![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 27 to 51 of 51. Go back in thread:
Posted by Denise528 on March 17, 2002, at 8:49:35
In reply to Re: CRF Antagonists, posted by OldSchool on March 16, 2002, at 12:52:50
Hello,
If this is the case and SSRIs poop out because of dopamine depletion then can someone please explain why Zyprexa seems to be the only drug which is helping me. I thought Zyprexa depleted dopamine even more. Can someone explain please?
Denise
Posted by JohnX2 on March 17, 2002, at 19:46:19
In reply to dopamine depletion and Zyprexa, posted by Denise528 on March 17, 2002, at 8:49:35
Denise,Zyprexa antagonizes (blocks) serotonin receptors that inhibit dopamine release. There are a number of classes of serotonin receptors 5ht-1,5ht-2,5ht-3,etc....
Some of these receptors are known to gate dopamine release in many areas of the brain. Particularly the 5ht-2 variety. So when the SSRI medicines increase serotonin and hit those 5ht-2 receptors with more force, the medicine may reduce dopamine in some areas of the brain. If we can have some medicine that blocks those particular receptors (it just sits on the receptor blocking serotonin and doesn't activate it), then this will increase dopamine release in those areas of the brain.
A more ideal anti-depressant may combine the SSRI quality with the specific serotonin receptor blocking quality in the AP like Zyprexa.Zyprexa also blocks dopamine receptors, so it sort of is a balancing act depending on what part of the brain the medicine is working at.
John
> Hello,
>
> If this is the case and SSRIs poop out because of dopamine depletion then can someone please explain why Zyprexa seems to be the only drug which is helping me. I thought Zyprexa depleted dopamine even more. Can someone explain please?
>
> Denise
Posted by Denise528 on March 18, 2002, at 8:53:36
In reply to Re: dopamine depletion and Zyprexa » Denise528, posted by JohnX2 on March 17, 2002, at 19:46:19
John,
Thanks for the explanation, if serzone acts in a similar way to Zyprexa and Zyprexa seems to be helping me, is there a chance that Serzone would too?
I have already asked you this on another thread but thought I'd sneak the question in again.
Thanks again.....Denise
Posted by JohnX2 on March 18, 2002, at 17:00:20
In reply to Re: dopamine depletion and Zyprexa, posted by Denise528 on March 18, 2002, at 8:53:36
Denise,I'm not sure what you you were taking the Zyprexa for. Serzone is a bit more "intrusive" of a medicine. It takes a bit longer to dose onto and is a coin toss in regards to being as efficacious with anxiety symptoms. It is really good for sleep for those that respond well and less likely to cause sexual complaints than the SSRI medicines.
Since I don't recall what Zyprexa was helping you for, I can't comment on whether or not Serzone may help you. Some things Zyprexa is good for, maybe Serzone won't do as well at.
Regards
John> John,
>
> Thanks for the explanation, if serzone acts in a similar way to Zyprexa and Zyprexa seems to be helping me, is there a chance that Serzone would too?
>
> I have already asked you this on another thread but thought I'd sneak the question in again.
>
> Thanks again.....Denise
Posted by djmmm on March 18, 2002, at 19:19:10
In reply to dopamine depletion and Zyprexa, posted by Denise528 on March 17, 2002, at 8:49:35
because poop-out isn't caused by decreased dopamine, it's caused by an over abundance of serotonin..that's why 5ht1 and 5ht2 antagonists work...zyprexa is a 5ht2 antagonist
http://www.pni.org/psychopharmacology/abstracts/lectures/obesity_antidepressants.html
Posted by Denise528 on March 19, 2002, at 12:33:31
In reply to Re: dopamine depletion and Zyprexa, posted by djmmm on March 18, 2002, at 19:19:10
I seem to be getting conflicting messages. Anyway thanks for the link, I checked the website and it is very informative although not sure I fully understand it.
Denise
Posted by Denise528 on March 19, 2002, at 12:44:49
In reply to Re: dopamine depletion and Zyprexa, posted by djmmm on March 18, 2002, at 19:19:10
Hi,
I've read the web page and excuse me for being thick but I don't really understand it. Is there any chance you can elaborate for me?
Denise
Posted by vanessa on March 20, 2002, at 14:58:39
In reply to Re: dopamine depletion and Zyprexa - djmm, posted by Denise528 on March 19, 2002, at 12:44:49
another question: so if dopamine depletion causes
"poopout" why do MAOIs stop working? My understanding is that MAOIs increase dopamine.
