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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 38. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by iforgotmypassword on September 16, 2005, at 9:14:20
say what company they get it from (or who makes it)... she said that it was just a source they had and that she couldnt divulge... ??? wierd? whats all this wierdness surrounding DLPA?? and this pharmacy didnt seem really shady or anything... it's called "Ottawa Natural Clinic Pharmacy"... and it was $50 for 60 500mg tabs!!! ???!!? just the L-phenylalanine variant was $10 for at least as many... this is so strange. i asked him why i was having so much trouble tracking down DLPA, and he just said that he wasnt suprised. and i mentioned that other people in the states seem to be able to find it very readily. he said that that made sense and for whatever reason it just isnt distributed widely in canada... ???? does anyone have any details on this? this is so wierd.
Posted by nolvas on September 16, 2005, at 18:00:11
In reply to i found a source of DLPA in ottawa but they wont.., posted by iforgotmypassword on September 16, 2005, at 9:14:20
Maybe it's something to do with Canada? I don't know :(
I live in the UK and did a quick search here and I found them for a reasonable £7.75 for 50 * 500mg, that was from Holland and Barrett so I'm sure U could get it cheaper.
A reliable high quality USA source I've used for amino acids is also cheap for DLPA >
http://www.jomarlabs.com/main/catalog.asp
Posted by TamaraJ on September 18, 2005, at 14:42:37
In reply to i found a source of DLPA in ottawa but they wont.., posted by iforgotmypassword on September 16, 2005, at 9:14:20
Is it the Ottawa Natural Clinic Pharmacy on Slater Street? If so, it is, from my experience, a very good pharmacy, and the pharmacist is very knowledgeable. I don't think he would be selling substandard products. I have ordered DLPA from two Canadian internet sources, both of which I have found reliable, for much less (if I am remembering correctly). The DLPA I have order from both places is simply known as Physicians' formula DLPA, made by a company based on Florida. DLPA is actually hard to get in Canada, and I don't think it can be imported (but I may be wrong). If you want to know the names of the sources, let me know.
> say what company they get it from (or who makes it)... she said that it was just a source they had and that she couldnt divulge... ??? wierd? whats all this wierdness surrounding DLPA?? and this pharmacy didnt seem really shady or anything... it's called "Ottawa Natural Clinic Pharmacy"... and it was $50 for 60 500mg tabs!!! ???!!? just the L-phenylalanine variant was $10 for at least as many... this is so strange. i asked him why i was having so much trouble tracking down DLPA, and he just said that he wasnt suprised. and i mentioned that other people in the states seem to be able to find it very readily. he said that that made sense and for whatever reason it just isnt distributed widely in canada... ???? does anyone have any details on this? this is so wierd.
Posted by iforgotmypassword on September 28, 2005, at 8:16:10
In reply to Re: i found a source of DLPA in ottawa but they wont.. » iforgotmypassword, posted by TamaraJ on September 18, 2005, at 14:42:37
i'd love to know the sources! thank you so much! i think my babblemail thing is set up... or maybe i should mail you as this is from a while ago.
Posted by TamaraJ on September 28, 2005, at 22:25:19
In reply to ah! i forgot to check this! » TamaraJ, posted by iforgotmypassword on September 28, 2005, at 8:16:10
Hi there!
Here are the Canadian on-line supplement stores I have used and have found to be reliable and reasonable.
http://www.canadianvitaminshop.com/
http://www.feelgreatsupplements.ca/
http://home.primus.ca/~brickell/index.html
(Note: The website does not indicate a very big selection. However, if you call the 1-888 number, you can speak with Mary and ask her if she can get what you are looking for from her supplier. This is the only place in Canada I have been able to get Acetyl L-Carnitine. She can also get DL-Phenylalanine as well as DHEA and Pregnenolone, but the minimum dose is 25mg, which I find is too high.)
http://www.naturesfare.com/index.cfm
(I have purchased DL-Pheylalanine from them, if I remember correctly. I don't think it appears on the website, but you can e-mail them to confirm and see if it can be added to an order.)
http://www.ottway.com/
http://www.canadian-wholesale-direct.com/
Tamara
> i'd love to know the sources! thank you so much! i think my babblemail thing is set up... or maybe i should mail you as this is from a while ago.
