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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SheilaC on September 20, 2010, at 9:34:53
I am wondering if anyone has any info or experience with taking stimulants for ADD or ADHD? I am wondering if stimulants actually deplete the brain of serotonin and dopamine?
I think in the short term, stimulants seem to help with ADD/ADHD, but if you also have a mood disorder, possibly the stimulant may be depleting your brain of the much needed serotonin and dopamine.
Maybe this is why some people think they become addicted to stimulants who actually have mood disorders? They make you feel good in the short term, but lousy in the long term?
Posted by europerep on September 20, 2010, at 14:52:15
In reply to Stimlants deplete brain chemicals?, posted by SheilaC on September 20, 2010, at 9:34:53
hmm all I can say is that stimulants, or at least some of them, methylphenidate for example, have been extensively studied for decades, and there are hundreds of studies saying they are considered safe.. when taken as prescribed, there appears to be no increased risk to later suffer from parkinson, for example (which would translate dopamine depletion).. some scientists warn of a parkison epidemic, because so many young people, or children, are being prescribed ritalin, but regular use in adults appears to be rather safe.. of course, methylphenidate is a reuptake inhibitor.. I don't know what's up with release agents. I do know that, for example, taking excessive amounts of MDMA is damaging to the brain, but long-term exposure to small doses of similar agents, I am not sure about that..
Posted by Lou Pilder on September 20, 2010, at 15:23:06
In reply to Re: Stimlants deplete brain chemicals?, posted by europerep on September 20, 2010, at 14:52:15
Friends,
If anyone tells you that amphetamines have been studied for years and states as to their safety, and you would like to see some of the research,I am requesting that you view the following video to make your own determination of such.
Lou
To see this video,
A.Pull up google
B. Type in,
[youtube, world's most dangerous drug]
you will see a picture of 2 people. The time is 3 min and is by National Geographic posted on June 25, 2008
Posted by linkadge on September 20, 2010, at 18:16:25
In reply to Lou's request-micheigh, posted by Lou Pilder on September 20, 2010, at 15:23:06
Methylphenidate can actually protect dopamine cells from certain dopaminergic neurotoxins.
For instance, pretreatment of brain cells with ritalin appears to block some of the damaging effects of MPTP a potent neurotoxin capabile of producing parkinsons like effects.
Amphetamine may be more associated with catecholamine depletion, but this has only been shown conclusively at high doses.
The other issue is that parkinsons is not due to dopamine depletion per se, it is due to neurodestruction of dopamine producing and recieving cells. You depleat brain stores of dopamine and produce parkinsonian like symtpoms, but this is not parkinsons disease.
Linkadge
Posted by Phillipa on September 21, 2010, at 10:42:10
In reply to Re: Lou's request-micheigh, posted by linkadge on September 20, 2010, at 18:16:25
If it's not Parkinson's what do you call it I don't know and reference is also made to Parkinson's with SSRI's in below thread? Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on September 21, 2010, at 11:01:44
In reply to Stimlants deplete brain chemicals?, posted by SheilaC on September 20, 2010, at 9:34:53
Hi Sheila, I don't think it works quite that way (the depletion model), to add to what europe* posted (forgot how to spell that babbler's screen name). More that a user becomes accustomed to the stimulant so that when it is withdrawn, there is an (uncomfortable!) adjustment period.
Addiction to meth-amphetamine is different. From what I understand, the potency of the street drug causes an enormous seretonin 'dump' that causes brain damage and addiction--. In some instances, irreversible parkensons.
Dex doesn't do this exactly. Yes it stimulates seretonin & dopamine release not nearly as extreme. Not that it's a health tonic. One needs to take extra health supplements plus some take
additional. Let's see. I've lapsed my regime. I'll look at my cabinet and post later.Stimulant use in kids is different--their brains are still forming. Can't speak to that. Not sure it's been adequately studied, unfortunately.
Posted by europerep on September 21, 2010, at 14:55:49
In reply to Re: Stimlants deplete brain chemicals? » SheilaC, posted by floatingbridge on September 21, 2010, at 11:01:44
>to add to what europe* posted (forgot how to spell that babbler's screen name).
this is so cute :)
looks like I really chose a bad screen name at the time.. someone misspelled me as 'europep' once, I actually like that screenname even better than the actual one. my name is just a condensed form of "europe represent", because it seemed to me like this was an all american forum, and I needed a name but didn't find a decent one...
Posted by Phillipa on September 21, 2010, at 20:07:03
In reply to Re: Stimlants deplete brain chemicals?, posted by europerep on September 21, 2010, at 14:55:49
Oh that is really a great name. Phillipa
Posted by creepy on September 23, 2010, at 14:17:21
In reply to Re: Lou's request-micheigh, posted by linkadge on September 20, 2010, at 18:16:25
There are concerns with taking stims but as far as I know, theyre mostly about people on high doses who abuse the drug.
Ive been wondering about the fatigue thing being related to depletion or damage. Hard to say.
I find stims work best when kept to the lowest dose possible, and taking breaks on weekends.
If you have fatigue as well, maybe investigate provigil.. Im going to try to get on that soon I guess.
This is the end of the thread.
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