Posted by djmmm on March 20, 2002, at 15:56:44
In reply to Re: dopamine depletion and Zyprexa - djmm, posted by Denise528 on March 19, 2002, at 12:44:49
Dopamine depletion is just a *theory* nothing is proven...just as excess serotonin is a theory...I'm sure there are others. The theory of excess serotonin is not as well known I guess, but I does make sense. Too much serotonin results in a variety of "symptoms" just as too little serotonin does...this is an established fact.
The theory is, medications that agonize/antagonize specific serotonin receptors decrease the stimulation of serotonin into the synapse..meds that have a high affinity for these receptors are always given for "poop-out"
I found this today... I copied it here because I thought that the bit on "reducing medication" supports this theory..
Psychology Today
March, 1999Another unknown is what's behind poop-out--whether it is true pharmacologic failure or a worsening of the disease, a relapse that overrides medication. Other factors that can dent a medication's apparent effectiveness are aging (which tends to worsen or change depressive symptoms), substance abuse, a coexisting medical illness and noncompliance, a big problem.
Rajinder Judge, M.D., clinical research physician for Prozac at Eli Lilly, estimates that just 50% of patients actually take antidepressants properly. "They miss doses or just stop on their own," she says. It is not uncommon for patients to drop their medications after four months, although prevention of relapse is believed to warrant longer treatment. Some find the side effects too pesky. Others become overconfident because they feel so much better. "Once you recover," Judge explains, "you don't want to be reminded of those dark days and the only thing reminding you is this little pill."
Whatever the cause of poop-out, it can almost always be remedied by upping (or sometimes even reducing) the dose, or changing or adding medications. Whereas older medications--so-called tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors--can be dangerous at high doses, amounts of the SSRIs can be doubled and then doubled again without harm, according to Peter Kramer. "Sometimes the patient ends up on a more complicated regimen to get the same effect," he says. "Or sometimes it's a matter of taking a person off one drug and reintroducing it later. One way or another, it is mostly possible to get people back to where they were."
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m1175/2_32/53985476/print.jhtml
Posted by Denise528 on March 24, 2002, at 10:25:49
In reply to Re: dopamine depletion and Zyprexa » Denise528, posted by JohnX2 on March 17, 2002, at 19:46:19
JohnX2,
How do serotonin receptors inhibit dopamine release?
Denise
Posted by House_DJs on December 22, 2003, at 23:01:01
In reply to Re: Dopamine » OldSchool, posted by Bob on March 14, 2002, at 1:25:57
Speaking as if there are only ‘a few’ neurotransmitters in the brain that are involved with Clinical Depression/Anxiety Disorders. When there are a vast number that work in conjunction w/eachother to control one’s mood.
Just because you no longer respond to SSRI’s doesn’t eliminate Serotonin as a possible problem. Remember, we all have enough Serotonin in our bodies, it’s just how our brain’s are using it where the problem lies. We must remember that there are several areas of the brain that are ‘chemically imbalanced’ in sufferers. Those that respond to SSRI’s - balancing out Serotonin has positive effects on the rest of the faulty neurotransmitters, lifting them out of their malfunctioning state.
I don’t know why we’re focusing in on Dopamine? Why not the several other branches of Serotonin like Serotonin 1A or Serotonin 3? Why not focus in on imbalanced Noradrenaline levels? Substance P levels? BDNF levels? & Last but definitely not least – CRF levels? When people on the board start talking like they’re ‘so sure’ of what they’re saying is when you know you’re being mislead. The Psychiatrists/Psychologists themselves haven’t mastered this illness, so how could any of us?
CRF antagonists by the way should be out in about 5-6yrs. if the Clinical Trial phases go as successfully well as they have bin. I’m lucky enough to have a Doctor that works @ a Psych. Facility who will be involved w/the Clinical Trials in a year & a half. He promised me a reserved spot to try the drug(s). We’ll see what comes of it. My doc. Believes it’s the Amygdala that is the root of all the other malfunctioning neurotransmitters in the brain. i.e. Serotonin & other neurotransmitters being imbalanced is just an effect of the Amygdala malfunctioning. The Amygdala plays an incredible role in Mood Disorders. It stores emotional memories of past experiences & controls fear response, etc. CRF antagonists will work to bring the Amygdala back to normal, thus alleviating Anxiety Disorders & Clinical Depression, without having to try & tweak the malfunctioning brain from the 2ndary effects, 3rd, 4th & 5th – all in hopes of truly correcting the neurotransmitter at the root that’s behind this all.
