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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Christina on May 23, 2002, at 8:49:35
Hi.
I am reading more and more about dopamine as opposed to seratonin. What I mean is that I have been on various SSRIs for years for depression, and it hasn't helped.
I recently switched to Adderall (which I understand affects dopamine), and I find relief of depression and compulsive over-eating.I have a history (in high school and college) of abusing alcohol and pot, and I've always been a compulsive over-eater (no bulimia). From what I've been reading lately, it seems that these are three ways people self-medicate when there is a problem with dopamine receptors.
Am I on the right track? I am really confused about this. But if my problem has more to do with dopamine and not so much serotonin, why did it take my p-docs 7 years to figure this out?
Does anyone know of a website or online report that can explain this to me?
Thanks
Posted by katekite on May 23, 2002, at 9:55:45
In reply to Dopamine vs. Seratonin, posted by Christina on May 23, 2002, at 8:49:35
Most people's depression responds to ssris, most is serotonin related, or at least responsive to it.
Plus stimulants are very controlled and likely to be abused if given to the wrong person.
So those two things mean docs very seldom want to prescribe them.... you got lucky.... took me about 20 drugs.
My presenting complaint long ago was hair pulling (then thought of as ocd and now considered 'impulse control'.) Impulse control issues also include things like over-eating. My depression and anxiety responded wonderfully to ritalin.
I am interested in trying clonidine sometime, maybe if my insomnia ever rears its ugly head again, as its supposed to be very effective in impulse problems too.
kate
Posted by ActionJackson on May 23, 2002, at 11:32:36
In reply to Dopamine vs. Seratonin, posted by Christina on May 23, 2002, at 8:49:35
Hi Christina -
Yes, I think maybe you might find this one interesting.
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/ActionJackson
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