Posted by jujube on December 21, 2004, at 12:24:32
In reply to Stimulant Dependence and Abuse, posted by ed_uk on December 21, 2004, at 11:48:19
Ed,
I would think that a pdoc may be more inclined or willing to prescribe something like Provigil (Modafinil) rather than a true stimulant. If your pdoc is not educated in the use of Modafinil, then perhaps it is in your best interest to educate him (assert yourself as an active and knowledgeable participant in your own mental health care). I am sure you already have this information, but in case you don't, here is a brief description of Modafinil, which has a different chemical structure than other stimulants, and which is less likely to induce tolerance.
"Provigil etc. (Modafinil)
Provigil etc. (Modafinil) is a unique wake-promoting agent that is chemically distinct from traditional stimulants. Officially an Alpha1-adrenergic agonist medication (also known as an "eugeroic" drug), Modafinil was approved in 1998 (U.S. FDA) for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy. A small number of clinical trials have also suggested that Modafinil also has memory-improving and mood-brightening effects. For these reasons it is now being used to augment treatment in depression patients who have had only a partial response to antidepressant therapy. Similarly, Modafinil has also found a number of other potential uses like reducing fatigue and cognitive problems commonly found in health conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome etc..Modafinil appears to be well-tolerated and to be free of side-effects like agitation, irritability, nervousness, euphoria or the potential for paranoid delusion and addiction that are common to other stimulants like amphetamines or cocaine. This may be because Modafinil targets very specific regions of the brain believed to regulate normal wakefulness, like the the neurotransmitter dopamine. As Modafinil has a fairly long half life of approximately 15 hours (the amount of time before half of the drug's peak plasma level is eliminated by the body), it can be taken once-daily - usually in the morning to avoid impacting night-time sleep"
Also, if you haven't already done so, have a look at the reviews at Remedy Find. Modafinil is rated higher than most of the medications that are used to treat depression. Some people are even using it as monotherapy. Here is the link:http://www.remedyfind/all_remedies.asp?id=13
I can relate to your frustration. The pdoc that I have been referred to for medication is also averse or reluctant to prescribe more than 1 drug at a time. I had raised Modafinil (Alertec in Canada) with him, and he seems to be avoiding addressing my request. It is not a pressing issue for me right now since the NADH and DMAE seem to be helping me. However, if the relief I have been experiencing with these two natural supplements is not sustained, I will be more assertive with the pdoc in terms of my needs.
Good luck to you, and take good care.
Tamara
poster:jujube
thread:432452
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041217/msgs/432465.html