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Rx for Happiness (and addiction)
I am a 32-year old male, married with 5 children (yes, they're all mine from the same marriage). I have a history of methamphetamine abuse during my later teens and a relapse about 5 years ago for about 6 months. Since then, I have tried to "control" my life problems by self medicating in various ways (beer, Vicodin, Adderall, benzos, etc.), keeping it all "legal" and (mostly) as prescribed to not be "abusing" anything. Fortunately, it's all been without incident.
I know that won't last.
My major issues are anxiety, ADHD, and depression from life's frustrations. I abuse stimulants when I get an Rx for them, but they are all that keep my functioning normally. Depression meds help the anxiety, but they make me tired. I recently started taking Strattera, but so far it makes me dizzy and drowsy.
Is there anything that is indicated for giving you a little "pep in life's step" that isn't abused? Caffiene makes me angry and scattered. I want to try something like Wellbutrin, but I don;t want to tell my doc that I abuse stuff because I don;t want to blow my chances with getting "things" that help occasionally. The downside is he thinks it's all ADHD (hence the Strattera). Meanwhile, I am trying to find something that helps.
Anyone help is appreciated...
I know that won't last.
My major issues are anxiety, ADHD, and depression from life's frustrations. I abuse stimulants when I get an Rx for them, but they are all that keep my functioning normally. Depression meds help the anxiety, but they make me tired. I recently started taking Strattera, but so far it makes me dizzy and drowsy.
Is there anything that is indicated for giving you a little "pep in life's step" that isn't abused? Caffiene makes me angry and scattered. I want to try something like Wellbutrin, but I don;t want to tell my doc that I abuse stuff because I don;t want to blow my chances with getting "things" that help occasionally. The downside is he thinks it's all ADHD (hence the Strattera). Meanwhile, I am trying to find something that helps.
Anyone help is appreciated...
Try Adderall XR. It lasts all day long while the instant release only lasts 4-6hrs then u need to re dose. Neurotin helps alot with mood swings too
I'm jealous you got adderral. Be careful with it!! Last weekend I went to see Gwen Stefani to celebrate my Birthday. We had champagne and cocktails which I try to stay away from......... anyways I've got to get back on track to really tell if the Emsam is working . Ugh! I always wnat to party when a holiday comes around but pay for it later.
Why do you have to wait on the Wellbutrin/Provigil??
Why do you have to wait on the Wellbutrin/Provigil??
I'm doing fine, thanks. Been busy. I got an Rx for Adderall, so I'm on that again until I can get Wellbutrin and Provigil (in about 3 weeks)...
I saw the doctor Friday and got started on Emsam yesterday. So far so good. She shot me down on the Mirapex/Requip thing and said for those I need to see a neurologist. The info I typed up wasn't convincing as to their being used off lable for depression. How are you doing?
Wow, that UCLA thing sounds like a slam dunk breakthrough, at least from what I read.
I emailed my doc with a nice long story and several suggestions for meds. So I'll be interested to see what he says in a couple days.
By the way, he told me a long time ago that L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that is a precursor to dopamine production. (I think I said that right) I remember picking some up at the Vitamin Shoppe right then, but I grabbed a bunch of other aminos too that nearly killed my liver, so I stopped them all. I just recently went and got some L-Tyrosine again. It probably takes a long time to do anything, and then I doubt you'll notice any major effects, but maybe a little regular use with the right meds will help things out a little; a little may go a long way. Maybe ask your doc about that on Friday (although they usually don't advise non-Rx stuff - I was surprised mine did).
There is another precursor to dopamine you can buy as a supplement, but I can't remember it right now. It was expensive if I recall, and had REALLY long name - phospha-something-analine or something. I'll have to look into again...
Msellada, it's good to know that Provigil can be addicting. I did bring it up to my doc, but it was low on my preferences, and I don;t think he'll go that way. Thanks!
I emailed my doc with a nice long story and several suggestions for meds. So I'll be interested to see what he says in a couple days.
By the way, he told me a long time ago that L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that is a precursor to dopamine production. (I think I said that right) I remember picking some up at the Vitamin Shoppe right then, but I grabbed a bunch of other aminos too that nearly killed my liver, so I stopped them all. I just recently went and got some L-Tyrosine again. It probably takes a long time to do anything, and then I doubt you'll notice any major effects, but maybe a little regular use with the right meds will help things out a little; a little may go a long way. Maybe ask your doc about that on Friday (although they usually don't advise non-Rx stuff - I was surprised mine did).
