Posted by Questionmark on May 9, 2004, at 1:54:29
In reply to Re: Mirapex or Abilify? Anyone tried both?, posted by SLS on May 8, 2004, at 21:55:43
> > the funny thing is, when I feel better its almost like old memories get unlocked in my head, and are available again.
>
> EXACTLY!
>
> - Scott
i find this to be true for any stimulating or catecholaminergic substance that i take enough of or for long enough: caffeine, methylphenidate, amphetamines, yohimbine, and holy crap, Parnate. This makes me think that the catecholamines (esp DA and NE) must be integrally involved in "long-term" memory storage and/or retrieval. i find this interesting.What i also find really interesting, now that i think about it, is that serotonergic meds always seem to subtly (though maybe significantly) prevent the random emergence/reemergence of older memories as well as impede my ability to willfully recall them. Since the prolonged increase in serotonin transmission is said to be associated with inhibited dopamine and norepinephrine transmission, there must be some connection there. Also, what i PARTICularly find interesting is that one of the most emotionally painful things for me to think about is the past (my past) and all of my regrets and wasted hours, days, weeks, months, and years. And some of the most emotionally painful substances for me to take are those that are highly catecholaminergic, or at least/especially dopaminergic: e.g., psychostimulants (when taken too frequently for too long a duration) and, particularly, Parnate. And accordingly, those meds that are the most efficacious for me and for the emotional pain are those that are predominantly serotonergic: Paxil, other SSRIs, Effexor, and, in particular, in a class by itself-- Nardil.
Maybe i've just had too much caffeine today, but this is all very fascinating to me. It all ties together so well. And it is a splendid example, in my opinion, for why different drugs affect different people quite differently. Ah, dang it. i want to go somewhere further with this, but i cannot think of any way how. Well, i hope at least someone takes at least something from this.
Oh, Post Script: i also tend to find that cannabis is both inducive of older memories (to some extent) and often very emotionally painful for me (which is why i rarely use it anymore, sadly). i do not know which neurotransmitters (other than cannabinoid receptors, of course) and brain areas that THC primarily affects (directly or indirectly), however, so i do not know what this means.
Thoughts??
poster:Questionmark
thread:344691
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040505/msgs/344979.html