What to take to feel motivated again

[Dee]

I keep reading that i wont feel motivated to do anything when i start going through detox. is there anything i can take to help with that? and what exactly is this new drug called bup?

[Gloria]

A CBC (complete blood count) with differential will determine the level of eosinophils in your daughter.  EMS has the potential to be fatal, but this is very rare.  Most people respond with the withdrawal of the Tryptophan or 5-HTP and a course of glucocorticoids.  As I mentioned previously, I have not seen any recent statistics that have reported any cases of EMS since '99.  Why bother testing her blood, you might ask?  If there is documentation of a potentially fatal side effect that can occur, why not take preventive steps to insure that it does not happen to your daughter?  As to the level of eosinophilia that is diagnostic of EMS--the eosinophils have to be >1000/mcgL.  Other diseases can raise eosinophils to the 500 range, but that typically occurs with parasitic infections or allergic reactions to medication.  I hope this helps.  Maria

[Brighty]

Thank you for the time you have taken on this topic for me. I am deeply appreciative. I will check the site Spook sent later this evening and am glad to know it will be informative. What are the symptoms of EMS ? Is it caused by too high or too low eosinophils ? And what specific item on a blood panel would show eosinophils or does she need to ask for a specific test ?? Love, Brighty

[Gloria]

In my previous post, I mentioned taking Tyrosine "at bedtime -OR- with a high-carbohydrate snack (so it does not have to compete for absorption with other amino acids)."  Luke's comments about taking Tyrosine on an empty stomach and not eating for two hours afterwards corresponds with the above statement.  Obviously, if your stomach is empty and you do not eat for two hours afterwards; the Tyrosine can be completely absorbed, does not have to compete with other amino acids, and can achieve its maximum potential.  The only purpose for mentioning a high-carbohydrate snack is that if you needed to eat something, high-carbs are less likely to interfere with the Tyrosine metabolism/absorption.  Tom, as for the best time to take the Tyrosine, my natural medicine reference books all state, "best taken at bedtime."  Since no explanations are given, I would assume it has more to do with the "empty stomach" theory, than anything else.  If I find the rationale for taking it at bedtime, I will let you know.  As I also mentioned in my previous post, you need to take vitamin B6 and folic acid along with the Tyrosine to augment its conversion into neurotransmitters.  Tom, not knowing how your body will respond to the Tyrosine, I would start low--2,000 mg/once daily.  I would increase the dose by 1,000 mg/daily until the desired effect is achieved.  Maximum dosing:  50 mg/per pound of body weight/daily.  By now, everyone on this forum should know that I err on the side of being cautious.  Luke said to take 4,000 mg/day...I said to start at 2,000 mg/day.  Since you know your body better than anyone else, take whatever dose of Tyrosine you feel comfortable with.  I am glad that you are giving the Tyrosine a try.  I am also glad to hear that your recent physical did not reveal any problems associated with your long-term use of Darvon.  I have been very concerned about you after reading about the episode you had recently.  Hopefully, things are looking up for you.  Please continue posting.  Best wishes.  Maria

[Gloria]

Regarding 5-HTP--the site Spook/Luke recommended for 5-HTP was excellent!  It quoted some studies I was familiar with and had planned to mention to you.  Some additional input regarding 5-HTP:  take it with a high carbohydrate food or liquid (such as orange juice); if your daughter takes more than 300 mg/day, she should have her eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) tested about every 3 months; do not take 5-HTP with antidepressants.  Surprisingly, since 5-HTP is not manufactured like tryptophan, it was disturbing to note that a syndrome similar to that which occurred with tryptophan in the late 90's, was occurring with 5-HTP users.  EMS (eosinophilia myalgia syndrome) has been reported in a few 5-HTP users.  The most current data I reviewed did not report any cases of EMS occurring since '99.  I will always err on the side of being cautious, maybe too cautious; but if your daughter were my patient, I would recommend this simple, inexpensive blood test, every 3-4 months.  The brands I would recommend are:  L-5-HTP from Solaray; or, HTP.CALM from Natural Balance.  Glad to hear that your daughter is doing well!  I believe the 5-HTP is probably playing a role in her improved state of mind and would not stop it at this point.  If she continues to do well after all her restrictions are removed--house arrest, mandatory meetings, etc., then you could try tapering her.  With your daughter's past history, though, I would not be in a hurry.  Hope this helps.  Maria

[Thomas02]

Thanks to all for the considerable research on Tyrosine, etc. I am touched that any of you would put that much time into helping me. I won't forget it.

After digesting all the posts, I am resolved to picking up the L-Tyrosine. Between spook's and maria's posts, I can see that finding the right dosage might be a little tricky.

I am wondering however about one thing:

spook suggests taking it on an empty stomach and maria suggests taking it with carbohydrates at bedtime.

If I may be allowed one more question to this learned group, here it is:
I'm a 47-year old male addicted to the whole range of rx opiates for thirty years. My current steady drug, more or less used as a maintenance drug rather than to get high, is Darvon 65 (plain propoxyphene). I am 6 feet tall and weight about 170 lbs. I have recently undergone a complete physical and, amazingly, came through it with flying colors -- not even elevated liver enzymes from all the pills(!)

Anyway, my question is this: what do you suggest as a beginning dosage for the L-Tyrosine, how often a day should I take that dose (time of day, with or without food, etc), and what about maria's advice regarding taking it with carbohydrates at night? Is that critical? Also, are there any OTC drugs or nutritional supplements that would help the L-Tyrosine work better? I'm just seeking to regain a little "get-up-and-go" I've lost over the drug-taking years.

Again, thanks in advance. I must say, spook's posts are very, very interesting, despite the fact that none of us reading them has access to these controlled substances he experiments with. I have no plans to obtain Parnate, by the way. Just too dangerous, in my opinion.
I did have one more question for spook -- did you or someone else imply that hydrocodone 7.5 is an OTC drug in Australia? If so, how does one in the states take advantage of that? (I still find it hard to believe). This last question is really not important, I mainly want to start the L-Tyrosine but can see how important it is to use it properly to get the desired results.

Peace to you all. Your friend, Pat (for Tom)

[Brighty]

Can either of you tell us what these treatments may be... apomorphine and endorphine.... they are listed at firehorse.com/addict/treatments.html   as treatment options to get off heroin.. I guess any opiates...but they didn't exactly explain them.

Also to Luke.... what do you think of Ibogaine as a treatment option ?? Have you tried this ?? It would seem probable that you have. Any information would be appreciated. I get alot of info from their subscriber list but am curious of your thoughts. Thanks. Love, Brighty