There is another precursor to dopamine you can buy as a supplement, but I can't remember it right now. It was expensive if I recall, and had REALLY long name - phospha-something-analine or something. I'll have to look into again...
Msellada, it's good to know that Provigil can be addicting. I did bring it up to my doc, but it was low on my preferences, and I don;t think he'll go that way. Thanks!
. I have gotten something out of Wellbutrin. Quiting smoking was huge for me. The last thing I want is to still be tending bar and feinding cigarettes. I'm getting too old for that to be attractive. Vainity plays a part in the whole depressoion thing for me..."how I look therefore feel about myself". Don't discount Wellbutrin. It's the one that made a difference but I still feel like there’s a chance for a birdie and I ‘m shooting par. Trying an MAOI is just an effort to take a completely different approach. Did you catch that UCLA is finding a way to hook a brain up to electrodes and measure brain waves that can tell if you’re responding to an anti depressants within days even if you don’t “feel” better. That way you can try and find the right one for you without having to do the 4 week trial.
Google….’.brain waves antidepressants’.
We need to research L-Dopopamine. It’s a cousin to our dopamine agonist friends
The only thif i know, u can get very addicted to Provigil. And depression is getting worse after u stop. And u feel like ****.
I don;t think it's that cut and dry about ADHDer's overusing Rx stimulants. At least for me, they get me on task properly, but then the partier in me wants (maybe needs) to feel "real good" when the tasks are done. Plus, there's like a level I have to get to or else I can't function - can't think of anything else - it's not even worth being on unless I'm at my right level, which is obviously more than is prescribed. They work properly when I have "gone through that proverbial door." With stims for me, nothing else matters but getting through that door...
So you never answered my question: Does Wellbutrin really make you feel happy, or does it just make you not sad? It must not be too awesome if you're stepping up to MAOI's, but maybe they've just petered out. Or something else? I dunno. I'm just curious...
So you never answered my question: Does Wellbutrin really make you feel happy, or does it just make you not sad? It must not be too awesome if you're stepping up to MAOI's, but maybe they've just petered out. Or something else? I dunno. I'm just curious...
Thank you for clarifying that.
I didn't think people who were truley ADHD would be inclined to overuse prescription stimulants because they wouldn't be affected by them in a speedy way. If so, your doc would be able to strike that diagnosis wouldn't he?
ALL psych docs think their patients are bi-polar. It's a good way to hedge their bets and not be liable. It's cool your wife is on board with you. It's brutal on so many relationships. Being bummed gets old. I know I'm losing patience and continue to question its legitamacy.
I didn't think people who were truley ADHD would be inclined to overuse prescription stimulants because they wouldn't be affected by them in a speedy way. If so, your doc would be able to strike that diagnosis wouldn't he?
ALL psych docs think their patients are bi-polar. It's a good way to hedge their bets and not be liable. It's cool your wife is on board with you. It's brutal on so many relationships. Being bummed gets old. I know I'm losing patience and continue to question its legitamacy.
My doc's pretty good, although he insisted I was bipolar for months and couldn't get over it, even though I never gave him any real reason (from my perspective) to think that. It was wierd. MY WIFE AND I BOTH had tell him several times that he is barking up the wrong tree, and finally he got it. Now he's stuck on ADHD, because we had to drive that home so hard, and now I have to work the depression in. He's good though. If I tell him I need something, we chat about it and other options, and then he ends up giving me what I want (sometimes he convinces me into what he wants).
Remember, they are dopamine AGONISTS, not ANTagonists (I hope I'm right). The one we want is an agonist, which promotes dopamine. Antagonists inhibit it. Check me, but I'm sure I'm right.
Good luck to you on Friday. I'm going to email my doc tomorrow to start the conversation for Wellbutrin. Thanks for all your insight and everything. I'm sure I'll talk to you again...
Remember, they are dopamine AGONISTS, not ANTagonists (I hope I'm right). The one we want is an agonist, which promotes dopamine. Antagonists inhibit it. Check me, but I'm sure I'm right.
Good luck to you on Friday. I'm going to email my doc tomorrow to start the conversation for Wellbutrin. Thanks for all your insight and everything. I'm sure I'll talk to you again...
I learned something from your crusade for "dopamine antagonists"!!
