Posted by viridis on December 3, 2002, at 2:55:42
In reply to So why is upper/downer combo bad again?, posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 1:35:34
I think the general idea is that if you're taking something that makes you too "up", then need something to bring you "down", then need to go "up" again, and so on, you can get into a cycle of popping pills throughout the day to micro-regulate your alertness and mood, which in turn can lead to dependency, dose escalation, etc. I suspect that this was a genuine problem in the past (and still is for a few people).
But this is hardly a reason to avoid combination of drugs that have traditionally been classified as stimulants vs. tranquilizers, if the combination is appropriate. For example, if you have genuine ADD and anxiety problems (my situation), then a low dose of a benzo and a stimulant may be reasonable -- especially since one of the hallmarks of ADD is that some stimulants have a "paradoxical" calming effect. Klonopin and Adderall work well in combination for me at low doses of each, and it's not an up-down cycle, just stability after years of inappropriate treatment with SSRIs etc. But a lot of doctors simply don't understand this, or don't want to deal with the potential red tape. I think the best strategy is to find a doctor (ideally psychiatrist) who does understand, and is willing to provide appropriate treatment.
poster:viridis
thread:130348
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021127/msgs/130351.html