Posted by LucidDreamer on December 4, 2012, at 20:24:12
In reply to Need Selegiline / Emsam advice » Willful, posted by AlexCanada on December 4, 2012, at 18:28:38
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> I am on day 25 of Selegiline Oral. I started 7.5mg for around 19 days and 6 days raised to 10mg. I'm normally sensitive to meds but I have not felt much from it aside from mild hypotension which is eased with ginkgo biloba.
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> I been taking it along with low dose ritalin,+ valium for severe melancholic depression.
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> my symptoms are lack of emotions, inability to enjoy things, poor drive/motivation, difficulty thinking, poor memory, low energy, apathy.
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> I also take Royal Jelly 3000mg a day + around 420mg gingko biloba (helps a bit for memory).
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> Anxiety is not an issue for me. All the melancholic depressive issues are.
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> SSRIs tend to numb me out, and make me feel even more intellectually + emotionally compromised than I already am.
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> Is there hope for me with Selegiline? I been considering raising the dose. I still feel extremely bland most of the time. Mind feels very closed off and I'm very non social too.
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> At what dose does Selegiline start to function for Seratonin? I do feel I need a seratonin component to my mix but I tried too many SSRIs (paxil worked but pooped out) and almost all made me feel worse. I've tried endles meds and Gabapentin makes me feel slightly alive but it's effect never lasts. Gabapentin works on Seratonin + gluta.
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> Need advice or possible alternatives. Even herbal/suppliments...
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The symptoms you describe accurately describe what I've been going through for over a year + crippling anxiety. I'm basically in the same boat. Like I have virtually no motivation, very little energy, I can't enjoy things, my memory is suffering big time, etc. I too have experienced bad emotional numbness that only made things worse for me with SSRIs(although remember there very well may be an SSRI out there that won't make you numb). There's always a chance that a medication could help you(in some cases they could turn out to be MUCH more effective than you previously thought), and the only way to know if a medication is going to help you or not is to be as patient as you can, and give it sufficient time. I don't know what the full dosage for Selegiline is, but if you feel like 10 mg is just not cutting it for you, talk with your doctor and see if you can increase the dosage. I have read somewhere that the Emsam patch (I know you're using the oral form-Selegiline, but I'm pretty sure they're the same thing) works on Serotonin definately at 12 mg. To be sure I would ask your doctor about Selegiline and Serotonin. My best suggestion is to first see if an increased dosage of Selegiline helps you (should you and your doctor decide to increase it), and if that doesn't help, you can ask your doctor about Parnate. I have heard wonderful things about this med. Do a google search on it and you'll see. The only thing with it, is that as you already know, just like Selegiline you have to follow medication and dietary restrictions. Definitely talk to your doctor about it. And always remember, no matter how dark and painful things may get, there's always hope and happiness somewhere to be found deep within yourself to help you get through this. There are A LOT of medications out there, and in most cases there's always at least one that will provide you with the relief that you need to beat depression. Oh and in case you haven't already, tell your doctor about the supplements you are taking to make sure there are no interactions with Selegiline. The OTC things that come to mind that can help depression are 5HTP and ST. John's Wort, but DO NOT take them with Selegiline, because it is not safe as far as I know. Also remember, medications can only help so much. Also make sure you are exercising whenever you think you can, and eat as healthy and as nutritional as you can. And I know I have read elsewhere that Fish oil can help with depression a little, so you can try that, it wouldn't hurt(just make sure it is a good and reputable brand). Also there's something called Suntheanine that may help increase dopamine, which in turn may help you be able to enjoy things a little more. Definitely do a google search on that as well. I'm pretty sure it's safe to take with an MAOI(read about others taking it with an MAOI), but ask you doctor about it to be on the safe side. Sorry I don't have more suggestions as far as alternatives go. The best natural medication for depression, is exercising, and being around people you love. Oh and talking about your problems with a good listener can help out A LOT also. I sincerely wish you make a full recovery, having come out on the other side stronger than you've ever been. You are not alone. Best wishes, peace.
poster:LucidDreamer
thread:1032313
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20121130/msgs/1032478.html