I think we haved a lot in common as far as what we're looking for and not getting with a RX!!
Thanks I'm gonna try for mirapex at my appointment Friday. It's not contraindicated with Provigil and Emsam.
Hey thanks ClickWeb
I think we haved a lot in common as far as what we're looking for and not getting with a RX!!
Thanks I'm gonna try for mirapex at my appointment Friday. It's not contraindicated with Provigil and Emsam.
Hey thanks ClickWeb
You (and me too) are probably being punished for having used all the naturally produced dopamine when it was called upon to the extreme from illicit sources. Seriously, I didn't make that up. So the dopamine receptors shut down when your brain is getting it somewhere else .....i.e. meth....and they take a long time to realize they have to start manufacturing it again....Do you know this already? because I could expand from experience but it brings me back to the beginning of my battle. Either way I know I'm paying the price physically and emotionally. I also know that I have a predisposition for depression that was chemical before I ever started using any. So I can forgive myself.
Did you ever take an MAOI? You're right they are contrindicated everywhere.
How long have you been with you psych doc? Are they liberal in prescribing?
Galapentin is Neurontin to me. That's why I was confused. I've actually never tried it and I thought you came up with one I should look into.
I'm still leaning towards the Wellbutrin and Provigil added to your mix. I thinkl Wellbutrin will promote happiness and Provigil will give you the lift…
Did you ever take an MAOI? You're right they are contrindicated everywhere.
How long have you been with you psych doc? Are they liberal in prescribing?
Galapentin is Neurontin to me. That's why I was confused. I've actually never tried it and I thought you came up with one I should look into.
I'm still leaning towards the Wellbutrin and Provigil added to your mix. I thinkl Wellbutrin will promote happiness and Provigil will give you the lift…
That's funny. A "student" of psychotropic drugs. I like that one. That's my aspiration...
I'm in northern CA, so I don't think it's a name thing, although I did my research over the net, so who knows. And good luck getting off your meds. Those MAOI's are a bear I think. Everything I ingest seems like it has an MAOI warning!
Does Wellbutrin really make you feel happy, or does it just make you not sad? Sorry if I sound wierd; this email thing is new for me too. I am definetly after the dopamine agonists - I can use some 'happy' in my brain - and I searched for it on the net. Wikipedia had the two meds I mentioned there.
My wife just feels happy normally, and we occasionally compare happinesses (I'm sure that's not a word), and I always come up sad at the results. No pun intended.
I think it is because of prior drug use that I feel depressed when I am "normal" because I've been "spoiled" with euphoria. So I am just wondering if anything out there can lift me up a touch, nothing major and nothing risky, just so I don;t have to want bad drugs. Hence the pursuit of a little extra dopamine before things go horribly wrong.
This is wierd, but there really is something in my brain that is messed up. Ho hum. What's a guy to do?
I'm in northern CA, so I don't think it's a name thing, although I did my research over the net, so who knows. And good luck getting off your meds. Those MAOI's are a bear I think. Everything I ingest seems like it has an MAOI warning!
Does Wellbutrin really make you feel happy, or does it just make you not sad? Sorry if I sound wierd; this email thing is new for me too. I am definetly after the dopamine agonists - I can use some 'happy' in my brain - and I searched for it on the net. Wikipedia had the two meds I mentioned there.
My wife just feels happy normally, and we occasionally compare happinesses (I'm sure that's not a word), and I always come up sad at the results. No pun intended.
I think it is because of prior drug use that I feel depressed when I am "normal" because I've been "spoiled" with euphoria. So I am just wondering if anything out there can lift me up a touch, nothing major and nothing risky, just so I don;t have to want bad drugs. Hence the pursuit of a little extra dopamine before things go horribly wrong.
This is wierd, but there really is something in my brain that is messed up. Ho hum. What's a guy to do?
It looks as if I'm stalking you on the Forum page. Do you believe I married a computer engineer?? LOL
In refernce to you remarks about Strattera.........It's great you are feeling like it's helping. I don't claim to know anything about it from experience but Ritalin is over-reated. I took it for two days in attempt to keep me "up" and then I flushed it. I'm pretty sure Strattera, Provigil and Ritalin are in completely different catagories. Ritalin the only one being sold in the street.
Provigil doesn't take days to work by the way!! Yeah!!