Posted by Optimist on September 30, 2005, at 11:47:51
In reply to i found a source of DLPA in ottawa but they wont.., posted by iforgotmypassword on September 16, 2005, at 9:14:20
I'm picking up some DLPA up today in Oakville(Trafalgar and Dundas) at a supplement store called Natures Source. They have a website natures-source.com. I have also bought Acetyl-L-Carnitine there as well. They have many other hard to get supplements that I can't find anywhere where I live (Niagara Region), like Sulbutiamine, TMG, molybdenum, P-5-P, thymus gland extract, etc...
The stuff I'm getting is 60 500mg caps for $30. I'm not sure of the company name. I'll have to get back to you on that.
I'm combining the DLPA with 5mg of Selegiline that my pdoc prescribed for me yesterday. It will be my first time on either.
Brian
> say what company they get it from (or who makes it)... she said that it was just a source they had and that she couldnt divulge... ??? wierd? whats all this wierdness surrounding DLPA?? and this pharmacy didnt seem really shady or anything... it's called "Ottawa Natural Clinic Pharmacy"... and it was $50 for 60 500mg tabs!!! ???!!? just the L-phenylalanine variant was $10 for at least as many... this is so strange. i asked him why i was having so much trouble tracking down DLPA, and he just said that he wasnt suprised. and i mentioned that other people in the states seem to be able to find it very readily. he said that that made sense and for whatever reason it just isnt distributed widely in canada... ???? does anyone have any details on this? this is so wierd.
Posted by KaraS on September 30, 2005, at 20:17:19
In reply to Re: DLPA in Oakville... » iforgotmypassword, posted by Optimist on September 30, 2005, at 11:47:51
> I'm picking up some DLPA up today in Oakville(Trafalgar and Dundas) at a supplement store called Natures Source. They have a website natures-source.com. I have also bought Acetyl-L-Carnitine there as well. They have many other hard to get supplements that I can't find anywhere where I live (Niagara Region), like Sulbutiamine, TMG, molybdenum, P-5-P, thymus gland extract, etc...
>
> The stuff I'm getting is 60 500mg caps for $30. I'm not sure of the company name. I'll have to get back to you on that.
>
> I'm combining the DLPA with 5mg of Selegiline that my pdoc prescribed for me yesterday. It will be my first time on either.
>
> Brian
>
> > say what company they get it from (or who makes it)... she said that it was just a source they had and that she couldnt divulge... ??? wierd? whats all this wierdness surrounding DLPA?? and this pharmacy didnt seem really shady or anything... it's called "Ottawa Natural Clinic Pharmacy"... and it was $50 for 60 500mg tabs!!! ???!!? just the L-phenylalanine variant was $10 for at least as many... this is so strange. i asked him why i was having so much trouble tracking down DLPA, and he just said that he wasnt suprised. and i mentioned that other people in the states seem to be able to find it very readily. he said that that made sense and for whatever reason it just isnt distributed widely in canada... ???? does anyone have any details on this? this is so wierd.
>
>Hi Brian,
Nice to see you back here.
Is the selegiline plus DLPA in addition to the Parnate or instead of? If it's instead of, why did you go off of Parnate? I thought you were doing so well on it.
Kara
Posted by Optimist on October 2, 2005, at 21:36:49
In reply to Re: DLPA in Oakville... » Optimist, posted by KaraS on September 30, 2005, at 20:17:19
Thanks Kara, it's been awhile. :)
The Selegiline plus DLPA is instead of the Parnate. I was doing quite well with the Parnate for a few weeks then seemed to have made a sharp downturn once may showed up. The downturn seemed to coincide with the seasonal allergies that I always seem to get every summer(may-august). That's also when I tend to get depressed, as well as the winter(november-february). Anti-histamines seem to help with my summer depressions for whatever reason. I've read a few theories on why this may be true, although they do not relieve my depressions fully by any means.
I also seemed to feel more flat when taking the parnate and was starting to have some sexual dysfunction(libido problems). It also seemed to be exacerbating my hypoglycemia which is a known side effect. Hypoglycemia tends to make me feel much worse so I decided to go off the parnate. I actually went on it a number of times throughout the summer due to wanting relief from my depression, but then going off it due to the hypoglycemia primarily.
I tend to be doing quite well now, even before the selegiline. September, and especially october seem to be good months for me. I don't feel I need any antidepressants now, but it worries me as november approaches. I know I usually feel like I've been hit by a train early november.
