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Better living through chemistry?

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Is it possible a better living through chemistry?

I took about 300 milligrams of oxycodone a day for about 5 years (by the way, it was the best 5 years of my life, work, family etc.), but then of course the big crack down began (pill mills etc) making it extremely difficult to obtain easily, so I had to stop as I did not feel like driving around to 300 pharmacies a day trying to fill my legally obtained prescription.

Anyway I stopped it  3 years ago. Anyway, since then I feel as if it is my first day off of them. I have absolutely no energy, tired constantly, no interest in anything, my gut is all screwed up, its total crap. Now not to long before SR got shut down. But I finally had access to the things that made me feel normal again (coke, adderall, oxy’s etc.).

I really believe that I am of the sorts that just do better with proper dosing of drugs, I spent my whole life with the mantra «better living through modern chemistry». But, in today’s age it is getting more and more difficult to self medicate properly and I am paying the price dearly for it (Job, family etc).

Do you think that my brain balance will ever return to normal without drugs? Would any sort of doctor see it my way . Is it impossible or ridiculous to say that I can function better with these drugs? I think my lifetime would show that it is and today’s governmental interference is wrecking my life.

Originally posted in SR 2.0 19/10/2013. Reviewed 20/2/22

Tolerance is one of the most important characteristics of many psychoactives. It is necessary to increase doses to feel the same effect. Thus, some people take doses that would be lethal for non-tolerant people.

It is possible that some work better with drugs, but the adverse effects and long-term effects (including the risk of dependence) must also be taken into account.

I’m not sure that needing high doses of stimulants or opioids to perform daily activities is a «better life,» although I’m not judging your life or your choices.

Drugs (and here I am referring to both drugs prescribed by a doctor and controlled psychoactives) can be used for pleasure . They can also help at some difficult times in life. But, in general, medications, pharmaceuticals or drugs are never the solution for people’s lives.

Most of the «chronic brain imbalance» messages associated with illegal drugs belong more to anti-drug mythology than to scientific evidence. Most controlled drugs and prescription drugs do not produce chronic brain changes that result in chronic brain damage (with the exception of some antipsychotics and methamphetamine).

Pharmacological tolerance decreases over time, but psychological and life factors are also important. You will never get back to who you were before simply because of the passage of time.

I’m sorry but your question and situation is one of these that is difficult to assess over the internet alone. It would be a personal and long term contact to be able to help you.

 

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Amphetamine neurotoxicity

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Combining D-amphetamine  and methylphenidate: Effects on Amphetamine Neurotoxicity

I am prescribed D-amphetamine (Dexedrine® ) and methylphenidate (Ritalin®).
So…would it be a good idea to combine the two drugs to avoid effects on amphetamine neurotoxicity?

Originally posted in SR 2.0 13/10/2013 . Reviewed 20/2/22

Some animal models have shown neurotoxic effects of dextroamphetamine at very high doses. However, the dosages prescribed for humans are typically below the neurotoxic threshold. The neurotoxic potential of methylphenidate, an amphetamine derivative, is even lower and considered insignificant. Therefore, there is no need for concern about neurotoxicity when taking these drugs at the prescribed dosage via oral route.

So, combining D-amphetamine (Dexedrine® ) and methylphenidate (Ritalin®) would not have any effect on neurotoxicity as it is unlikely to occur at therapeutic doses. However, combining the two drugs can increase the risk of adverse effects, and therefore, it is not recommended. 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9365033 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22289608
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2440058

 

 

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Speed and depression

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Are speed and depression linked?

Dear DoctorX,

I´ve wanted to know if somebody has a depression on the base of drugs like speed nearly 2 till 3 gramm a day,
after a few years u can lose this drug- induced depression or it´s changed the hole personalitiy as u think you ´re the same as before?

Originally posted in SR 2.0 7/6/14 . Reviewed 11/2/23

The prolonged and high-dose consumption of stimulants, such as speed, can lead to psychological problems during use and in the weeks and months following withdrawal. The withdrawal symptoms of stimulants can cause depression.

Depression and other mental health issues are rarely caused by a single factor but rather by a combination of factors. It is unlikely that depression lasting for years is solely due to prolonged stimulant use. There are likely to be other contributing factors.

On the other hand, some individuals may use illegal drugs as a means of self-medicating for mental health problems or life’s challenges. However, this approach is not usually effective in the long term.

