Posted by ChrisK on December 1, 2001, at 15:50:01
In reply to mirapex for anhedonia/apathy - question » ChrisK, posted by mist on December 1, 2001, at 11:52:40
Hi,
First I would definitely consider Mirapex as an augmenting med rather than a stand alone. It was really developed for people with Parkinson's but was found to have good AD effects in these patients. It really hasn't been recognized widely as an AD med. (I had to tell my pdoc about it and give him the studies before he was willing to try it. Since then he has had other patients use it successfully.)
Anyway as far as side effects try this site :
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/prampex_ad.htmIt will give you the standard med profile that lists the typical somnolence, nausea, etc.. Nausea does appear to be one of the main side effects. The usual process of starting Mirapex is a very slow titration up to theraputic levels. Most of the literature suggests starting at .125 mg 3 times per day to start and then slowly building to 3-6 mg/day total.
The one very bad side effect that gets some mention that I have is a sudden drop or sudden sleep condition. I can go right along and then sudeenly feel an overwhelming drowsiness come on. This usually happens in a place with limited air circulation or where I may get short of breath but it does happen. It can be especially scary when driving but I have always been able to fight through the urge.
I do tkae Mirapex with Nortriptyline and Zyprexa. I also take about 7 other meds for heart and liver conditions so my particular side effects are very open as to a direct link to one med.
Hope this helps a little.
I still think that Mirapex is great for anhedonia. It's worth a try - just start out slowly if you usually have nausea problems with meds.
Chris
poster:ChrisK
thread:85689
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011123/msgs/85759.html