I'm seriously considering lithium at this point as I am pretty certain I have some kind of softer bipolar features, either cyclothymia, or some kind of cyclical depression.
The reason I decided upon selegiline and DLPA, is because I seem to get the most antidepressant response from a herb called Vitex. It's known to be a dopamine agonist, but it tends to poop out after awhile for me. I'm hoping that the selegiline will be able to sustain the type of dopamine response I am looking for. Vitex mostly helps me with energy, self-confidence, and sexual drive, as well as general motivation.
Caffeine is also a great antidepressant for me, but imperfect in a number of ways due to it's tolerance and energy and mood fluctuations it seems to cause me.
After taking the selegiline and DLPA the past couple days I have noticed an increase in anxiety, especially in social situations. I had to leave the bar early last night due to finding it too difficult to relax and stop thinking too much regarding what I was going to say, and concentrating too much on breathing deeply to calm down.
I don't think it's the selegiline so much as the DLPA, since I've had similar problems with tyrosine in the past. I took 2 grams of DLPA yesterday which may have been too much. Today I experimented with taking 5-HTP instead and I seem to feel better in terms of less anxiety. I'll have to play around with it a little to see what works best. I think I'll settle for 5mg of selegiline though, as I am not too concerned with playing around with the dosage. If I don't feel much from it I doubt I'll raise it. Regardless it seems like a good long term drug in terms of cognitive health, life-extension, etc... so I don't think it's something I'll readily abandon.
I still think that Parnate is a great AD. I also think that I probably would have felt good last april without the Parnate as it's a good time for me anyways, and AD's in general don't seem to prevent me from falling in to depressions during certain times of the year. I'll most likely start lithium therapy by the end of the month, probably starting with a lower dose and going from there.
Hope everything is going well with you.
Brian
> Hi Brian,
>
> Nice to see you back here.
>
> Is the selegiline plus DLPA in addition to the Parnate or instead of? If it's instead of, why did you go off of Parnate? I thought you were doing so well on it.
>
> Kara
Posted by ed_uk on October 3, 2005, at 14:14:34
In reply to Re: Parnate to Selegiline, last 5 months... Ed_uk » KaraS, posted by Optimist on October 2, 2005, at 21:36:49
Hi Brian :-)
Have you considered Lamictal?
~Ed
Posted by Optimist on October 4, 2005, at 8:52:52
In reply to Re: Parnate to Selegiline, last 5 months... Ed_uk » Optimist, posted by ed_uk on October 3, 2005, at 14:14:34
I've already tried it already, up to 100mg. I had headaches the first couple months, and terrible cognitive dysfunction(memory, foggy headedness). I almost felt retarded on the stuff. :)
So how have you been doing lately Ed? It's been awhile since we've talked. What's current therapies are you are you on at the moment?
Brian
> Hi Brian :-)
>
> Have you considered Lamictal?
>
> ~Ed
Posted by ed_uk on October 4, 2005, at 15:46:27
In reply to Re: Parnate to Selegiline, last 5 months... » ed_uk, posted by Optimist on October 4, 2005, at 8:52:52
Hi!
I'm on citalopram 60mg for anxiety. I sometimes take 25mg amitriptyline or 7.5mg mirtazapine for sleep.
I'm working in a pharmacy at the moment. I decided not to return to university this year. I might return next year but I'm not sure yet. University makes me depressed! I don't have enough motivation to study!
Kind regards
~ed
Posted by Optimist on October 5, 2005, at 1:34:25
In reply to Re: Parnate to Selegiline, last 5 months... » Optimist, posted by ed_uk on October 4, 2005, at 15:46:27
Hey Ed!
I know how you feel regarding university. It took me 9 years to complete a 3 year degree. I kept dropping out and switching programs, taking years off, etc... It can be tough.
How's your current cocktail working for you?
Brian
> Hi!
>
> I'm on citalopram 60mg for anxiety. I sometimes take 25mg amitriptyline or 7.5mg mirtazapine for sleep.
>
> I'm working in a pharmacy at the moment. I decided not to return to university this year. I might return next year but I'm not sure yet. University makes me depressed! I don't have enough motivation to study!