Yes it’s bin known that long-term SSRI use results in imbalanced levels of Dopamine & Noradrenaline. But beyond this, the most successful AntiDepressants always have bin the least used ones… MAOI’s & ECT as OldSchool stated. MAOI’s come w/no harm so long as you obey the diet that comes with it. ECT, 6months of short-term memory loss w/o any permanent damage.
If you’re still hooked on OldSchool’s Dopamine theory, let me inform you about Wellbutrin – it’s an AntiDepressant that strictly works on Dopamine. It’s bin proven to be NO MORE EFFECTIVE than any other AntiDepressant. So the answer to all our problems doesn’t lie in Wellbutrin. Beyond that, Effexor taken close to the maximum dose works on Serotonin, Noradrenaline & Dopamine – again, Effexor hasn’t bin shown to be more effective than any other AntiDepressant. & Then there’s all those methamphetamines (ADD medications) to try that strictly boost your Dopamine levels. NONE of which have been shown to be significantly effective in cases of Clinical Depression – I myself have tried Ritalin & Dexedrine with 0% relief. So yes they have studied the impacts of Dopamine in Depression, & the fact of the matter is – it plays little of a role in the grand scheme of things.
Lastly I’ve heard of no studies (my Doctor confimed this) of ECT specifically improving the flow of Dopamine from cell to cell in Depressed patients. For those that are truly familiar w/ECT, it’s like a reboot/restart for your brain. For those that find an alleviated Depression w/it, it balances out any neurological malfunction – ALL of it, not just Dopamine. & for those that don’t, well needless to say…
Let me inform you that the information i’ve provided above was all given to me by my Psychiatrist Dr.Martin Katzman @ the Centre For Addiction & Mental Health. He’s is the chief Anxiety Disorder & Clinical Depression specialist. He’s done vast research w/numerous drug companies & consults with the top medical professionals of the world.
Hope you found this as informative as I did writing it.
Amer Q.
Posted by Wanderer123 on August 30, 2009, at 23:05:24
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production » OldSchool, posted by Ron Hill on March 14, 2002, at 12:07:11
> > There is some info on this site regarding "SSRI poopout." Its in the tips and tricks section. Basically, the most common hypothesis as to why ADs poop out over the long haul is dopamine depletion. Many ADs, particularly the serotonergic ones, dampen the dopamine system when taken long term.
>
> -------------------------
>
> Mr. Old School;
>
> I share your belief that SSRI's dampen the dopamine system when taken long term. I do not have hard data to support this belief, but instead it is merely a layman's antidotal self-observation.
>
> For years I was stuck. Without an AD to increase serotonin I was severely depressed. When using an AD to raise serotonin I struggled with what I consider to be low dopamine symptoms (very low motivation, low energy, blunted emotions, etc). At the risk of sounding too overly simplistic, SAM-e has by and large solved this problem for me. I fully realize that we patients are all different and, therefore, what works for me may not work for others. At the same time, however, I have a hunch that there are a lot of people here in Babbleland that could potentially be helped by this over-the-counter (in US) product, albeit an expensive OTC product.
>
> SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound and is manufactured by the human body. However, some people do not produce enough of it and supplementation may be beneficial.
>
> SAM-e is involved in a plethora of various biochemical reactions in the human body. It functions as a very important methyl group donor. With regard to mood and related brain chemistry, SAM-e serves as the methylating agent in the biochemical reaction mechanism whereby various neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine in particular) are synthesized from the amino acids in dietary protein.
>
> My layman's opinion regarding the mechanism by which SAM-e helps me is that it raises the serotinin and dopamine levels in my brain in a "balanced" fashion. The following paragraphs give a little more detail regarding my particular situation and the specifics of my SAM-e dosing. Also check out the links at the bottom of this page.
>
> I'm Bipolar II. Lithobid adequately controls my hypomania but does nothing for my depression. Any of the SSRI's will take away my "I want to die" mood but leave me with side effects (loss of ambition, loss of energy, lack of motivation, blunted emotions, etc). I have tried a ton of other ADs over the years, but I will not bore you with the details.
