Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1115713

Shown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

PEA for depressed mother

Posted by linkadge on July 1, 2021, at 16:21:38

As you know, my mother (labelled as bipolar) has been depressed for over a year. She's on 1000mg of depakote, 3mg of breziprazole and 150mg of lyrica.

Basically, none of these are really doing anything to lift her depression. She lies around most of the day waiting for her next pill. She complains a lot of anxiety. She is convinced she is not depressed and doesn't want to take mood antidepressants although she is open to some 'supplements'. She is 72 years old, but there seems like some early onset dementia as well.

Today, I gave her a very small dose of PEA. Believe it or not, this made a notable difference for her. She became a bit more talkative, and wanted to go for a walk. After this she did a bit of gardening. It lasted about 2 hours and then she returned to baseline. I retested it a bit later and noticed a similar improvement.

I believe that her depression is dopaminergic. She is completely anhedonic and has a bit of a tremor (although the antispychotics could be causing this).

I tried this as a 'proof of concept'. In theory, with her 'anxiety' she shouldn't be taking anything stimulating. However, I strongly believe the anxiety is a manifestation of her profound anhedonia. She said her anxiety went down after taking it.

Of course, I have no idea what the next steps are... or whether it is even worth approaching her psychiatrist with this information.

Linkadge

 

Re: PEA for depressed mother

Posted by Lamdage22 on July 1, 2021, at 21:41:59

In reply to PEA for depressed mother, posted by linkadge on July 1, 2021, at 16:21:38

Palmitoylethanolamide or Phenylethylamine? Guess the latter? Supplements can ne really effective.

 

Re: PEA for depressed mother

Posted by linkadge on July 2, 2021, at 16:14:45

In reply to Re: PEA for depressed mother, posted by Lamdage22 on July 1, 2021, at 21:41:59

Phenylethylamine

Linkadge

 

Re: PEA for depressed mother » linkadge

Posted by jay2112 on July 3, 2021, at 19:15:40

In reply to PEA for depressed mother, posted by linkadge on July 1, 2021, at 16:21:38

Hi Linkadge:

I've done some research on PEA, and it is scientifically a stimulant, like an amphetamine.
But, caution, because it can notch up anxiety, as well as blood pressure.

Maybe ask her doctor about amphetamine, like Dexedrine, or even Vyvanse. Mind you, depakote/epival blocks the effects of amphetamine. Also, to many, amphetamine is much smoother than Ritalin.

Dexedrine, in your Mom's case, might be a good combo. Maybe reduce the Epival dose.

Best,
Jay

 

Re: PEA for depressed mother

Posted by linkadge on July 3, 2021, at 19:24:19

In reply to Re: PEA for depressed mother » linkadge, posted by jay2112 on July 3, 2021, at 19:15:40

I agree that reducing the epival is a good idea. Unfortunately, her thinking has become very rigid. She is against taking any 'antidepressants' even though they have helped her many times in the past.

Linkadge

 

Re: PEA for depressed mother » linkadge

Posted by jay2112 on July 3, 2021, at 19:58:04

In reply to Re: PEA for depressed mother, posted by linkadge on July 3, 2021, at 19:24:19

> I agree that reducing the epival is a good idea. Unfortunately, her thinking has become very rigid. She is against taking any 'antidepressants' even though they have helped her many times in the past.
>
> Linkadge

You know, a great atypical antidepressant, I responded to it, was Serzone (nefadazone), which was completely pulled off the market in Canada. :(

I can sorta understand your Mom's reluctance. I honestly think Risperdal, in small doses, is amazing for anxiety. But, you said she was on that before. Maybe, for about 100 bucks, she should get one of those genetic profiles done. It will tell which medications are likely best for her. Just an idea.

But I found, as one with BP2, Epival was only good in small doses. Larger doses can cause major depression. Lyrica, I think, is a way better mood stabalizer..much more 'clean' than Epival...and a stronger effect on GABA. Much like a benzo, actually.

Best,

Jay


 

Re: PEA for depressed mother

Posted by Christ_empowered on July 4, 2021, at 11:41:33

In reply to PEA for depressed mother, posted by linkadge on July 1, 2021, at 16:21:38

has the psych considered switching out the mood stabilizer...maybe lamictal? even a low to moderate dosage of trileptal would probably be less mind numbing and less likely to dampen mood.

just a thought. :-)

 

Re: PEA for depressed mother

Posted by linkadge on July 4, 2021, at 14:25:35

In reply to Re: PEA for depressed mother » linkadge, posted by jay2112 on July 3, 2021, at 19:58:04

Yeah, when I took epival it was only 500mg. It certainly pulled me down. I think she is taking too much, but it's convincing her to try a lower dose.

Linkadge

 

Re: PEA for depressed mother..BTW... » linkadge

Posted by jay2112 on July 4, 2021, at 18:34:54

In reply to Re: PEA for depressed mother, posted by linkadge on July 4, 2021, at 14:25:35

Not sure if I mentioned this, but nortriptyline majorly increases PEA.

Jay

 

Re: PEA for depressed mother..BTW...

Posted by linkadge on July 5, 2021, at 8:02:17

In reply to Re: PEA for depressed mother..BTW... » linkadge, posted by jay2112 on July 4, 2021, at 18:34:54

Interesting.

Linkadge

 

Re: PEA for depressed mother (nm)

Posted by Lamdage22 on July 7, 2021, at 5:04:31

In reply to Re: PEA for depressed mother, posted by Lamdage22 on July 1, 2021, at 21:41:59

 

Re: PEA for depressed mother

Posted by Lamdage22 on July 7, 2021, at 5:06:20

In reply to Re: PEA for depressed mother (nm), posted by Lamdage22 on July 7, 2021, at 5:04:31

Dont go against your mothers will unless you have no choice. Supplements can work well.


This is the end of the thread.


Show another thread

URL of post in thread:


Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ


[dr. bob] 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.