Posted by Ritch on April 26, 2002, at 22:39:06
In reply to Re: Chris, selegeline doens't induce dysphoria?, posted by Chris A. on April 26, 2002, at 14:08:41
>
> > How much selegiline are you taking-if you don't mind my asking? My pdoc is very scared of MAOI's (even selegeline). It is the only AD class I have never touched. I am going to try Focalin soon, but I have my doubts it will work. As you know I have a lot of prominent ADHD symptoms along with bipolar and my last go round with dexedrine actually didn't help with focus (rats!) that much, but I charted during the time and my mood became more stable on the dexedrine (cycling was flattened+no grouchiness). I want something that will *work* for SAD episodes (which stims do), without the ScheduleII hassles, or the cost of Provigil.
>
> > Mitch
>
> 10 mgs, which is a very low dose is all I took this winter. When I felt my mood starting to lift and anergic state disappating, I immediately discontinued it. Do you have a light box? I use it for the SAD component. My pDoc and my consultant consider it an antidepressant. Even though I have ADD charactristics (and have had problems focusing and paying attention from a very young age), they don't want me on any stimulants because of the potential for serious cycling. I guess everyone is different. BTW, what is Focalin?
>
> Blessings,
>
> Chris A.Chris,
No, I haven't ever gotten to a light box thing. It is one of those things I think about just right before everything goes (predictably)downhill and I wind up taking meds instead. Focalin is the new Ritalin. Ritalin is two isomers. One is relatively inactive and they have found a way of ditching the inactive isomer. So it is twice as potent. Generically, it is dexmethylphenidate. I am only trying it because I "flopped" Adderall because it caused too much anxiety (but worked great for the SAD episode and for focus without cycling), and I "flopped" dexedrine because it didn't help me focus (but it didn't cause any anxiety or cycling and replaced SSRI which did cause cycling!) It is interesting that you mention your doctor's concern about cycling with psychostimulants. Thus far, ONLY psychotimulants have been able to alleviate depression (more effectively and at lower doses than AD's), and NOT trigger cycling. Also, interestingly, selegeline (Eldeprenyl) metabolizes to methamphetamine (a fraction). So, you were *on* stimulants in a sense when you needed to take them for depression. I know the company that markets Eldeprenyl is targeting ADD bigtime. I just find it fascinating that it didn't trigger any dysphoria when you were taking it. 10mg is a full tab I think.
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:104108
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020425/msgs/104252.html