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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Andre Allard on June 19, 2000, at 13:33:23
My depression cycles and right now I am a vegetable. I am on effexor 300mg. What should I add to the effexor to pep me up. I was thinking about adrafanil. What should I use and at what dosage?
Posted by maggie on June 19, 2000, at 19:24:13
In reply to What stimulant + effexor?, posted by Andre Allard on June 19, 2000, at 13:33:23
TALK TO YOUR PSYCH DOCTOR!!!
What other anti-depressants have you tried.
That is already a good dosage, and just might not be the one that will work for you!If your moods cycle - have you questioned whether you are bipolar? If so, then a mood stabilizer is more likely the answer.
A good doctor that will work WITH you to help you is the best thing one can find (and I know they are hard to find)
Good Luck!
Posted by Andre Allard on June 19, 2000, at 23:36:18
In reply to What stimulant + effexor?, posted by Andre Allard on June 19, 2000, at 13:33:23
I am not bipolar. What I meant by my depression cycling is that while my mood stays depressed, I cycle between being lethargic too being an insomniac. So you could say that my depression cycles from atypical to normal depression.
I have been on effexor for six months previously and it worked like no other. This time around though I can sometimes sleep for twenty-four hours straight. I have tried wellbutrin to "pep" me up with little effect. I am not going off of the effexor. Therefore, the solution would be to add something to "pep" me up. This is why I am looking into adding a dopamine and or norepinephrine antagonist.
Posted by Cindy W on June 20, 2000, at 9:05:12
In reply to Re: What stimulant + effexor? - Maggie, posted by Andre Allard on June 19, 2000, at 23:36:18
> I am not bipolar. What I meant by my depression cycling is that while my mood stays depressed, I cycle between being lethargic too being an insomniac. So you could say that my depression cycles from atypical to normal depression.
>
> I have been on effexor for six months previously and it worked like no other. This time around though I can sometimes sleep for twenty-four hours straight. I have tried wellbutrin to "pep" me up with little effect. I am not going off of the effexor. Therefore, the solution would be to add something to "pep" me up. This is why I am looking into adding a dopamine and or norepinephrine antagonist.
Andre, Cam knows more about this than I do, but It's my understanding that at higher doses, Effexor-XR impacts norepinephrine (and at much much higher doses, dopamine). I'm taking 375 mg/day, and I feel energized, not tired (except of course when I can't sleep well, which still happens sometimes). Talk to your pdoc and see what you can come up with! Hope things get better.
Posted by v on June 21, 2000, at 6:43:37
In reply to Re: What stimulant + effexor? - Maggie, posted by Cindy W on June 20, 2000, at 9:05:12
i've been afraid to increase my effexor dosage since i can't bear to get any fatter.
i'm curious about the adrafinil... it sounds like it could be a blessing but i wonder if it increases appetite... does anyone know?thanks,
v> > I am not bipolar. What I meant by my depression cycling is that while my mood stays depressed, I cycle between being lethargic too being an insomniac. So you could say that my depression cycles from atypical to normal depression.
> >
> > I have been on effexor for six months previously and it worked like no other. This time around though I can sometimes sleep for twenty-four hours straight. I have tried wellbutrin to "pep" me up with little effect. I am not going off of the effexor. Therefore, the solution would be to add something to "pep" me up. This is why I am looking into adding a dopamine and or norepinephrine antagonist.
> Andre, Cam knows more about this than I do, but It's my understanding that at higher doses, Effexor-XR impacts norepinephrine (and at much much higher doses, dopamine). I'm taking 375 mg/day, and I feel energized, not tired (except of course when I can't sleep well, which still happens sometimes). Talk to your pdoc and see what you can come up with! Hope things get better.
Posted by PB and J.C. (my dog) on June 21, 2000, at 19:42:15
In reply to What stimulant + effexor?, posted by Andre Allard on June 19, 2000, at 13:33:23
I've been taking Ritalin 7+ years now, and it works
great for me - cuts a big chunk out of my constant
lethargy, it helps me focus at work or at play, and
it is a mild AD. Coupled with all my other meds (Effexor
being one), it works great in the mix!If your pdoc will prescribe Ritalin - many are reluctant
to do so because it is a C-II Narcotic and is easily
abused - it might be the right "oomph" you're looking for
to complement your medication therapy.Best
PB & J.C.
This is the end of the thread.
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