Posted by michael on March 17, 2000, at 23:19:40
I've used ephedrine (it was an OTC med) in the past as kind of an energy booster when tired, like caffeine. But looking back now, it occurs to me that I've also used it to self-medicate, in a sense.
I was essentially using it like the stimulants discussed here, to allow me to concentrate and focus, and not feel run-down. So that I could actually get things done, rather than just planning to get them done (at work as well as socially or around my appt). Except that I didn't use it on a daily basis. (I was afraid that would be abusing drugs - I was just using them)When I did use it, I was clearly a lot more efficient at work - I actually accomplished work. Or I might use it to make sure I was sharp and alert if there was a big meeting or presentation, or for an interview, or if I needed to be productive and catch up on work I hadn't quite got around to, or kept up with, etc.
Anyway, I read yesterday that what ephedrine does is release endogenous NE from its stroage sites. "It has a stimulating effect on the CNS, but less pronounced than amphetamines."
I've also read that ephedrine has more of an adrenalin-like effect, affecting the whole body - muscles, organs, etc. - as well as the brain. You can get a little "wired", like you can w/too much caffeine. The other stimulants, however, supposedly have more of an effect on cognition & fatigue - helping you to feel less tired, or more sharp/alert, w/o making you feel "wired" (provided the dose is w/in reason).
So I'm wondering if that suggests that I should be looking to try convince my psych to try some stimulants? (not holding my breath on that one) Or does it not necessarily suggest anything, because it affects everyone that way? - it's a stimulant.
Also wondering if it might indicate that reboxetine might be worth checking out, given that they both seem to work primarily via increasing the effective availability of NE?
I know there aren’t any absolute “answers” to these questions. However, I’d welcome and appreciate any comments, insights, opinions, sharing of any relevant experienes or wisdom, etc. which anyone may have to offer. Thanks.
poster:michael
thread:27416
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000312/msgs/27416.html