Posted by AlexCanada on July 20, 2014, at 3:30:39
> > Hi. After over 20+ meds including Parnate, paxil, TCAS (could not tolerate the anx), Ritalin, Dexedrine, modafinil, and dozen+ anti-deps I have had most success with parnate, paxil and especially Ritalin and Dexedrine when it comes to dealing with poor motivation, low emotion, empty dull mindless mood, slow mindedness, poor cognition. Some short term benefits from gabapentin as well especially for emotion.
> >
> > L-dopa mucuna (herbal form of L-dopa) meanwhile has had remarkable effects on positive kind, loving emotions, enhanced empathy, and appreciation of others. So remarkable in fact that it really showed me how negative and tactless I have been under the past decade of melancholic depression + hypothyroid.
> >
> > L-dopa mucuna does not necessarily play well with meds though. I am currently on Cymbalta 30mg + small modafinil, + small Ritalin, + small gabapentin, +magnesium/calcium/d3/zinc combo + 1.5mg valium (trying to withdrawl from it). L-dopa mucuna is supposed to produce dopamine as well as testosterone but the herbal benefits do not last usually and mood eventually may feel sour after few weeks and/or lack of interest.
> >
> > What might be worth a try? Requip? I tried Mirapex many years ago and cannot recall what it did to me aside from me not being pleased with it. Though it might have just been a bad combination with whatever else I was taking.
> >
> > Any other dopamine based options? Supposedly D2 stimulation/production enhancex oxytocin the love molecule. This might be responsible for the greatly enhanced empathy and feelings of Kindness onto others.
> >
> > I miss this priceless feeling. I used to be an immensely loving and very emotional person before Accutane poisoning caused severe melancholic depression in me.
> >
> > I want my emotions back, I want more clear headedness, I want a thirst for life rather than feeling ''nothing'' most of the time.
> >
> >
>
> "poor motivation, low emotion, empty dull mindless mood, slow mindedness, poor cognition"
>
> I would like to add that these symptoms aren't specific to dopamine -- adding despiramine to my combination (which *does* include other dopamine meds) has helped with several of these. Many of the meds you listed, i.e., Parnate, Ritalin, Dexedrine, have strong effects on norepineprhine as well. And these 2 are not the only way to achieve amelioration of these symptoms either -- for example, you could pump someone full of dopamine and norepineprhine but if their serotonin is horribly low they likely won't want to do much still, or enjoy it. But you said you have tried TCAs, okay.
>
> And D2 receptor agonism is not always as pleasurable as it sounds. It can be significantly agitating for some people.
>
> Though I do know what you're talking about with the emotions and clear headedness. I have found Desoxyn to be one of the best meds for these purposes. It has more of an emphasis on dopamine compared to other amphetamines and methylphenidates, and fewer side effects in my case. Speaking of, have you tried Focalin instead of Ritalin?
>
> I have spent much of the past year feeling a lot like you describe, and TMS -- bear in mind I have only had 3 sessions -- is starting to do something that feels dopaminergic.
>
> What are you doing about the thyroid?
>
> Have you tried Lyrica? low-dose amisulpride?
>
> "(pro)dopamine" meds I am taking:
> Marplan 40mg
> Desoxyn 22.5mg
> Deplin 30mg
> Mirapex ER 0.375mg
> Abilify 9mg
>
> One last thing, the Deplin. Yes it's a form of folate, but that shouldn't be underestimated. It is actually a "triamine modulator" in that it increases synthesis of serotonin, norepineprhine, and dopamine. Which in turn causes increased release, and as well Deplin may help replete neurotransmitter stores that are depleted by other meds, e.g. amphetamines, SSRIs. It has helped with my energy too.
>
> Good luck to you.
>
>Thanks for the response. I may have found a source for Agomelatine.
The Deplin is it available via prescription? I'm not sure how to get it. Difficult to find information on it. I really would like to try it.
I got some blood test results back. Turns out my cortisol levels are extremely low. This means low adrenal function. Further testing in few weeks...
Lot of apathy, brain fog, cognitive block, slow thinking, low energy, very poor interest, low emotion. Vyvanse helps to an extent but there is def some stimulation anxiety which accompanies it. It helps for motivation, energy, and somewhat for cognition but the fog is still usually heavy.
Magnesium seems to improve mood, make me more emotionally reactive but sometimes causes more intense headaches than the ones I often have.
edit: I wrote that yesterday. And well I decided to quit the magnesium. It sometimes improves mood a great deal but it causes strong migraines at times and often makes it harder to think! Sometimes it seems to do the opposite though and my mind feels like it is functioning at greater potential. It's so inconsistent.
It may be due to increase in serotonin but inhibition of dopamine. would make sense as sometimes it feels like my vyvanse is doing much less when I am taking magnesium. I sometimes feel extremely cognitively impaired on magnesium yet in a slightly more positive mood (ironically sometimes very negative instead). But the positive moods feel like a positive stupor. Feel like I am severely mentally challenged during those states.
I only took tiny bits of magnesium too. 25-50mg of carbonate and taurate etc. I switch them at times.
Instead I should keep taking calcium, might be linked to some of my mild increase in libido. Royal Jelly might be helping too.
Constant headaches, difficulty thinking, I may need vasoconstriction or dilation or whatever.
Sometimes when these headaches aren't present I have a more positive and more active mind. It feels like the world just opens up more. All that cognitive block dissipates to an extent and I am even able to have some mild interest in things. Sometimes this happens with temporary use of rhodiola. But it never feels the same on the 2nd and 3rd day. Thus only once in a while.
Anyone have any advice for my very low cortisol/adrenal issues? I tend to have extremely slow sluggish thinking, brain fog, much apathy, poor interest, low emotion, and feel like a zombie much of the time. This along with melancholic depression. I do not have the more traditional forms of depression.
I been considering trying caffine again. Has some benefit to interest and thought process perhaps due to vasoconstriction aside from the Dopamine and Serotonin. But it sometimes causes some anxiety.
poster:AlexCanada
thread:1068585
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140717/msgs/1068585.html