniracetam together?
>
> What have you found the most helpful for sleep and general calmness, other than benzodiazepines?
>
> Thanks for sharing your experiences.
>
> kate
poster:psycho-explorer
thread:108164
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020609/msgs/109335.html