Posted by SLS on February 14, 2001, at 15:33:24
In reply to Re: Mirapex will be the next Remeron of ADs » SalArmy4me, posted by JahL on February 14, 2001, at 11:09:14
Hi Jah.
I think it is premature to compare Mirapex (pramipexole) to Remeron (mirtazepine), or any of the other recognized antidepressants. At this point, I would guess that Mirapex will show itself to be one of the better adjuncts to antidepressant treatment. That it works so quickly is demonstrative of its direct effect fo stimulate dopamine receptors. It is similar in this way to Parlodel (bromocriptine) and Permax (pergolide) two DA agonists occasionally used successfully as augmenting agents. The same can be said of the psychostimulants: Ritalin (methylphenidate), dexedrine (l-amphetamine), Adderall (dl-amphetamine), Cylert (pemoline) and others. These drugs do not do very much by themselves as they often poop-out rather quickly.
Perhaps Mirapex will end up being our next Remeron, but that is a tough act to follow. I doubt that it will. That you "relapse" so frequently during the day is characteristic of the psychostimulants. However, this is not true of the true antidepressants.
There are some people on the board who have experienced a particularly robust response to adding Mirapex to their ongoing treatment of Risperdal. There may be a special synergy going on here. I would be curious to see if the same is true of the other atypical neuroleptics (Zyprexa, Clozaril, Seroquel, and ziprazidone), and perhaps Serzone (nefazodone) or Remeron. 5-HT2 blockade is the common property shared by these other drugs.
Sincerely,
Scott>
> > > Mirapex started working for me in a little less than a week (possibly because I got up to 6 mg per day in two days' time)! I found out that it needs to be taken about every 5 hours, otherwise I relapse.
>
> Does this mean you wake up each morning depressed? If so how long before the first dose 'fixes' you?
>
> I tried Mirapex only briefly & @ low (1mg/d) doses but I have to say it worked quickly (ie 3days) to take the edge off my depression. It would appear to be a drug with some promise.
>
> Thanks,
> Jah.
poster:SLS
thread:53858
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010212/msgs/53995.html