![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Ant-Rock on March 19, 2000, at 18:47:57
Once again, thank you Scott & Andrew for your replies and insight. I hope the descripton of my experience was properly conveyed. I failed to mention that nothing bad/traumatic was going on in my life at that time of the adverse reaction, so the Amoxapine definitely was responsible. I just don't understand why things never went back to normal(baseline?)after the med left my system. I've spent almost 4 years trying to restore the defecit the amoxapine reaction has left me with, all through trial and error.
I have been really desperate lately, even going as far as using chewing tobacco for the sake of getting some stimulation(nicotine) so I can get something done. Sounds pretty silly, but desperate times call for desperate measures I guess.
Today is my 7th day on 10mg Ritalin, and I also took my 1st dose of Amisulpride(50mg). Think I might be feeling more alert this afternoon, so here's hoping for the best. Is 10mg Ritalin usually enough in this type of treatment?
Anyway, I am also going to give Licorice Extract a fair trial in regards to my low Cortisol levels, and see if my Doc would be willing to let me take a low dose (5mg)hydrocortisone, which has been used with success in short term studies, but not a normally reccomended treatment option for this problem, as far as I know. I think there's a fear of adrenal suppresion via feedback mechanism, from the little I've found on the subject.
Also, to Scott: I'm not to my knowledge bipolar, never have experienced the mania.(Wouldn't mind feeling "alive", even for a short while though!)
Thanks once again for all of your sincere responses and as always I appreciate any feedback you can provide.P.S. If there's a better reason for the invention of the internet than this board, I have yet to see it.
Anthony
Posted by CarolAnn on March 21, 2000, at 9:36:27
In reply to Amisulpride/Stimulant Cont:, posted by Ant-Rock on March 19, 2000, at 18:47:57
Anthony, forgive my butting in here, but I found your post interesting and had some thoughts for you...First, if you still want to try getting a stimulant effect from nicotine, you might want to try nicotine gum(for people trying to quit smoking), it's got to be healthier then chewing tobacco, and I have read posts from others who use it. Also, on the Licorice extract...if you have any problem with high blood pressure, you need to moniter yourself, because licorice is notorious for raising blood pressure.
Hope you don't mind the advise. Like you, I have never experienced "mania", only depression. though I've heard that bi-polar is harder to treat, sometimes I think it would be worth it to get to experience at least some "alive"ness once in a while! Good luck! CarolAnn
Posted by Ant-Rock on March 21, 2000, at 11:17:24
In reply to Re: Amisulpride/Stimulant Cont:, posted by CarolAnn on March 21, 2000, at 9:36:27
> Anthony, forgive my butting in here, but I found your post interesting and had some thoughts for you...First, if you still want to try getting a stimulant effect from nicotine, you might want to try nicotine gum(for people trying to quit smoking), it's got to be healthier then chewing tobacco, and I have read posts from others who use it. Also, on the Licorice extract...if you have any problem with high blood pressure, you need to moniter yourself, because licorice is notorious for raising blood pressure.
> Hope you don't mind the advise. Like you, I have never experienced "mania", only depression. though I've heard that bi-polar is harder to treat, sometimes I think it would be worth it to get to experience at least some "alive"ness once in a while! Good luck! CarolAnnHi CarolAnn,
You certainly weren't "butting in", I really appreciate your response and the nicotine-gum advice certainly makes sense. I don't have a history of high blood pressure, and I tolerated parnate pretty well in the past, so should be okay w/ the Licorice.
Thanks so much for responding, It's feels good to know that others actually can relate to the isolation these circumstances bring about.Anthony
Posted by O on March 22, 2000, at 9:14:00
In reply to Amisulpride/Stimulant Cont:, posted by Ant-Rock on March 19, 2000, at 18:47:57
> Once again, thank you Scott & Andrew for your replies and insight. I hope the descripton of my experience was properly conveyed. I failed to mention that nothing bad/traumatic was going on in my life at that time of the adverse reaction, so the Amoxapine definitely was responsible. I just don't understand why things never went back to normal(baseline?)after the med left my system. I've spent almost 4 years trying to restore the defecit the amoxapine reaction has left me with, all through trial and error.
> I have been really desperate lately, even going as far as using chewing tobacco for the sake of getting some stimulation(nicotine) so I can get something done. Sounds pretty silly, but desperate times call for desperate measures I guess.
> Today is my 7th day on 10mg Ritalin, and I also took my 1st dose of Amisulpride(50mg). Think I might be feeling more alert this afternoon, so here's hoping for the best. Is 10mg Ritalin usually enough in this type of treatment?
> Anyway, I am also going to give Licorice Extract a fair trial in regards to my low Cortisol levels, and see if my Doc would be willing to let me take a low dose (5mg)hydrocortisone, which has been used with success in short term studies, but not a normally reccomended treatment option for this problem, as far as I know. I think there's a fear of adrenal suppresion via feedback mechanism, from the little I've found on the subject.
> Also, to Scott: I'm not to my knowledge bipolar, never have experienced the mania.(Wouldn't mind feeling "alive", even for a short while though!)
> Thanks once again for all of your sincere responses and as always I appreciate any feedback you can provide.
>
> P.S. If there's a better reason for the invention of the internet than this board, I have yet to see it.
>
> Anthony
Try herbal stimulants, but be careful.
Posted by Ant-Rock on March 22, 2000, at 17:35:49
In reply to Re: Amisulpride/Stimulant Cont:, posted by O on March 22, 2000, at 9:14:00
> >
> > Anthony
> Try herbal stimulants, but be careful.To:O
Could you be a little more specific?
