Posted by kingcolon on March 19, 2006, at 11:27:13
In reply to Re: How long before the Mirapex works? » sukarno, posted by Maxime on March 8, 2006, at 16:59:38
The debate about Mirapex goes on. I have posted about Requip, which I have been on for four months with excellent results. It works similarly to Mirapex with the same side effects. Noone should start these drugs on high doses. The nausea generally subsides with small doses increases. Requip is used at a mean dose of 1.5 mg a day, titrated up, very gradually, starting with 0.25 mg a day; the doses are split into two or three divided doses a day.
All the information you need is available from Entrez Pub Med by searching for "ropinirole augmentation for depression" or "pramipexole for depression". There is only one study to date on Requip, and a few on Mirapex.
I think these are very exciting for treatment of resistant depression and anhedonic/amotivational depression, particularly as augmenting agents. In my case, there has been no poop out or signficant sedation. Sedation occurs in high doses used for Parkinsons, or even at doses used for restless leg syndrome, which are not necessary for depression.
In the US where there is virtually no choice of dopaminergic agents except Wellbutrin, which is weak, or Parnate, which is loaded with side effect concerns, or amphetamines, with obvious concerns, I think more docs should be using (or trying) Requip or Mirapex. As far as Provigil, it is not dopaminergic, and there are also few studies to support its efficacy in depression or anhedonic states. I tried it and experienced a hyped up state that was unpleasant.Good luck.
poster:kingcolon
thread:615421
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060315/msgs/622046.html