>
> Kind regards
>
> ~ed
Posted by KaraS on October 6, 2005, at 21:05:04
In reply to Re: Parnate to Selegiline, last 5 months... Ed_uk » KaraS, posted by Optimist on October 2, 2005, at 21:36:49
> Thanks Kara, it's been awhile. :)
> The Selegiline plus DLPA is instead of the Parnate. I was doing quite well with the Parnate for a few weeks then seemed to have made a sharp downturn once may showed up. The downturn seemed to coincide with the seasonal allergies that I always seem to get every summer(may-august). That's also when I tend to get depressed, as well as the winter(november-february). Anti-histamines seem to help with my summer depressions for whatever reason. I've read a few theories on why this may be true, although they do not relieve my depressions fully by any means.
Sorry to hear that. It's like we're trying to hit a moving target sometimes when treating depression. There have been a lot of posts here on inflammation and depression. I'm sure there's something to it.
> I also seemed to feel more flat when taking the parnate and was starting to have some sexual dysfunction(libido problems). It also seemed to be exacerbating my hypoglycemia which is a known side effect. Hypoglycemia tends to make me feel much worse so I decided to go off the parnate. I actually went on it a number of times throughout the summer due to wanting relief from my depression, but then going off it due to the hypoglycemia primarily.
Guess it's just not the medicine for you then. I have hypoglycemia as well so I would probably have that same problem with Parnate.
> I tend to be doing quite well now, even before the selegiline. September, and especially october seem to be good months for me. I don't feel I need any antidepressants now, but it worries me as november approaches. I know I usually feel like I've been hit by a train early november.
>
> I'm seriously considering lithium at this point as I am pretty certain I have some kind of softer bipolar features, either cyclothymia, or some kind of cyclical depression.Certainly sounds like a cyclical thing happening especially if it's that regular. The trouble is sorting out the cycles from the allergies I imagine. I would be interested to hear whether lithium helps you.
> The reason I decided upon selegiline and DLPA, is because I seem to get the most antidepressant response from a herb called Vitex. It's known to be a dopamine agonist, but it tends to poop out after awhile for me. I'm hoping that the selegiline will be able to sustain the type of dopamine response I am looking for. Vitex mostly helps me with energy, self-confidence, and sexual drive, as well as general motivation.
Yes, I remember you mentioning Vitex before. Maybe I should try it though dopaminergics tend to sedate me unfortunately.
> Caffeine is also a great antidepressant for me, but imperfect in a number of ways due to it's tolerance and energy and mood fluctuations it seems to cause me.
Not to mention that it can also aggrivate hypoglycemia and cause jitteriness. Still, it's the only thing that has ever helped me with energy and motivation.
> After taking the selegiline and DLPA the past couple days I have noticed an increase in anxiety, especially in social situations. I had to leave the bar early last night due to finding it too difficult to relax and stop thinking too much regarding what I was going to say, and concentrating too much on breathing deeply to calm down.
It can be activating for most people. You'd probably have to take something else with it for the anxiety. Any more luck with it since your last message here?> I don't think it's the selegiline so much as the DLPA, since I've had similar problems with tyrosine in the past. I took 2 grams of DLPA yesterday which may have been too much. Today I experimented with taking 5-HTP instead and I seem to feel better in terms of less anxiety. I'll have to play around with it a little to see what works best. I think I'll settle for 5mg of selegiline though, as I am not too concerned with playing around with the dosage. If I don't feel much from it I doubt I'll raise it. Regardless it seems like a good long term drug in terms of cognitive health, life-extension, etc... so I don't think it's something I'll readily abandon.
Has lowering DLPA helped? Maybe the patch (if it ever comes out) would be good for you although maybe it would cause some of the same problems as Parnate?
> I still think that Parnate is a great AD. I also think that I probably would have felt good last april without the Parnate as it's a good time for me anyways, and AD's in general don't seem to prevent me from falling in to depressions during certain times of the year. I'll most likely start lithium therapy by the end of the month, probably starting with a lower dose and going from there.
I may end up having to do that as well. We'll see. I haven't tried Lamictal yet though.
> Hope everything is going well with you.
Thanks. It's not great but I'm working on it. :)
Kara
Posted by ed_uk on October 7, 2005, at 14:53:19
In reply to Re: Parnate to Selegiline, last 5 months » Optimist, posted by KaraS on October 6, 2005, at 21:05:04
Hi K
What drugs/doses are you on at the moment? Are they helping?
~Ed
Posted by ed_uk on October 7, 2005, at 14:54:43
In reply to Re: Parnate to Selegiline, last 5 months... » ed_uk, posted by Optimist on October 5, 2005, at 1:34:25
Hi Opt!