Posted by Stephany on February 24, 2001, at 14:45:57
In reply to Amisulpride/Stimulant Cont:, posted by Ant-Rock on March 19, 2000, at 18:47:57
> Does anyone know anything about reactions to Licorice extract? I understand that it is used quite commonly in Europe as a food additive in a prue form. I have recently returned from a trip overseas where I experienced a hypertensive crisis which sent me to the hospital. At this point I am trying to determine causitive factors. Any information would be helpful. Thanks Stephany
Posted by Ant-Rock on February 24, 2001, at 16:30:38
In reply to Re:Stimulant effect of Licorice Extract:, posted by Stephany on February 24, 2001, at 14:45:57
> > Does anyone know anything about reactions to Licorice extract? I understand that it is used quite commonly in Europe as a food additive in a prue form. I have recently returned from a trip overseas where I experienced a hypertensive crisis which sent me to the hospital. At this point I am trying to determine causitive factors. Any information would be helpful. Thanks Stephany
Hi Stephany,
From what I understand, licorice extract keeps cortisol from breaking down, allowing cortisol levels to increase. That was my reason for trying this extract due to my low cortisol levels at the time. I believe increased cortisol can cause a spike in blood pressure but I would guess it would take a fair amount of this extract to cause this, but if one was already borderline high bp maybe this could insight a hypertensive crisis.
Sorry I can't be of more help Steph, but I'm sure someone on this board knows more about this herbal extract than myself, and can give you a better perspective. Did you ask a doctor?, or maybe do a search on the web using the words licorice extract, hypertension. Google.com is a great search engine.
Best of luck,
Anthony
Posted by danf on February 24, 2001, at 19:21:34
In reply to Re:Stimulant effect of Licorice Extract: » Stephany, posted by Ant-Rock on February 24, 2001, at 16:30:38
licorice contains a pseudo-aldosterone.. this has effects on fluid & salts retention by the kidneys.. has effects on ADH...
usually does not cause a problem unless large amounts are taken for an extended period. However pre-existing HBP may decrease amounts & time needed.
The syndrome is called pseudo-hyperaldosteroneism.
It can cause hypertension. This is well known in europe as the extract it is more commonly taken there.
one has to eat a lot of licorice to get the effect. anyway, it is known about & published in the US medical literature.
Posted by Sunnely on February 24, 2001, at 21:32:11
In reply to Re:Stimulant effect of Licorice Extract:, posted by Stephany on February 24, 2001, at 14:45:57
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), is used for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract mucous membranes, gastric and duodenal ulcers, bronchitis, chronic gastritis, colic, primary adrenocortical insufficiency, dry cough, arthritis, lupus, and as antibacterial and antiviral agent. It is also used to treat cholestatic liver disorders, hypokalemia (low potassium), and hypertonia. Topically, licorice is used as a shampoo to reduce sebum secretion. Intravenously, licorice components are used for treating hepatitis B and C. In combination with Panax ginseng and Bupleurum flacatum, licorice is used orally to help stimulate adrenal gland function particularly in patients with a history of long-term corticosteroid use. As a component of the herbal formula, Shakuyaku-kanzo-To, licorice is used to increase fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. In combination with seven other herbs, licorice is used in PC-SPES to treat prostate cancer. In Chinese medicine, licorice is used for sore throats, abdominal pain, infectious hepatitis, malaria, tuberculosis, sores, abscesses, food poisoning, diabetes insipidus, and contact dermatitis. Licorice is used as a flavoring in foods, beverages, and tobacco.
The use of licorice can cause amenorrhea (stoppage of menses). Large amounts of licorice, more than 50 grams per day, or chronic use longer than six weeks can cause pseudoaldosteronism, of which symptoms include hypertension, lethargy, headache, sodium and water retention, and edema. Pseudoaldosteronism can lead to increased blood pressure, hypokalemia (low potassium), hypokalemic myopathy (muscle weakness), rhabdomyolysis (muscle cell destruction), myoglobinuria (muscle cells in urine), severe congestive heart failure with pulmonary edema, lower extremity weakness, hypertensive encephalopathy, and quadriplegia. The chronic consumption of large amounts of licorice candy has caused hypermineralocorticoidism. Because licorice can decrease serum testosterone and increase 17-hydroxyprogesterone, it might cause decreased libido and sexual dysfunction in men. Chewing tobacco flavored with licorice has also been associated with toxicity.
Avoid in pregnancy and breast feeding. Licorice is unsafe when used in pregnancy. Licorice can induce abortion. There are insufficient reliable information available with regard to use of licorice during lactation.
================================================
> > Does anyone know anything about reactions to Licorice extract? I understand that it is used quite commonly in Europe as a food additive in a prue form. I have recently returned from a trip overseas where I experienced a hypertensive crisis which sent me to the hospital. At this point I am trying to determine causitive factors. Any information would be helpful. Thanks Stephany
Posted by Riff Brown on February 27, 2001, at 21:45:44
In reply to Re:Stimulant effect of Licorice Extract:, posted by Stephany on February 24, 2001, at 14:45:57
While researching licorice extract a few years ago I discovered that it contains a substance (something like "glyzzherisdsmjkkfls...") that acts as a none-too-weak MAOI. If you were taking a prescription MAOI at the time I bet this could have triggered a hypertensive crisis even if you didn't eat a ton of licorice.
> > Does anyone know anything about reactions to Licorice extract? I understand that it is used quite commonly in Europe as a food additive in a prue form. I have recently returned from a trip overseas where I experienced a hypertensive crisis which sent me to the hospital. At this point I am trying to determine causitive factors. Any information would be helpful. Thanks Stephany
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.