In reality, drugs, including both legal psychotropics and controlled substances, cannot cure depression. Antidepressants can provide individuals with the means to cope with their problems, but no pill can heal the problems of the brain, psyche, spirit, or soul

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Hyperthyroidism and drugs

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I’ve posted a couple times about rapid heart palpitations I’ve been getting recently. I don’t believe it’s drug related, all I’ve been doing is LSD, psilocybin and DMT.

I had been taking Adderall but cut it out when this started.I got into a free clinic and was told my problem could be hyperthyroid. That also happens to run in my family (my mother had to get the radioactive iodine treatment to kill hers).

They said my thyroid was slightly englarged (no nodules though) and I HAVE been feeling a slight tightness in my neck right over the gland (didn’t even put it together until I was at the docs office).All they did was give me a beta blocker and ask me to come back in a month. The beta blocker IS slowing my heart and lowering my BP, but it’s only addressing a symptom and not the problem, right?I know there’s no sure fire cure for hyperthyroid issues, but do you have any experience/suggestions on how to control it? I’d rather not take thyroid suppressing chems and definitely don’t want to nuke my damn thyroid.I’ve heard that bugleweed and motherwort can help lower thyroid function over time. Is there anything dietary I should/shouldnt be doing? I’ve also heard it can be due to low/high iodine levels but I wouldn’t want to start meddling with that without knowing wether my iodine is high or low.

Could applied kinesiology give me a clue? Do you even believe in that and should I?I’m staying away from all stims, be it caffiene, decongestants or uppers. I’m still using psychedelics about 1x per week and the rapid heart beat is of course more noticable and worrying while in that state. It’s becoming a real bummer on my life and my trips!Again, I don’t expect conclusive answers but anything you have to offer on hyperthyroidism is greatly appreciated!

Originally posted in SR 11/3/14 .Reviewed 6/2/13

The type of treatment that is best for you depends on factors such as your age, sex, the cause of your hyperthyroidism, the amount of thyroid hormone produced by your body, and any other medical conditions you may have.

In general, antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and surgery are considered to be the most effective options. Sometimes, treatment for hyperthyroidism can lead to hypothyroidism, requiring daily hormone replacement therapy via oral administration.

However, this is not a major concern for most people and has fewer risks and complications compared to uncontrolled hyperthyroidism. The effectiveness of natural herbs or supplements is unknown.

I would advise against the use of psychedelics for your specific condition, at least until your diagnosis is clearly established. Use of ketamine is particularly contraindicated in this condition.

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Amphetamine and tachycardia

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High blood pressure and tachycardia after ragular amphetamine use. Is this dangerous?

I posted on here around the beginning of the year about a bad time I had with some pure amphetamine. I unknowingly potentiate it with baking soda, which I take regularly for heartburn.I’m not having breathing issues anymore. But I’ve noticed my pulse is remaining consistantly high during the day. According to my cheap BP meter, it’s around 100-120bpm. My blood pressure is pretty much normal, avg. 135 over 85.

I’ve stopped using all amphetamines and stimulants, no more decongestant in the morning or caffeine. I do use cannabis daily.I’m slightly overweight, smoke maybe 8 cigarettes a day (honestly). But my father has had a history of high BP and his father died of heart failure. I’m not that damned old but this is really starting to worry me.I’m trying to get into a doctor now, hopefully a local free clinic as I have no insurance and very little income. Any info would REALLY be appreciated right now! I really appreciate what you do on here, as I’m sure everyone else does!

Originally posted in SR2.0 2/3/14 . Reviewed 5/2/23

A heart rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute at rest is considered elevated and warrants further evaluation. Tachycardia can be caused by the residual effects of taking amphetamines (it depends on when did you take your last dosage) or by anxiety, but there are many other possible causes as well. If the tachycardia persists for several days, it is recommended to see a doctor.

Diagnostic tests, such as radiology, electrocardiography, and blood tests, are necessary to determine the underlying cause of tachycardia. So, it is not possible to provide advice without a proper diagnosis, as tachycardia can be a symptom of various conditions, some of which may not be serious.

It is important to note that the belief that sodium bicarbonate enhances the effects of amphetamines is a myth. And the same goes for the claim that drinking baking soda can alter the results of a urine test for amphetamines. These are simply urban legends with no scientific basis

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