Citalopram 60mg is helping my anxiety but I'd like to increase the dose to 80-100mg because I'm still having some 'breakthrough' anxiety issues.
Kind regards
~Ed
Posted by KaraS on October 8, 2005, at 3:15:39
In reply to Re: Parnate to Selegiline, last 5 months » KaraS, posted by ed_uk on October 7, 2005, at 14:53:19
> Hi K
>
> What drugs/doses are you on at the moment? Are they helping?
>
> ~Ed
Hi Ed,I miss our chats. I've been taking the beta blockers regularly, 12.5 mg. doxepin regularly and 5 mg. of Dexedrine not as regularly. The beta blockers prevent the spikes in pulse rate which I usually like but they haven't made one bit of difference in my depression and they haven't eliminated the anxiety either. (If I try to drop the doxepin the anxiety comes back big time.) The one thing I don't like about the atenolol is that it prevents coffee from waking me up and energizing me. The Dexedrine provides a nice calming feeling but no help for concentration or for motivation. I'm a freak. I'm so bummed.
Now I'm working on increasing my magnesium and vitamin D intake.
How are you doing?
K
Posted by ed_uk on October 8, 2005, at 12:01:31
In reply to Re: Parnate to Selegiline, last 5 months » ed_uk, posted by KaraS on October 8, 2005, at 3:15:39
Hi K,
>I miss our chats.
Me too. I haven't been spending as long on the computer lately because I've been working 6 days a week. I still visit babble daily though :-) I'm doing ok but have been having some anxiety lately. I'd like to increase my citalopram to 80-100mg.
>12.5 mg doxepin
Is that the best dose for you? Does it acheive the optimum balance between the 'fogginess' of high doses and the reduced anxiolytic effect of low doses?
In general, doxepin should be taken at approximately the same time each day. 9.30pm is often a good time.
>The beta blockers prevent the spikes in pulse rate which I usually like but they haven't made one bit of difference in my depression and they haven't eliminated the anxiety either.
Atenolol is essentially a cardiovascular drug. It doesn't generally have any beneficial psych effects apart from the control of tachycardia, palpitations and chest 'discomfort'.
Are you still taking atenolol 12.5mg?
>The Dexedrine provides a nice calming feeling but no help for concentration or for motivation. I'm a freak. I'm so bummed.
You really need to try taking Dexedrine at a range of doses. 5mg might not be enough. Stimulants can have qualitatively different effects at different doses.
Ed xx
Posted by Optimist on October 8, 2005, at 12:19:55
In reply to Re: Parnate to Selegiline, last 5 months » Optimist, posted by KaraS on October 6, 2005, at 21:05:04
Hi Kara and Ed,
I've been playing around a bit with the DLPA and 5-HTP dosages, trying to find a middle ground. I do notice myself being more irritable with the DLPA. I'm not noticing a whole lot greater amount of energy and motivation though really. Caffeine seems to be much more efficatious in that regard.
I'm also trying to cut down my caffeine intake. I've been taking upwards of 800mg a day, usually 400mg bid, in morning and late afternoon/after dinner. It's wonderful for my depression and motivation/energy, but I think it's a "robbing Paul to pay Peter" type process. I have a feeling that's it's contributing to my problems over the long term. It's the same with amphetamines. It's just difficult to get off it when I'm so dependent on it to function.
Selegiline 5mg
DLPA 1000mg - 2000mg per day(earlier in day)
5-HTP 100mg - 200mg per day(mostly in evening)Brian
Posted by KaraS on October 8, 2005, at 14:21:49
In reply to Re: Parnate to Selegiline, last 5 months » KaraS, posted by ed_uk on October 8, 2005, at 12:01:31
> Hi Ed,
>
> Me too. I haven't been spending as long on the computer lately because I've been working 6 days a week. I still visit babble daily though :-) I'm doing ok but have been having some anxiety lately. I'd like to increase my citalopram to 80-100mg.
Would that dosage make you too lazy or complacent? Are you still enjoying the work?
> >12.5 mg doxepin
>
> Is that the best dose for you? Does it acheive the optimum balance between the 'fogginess' of high doses and the reduced anxiolytic effect of low doses?
I really need to go to 25 mg. It helps with the depression. 12.5 mg. just covers anxiety in my usual circumstances. I don't have energy or desire to have conversations until I get to 25 mg. I need the increase to help me sleep as well. I haven't wanted to increase because of the Dexedrine since I"ll probably be increasing that dosage as well.
