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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Redgoose on November 13, 2009, at 0:50:33
I am seeking meds (for adhd and depression) that act like chocolate. I have been on combos of SSRIs and amphetamines for years and I generally feel too sleepy or too wired and anxious. When I need to concentrate (especially writing) dark chocolate seems to give me lots of mental energy but is hard on other parts of my body (seems to give me sores on my tongue and also causes insomnia.)
Currently on 30 mg fluoxetine and 20 or 30 adderral generic. The generics really don't do for me what the real thing used to do...or at least they aren't working much now. Have been blocked with life progress, writing, work etc for several years, very low libido and motivation, though I stay busy. Wonder if the drugs have deadened me. At least they aren't helping. Would Zoloft make sense because it would enhance dopamine availability? Thanks for any thoughts.
Posted by conundrum on November 13, 2009, at 5:04:28
In reply to meds (for adhd and depression) like chocolate?, posted by Redgoose on November 13, 2009, at 0:50:33
Zoloft might help, sometimes just switching drugs can help. If you feel the generics aren't working you should mention something to your doctor and she can make sure you get the brand drugs.
Posted by Phidippus on November 14, 2009, at 18:31:02
In reply to meds (for adhd and depression) like chocolate?, posted by Redgoose on November 13, 2009, at 0:50:33
>dark chocolate seems to give me lots of mental energy
chocolate affects the levels of endorphins in the brain. One of the chemicals which causes the release of serotonin is tryptophan found in, among other things, chocolate. One of the more unique neurotransmitters released by chocolate is phenylethylamine. Phenylethylamine is also called the "love drug" because it causes your pulse rate to quicken, resulting in a similar feeling to when someone is in love. Another interesting compound found in chocolate is the lipid anandamide. Anandamide is unique due to its resemblance to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a chemical found in marijuana. Both activate the same receptor which causes the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which leads to feelings of well being that people associate with a high. Anandamide, found naturally in the brain, breaks down very rapidly. Besides adding to the levels of anandamide, chocolate also contains two other chemicals which work to slow the breakdown of the anandamide, thus extending the feelings of well-being. Even though the anandamide in chocolate helps to create feelings of elation, the effect is not the same as the THC in marijuana. THC reacts with receptors more widely dispersed in the brain and is present in much larger amounts. It would take twenty-five pounds of chocolate to achieve a similar high to that of marijuana. Theobromine is another chemical found in chocolate that can affect the nervous system. Besides having properties that can lead to mental and physical relaxation, it also acts as a stimulant similar to caffeine. It can increase alertness as well as cause headaches. There is much debate as to whether or not caffeine even exists in chocolate. Some scientists believe that it is the less potent theobromine which is solely responsible for the caffeine-like effects.
> Currently on 30 mg fluoxetine and 20 or 30 adderral generic.
I would recommend a different antidepressant. SSRIs can cause feelings of apathy. I would switch to an SNRI, like Pristiq. Seratonin and norepenephrine reuptake inhibition would definitely give you a boost.
Another med to try would be Wellbutrin which boosts dopamine levels and is often prescribed to treat low libido.
I would switch to Dexedrine and take that instead of Adderall.
Two other medications that might help are Mirapex and Namenda, both of which boost dopamine.
P
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