Posted by Rick on October 29, 2001, at 0:53:10
In reply to Re: PROVIGIL POOP OUT » kregpark@yahoo.com, posted by Cindylou on October 16, 2001, at 7:09:27
I’ve been taking Provigil 100 mg/day with Serzone+Klonopin (AND Propecia) for over two years and it hasn’t shown any signs of general poop-out whatsoever. It works as well as ever. One or two days every month or two Provigil might seem a bit less effective, and I bump it up to 200 briefly (usually with the mild euphoria effect kregpark mentioned). I believe the reason Provigil loses a little of its oomph at times is that it has the unusual capability to induce its own metabolism. BTW, it's now well over two months since I've experienced that short-lived poop-out phenomenon – the longest ever in the two years I’ve been using Provigil.
It makes sense that Provigil should do a great job countering Serzone-induced fatigue since Serzone is a powerful inhibitor of one of Provigil’s primary metabolization enzymes, P450 CYP3A4. I.e. Serzone increases blood concentrations of Provigil and prolongs its wakefulness effects (no problems sleeping when I WANT to, though). It’s a great combo, especially given Provigil’s motivational and confidence-building properties (I have non-depressive Social Phobia). Klonopin is also believed to be metabolized largely via CYP3A4, so its anti-anxiety effect is prolonged by Serzone as well. This all allows me to take lower doses of everything – all of it first thing in the morning.
Rick
> Hello,
> Thanks for your response. Interestingly, I did start taking Lamictal at the same time I started the Provigil ... that would support your information that Provigil can be negatively affected by an anticonvulsant. Makes sense to me!
>
> Thanks again,
> cindy
>
>
> > Hi -
> >
> > I know that Provigil doesn't work for everybody.
> > I was curious though; about the people who didn't have any success with it in the long run...if there may be drug interaction causing part of the problem.
> >
> > It is already known for example that Provigil and Celexa have a metabolic interaction which tends to make Provigil largely ineffective for Celexa induced sedation.
> > On the other hand, Provigil has been shown effective for Zoloft, Prozac, and Paxil induced sedation.
> >
> > Others that may interact include anticonvulsants.
> >
> > I learned when taking gabapentin the "blunting" effect it has on some dopaminergics.
> > Although in some ways I liked gabapentins anti-anxiety and good mood effect, Wellbutrin suddenly seemed as powerful as a sugar pill.
> >
> > I think Propecia and provigil interact also.
> >
> > Generally, for now I know that even in the literature it has been shown that certain anticonvulsants and certain hormonal medications (Propecia applies there), have counteracting effects on Provigil.
> >
> > kregpark@yahoo.com
> >
> > http://www.socialfear.com/
> >
> > Even Celexa, for example, is known to have a metabolic interaction with Provigil. The result is that Provigil usually doesn't work for Celexa induced sedation. *However*, Provigil HAS been shown to be effective for Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil induced sedation!
> > Propecia (finasteride .. or Proscar at 5mg) reduces effects of Provigil (and vice versa) - I know because I take both!!
> > In my experience, Serzone also counteracts (to an extent) Provigil, though in some ways it may complement it (both anti-anxiety, but opposing "awakeness" effect).
> >
> > When I tried gabapentin, one reason I didn't like it was not because it was not axiolytic and mood elevating, but rather because it seemed to really "blunt" the effect of other meds, mainly dopaminergic meds (ie; Wellbutrin).
> > So if I took gabapentin, it was kind of like forget dopaminergic augmentation!
> >
> >
> >
> > Anyway,
> >
> > I have had good luck with Provigil. I have a sort of "euphoria" type of feeling whenever *first increasing* the dose. That might be the first time taking it or someday when more is taken.
> > Also, the opposite, lowering the dose one day I might feel a bit less energetic than expected otherwise.
> >
> > There is no wonder pill, but Provigil does have an advantage for most people in that if their dose is in range, stopping it is not likely to cause nearly as much problem with "rebound" hyper sleep (hypersomnia).
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > Hi Vicki,
> > > I talked with you on another post -- said I had just started Provigil and it was helping ... BUT ... no longer.
> > >
> > > I had a terrible CRASH over the weekend. Was severely depressed yesterday. Because I have had similar crashes with Adderall and Ritilin, my pdoc and I agree the problem was caused by Provigil "poop out." I felt great for the first 2 days or so that I took it, but then things went quickly downhill. (i only took it a total of 5 days.)
> > >
> > > Today I did not take the Provigil and feel incredibly better.
> > >
> > > For me, increasing the dose would just cause a worse crash. With my pdoc's agreement, I discontinued the Provigil, and will probably never try another stimulant since I am so prone to these crashes.
> > >
> > > Although, JohnL (Where has he gone?) would highly recommend trying Adrafinil -- that's not supposed to cause the poop-out. It could be worth a try for you.
> > >
> > > good luck,
> > > cindy
> > >
> > > > Started provigil one week ago. very hyper with it at first,
> > > >
> > > > too much energy. (100mg).this side effect wore out
> > > > Now its pooped out and pdoc said take 200mg
> > > > thou still kinda feel more awake then before, I'm still
> > > > kinda tired (like I used to be before the provigil
> > > > History. (taking prozac 40mg,perhphenazine 4mg, buspar 15mg
> > > > twice a day)and now provigil 200mg every morning
> > > > any suggestions, can I go up on my provigil
> > > > has anyone else noticed that provigil seems not to work
> > > > as well the longer you take it?
> > > > vicky
poster:Rick
thread:81227
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011025/msgs/82530.html