>
> Four months ago I went to my regularly scheduled visit with my pdoc. At the time, I was only taking Li because of the AD side effects and, therefore, depression was a problem. My pdoc had recently reviewed several studies showing success in treating depression using SAM-e in conjunction with an AD and success using SAM-e alone. He suggested that I take two 200 mg SAM-e tablets daily in conjunction with 25 mg of Zoloft. (I am hypersensitive to most medication so I take small doses). Initially, I was skeptical because over the years I have taken a lot of over-the-counter supplements, most of which did very little to ease my depression. But I told my pdoc that I would give it a try.
>
> Initially I could only take one 200 mg tablet of SAM-e every other day. If I took more, I would experience side effects (flush, nausea, confused thinking, general ill feeling, "skin crawling"). However,within about five days, my depression began to lift and I now have my life back. Yeah!!! Currently, I take one 200 mg tablet daily without any adverse side effects. In total I daily take 600 mg Lithobid, 12.5 mg Zoloft, and 200 mg SAM-e. Eventually, I plan to discontinue the small amount of Zoloft.
>
> Bottom line: 200 mg SAM-e daily has helped me more than any of the many ADs I've tried over the years. For me personally, SAM-e has turned out to be a lifesaver! I have waited to post on this topic until I gave it some time to make sure it did not poop out right away. So far I have four months of excellent results and absolutely no hint of poop out.
>
> It is very important to take plenty of B-6, B-12 (use sublingual form) and folate with the SAM-e to prevent the build up of homocystiene. Also, SAM-e is absorbed more efficiently by the small intestines when it is taken on an empty stomach. However, I usually eat a small bite ot food to reduce nausea. SAM-e, like many perscription ADs, can induce mania in bipolar patients if the patient is not taking an adequate amount of a mood stablizer.
>
> Here are some links to articles on the topic. Do some research (use "SAM-e" in search engine). Buy a good name brand to ensure product quality.
>
> http://www.biopsychiatry.com/sameart.html
>
> http://more.abcnews.go.com/sections/living/inyourhead/allinyourhead_36.html
>
> http://www.mdsg.org/same.html
>
> http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.same.html
>
> http://www.mhsource.com/expert/exp1041299b.html
>
> http://www.arthritissupport.com/track/goto/rtgoto30l.cfm
>
>
> -- Ron
>
>
>
>
>So if I take no antidepressants and am experiencing apathy, will Sam-e boost my dopamine enough to heal me?
Posted by Ron Hill on September 2, 2009, at 13:01:36
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production » Ron Hill, posted by Wanderer123 on August 30, 2009, at 23:05:24
> > > There is some info on this site regarding "SSRI poopout." Its in the tips and tricks section. Basically, the most common hypothesis as to why ADs poop out over the long haul is dopamine depletion. Many ADs, particularly the serotonergic ones, dampen the dopamine system when taken long term.
> >
> > -------------------------
> >
> > Mr. Old School;
> >
> > I share your belief that SSRI's dampen the dopamine system when taken long term. I do not have hard data to support this belief, but instead it is merely a layman's antidotal self-observation.
> >
> > For years I was stuck. Without an AD to increase serotonin I was severely depressed. When using an AD to raise serotonin I struggled with what I consider to be low dopamine symptoms (very low motivation, low energy, blunted emotions, etc). At the risk of sounding too overly simplistic, SAM-e has by and large solved this problem for me. I fully realize that we patients are all different and, therefore, what works for me may not work for others. At the same time, however, I have a hunch that there are a lot of people here in Babbleland that could potentially be helped by this over-the-counter (in US) product, albeit an expensive OTC product.
> >
> > SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound and is manufactured by the human body. However, some people do not produce enough of it and supplementation may be beneficial.
> >
> > SAM-e is involved in a plethora of various biochemical reactions in the human body. It functions as a very important methyl group donor. With regard to mood and related brain chemistry, SAM-e serves as the methylating agent in the biochemical reaction mechanism whereby various neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine in particular) are synthesized from the amino acids in dietary protein.
> >
> > My layman's opinion regarding the mechanism by which SAM-e helps me is that it raises the serotinin and dopamine levels in my brain in a "balanced" fashion. The following paragraphs give a little more detail regarding my particular situation and the specifics of my SAM-e dosing. Also check out the links at the bottom of this page.
