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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TxMex on November 23, 2011, at 1:53:05
I'm interested about people's recent experiences using Namenda to augment treatment. It seems that most discussions about this topic are several years old.
Please include DX, medication dosage, etc.
Personally, I'm considering using Namenda to augment Emsam (12 mg) for treatment resistant depression. My primary problem is anhedonia and lack of motivation.
Thanks.
Posted by Uncouth on November 23, 2011, at 8:03:08
In reply to Namenda Augmentation, posted by TxMex on November 23, 2011, at 1:53:05
I would think this could be good choice give. Nmda dopamine interactions. Namenda may need to go up to 40mg and effect subtle. I'm on a similar,at drug acamprosate which helps modulate dopamine too and have used namenda in the past and would use again. Might be good with vyvanse
Posted by Phidippus on November 23, 2011, at 18:22:36
In reply to Namenda Augmentation, posted by TxMex on November 23, 2011, at 1:53:05
I have used Namenda in the past to augment treatment for OCD. I can say overall it was very helpful and provided benefits to my mood as well. I remember having some OCD free days while on Namenda and at the same time feeling very up.
NMDA antagonists are well studied now for their positive affect on depression, in particular Ketamine, which seems to have very robust effects on depression, sometimes resolving it in a day. Namenda is not nearly as strong an NMDA antagonist as Ketamine, but its cumulative effects should be worth a trial.
You should also know that Namenda has a pretty complex method of action. Besides NMDA antagonism, Namenda acts as a non-competitive antagonist at the 5-HT3 receptor, with a potency similar to that for the NMDA receptor. The 5-HT3 receptor is implicated in anxiety.
Namenda acts as a non-competitive antagonist at different neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) at potencies possibly similar to the NMDA and 5-HT3 receptors. What effect this will have on depression remains to be seen.
Also, NAmenda acts as an agonist at the dopamine D2 receptor. This should provide some help with the anhedonia you are experiencing.
All in all, I think Namenda is a great drug with a low side effect profile. It may just help with some of the issues you are experiencing.
Eric
DX: ADHD/BP NOS/OCD
RX: Lithium 1200 mg, Latuda 40 mg, Vyvanse 60 mg, Lyrica 600 mg, Viibryd 40 mg., Namenda 40 mg.
Posted by g_g_g_unit on November 24, 2011, at 8:14:00
In reply to Re: Namenda Augmentation » TxMex, posted by Phidippus on November 23, 2011, at 18:22:36
Hey Eric, did you notice any positive/negative effects on cognition from Namenda? Any dissociative side-effects?
Posted by Phidippus on November 24, 2011, at 18:29:27
In reply to Re: Namenda Augmentation » Phidippus, posted by g_g_g_unit on November 24, 2011, at 8:14:00
It was a rather seamless medication. It really felt like I wasn't taking anything, however I experienced positive effects on my OCD and mood. Cognition seemed unchanged and there were no dissociative effects.
Eric
Posted by williamockham on December 7, 2011, at 14:36:50
In reply to Namenda Augmentation, posted by TxMex on November 23, 2011, at 1:53:05
I tried with Emsam for about a month, up to 20mg. Some dissociative start up effects, which was actually somewhat pleasant; went away in a few days. Ultimately no noticeable difference on cognition, mood, or otherwise. Some modest sleep disturbance. Tapered off quickly without issue.
I should note I'm also on Lamictal, which may dampen the effects of NMDA-antagonists (at least this has been shown for Ketamine).
Posted by Phidippus on December 7, 2011, at 14:51:56
In reply to Re: Namenda Augmentation, posted by williamockham on December 7, 2011, at 14:36:50
I've been back on Namenda for 2 weeks now and I'm not noticing any appreciable difference. Maybe it needs more time.
Eric
Posted by iforgotmypassword on December 13, 2011, at 9:04:10
In reply to Re: Namenda Augmentation, posted by williamockham on December 7, 2011, at 14:36:50
> I should note I'm also on Lamictal, which may dampen the effects of NMDA-antagonists (at least this has been shown for Ketamine).
i'm not sure but i think this is only the case insofar as certain effects and side-effects are associated with glutamate being redirected after a degree of lost access to nmda receptors, and increased stimulation at AMPA, kainate, and mGlu receptors as a result. lamotrigine merely lessens the amt of glutamate available to cause this effect i think.
This is the end of the thread.
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