> In general, doxepin should be taken at approximately the same time each day. 9.30pm is often a good time.
Yeah, I try to take it within 2 hours of the last time I took it. Going for an earlier time is better though. I think I'll gradually take it earlier in the evening.
> >The beta blockers prevent the spikes in pulse rate which I usually like but they haven't made one bit of difference in my depression and they haven't eliminated the anxiety either.
>
> Atenolol is essentially a cardiovascular drug. It doesn't generally have any beneficial psych effects apart from the control of tachycardia, palpitations and chest 'discomfort'.
That certainly has been my experience. I do know of someone else he put on atenolol who is doing better because of decreased anxiety but I don't know any more than that about him.
> Are you still taking atenolol 12.5mg?Yes. 6.25 mg. twice a day. I've had to wake up early and function on a temporary job the last few days so I've only taken it once a day. That way coffee can help me wake up in the morning. Counter-productive I know but I needed that caffeine boost.
> >The Dexedrine provides a nice calming feeling but no help for concentration or for motivation. I'm a freak. I'm so bummed.
>
> You really need to try taking Dexedrine at a range of doses. 5mg might not be enough. Stimulants can have qualitatively different effects at different doses.
Yeah, I guess that's the next step. I'm not optimistic though. Would increasing the doxepin to 25 mg. be dangerous with more Dexedrine (assuming that I take the atenolol religiously)? Might Desoxyn work where Dexedrine hasn't? I doubt it but just thought I'd get your opinion.Kara
xxx
Posted by KaraS on October 8, 2005, at 14:35:50
In reply to Re: Selegiline DLPA update, posted by Optimist on October 8, 2005, at 12:19:55
> Hi Kara and Ed,
>
> I've been playing around a bit with the DLPA and 5-HTP dosages, trying to find a middle ground. I do notice myself being more irritable with the DLPA. I'm not noticing a whole lot greater amount of energy and motivation though really. Caffeine seems to be much more efficatious in that regard.
>
> I'm also trying to cut down my caffeine intake. I've been taking upwards of 800mg a day, usually 400mg bid, in morning and late afternoon/after dinner. It's wonderful for my depression and motivation/energy, but I think it's a "robbing Paul to pay Peter" type process. I have a feeling that's it's contributing to my problems over the long term. It's the same with amphetamines. It's just difficult to get off it when I'm so dependent on it to function.
>
> Selegiline 5mg
> DLPA 1000mg - 2000mg per day(earlier in day)
> 5-HTP 100mg - 200mg per day(mostly in evening)
>
> Brian
Motivation is the hardest part - esp. if you want it without increased irritability. I can't seem to get that even with stimulants. Caffeine is the only thing that has helped me in that respect. Didn't you have some luck in the past with Wellbutrin? Have you checked out the Macuna Pruriens discussion on this board now?
Posted by ed_uk on October 8, 2005, at 16:51:28
In reply to Re: Selegiline DLPA update, posted by Optimist on October 8, 2005, at 12:19:55
Hi Brian,
Caffeine is generally counter-productive for me. It increases my energy (very slightly) for about an hour then leaves me feeling remarkably fatigued for several hours. I think I'm better off without it!
Kind regards
~Ed
Posted by ed_uk on October 8, 2005, at 17:02:44
In reply to Re: atenolol and Dexedrine trials » ed_uk, posted by KaraS on October 8, 2005, at 14:21:49
Hi K
>Would that dosage make you too lazy or complacent?
I don't think so because I enjoy my job. I don't really need to motivate myself because I like working in a pharmacy. I doubt I'll go back to uni to be honest. I don't have the drive.
>I really need to go to 25 mg.
You should :-) I don't think there's any reason to be concerned. 25mg is still a low dose. Anyway, you're on a beta blocker to control your heart rate.
Perhaps you should try a range of different TCAs. Doxepin might not be the best TCA for you. So many choices: amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine etc. Mirtazapine is also worth considering. If you can take doxepin without gaining too much weight, mirtazapine might not be any worse!
>Might Desoxyn work where Dexedrine hasn't?
Perhaps. I think you'll probably find a better solution though.