> >
> > I'm Bipolar II. Lithobid adequately controls my hypomania but does nothing for my depression. Any of the SSRI's will take away my "I want to die" mood but leave me with side effects (loss of ambition, loss of energy, lack of motivation, blunted emotions, etc). I have tried a ton of other ADs over the years, but I will not bore you with the details.
> >
> > Four months ago I went to my regularly scheduled visit with my pdoc. At the time, I was only taking Li because of the AD side effects and, therefore, depression was a problem. My pdoc had recently reviewed several studies showing success in treating depression using SAM-e in conjunction with an AD and success using SAM-e alone. He suggested that I take two 200 mg SAM-e tablets daily in conjunction with 25 mg of Zoloft. (I am hypersensitive to most medication so I take small doses). Initially, I was skeptical because over the years I have taken a lot of over-the-counter supplements, most of which did very little to ease my depression. But I told my pdoc that I would give it a try.
> >
> > Initially I could only take one 200 mg tablet of SAM-e every other day. If I took more, I would experience side effects (flush, nausea, confused thinking, general ill feeling, "skin crawling"). However,within about five days, my depression began to lift and I now have my life back. Yeah!!! Currently, I take one 200 mg tablet daily without any adverse side effects. In total I daily take 600 mg Lithobid, 12.5 mg Zoloft, and 200 mg SAM-e. Eventually, I plan to discontinue the small amount of Zoloft.
> >
> > Bottom line: 200 mg SAM-e daily has helped me more than any of the many ADs I've tried over the years. For me personally, SAM-e has turned out to be a lifesaver! I have waited to post on this topic until I gave it some time to make sure it did not poop out right away. So far I have four months of excellent results and absolutely no hint of poop out.
> >
> > It is very important to take plenty of B-6, B-12 (use sublingual form) and folate with the SAM-e to prevent the build up of homocystiene. Also, SAM-e is absorbed more efficiently by the small intestines when it is taken on an empty stomach. However, I usually eat a small bite ot food to reduce nausea. SAM-e, like many perscription ADs, can induce mania in bipolar patients if the patient is not taking an adequate amount of a mood stablizer.
> >
> > Here are some links to articles on the topic. Do some research (use "SAM-e" in search engine). Buy a good name brand to ensure product quality.
> >
> > http://www.biopsychiatry.com/sameart.html
> >
> > http://more.abcnews.go.com/sections/living/inyourhead/allinyourhead_36.html
> >
> > http://www.mdsg.org/same.html
> >
> > http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.same.html
> >
> > http://www.mhsource.com/expert/exp1041299b.html
> >
> > http://www.arthritissupport.com/track/goto/rtgoto30l.cfm
> >
> >
> > -- Ron
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> So if I take no antidepressants and am experiencing apathy, will Sam-e boost my dopamine enough to heal me?Hi Wanderer,
Your question is a good one.
As stated above, I was taking 600 mg/day of lithium and 12.5 mg/day of Zoloft when I was taking 200 mg/day of SAM-e back in 2002. No other meds.
For five months, SAM-e did a very good job of treating my atypical depression. My atypical depression consisted of very low energy (anergy), very low motivation (amotivation), lack of enjoyment of life (anhedonia), sleeping too much (hypersomnia), apathy, no hope, etc.
However, after five months of good results, SAM-e began to induce severe RAGE.
Read this link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020718/msgs/113431.html
Search this site (see bottom of page) for: "-- Ron SAM-e irritability", without the quotation marks. Also, search "-- Ron SAM-e" without the quotation marks and you should be able to pull up some of my posts during the time SAM-e was working for me.
In answer to your question, if you are bipolar, you would need to be on one or more moodstabilizers (antiepileptic medication(s), or lithium) fully ramped up in dosage before taking SAM-e. Or else, SAM-e can push a bipolar patient into hypomania or mania.
With that cavet, I suspect SAM-e might treat your apathy, but beware; irritability may raise it's ugly head at some point. I'd start by buying 100 mg tablets. Try 100 mg/day for a week or so, and then titrate upward only if needed. Keep your dosage as low as possible and maybe the irritability might not catch up with you.
Remember that you can not break a SAM-e tablet in two. The tablets are enteric coated.
Everyone is different, Wanderer, so your mileage may vary (YMMV).
