Posted by not exactly on March 12, 2003, at 5:51:20
In reply to Re: Dopamine agonists (daizy) » Michael Bell, posted by not exactly on March 6, 2003, at 15:02:04
> ... people with SP need to attack the GABA system primarily, then add a little something to increase Dopamine transmission.
Well, I've tried to apply what I've learned from following this thread, and I'm happy to report some dramatic success. I'm now on Klonopin plus Buspar, and I'm finally experiencing virtually complete remission from my long-standing Social Phobia and comorbid treatment-resistant Atypical Depression (anhedonia, mood reactivity, hypersomnia).
Previously, I had been on Desipramine plus Neurontin. After giving the Desipramine a fair trial (5 weeks) and obtaining only slight relief from my depression, I augmented it with Buspar. This yielded a modest improvement, but overall it was still an unsatisfying solution.
Inspired by the enlightening posts in this thread, I decided to make some radical changes. First, I dumped the Neurontin and substituted Klonopin. This gave improved relief from SP and GAD, and eliminated the "dulled" feeling that Neurontin had produced. I then dropped the Desipramine (but kept the "augmenting" Buspar). Wow. Within a few days, I felt much more upbeat, motivated, and "present". This is one of the best states I've ever been in. Not manic, just functional and happy to be alive. And NO SIDE EFFECTS.
I've noticed some amazing changes. Earlier this evening, I attended a meeting with some friends, and there were 3 new members in the group. I had enjoyable conversations with all 3 of them, and I remember their names. Maybe this doesn't seem unusual to you, but it's a BIG change for me. It used to be that the presence of "strangers" would make me so uncomfortable that I wouldn't say anything at all, even to my old friends. It would take me weeks to warm up to new acquaintances enough to make relaxed conversation possible. And months before I had a chance of remembering their names.
I've been feeling this good for several days. I sure hope this state is sustainable. Don't know if this combo would work this well for anyone else, but it's been a miracle cure for me.
- Bob
poster:not exactly
thread:205134
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030310/msgs/208344.html