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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by OddlyAnhedonic on August 9, 2006, at 11:56:55
I've been a luker on these boards for seven or eight years...finally decided to post my first question...
I've been a life long atypical depressive and severe anhedonic. Finally got treated with Paxil a few years ago and am doing okay with the depression. But still experiencing no pleasure in life. My doctors often shake their heads in confusion as they see how my head reacts to various treatments and events. So I am coming here hoping to get some clues as to why my head is so weird. So here are some datapoints:
First off, I am immune to the euphoric effects of cocaine. NOBODY believes me when I say this. But it is absolutely true. I tried it many times - before and after I got medicated for depression - and all it does it increase my blood pressure and empty my wallet. Tastes bad. No euphoria. No increased energy. Nada. I'm not complaining...but it is obviously an anomolous reaction.
Same for Wellbutrin. Tried it as my first anti-depressent. Only made me twitch and grind my teeth. No antidepressent effect even at very high doses.
I *do* like ephedrine. It makes me feel almost "normal"...no jitters. Not exactly euphoric, but I feel like I am not walking through life wearing ten ton shoes. But sadly, ephedrine is very dangerous so I don't take it.
Paxil does relieve my depression - but only in high doses (40mg per day).
So there ya go. Any theories or wild guesses are appreciated. I'll also offer any more data I can. Just ask. This seems like a great forum. I hope I can maybe find some answers here.
Posted by silvercoin on August 9, 2006, at 16:50:17
In reply to What is wrong with my brain???, posted by OddlyAnhedonic on August 9, 2006, at 11:56:55
> I've been a luker on these boards for seven or eight years...finally decided to post my first question...
>
> I've been a life long atypical depressive and severe anhedonic. Finally got treated with Paxil a few years ago and am doing okay with the depression. But still experiencing no pleasure in life. My doctors often shake their heads in confusion as they see how my head reacts to various treatments and events. So I am coming here hoping to get some clues as to why my head is so weird. So here are some datapoints:
>
> First off, I am immune to the euphoric effects of cocaine. NOBODY believes me when I say this. But it is absolutely true. I tried it many times - before and after I got medicated for depression - and all it does it increase my blood pressure and empty my wallet. Tastes bad. No euphoria. No increased energy. Nada. I'm not complaining...but it is obviously an anomolous reaction.
>
> Same for Wellbutrin. Tried it as my first anti-depressent. Only made me twitch and grind my teeth. No antidepressent effect even at very high doses.
>
> I *do* like ephedrine. It makes me feel almost "normal"...no jitters. Not exactly euphoric, but I feel like I am not walking through life wearing ten ton shoes. But sadly, ephedrine is very dangerous so I don't take it.
>
> Paxil does relieve my depression - but only in high doses (40mg per day).
>
> So there ya go. Any theories or wild guesses are appreciated. I'll also offer any more data I can. Just ask. This seems like a great forum. I hope I can maybe find some answers here.
If ephedrine has therapeutic value, it might pay to try something that is more noradrenergic, such as Effexor, Cymbalta, or desipramine. In particular, desipramine might be a good one to try as it is rather activating.Todd
Posted by OddlyAnhedonic on August 12, 2006, at 10:54:23
In reply to Re: What is wrong with my brain???, posted by silvercoin on August 9, 2006, at 16:50:17
>If ephedrine has therapeutic value, it might pay to >try something that is more noradrenergic, such as >Effexor, Cymbalta, or desipramine. In particular, >desipramine might be a good one to try as it is >rather activating.
>
> ToddThanks very much for the info. I didn't realize that ephedrine hit the noradgrenergic system. I'll definitely look into that. It also makes me even MORE curious about why Wellbutrin and cocaine both had no positive effect since they also hit the noradgrenergic system (altho obviously differently and with a mix of dopamine). I'm really seeking an understanding of what is going on in my head. Self-knowledge if you will. My reactions to drugs are clearly WAY outside the mainstream. It almost as if the dopamine system (or some other important piece) was removed from my brain. Weird.
Posted by Jost on August 12, 2006, at 11:52:36
In reply to Re: What is wrong with my brain???, posted by OddlyAnhedonic on August 12, 2006, at 10:54:23
Provigil might be good, although I read the other day that they aren't sure any more what it does. Originally was thought to be adrenergic.
Cymbalta can be activating-- it was for me, although not for everyone. It reaches adrenergic and serotonic systems. It's much more effective in stimulating the adrenergic system than Effexor, which has very weak adrenergic effects, until you get to the higher doses.
Emsam is pretty activating--it's an maoi, in a new delivery system, a patch, which is much more efficient and causes fewer food interactions.
Don't know bout desipramine.
Jost
This is the end of the thread.
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