5 replies to this topic

[hamlet70]

Hi,

I am an absolute newb to this forum but have found it very helpful researching nootropics.

I am curenntly diagnosed with recurrent depression and am doing very well on the meds which I'm taking which are:

375mg Effexor XR (on it for 5 years)
300mg Wellbutrin XL (on it for 3 years)
3gms Risperdal (on it for 3 years)

My question is do you guys think it is safe to take the Ortho-Mind Supplement while on these anti-depressents? Would I risk serotonin syndrome?

I have heard some good reviews about it as a starter stack and would really like to experience the possible benefits of it.

Thanks so much.

Edited by hamlet70, 11 May 2007 - 07:54 PM.

[rfarris]

I've been taking OM for about 18 months and began taking Lexapro last November for panic attacks. I didn't have any problems, although I'm not sure exactly what the symptoms of "serotonin syndrome" might be. What are they?

[ikaros]

I'm currently on fluoxetine and have been over the years on many various SSRIs. I take them for various reasons, mostly because of OCD tendencies and overactive nervous system. I have taken various nootropics along an SSRI, e.g. piracetam, choline, alcar, modafinil, methylphenidate, bacopa, theanine, phenibut. So far I haven't noted any dangerous side-effects (although piracetam can be tricky with an SSRI).
Anyway the risk of serotonin syndrome is an issue if you take anything else that potentiates serotonergic neurotransmission (e.g. 5htp+SSRI). I'm not aware what are the constituents of Ortho-Mind, so you'd better check out if any of them have a significant effect on serotonin.

375mg Effexor XR (on it for 5 years)
300mg Wellbutrin XL (on it for 3 years)

Those are quite high dose powermeds you got there. Any side-effects?

[kottke]

Hamlet70:Everything in ortho mind is highly cholinergic so i dont think you have too much to worry about. However, the doses and combination of your pharmaceutical cocktail is quite umm different. I wouldnt suggest supplementing with without doctor supervision. Your messing with alot of neurotransmitters and the action of some of your medication (risperdal) actually decreases aceytlcholine for its therapeutic effect. Go see your doctor. Exercise would be a smart, safe way to start off helping your mind out.

[edward]

The usual dosage for Effexor is 225 mg and the usual dosage for Wellbutrin is 300 mg so his dosages for these are not that extreme but still on the high side and should be pretty stimulating. My experience with antidepressants and smart drugs is that I have often had to lower the dosage of antidepressants. But the ortho mind formula is as others have said pretty cholinergic focused however there are a few components that may boost antidepressants activity.

If I were this guy I would lower my dosage of effexor and welbutrin then add in the ortho mind and if all goes well consider slowly upping the antidepressants back to his normal level or if things are well stick with the lower dosage of the antidepressants. Basically what one dosen't want to do is trigger a manic episode which is still an issue even if one only has unipolar depression. I don't think you will have to worry about the serotonin syndrome. The things that would get you into a serotonin problem when mixing with antidepressants would be 5Htp, Tryptophan, high dose Deprenyl or other MAOIs, high dose Rhoidiola and other specific serotonin enhancers. The easiest thing to do would be to talk to your doctor and follow his advice (however some doctors are not open to nootropics so that might not be an option).

[hamlet70]

Not bad side effects from my medications at all. Well, my libido is low and I feel numb to my emotions most times but I am very functional. Serotonin Syndrome is Seratonin Syndrome I guess I have to consult my psychiatrist. The problem is, he's been out of med school so long that I don't know if he will know what half the nootropics are in the Ortho-Mind formula.

Anyone else having any advice would greatly be appreciated.