Posted by ellen on October 24, 1999, at 19:31:50
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for the long haul?, posted by Taryn on October 24, 1999, at 19:03:37
> Oh great, just when I thought I had it all figured out.
Hey, don't let my experience worry you.
Aware, maybe, but not fearful--we all react differently
or we wouldn't require different meds.> > I've read that Wellbutrin early on has dopamine enhancing characteristics, but with continued use actually decreases dopamine synthesis. I have heard the complaint several times of Welbutrin making one feel stupid. But the complaints always came later in treatment. Not early. Thus my guess it is related to the mention of decreased dopamine synthesis over time. Decreased dopamine in senior citizens is hypothesized as a cause of mental deterioration.
Whooof. Eeek. Precisely what I was worried about.
What happens to dopamine production when you go back off it?
> > If this guess is correct then a dopamine enhancing drug would reverse the symptom. The safest one that comes to my mind right away is Selegiline. It is used primarily for Parkinson's disease, but also as monotherapy or as an adjunct for depression. Could help with depression and boost mental function simultaneously. It is often used in senior citizens for that very purpose. And it's side effects are very mild. I believe it would be safe with Wellbutrin, much safer than with an SSRI, and only small doses would be needed anyway. Probably in the 5mg to 15mg per day range.urgh. Thanks for the info... but ...
I don't like the idea of taking a medication to fix another
medication's side effects. I'm not real thrilled
about taking any medication in the first place.
(yes, I know it's necessary and no, I won't drop them
right now... )> > There are herbs that might help too. Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, Huperzine come to mind. I wouldn't go out and try them all at once. If you wanted to try herbs, choose one (gingko would be my first choice) and give it a good 6 weeks. Anyway, just some thoughts to ponder.
>
> PS: I tried Gingko and thought it made matters worse unless it was my imagination. I know it didn't help though.Ginseng does seem to help. What's a Huperzine?
Thanks to all for the welcomes and info...
el
poster:ellen
thread:13717
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991016/msgs/13801.html