Posted by SLS on December 8, 2004, at 8:05:03
In reply to Nardil or Parnate decision, posted by KaraS on December 8, 2004, at 0:01:13
Hi Kara.
I'm not sure I would be so committed to the idea that your depression is caused by sensitive dopamine autoreceptors. Perhaps it is, but I don't think there is yet enough evidence that things are as simple as that. I doubt they are. I prefer to approach the brain as a phenomenon too complex to explain with the paucity of data and understanding that we currently have; that an empirical approach - trial and error - is still necessary to fully explore therapeutic strategies.
What does this mean for you?
I think you should choose the drug that evidence has indicated is best suited to treat your symptom cluster (Nardil), and not allow your autoreceptor theory to exclude any drug from future consideration.
You know, a good way to test your autoreceptor theory is to use a preferential DA antagonist like sulpiride or amisulpride at low dosages to see if they produces a clinically significant improvement. Another drug that would be selective for dopamine would be pemoline. The problem with using psychostimulants and Wellbutrin to assess DA function is that each has significant effects on NE pathways as well.
I'd be curious to know how you came to your conclusion.
Good luck.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:425971
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041206/msgs/426082.html