In refernce to you remarks about Strattera.........It's great you are feeling like it's helping. I don't claim to know anything about it from experience but Ritalin is over-reated. I took it for two days in attempt to keep me "up" and then I flushed it. I'm pretty sure Strattera, Provigil and Ritalin are in completely different catagories. Ritalin the only one being sold in the street.
Provigil doesn't take days to work by the way!! Yeah!!
Are you testing me or just doing research?? LOL
I have never heard that Requip or Mirapex were used off label fo depression... Ever... I have had RLS on and off and get that it's circulatory but haven't ask for medication. I have however been a student of psychotropic drugs and often bring lists of meds I haven't tried to the doc. She just catagorizes them and tells me I pretty much covered most groups...SNRI's, SSRI's, Tricyclic's, anti-seizure's, mood stbilizer's etc. I refuse to take any that will cause weight gain or fatigue. Wellbutrin is the one that makes most sense for me and I even quit smoking. Talk about using something off label?? They only realized it help people quit smoking when people were getting happy on it and smoking cessation was one of the side effects. It is in a catagory of it's own with the least side adverse effects including sexual.
Our newest plan...once I am off the Lithium, Ritalin and Cymbalta for 2 weeks (which is Friday) is to attempt the oldest kind of antidepressant, the MAOI's. "Emsam" is the newest of the old school drugs. It's a patch. The doctor has to give special approval to the insurance I think because of the dietary restrictions. I'll let you know how that goes. I hate to get hopeful and shot down again.
Are you from the east or west coast? Some of the drugs you mentioned go by another name here. Maybe it's a 'Generic' issue. I live in CA
Oh and you're the first person I've ever chatted with. I usually get bored and frustrated on the computer. Did you notice how only two of four responses to you we're sucessful? I lost some good material because it got erased.Ugh!!
I have never heard that Requip or Mirapex were used off label fo depression... Ever... I have had RLS on and off and get that it's circulatory but haven't ask for medication. I have however been a student of psychotropic drugs and often bring lists of meds I haven't tried to the doc. She just catagorizes them and tells me I pretty much covered most groups...SNRI's, SSRI's, Tricyclic's, anti-seizure's, mood stbilizer's etc. I refuse to take any that will cause weight gain or fatigue. Wellbutrin is the one that makes most sense for me and I even quit smoking. Talk about using something off label?? They only realized it help people quit smoking when people were getting happy on it and smoking cessation was one of the side effects. It is in a catagory of it's own with the least side adverse effects including sexual.
Our newest plan...once I am off the Lithium, Ritalin and Cymbalta for 2 weeks (which is Friday) is to attempt the oldest kind of antidepressant, the MAOI's. "Emsam" is the newest of the old school drugs. It's a patch. The doctor has to give special approval to the insurance I think because of the dietary restrictions. I'll let you know how that goes. I hate to get hopeful and shot down again.
Are you from the east or west coast? Some of the drugs you mentioned go by another name here. Maybe it's a 'Generic' issue. I live in CA
Oh and you're the first person I've ever chatted with. I usually get bored and frustrated on the computer. Did you notice how only two of four responses to you we're sucessful? I lost some good material because it got erased.Ugh!!
Wow. Thanks. That's really helpful. As we've been speaking, I might have found an ideal dosage for the Strattera (finally! but time will tell). It definetely helps with wakefulness (at the right dose, which has been a long time coming). I looked into Provigil and I'm going to talk to my doc about it. Does it work right away or do you step into like antidepressants?
I'm really interested in Wellbutrin now for sure. I thought it was a downer. I like that it affects dopamine AND epinephrine, like amphetamines, where Strattera only effects epinepherine (but I have to say, it's only been one day of a good feeling, but I think I now like where the Strattera is going). All the forums for Well say it's a downer or a very unhuman feeling, but people have said the latter about amphetamines.
[Thinking out loud] I think I'm going to push for Wellbutrin + Zoloft + Gabapentin, and I can come back to Strattera + Zoloft + Gabapentin, if it continues to work. I'll stay with it for a little while to see where I'm at first.
In researching Provigil, I found a couple dopamine agonists (mostly for RLS and Parkinson's), but they are used off-label for depression. Mirapex or Requip might be a good compliment to what I'm taking. So I might try one of those with Provigil or Strattera + Zoloft + Gabapentin. They all seem somewhat harmless, or at least lower in side effects. Now I'm just rambling, sorry...
