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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dan Perkins on December 10, 2004, at 18:17:16
Does anybody have experience taking Provigil for depression? I have struck out on a number of ADs and I'm wondering if this is worth a shot.
Posted by Racer on December 10, 2004, at 21:56:09
In reply to Provigil for Depression?, posted by Dan Perkins on December 10, 2004, at 18:17:16
Not exactly, but when I was being treated by cretins, I spent a fair amount of time on Provigil only rather than an actual anti depressant, and it did help a bit. What it's doing now, though, is great. I take Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, and Provigil. The Provigil makes the combo work. Without it, I am not precisely depressed, but largely because I'm too lethargic to be anything...
I did find that Provigil brightened my mood pretty well, no doubt in part because I was finally able to focus on doing something.
Hope that helps.
Posted by sailor on December 10, 2004, at 22:30:22
In reply to Provigil for Depression?, posted by Dan Perkins on December 10, 2004, at 18:17:16
Dan--Provigil (modafinil generic) is a unique "stimulant" in that it promotes "wakefulness" (it's prescribed a lot for narcolepsy), but doesn't excite the entire nervous system as can ritalin, amphetamines, cocaine, etc.
I have a 30+ year history of major depression, and have had decreasing success with AD's for the past several years. For the past 2 months, I have been taking provigil 100mg, twice daily, and it does help considerably my ability to focus and concentrate. Without it, I struggle with "brain fog" and short term memory problems. Also it allows me to read more easily (and therefore pleasurably) and to make writing less of a chore.
However, I can't say that it has any noticeable effect on mood. I suffer with anhedonia and lack of interest in lots of things I used to enjoy. Most people don't notice this in me,as I struggle to be sociable and friendly, and I seek out company often as an "antidote" for my depression.
It is when I'm alone that I realize how different I am from more "normal" people, and my depression is unyielding.As for the Provigil, I wouldn't give it up for any AD I've tried in the past few years. None of the SSRI's work for me (a familiar trait of many posters here) and I regret the lack of available safe dopaminergics.
By the way, I notice no SE's from Provigil, and paradoxically, I am more able to "nap" occasionally during the day than without it. The P-doc I see says she is using it more and more as an adjunct (enhancer?) to other AD's. I've heard of people taking up to 800 mg/day.
So I would say it's definitely worth a try, but don't expect a euphoric rush. Some people, reportedly have experienced a robust antidepressant response from it, so you could be lucky. I'd settle for something that would just get me back to singing in the shower.
Let us know how you do. Regards, Sailor
This is the end of the thread.
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