Posted by JohnL on June 16, 2000, at 3:26:25
In reply to Parnate and Adrafanil?, posted by Ant-Rock on June 14, 2000, at 13:59:54
Anthony,
Just a quick followup. I think you already know this, so forgive me if I'm being repetitive.
Adrafinil will likely take some time to do its work. So as long as it is mixing OK with your other meds, try not to discontinue it too early due to lack of effectiveness. For me I wasn't really aware that it was doing anything until the end of week 2 at 900mg. I don't know exactly or for sure, but I think the way Adrafinil binds to receptors and accumulates in certain parts of the brain is a slow process, building up over time.
Hope all is going well so far. Just wanted to reassure you that if you don't feel any benefit, hang in there. Give it at least 2 weeks, preferably 4, at the highest dose you can tolerate.
While I usually advocate quick trials and quick responses, Adrafinil is an exception to my general belief system. Whereas SSRIs for example immediately block the reuptake of serotonin, setting into motion a cascade of other events, I think Adrafinil slowly binds and slowly accumulates to certain receptors. It doesn't just bind all at once. I think a lot of it is wasted in metabolism. Kind of like throwing little handfuls of spaghetti at the wall until finally the whole wall is covered. With each throw, a lot drops to the floor, but a little bit sticks to the wall. Keep throwing. Something like that. :-) Only not so messy.
Things to look for that indicate it's starting to work: You'll realize you're getting interested in activities; you will notice you're talking more and being more comfortable doing it; you'll actually look forward to stuff. Kind of like a kid in a candy store. Or kind of like a prisoner sentenced to life who is suddenly pardoned and let free.
JohnL
poster:JohnL
thread:37287
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000610/msgs/37487.html