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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 Michael Bell on May 8, 2003, at 21:57:46
I really, really want to take a med that's proven effective for dysthymia/anhedonia. Amisulpride helped, but made me too drowsy! If anyone has encountered a med that helps with this, please respond. Thanx.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on May 9, 2003, at 2:39:59
In reply to I need something for DYSTHYMIA. Please recommend., posted by Michael Bell on May 8, 2003, at 21:57:46
I've read dozens of clinical studies that evaluate the drug Mirapex (pramipexole- and anti-parkinson drug) as being a terrific antidepressant, as well as working beautifully for anhedonia, lack of motivation, dysthymia, reward, and even SSRI-induced apathy. I believe it also has pro-sexual effects.
It is a dopamine D2, D3, and D4 receptor agonist, with most of its action at the D3 receptor. This particular receptor is believed to be responsible for experience of pleasure, a full range of emotions, motivation, and reward. I'm going to try it starting Monday--I'll let you know how it works out!
Posted by TR on May 10, 2003, at 10:04:40
In reply to Re: I need something for DYSTHYMIA. Please recommend., posted by Ame Sans Vie on May 9, 2003, at 2:39:59
The only thing that's ever worked for my dysthmia is Parnate. The only problem is it always poops out on me. But I've been told of other people who've been on it for years. Worth a try. So's Mirapex, but it did nothing for me.
Posted by girlygirl on May 11, 2003, at 8:28:41
In reply to Re: I need something for DYSTHYMIA. Please recommend., posted by Ame Sans Vie on May 9, 2003, at 2:39:59
I was really excited by what you just wrote about pramipexole, but now I find it's not licensed in the UK for depression, just Parkinson's. Once again - no hope for me. I've always suspected my depression was a dopamine problem (hence real problems with SSRIs and apathy). Anyone know what other drugs work on dopamine? Is it MAOI's only?
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on May 11, 2003, at 10:02:48
In reply to Re: I need something for DYSTHYMIA. Please recommend. » Ame Sans Vie, posted by girlygirl on May 11, 2003, at 8:28:41
Aren't doctors in the UK allowed to prescribe medication off-label? Mirapex isn't approved for depression here either, only Parkinson's--yet it is rapidly gaining popularity as an antidepressant.
There are several other dopamine agonists available: Requip (ropinirole), Permax (pergolide), Parlodel (bromocriptine), Dostinex (cabergoline), and Symmetrel (amantadine). There's also Eldepryl (selegiline/deprenyl) which is an MAOI that works primarily on dopamine at the lower dosages, and doesn't require a change in diet like typical MAOI's. Finally, there's Sinemet (levodopa/carbidopa) which is a precursor to dopamine (i.e., it converts to dopamine in the brain), also used for Parkinson's.
I believe, after Mirapex, the best of these drugs for dysthymia would probably be Requip, as it also has a high affinity for D3 receptors.
Posted by Caleb462 on May 13, 2003, at 3:07:53
In reply to Re: I need something for DYSTHYMIA. Please recommend. » Ame Sans Vie, posted by girlygirl on May 11, 2003, at 8:28:41
> I was really excited by what you just wrote about pramipexole, but now I find it's not licensed in the UK for depression, just Parkinson's. Once again - no hope for me. I've always suspected my depression was a dopamine problem (hence real problems with SSRIs and apathy). Anyone know what other drugs work on dopamine? Is it MAOI's only?
Can't a drug be used "off-label" in the UK, if a doctor is willing to prescribe it?
Aside from the drugs ASV mentioned, these drugs also increase dopamine activity - Wellbutrin, Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, Provigil
Posted by garylee on May 13, 2003, at 12:14:01
In reply to Re: I need something for DYSTHYMIA. Please recommend. » Ame Sans Vie, posted by girlygirl on May 11, 2003, at 8:28:41
Hi Girly
I have been taking Pramipexole for a month now and I live in the UK. Your doc should be able to prescribe it *off label*.
Lamictal is an anticonvulsant as is Clonazepam, they are both given out as Bipolar meds. Being an anti-parkinson drug means nothing.
I too believe my depression is Dopamine related, in fact I'd put money on it. I am hoping to get my hands on some Amineptine (yes, the one and only!), but this isn't definate yet, so we'll see...
Gary
Posted by KarenB on May 13, 2003, at 21:08:48
In reply to Re: I need something for DYSTHYMIA. Please recommend., posted by garylee on May 13, 2003, at 12:14:01
Gary,
xxx. Amineptine is the only antidepressant that has ever worked for me. Up until a few months ago, I ordered it from Argentina but it was then discontinued. I think Brazil is the only place it is still licensed but I am making no progress in my search.
Please don't try to post any ordering info here, as Doc doesn't allow non FDA approved ordering information on this board.
Thanks!
KarenB
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 14, 2003, at 0:48:09
In reply to Re: I need something for DYSTHYMIA » garylee, posted by KarenB on May 13, 2003, at 21:08:48
> Please don't try to post any ordering info here
Or to exchange email addresses in order to exchange ordering info... Thanks,
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
This is the end of the thread.
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