Posted by JohnL on July 15, 2000, at 7:49:26
In reply to Re: World Wide ADRAFINIL » JohnL, posted by SLS on July 14, 2000, at 8:07:48
Scott,
I agree with you completely. I wish I knew more about potential adverse effects on the liver. I've searched high and low and can't find anything. Ironically, that actually makes me a little more comfortable about it. That's because if there were some troubling cases of liver toxicity out there, they would be in print. There would be at least one or two or more abstracts concerning that at mentalhealth.com. But there aren't any. Not with Adrafinil anyway.
I've never seen any information suggesting Adrafinil is metabolized into Modafinil. Since I've tried both, all I can say is it sure doesn't feel like that is happening. My system didn't like Modafinil at all, but seems to embrace Adrafinil.
I take herbal supplements of Milk Thistle. This herb has a huge documented track record of preventing and even reversing liver damage. One test in particular stands out in my mind. Patients were protected from liver toxicity of poisonous mushrooms by taking Milk Thistle immediately afterwards. The active ingredient in Milk Thistle is the same one in many of the prescription liver medications. With scant information available on Adrafinil, this affords me a little more comfort level.
Everything I've read says that if liver enzymes are elevated, as evidenced by a blood test, then either reducing or eliminating the dose of Adrafinil is the way to get those liver enzymes back to normal. That implies that the condition is reversible. The first blood test is recommended at 30 days. Then twice a year after that. I'll probably do it three times a year just to be on the safe side. But because it isn't needed weekly or monthly, this implies that whatever liver conditions might occur take time. No overnight disasters. But like you said, I would like to know more.
One thing is for sure. Having this risk in the back of my mind is definitely a fair tradeoff considering my notable improvement. It's nice to actually enjoy living again. To know the meaning of the words 'fun', 'motivated', 'anticipation of pleasureable activities'. To be depression free. So I need to get a blood test 2 or 3 times a year. This is a tradeoff--or side effect if you will--that I can live with. I couldn't live with the side effects, or lack of complete efficacy, of just about anything else.
Nice to hear from you.
John
poster:JohnL
thread:40385
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000708/msgs/40503.html