Posted by MB on January 27, 2002, at 18:52:39
In reply to Stimulants and coffee, posted by Alex J on January 27, 2002, at 15:29:30
Hey, it is very synchronistic that this post would come up right when I was doing the same experiment (caffeine with Adderall, to be more precise). I'm still working on titrating all my meds (Neurontin, Adderall, Klonopin, Prozac). What I've noticed is that the primary symptoms I'd sought treatment for have been alleviated (depression, anxiety, rage, and ADD). The problem is that my moods are extremely labile. I'm having spikes of moderate euphoria which last anywhere from 2 seconds to 5 minutes, and I'm also having spikes of dysphoria of similar duration. At one point today, about an hour before it was time for my afternoon Adderall dose, I drank a diet coke. I think this was a reflex: before treatment, I would often grab caffeine when I felt a crash comming on. This time, the caffeine seemed to increase the frequency of the euphoria/dysphoria cycling.
Parenthetically, when I use the term "dysphoria," I am in no way describing anything close to depression. It is worse than depression; it is the opposite of euphoria: it is complete dread like there is something seriously wrong, yet it is subjectively very different than anxiety or panic.Any suggestions?
Does anybody know what this ultra, ultra rapid cycling between euphoria and dysphoria is about? Is it what I've often heard described as a mixed state? If so, I think caffeine makes it worse.
> I am very interested in seeing how those who are on stimulants react to coffee. I ask because coffee can have a very paradoxical effect on me and I would like to see if others have experienced this effect.
>
> I am currently on Dexedrine, 15 mg two times per day and I crave coffee constantly. The problem is sometimes coffee gives me an energy and mood boost and other times I feel like crying and end up having to take a nap shortly after a cup as I also feel extremely tired.
>
> Does anyone else have problems with coffee? If you do, could you please indicate what med(s) you are on as I am trying to figure out the brain chemistry involved here.
>
> Any input (even from those on something other than stimulants) would be greatly appreciated.
>
> TIA,
>
> Alex
poster:MB
thread:91769
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020124/msgs/91792.html