Posted by RG on August 18, 1999, at 9:28:04
In reply to Your vote to treat ANHEDONIA, posted by JohnL on August 14, 1999, at 17:17:25
> My previous post asking about Selegiline probably gave me away. Here's the situation. I need some ideas. I have been on Prozac for six weeks (20mg). Jumpstarted it with SAMe. St Johns 900mg a day. Remeron (7.5-15mg) as needed for sleep. Prozac is the foundation treatment, the other stuff seems to help, but not enough to write a book about. I have a 1-10 depression scale. 1 is suicidal. 10 is "It's a nice day, I think I'll take the dog for a walk." Or, a 10 might be "I feel like playing my guitar". I've been at 2 to 4 range for two years. But right now I'm about a 6 or 7. Definitely improved. More sociabe at times, more confident, less procrastination. The primary symptom remains: anhedonia. Inability to anticipate or enjoy pleasure. No joy. No spark.
>
> Anhedonia seems to stump every doc I've talked to. I've tried the SSRIs, Serzone, Wellbutrin, TCAs, Remeron. Haven't tried MAOIs. It is my guess that the dopamine system is at fault here, and that something like selegiline, amisulpride, amineptine might do the trick. Anhedonia is a primary negative symptom of schizophrenia as well, which is treated well with amisulpride. Don't know, maybe a Ritalin or something is possible. I just don't think any more serotonin approaches are going to help much, or they would have already.(Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, now Prozac)
>
> I've played guitar professionally for 30+ years. Some enthusiastic peers said I was the best in the state. But since depression hit me, my poor guitars remain untouched in their cases. Haven't played in 1 1/2 years. What a waste. I can't play because it breaks my heart to not enjoy it. Or anything else for that matter. I want so much to sit down and pump out some serious music again. Anhedonia, what a beast. So my good friends, help me out here. Ideas to ponder? Thanks. JohnL.Wow is all I can say. I have tried those SSri's, too, but with your same results. I am going to my doc today cuz I am sick of living like this. I have little to look forward to. Would you believe I live in Aspen, CO and am miserable? I am on zoloft (100mg) now for 5 weeks after trying celexa for 7 weeks (did little). Maybe the SSRI treat the depression, but I have no joy or happiness. I go out infrequently. My job (which I know I like) performance is minimal now and I don't do anything. Nothing interests me and this isn't right. I have been sober for almost 3 years and now I don't even have alcohol and drugs to get some relief so....I look forward to any more input here on the subject.
RG
poster:RG
thread:10100
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990814/msgs/10284.html