-- Ron
dx: Bipolar II and mild OCPD
600 mg/day Trileptal
200 mg/day Lamictal
500 mg/day Keppra
90 mg/day Nardil
Posted by Wanderer123 on September 2, 2009, at 14:13:36
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production » Wanderer123, posted by Ron Hill on September 2, 2009, at 13:01:36
Hey Ron. Thanks for responding. I don't think I am a Bipolar. I was never diagnosed that. I think Sam-e isn't good for Bipolar people. Maybe that's why you had such a reaction. Currently I am taking 400mg of Sam-e. Started just a few days ago. I might increase it gradually to the maximum of 1600mg if I need it. See what will happen.
All I am is a person who became apathetic after taking Prozac for 6 months+ as a kid. It mustve depleted my Dopamine so I am trying to replete it back.
The only side-effect I am getting is constant annoying feeling in my penis. I am impotent as well as apathetic. I wonder why I feel like that on Sam-e. Its really annoying. Any ideas?
I am also taking Rhodiola and B-Complex. I am thinking in taking Mucuna Pruriens and Tyrosine. Maybe some other herbs and vitamins. I want to naturally re-increase my dopamine. Any advice would be appreciated.
Posted by Ron Hill on September 2, 2009, at 22:44:09
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production, posted by Wanderer123 on September 2, 2009, at 14:13:36
> Hey Ron. Thanks for responding. I don't think I am a Bipolar. I was never diagnosed that. I think Sam-e isn't good for Bipolar people. Maybe that's why you had such a reaction. Currently I am taking 400mg of Sam-e. Started just a few days ago. I might increase it gradually to the maximum of 1600mg if I need it. See what will happen.
>
> All I am is a person who became apathetic after taking Prozac for 6 months+ as a kid. It mustve depleted my Dopamine so I am trying to replete it back.
>
> The only side-effect I am getting is constant annoying feeling in my penis. I am impotent as well as apathetic. I wonder why I feel like that on Sam-e. Its really annoying. Any ideas?I've never heard of those side effects with SAM-e. Maybe ramp the dosage slower? I don't know. No help on this end.
> I am also taking Rhodiola and B-Complex. I am thinking in taking Mucuna Pruriens and Tyrosine. Maybe some other herbs and vitamins. I want to naturally re-increase my dopamine. Any advice would be appreciate.Rhodiola made me irritable from the first dose. I have never taken Mucuna Pruriens. Tyrosine, gave me a boost at first, but quickly faded.
I encourage you to only add one med or OTC at a time so you know what is doing what. Give each add-on a sufficient amount of time before you add anything else. Otherwise it is impossible to delineate what effect is associated with a particular OTC/med.
-- Ron
Posted by Wanderer123 on September 2, 2009, at 23:00:29
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production » Wanderer123, posted by Ron Hill on September 2, 2009, at 22:44:09
Why do some things sometimes give a boost at first and then fade out? And what do you do when that happens?
Posted by Ron Hill on September 3, 2009, at 5:18:10
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production, posted by Wanderer123 on September 2, 2009, at 23:00:29
> Why do some things sometimes give a boost at first and then fade out?
I don't know.
> And what do you do when that happens?
Increase the dosage, or try something else.
Do some research, identify a med (or, less likely an OTC) that shows promise and decide if it is worth a trial. Unfortunately, as you know, finding p-meds (or less likely OTCs) that treat mental disorders is by and large an educated trial-and-error process.
Please tell me the symptoms of your depression.
Also, are you working with a p-doc?
-- Ron
Posted by Wanderer123 on September 3, 2009, at 11:00:23
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production » Wanderer123, posted by Ron Hill on September 3, 2009, at 5:18:10
Wait what is OTC, p-med, and p-doc?
I'm not depressed, though. I'm just apathetic. Unmotivated. Anhedonia. I want only natural treatments. Such as herbs, vitamins, and supplements. I believe if you can mix a bunch of working herbs into your plan or into a pill, you can do things as much as any potent antidepressant or better. I'm thinking in getting a neurotransmitter test done. Do you know anything about that?
Posted by Ron Hill on September 3, 2009, at 12:24:17
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production, posted by Wanderer123 on September 3, 2009, at 11:00:23
> Wait what is OTC, p-med, and p-doc?
OTC = Over the counter.
p-med = psychotropic medication.
