Posted by bigcat on October 27, 2005, at 14:16:26
In reply to Re: Nardil Woes- PLEEEEESE HELP!!!! » bigcat, posted by Chairman_MAO on October 25, 2005, at 19:58:46
> If you are having severe cognitive problems, I suggest adding (start *LOW* because you have depression) galantamine + levetiracetam. Levetiracetam has a decent antidepressant effect in many people. Another option is nefiracetam, but that isn't really on the market anywhere, just a research chemical. Galantamine is an EXCELLENT, motivating, cognitive enhancer.
Unfortunately, Galantimine is too expensive for me right now, and I'm not sure if I could get my doctor to prescribe it. However, cognitive impairment has been a HUGE part of my depression. When the Dexedrine was working, I became 100X more acute mentally, I was able to speak "in the moment" rather than meekly and lifelessly responding to what other people said in a removed and forced manner, flailing for words and unable to link thoughts or EXPRESS MYSELF whatsoever. My coordination improved drastically (I work in a kitchen and became increadibly more fluid, in control, efficient and effective). My memory allowed me to synthesize thoughts with clarity and insight. In turn, this did wonders for my confidence and social anxiety. I went from being an incompetent imbecile, constantly frustrating others because my stupidity bred submissiveness and the need for constant direction, to being well-coordinated, focused, and independant. My timing was finally on the mark rather than always being jumpy and mundane, and my ability to articulate myself basically sped up. I became MUCH "smarter" and able to communicate without the incessantly obsessive, anxious, and blank mind which was dormant for my 10+ years of depression. I was finding the right words, my vocabulary was astonishingly improved, and I was able to pick up Spanish, something I was unable to accomplish after 6 years of schooling. I believe this "speeding up" was the cognitive impairment lifting, not an amphetamine high. Simply put, I was COMING THROUGH and had acess to an otherwise lifeless brain. I went from getting fired from minimum wage small-parts assembly jobs due to incompetency, to feeling that I could tackle sustained intellectual involvement and be able to pursue a real career.
I've been quite skeptical about herbal and dietary supplements in the past (believing them to be scams and only providing a placebo effect). However, I'd be very interested in finding out about any other (cheap or readily available) "smart" drugs. If you and others are convinced that galantamine gives a powerful and proven cognitive kick on a par with ADD meds like Dex, I may have to break down and give it a try. Do you have any other herbal or alternative suggestions to boost the Nardil?
>Studies in AD patients don't show anything remarkable, but my impression from trying other cholinesterase inhibitors is that it is profoundly different in effect.
>
> BTW, have you considered precursor loading (l-phenylalanine)? That could help with the stimulant "poop-out". So could memenatine.If I rememeber correctly, you recently mentioned this tactic as a way to enhance the effects of Nardil, as l-phenylalanine is one of the active chemicals in Nardil (which is working for me right now, but always poops out when taken on it's own). You mentioned a chemist friend of yours who told you how to isolate this
compound using common, cheap ingredients and a small amount of wit. I'm very curious about this idea. (My email is [email protected] if you care to discuss this further).
>
> The most underutilized drug for treatment-resisitant depression is buprenorphine.
> Bupe + MAOI + Dexedrine would be excellent. It really works marvelously for many people, myself included. Too bad I can't get it up on it.Is it easy to become tolerant and/or addicted to Bupe? (Basically, am I flirting with the devil if I go this route?). Do doctors frequently prescribe it for depressive symptoms without FDA harassment? (I've heard it's used for heroin withdrawal, which scares the sh*t out of me). Oh yeah, my unit is so withered and atrophied by now (I've been too depressed to get a girlfriend) so living without that luxury don't deter me none. (I'm sorry for you though :(
Thanks Master MAO,
-matt-
poster:bigcat
thread:571150
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051024/msgs/572420.html