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Gimme an anti-depressant that feels like cocaine

  • anonymous Asks ...
    anonymous

    Are there any anti depressants that increase dopamine in the brain? I have done cocaine and methamphetamine in the past and both made me feel very good. I am now struggling with what I think is depression. If anti depressant medications could give me a way to feel like I did on coke for a lasting time then I would be very interested in trying this out. I know that they mostly increase serotonin levels. If dopamine is what makes me feel good why don’t anti depressants increase dopamine?

  • Dr. Ari Hahn Says ...
    Dr. Ari Hahn

    So you want a prescription for a chemical that will make you feel like are using coke or speed? That wouldn't be a bad idea if it would work and be legal. Or safe. But that is not going to happen. There is no chemical, drug, medicine or even neurotransmitter that we understand how it works in the brain. Not one. Not even the greatest neuroscientists in the world have a real understanding. Additionally, every chemical that you will try will have unpredictable side effects.

    Anti-psychotics often work on the dopamine system. You may be aware that Parkinson's disease is also connected to the dopamine system. The medications for these disorders generally promote dopamine usage in various ways because these patients don't seem to have enough. There is a strong opinion that this is the opposite of what happens in addictive behavior, where there might be too much dopamine. According to this opinion, if you added dopamine to your brain, although you might not get addicted to dopamine, you very well might have an irresistible urge to resume you addictions.

    If you want to feel good you need to engage in activities that make people feel good. Get involved in helping people. Cultivate gratitude. Meditate. Get involved in a serious hobby like a sport or a creative activity. Positive activity will relieve your "depression". It will take more work than popping a pill, but it will be more efficient, healthier, and you will be happier. I promise.

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