Ed xx
Posted by KaraS on October 9, 2005, at 1:51:21
In reply to Re: atenolol and Dexedrine trials » KaraS, posted by ed_uk on October 8, 2005, at 17:02:44
> Hi K
>
> >Would that dosage make you too lazy or complacent?
>
> I don't think so because I enjoy my job. I don't really need to motivate myself because I like working in a pharmacy. I doubt I'll go back to uni to be honest. I don't have the drive.
Maybe someday you will have more drive. Either way I'm glad you're doing something you enjoy.
> >I really need to go to 25 mg.
>
> You should :-) I don't think there's any reason to be concerned. 25mg is still a low dose. Anyway, you're on a beta blocker to control your heart rate.
Is the concern that the dox and the Dex will stimulate the heart too much or that it will throw off the rhythm? Would the atenolol take care of both of these?
> Perhaps you should try a range of different TCAs. Doxepin might not be the best TCA for you. So many choices: amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine etc. Mirtazapine is also worth considering. If you can take doxepin without gaining too much weight, mirtazapine might not be any worse!I've tried amitriptyline and nortriptyline. I'll probably be trying desipramine next.
> >Might Desoxyn work where Dexedrine hasn't?
>
> Perhaps. I think you'll probably find a better solution though.I don't think a better solution exists for me. Nothing will give me motivation if increasing dopamine makes me sedated.
k
xx
Posted by ed_uk on October 9, 2005, at 16:31:25
In reply to Re: atenolol and Dexedrine trials » ed_uk, posted by KaraS on October 9, 2005, at 1:51:21
Hi K,
>Is the concern that the dox and the Dex will stimulate the heart too much or that it will throw off the rhythm? Would the atenolol take care of both of these?
Mainly that it might increase your heart rate too much. Atenolol should take care of this.
>Nothing will give me motivation if increasing dopamine makes me sedated.
Dexedrine might motivate you at the right dose. On the other hand, perhaps a different class of dopaminergic drug (eg. Abilify) might help. Desipramine + atenolol could work well.
>amitriptyline
Do I recall that you took quite a high dose and didn't like the side effects?
~Ed xx
Posted by Optimist on October 10, 2005, at 21:48:01
In reply to Re: Selegiline DLPA update » Optimist, posted by KaraS on October 8, 2005, at 14:35:50
Hi Kara,
Yes, I did have some luck with Wellbutrin. I was taking at the end 450mg a day of the SR, and noticed an improvement with energy, keeping my room clean, etc... I'll have to look at some of my old posts regarding it's efficacy. I don't think it was a real heavy hitter in terms of AD effect, although I did get a good jump on it when I first started it, which I heard is not all uncommon. Many people get a big stimulant effect the first couple weeks I've read.
Yes I have checked out the Mucuna thread, and have researched it in the past. I was trying to find some in the area where I lived before with no avail, then gave up when I started Parnate due to the MAOi restrictions. Honestly though I think the restrictions are highly over-rated, at least for me. I started out very carefully, but after much experimentation I realized I could eat old cheddar cheese, tap beer, soya sauce, sausage, tyrosine, and caffeine with hardly any change in blood pressure. I have a bp cuff at home and would regularily check it after a meal. That was at 100mg Parnate a day which is a pretty hefty dose.
I think I've abandoned the DLPA for now as it's causing a little too much anxiety for my liking with little to no benefits. The 5mg of Selegiline is very mild and I hardly if at all notice I'm taking anything.
I'm sorta weighing my options now, and wondering what future course I should take. I'm currently doing not too badly at the moment but am scared s-less for when november comes when I usually spiral downwards for no apparent reason. I have no prior life events during this time that would predispose me to these depressions, but a 10 year pattern indicats that it will most likely happen again. November and may seem to be my worst months of the year for whatever reason.
Perhaps some lithium, and adding wellbutrin again, or lithium and parnate combined would be better. I'm thinking lithium's hyperglycemic tendency may cancel out parnate's hypoglycemic properties. We'll see
Or lithium/parnate/wellbutrin, or lithium/parnate/dextroamphetamine. That would probably be a while down the road as I believe going one med at a time to determine efficacy is better, then adjusting with add-ons later as needed.
Brian
> Motivation is the hardest part - esp. if you want it without increased irritability. I can't seem to get that even with stimulants. Caffeine is the only thing that has helped me in that respect. Didn't you have some luck in the past with Wellbutrin? Have you checked out the Macuna Pruriens discussion on this board now?
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