Posted by michael on March 10, 2000, at 17:54:15
In reply to Re: Karen, Janet R - fatigue/depression, posted by AndrewB on March 9, 2000, at 14:31:47
> Karen,
>
> Thanks for telling us of this combination, I remember of a previous poster from India who was helped by this same combination. He was an atypical bipolar I think.
>
> Both amineptine and sulpiride act only on dopamine. It is very interesting how dopamine deficiencies, particularly at the D2 receptors, can be involved with fatigue states. It is clear that dopamine active drugs can relieve these fatigue states (They can also relieve depression but that is a different story). For an in depth description of fatigue states such as those associated with CFS, how the D2 receptor is involved, and why dopamine active med.s can bring relief go to www.prys,net/articles/bruno/runninghead.html
>
> Amineptine is a dopamine reuptake blocker. I am fairly certain that it is no longer available in France or elsewhere. The plants that produced it in Mexico and France have ceased production. Sulpiride is a selective D2 presynaptic receptor antagonist. I don’t think it is available in the US but may be ordered with a prescription from Europe and elsewhere. A good substitute for sulpiride is amisulpride, a limbic system selective presynaptic receptor antagonist. It may be ordered from overseas with a prescription. Amisulpiride has been much more thoroughly studied for treating major depression and dysthymia. There is one recent study however that indicates sulpiride is effective for mild to moderate depression.
> Karen you are probably trying to find substitute for this combination of amineptine and sulpiride that was so effective for you. You might try seligiline as a substitute for amineptine. At dose of 15mg or less per day it is an MAO-B, blocking the breakdown of dopamine. At higher doses, up to 60mg/day it is an MAO-I with an MAO-B preference. You can also try wellbutrin and stimulants but with these you will get significant norepinephrine action mixed in with the dopamine action, which may or may not be to your liking.
>
> I currently take amisulpride. It prevents fatigue and lifts my mood. By the way, I recently ‘re-energized’ it by taking a 4 day holiday from it. Occasional drug holidays may be necessary with certain dopaminergic drugs to maintain optimal effectiveness. I have also just started taking Mirapex (pramipexole) with it with truly wonderful results. Mirapex is a D2-D3 receptor agonist that acts on the striatum and substantia nigra. Mirapex is available in the US. Those of you outside of the US may have similar agonists available such as roxindole. Mirapex has been shown effective in treating depression in two or three studies.
>
> Best wishes for your health,
>
> AndrewB
I was just wondering if you had any insights/info regarding amantadine, as an augmenter. I've seen it mentioned in the past with respect to helping to overcome some of the sexual side effects.The reason I'm asking is that I believe it too affects dopamine, and that when it is broken down by the body, a couple of the by-products that result are stimulant-like, giving it a small energizing effect. Just wondering.
poster:michael
thread:25780
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000302/msgs/26659.html