I'm really interested in Wellbutrin now for sure. I thought it was a downer. I like that it affects dopamine AND epinephrine, like amphetamines, where Strattera only effects epinepherine (but I have to say, it's only been one day of a good feeling, but I think I now like where the Strattera is going). All the forums for Well say it's a downer or a very unhuman feeling, but people have said the latter about amphetamines.
[Thinking out loud] I think I'm going to push for Wellbutrin + Zoloft + Gabapentin, and I can come back to Strattera + Zoloft + Gabapentin, if it continues to work. I'll stay with it for a little while to see where I'm at first.
In researching Provigil, I found a couple dopamine agonists (mostly for RLS and Parkinson's), but they are used off-label for depression. Mirapex or Requip might be a good compliment to what I'm taking. So I might try one of those with Provigil or Strattera + Zoloft + Gabapentin. They all seem somewhat harmless, or at least lower in side effects. Now I'm just rambling, sorry...
Also, I agree with you on caffine. I should own stock in Monster and Red Bull. The caffiene and the 'natural' stuff in those drinks is over-rated and has too many side effects!!
And if there is a "natural remedy" it's exercise and I'd think 5 kids would fill that slot for you. The rest of us have to put on running shoes or join a gym.
And if there is a "natural remedy" it's exercise and I'd think 5 kids would fill that slot for you. The rest of us have to put on running shoes or join a gym.
I've had two bouts of depression in my life. Once in my early twenties and this most recent one now. I'm 39 and female. This latest one is kicking my ass.
I've played around with addiction. As a bartender for 16 years I saw a lot of drunks so I never really became one but I have used alcohol inappropriately and meth too. I can't remember the last time I saw meth ( I got married, quit bartending and moved away) ............... I remember using it to "pep" up not to stay awake for days. I think I've always been somwhat fatigued due to underlying depression but not like the state I'm in currently, slepping 12+ hrs a night. I also have never found the right mix of antidepressants. Not for sake in trying. Wellbutrin is one I have chosen to stay on because it doesn't put me to sleep and don't be concerned about asking your doctor for it. There's no chance of addiction. It's just not a sleeper like so many antidepressants.
Combinations of prescriptions is always a concern and I think I understand it pretty well for me. Lord knows I've been given lots of them including Wellbutin/Provigil/Cymbalta/Lithium. I don't have ADHD or 5 kids for that matter !! I do know that Provigil is not Schedule II because it has a lesser chance of misuse. More isn't better like in so many things it is. Tried that too.
Good Luck
I've played around with addiction. As a bartender for 16 years I saw a lot of drunks so I never really became one but I have used alcohol inappropriately and meth too. I can't remember the last time I saw meth ( I got married, quit bartending and moved away) ............... I remember using it to "pep" up not to stay awake for days. I think I've always been somwhat fatigued due to underlying depression but not like the state I'm in currently, slepping 12+ hrs a night. I also have never found the right mix of antidepressants. Not for sake in trying. Wellbutrin is one I have chosen to stay on because it doesn't put me to sleep and don't be concerned about asking your doctor for it. There's no chance of addiction. It's just not a sleeper like so many antidepressants.
Combinations of prescriptions is always a concern and I think I understand it pretty well for me. Lord knows I've been given lots of them including Wellbutin/Provigil/Cymbalta/Lithium. I don't have ADHD or 5 kids for that matter !! I do know that Provigil is not Schedule II because it has a lesser chance of misuse. More isn't better like in so many things it is. Tried that too.
Good Luck
Thanks. Although "TRY PROVIGIL" leaves me with a lot of questions...
Do I try it with everything else I'm taking? I know you're not my doctor, but I'm just trying to educate myself as much as I can. I will do some research in the meantime...
Are there any natural alternatives? I don;t necessarily "believe" in those, but I am concerned about taking too many meds at one time, even under dr.'s orders. Even if there are any safer alternatives to the other stuff I'm taking (Gabapentin, Zoloft, Strattera), and then I would get on Provigil.
Thanks again...
Do I try it with everything else I'm taking? I know you're not my doctor, but I'm just trying to educate myself as much as I can. I will do some research in the meantime...
Are there any natural alternatives? I don;t necessarily "believe" in those, but I am concerned about taking too many meds at one time, even under dr.'s orders. Even if there are any safer alternatives to the other stuff I'm taking (Gabapentin, Zoloft, Strattera), and then I would get on Provigil.
Thanks again...
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