Posted by zeugma on May 9, 2004, at 13:29:48
In reply to Emergence Of Older Memories W/ Certain Drugs..., posted by Questionmark on May 9, 2004, at 1:54:29
> > > 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.So do I. My ADD/depression makes me feel like my identity is a smashed mirror, parts that are disconnected from one another, or maybe more like living inside a kaleidoscope, so I feel like I have no control over the changes that are taking place and few memories to hang on to. I drank tons of caffeine (and still do) because it helps the inattention and mood and gives a little physical lift, but of all the meds I've tried, only NEergic meds made me feel coherent. I think there might be something to do with the interaction between norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, which is the 'operating center' for the brain.
>
> 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.Yes, my current crisis is strongly related to activation of memories that in my unmedicated state just disappear into the fog. This is also why therapy and CBT can be dangerous for some people- there are many things in anyone's brain who has suffered prolonged depression that are going to be devastating if they break into consciousness. Unfortunately, if serotoninergic drugs will depress catecholamine levels, that will threaten to make me non-functional. Elevating catecholamine levels makes me able to pursue goals and have a coherent sense of self. the danger is that the emotional pain is in direct proportion to that coherence, if for any reason they are suddenly recalled.
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> 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.Please continue in this vein. Are you involved in psychology or psychopharmacology? It also sounds like it relates to profound concerns regarding identity and memory that are central to philosophy.
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> 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??I know nothing of cannabis, In the past it caused panic attacks, now it has no effect at all.
poster:zeugma
thread:344691
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040505/msgs/345090.html