P-doc = psychiatrist> I'm not depressed, though. I'm just apathetic. Unmotivated. Anhedonia.
The symptoms you listed are symptoms of atypical depression.
> I want only natural treatments. Such as herbs, vitamins, and supplements. I believe if you can mix a bunch of working herbs into your plan or into a pill, you can do things as much as any potent antidepressant or better.
You may end up changing your mind about this position.
> I'm thinking in getting a neurotransmitter test done. Do you know anything about that?
As I understand it, the neurotransmitters are not measured directly. Instead, metabolites of the neurotransmitters are measured in the urine and etc. SLS (Scott) knows a lot more than I do on this subject. However, Scott just left on a one week vacation.
Wanderer, will you do a favor for me and take a couple of screening tests?
Please print and complete the screening test provided immediately below BEFORE looking at the grading criteria:
http://i.cmpnet.com/CME/pt/PDF/MDQ_Quest.pdf
Grading criteria:
http://i.cmpnet.com/CME/pt/PDF/MDQ_Instructs.pdf
Here is another screening test. Please print and complete this screening test BEFORE looking at the scoring instructions below:
http://imaging.cmpmedica.com/CME/pt/PDF/BSDSScale.pdf
Scoring instructions:
http://imaging.cmpmedica.com/CME/pt/PDF/BSDSScoring.pdf
-- Ron
dx: Bipolar II with ultra rapid cycling and mild OCPD
600 mg/day Trileptal
200 mg/day Lamictal
500 mg/day Keppra
90 mg/day Nardil
Posted by Wanderer123 on September 3, 2009, at 13:29:56
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production » Wanderer123, posted by Ron Hill on September 3, 2009, at 12:24:17
Yeah I knew it was a Bipolar test the first one. I wrote all Nos. I do not have any kind of moodiness. I am just apathetic all day. I do not jump from depression to mania to sadness to hypomania. No moodiness at all. I did have that on Wellbutrin though. I do not take it anymore. I just take the supplements I told you about. Second test I scored enough for a moderate probability of having bipolar.
All I know is that I was on Prozac cause I was misdiagnosed and ended up apathetic cause it depleted my Dopamine. I just need to restore my Dopamine, I believe. I believe I can do it the natural way. Why not?
Posted by Jimmyboy on September 5, 2009, at 13:17:06
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production, posted by Wanderer123 on September 3, 2009, at 13:29:56
Anyone know why SAM-e is so likely to cause a mianic or hypomanic episode compared to other supps and drugs?
I took it a few yrs a go and had a hypomanic period of about 2 months , the only other med that has doe this was when I was on a fairly high dose of zoloft. I have tried countless meds and these are the only 2 to have this effect. Any ideas out there?
Posted by Wanderer123 on September 5, 2009, at 15:20:33
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production, posted by Jimmyboy on September 5, 2009, at 13:17:06
If you are Bipolar then maybe that's why. It says Bipolar people shouldn't take Sam-e.
Posted by Jimmyboy on September 6, 2009, at 10:43:10
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production, posted by Jimmyboy on September 5, 2009, at 13:17:06
yeah, that is kind of a given that I may have bipolar tendencies. I was just wondering why some medication or supps ( SAM-e, zoloft for me) have caused a flip to a more manic state where other SSRI's and other drugs did not do this. What is unique about these that it would cause that reaction where others compunds do not?
My guess is that both have a fairly strong dopamine boosting component as well as boosting seratonin.
Posted by sowhysosad on September 6, 2009, at 15:17:12
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production, posted by Jimmyboy on September 6, 2009, at 10:43:10
Yeah, apparently Zoloft is the only SSRI with significant dopamine reuptake properties. More than Wellbutrin so I hear.
That said, I believe the dopamine reuptake only kicks in at high doses.
> I was just wondering why some medication or supps ( SAM-e, zoloft for me) have caused a flip to a more manic state where other SSRI's and other drugs did not do this. What is unique about these that it would cause that reaction where others compunds do not?
>
> My guess is that both have a fairly strong dopamine boosting component as well as boosting seratonin.
Posted by Conundrum on November 10, 2010, at 16:32:22
In reply to Re: SAM-e May Increase Dopamine Production » Jimmyboy, posted by sowhysosad on September 6, 2009, at 15:17:12
Wander, did you end up taking SAM-E? I'm wondering what the effects are. I have a similar problem to you.
This is the end of the thread.
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