Posted by g_g_g_unit on July 31, 2012, at 22:16:08
In reply to Re: Parnate decision » g_g_g_unit, posted by phidippus on July 31, 2012, at 20:34:35
> Why not try Luvox again, but supplement it with Requip? You might like what Requip may do for your anhedonia.
I thought long-term efficacy of Parkinson's agents was questionable? I've also heard of Memantine interfering with Requip (can't recall how exactly).
>
> My experiments with Memantine started with taking it alongside Lithium. I had immediate results, especially with my mood.
>
> I don't think its going to matter which drug you start with-dexamphetamine will be felt immediately.
>Sorry, what I meant was, don't D2/D3 receptors in the nucleus accumbens downregulate with chronic amphetamine use? And that these receptors are responsible for its anxiolytic, (slightly?) euphoric, mood-boosting effects? Therefore, adding Memantine to a pre-existing amphetamine regime wouldn't alter that?
The idea of adding Memantine first (and concomitantly abstaining from amphetamine for several weeks), is, from my understanding, to prevent that reward-center downregulation or "tolerance".
However, you noted that OCD (or compulsivity, I'm guessing) is correlated with elevated dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens, which is why, as wonderful as the combination sounds for anhedonia and motivational issues, I wonder if it could make OCD a lot worse.
That's why I thought perhaps a lower dose of Luvox or Lexapro might help compulsivity, without losing the positive effects on reward. I'm in therapy, and making a little progress, so would be happy to make the trade-off of less symptom control.
As I've stated before, interpersonal values come into play here a lot. As bad as my OCD is, I really need to deal with my anhedonia, motivational and cognitive issues so I can socialize, ideally return to work (in a creative field) and get the **** out of my parents' house. Adding amphetamine to an SSRI alone didn't really do much for those issues, which is why I'm interested in the Memantine-Dex thing.
> Have you ever tried Keppra?No. How might it benefit me?
>
> Eric
>
poster:g_g_g_unit
thread:1021887
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120718/msgs/1022530.html