4 replies to this topic

[Junk Master]

In rural areas of American getting in to see a specialist can mean up to a six month wait.  Why in the world can't we let psychologists and even trained counselors prescribe some basic classes of medications for mental health?  

 

Almost everyone who has gone through a major depression will tell you that counseling/therapy works one heck of a lot better on Ssris, or Snris, and those with PTSD would benefit enormously from some medication that lowers stress and allows them to sleep normally when in their initial treatment phase.

 

Instead, we are left with psychologists who are defensive about the use of meds because they can't prescribe, and psychiatrists who just write boilerplate prescriptions.

 

What a mess!

 

And don't even get me started on the compounds like NSi-189 which would be of immense help to many of those suffering from PTSD, that won't be available through official channels for years!

 

Thank goodness for sites like this one.

[Colors]

As someone who has a degree in psychology, I can tell you that although I have quite a good idea of the actions/limitations of some medications, anecdotally as well as research etc. I don't think this would be a good idea. A lot of psychologists/future psychologists also have a bias that clouds their judgement as to the limitations of psychotherapy, i.e believing 'it's all in your head'. I am not downplaying the crucial role psychologists play in the health system. Psychologists don't get the training in biology, neurology, immunity, anatomy, hematology, endocrine systems that I believe should be required to prescribe such strong substances, as well as the training in ability of monitoring and damage control. Psychologists should stick to their role of taking care of all the possible variables (familial, environment, social, belief systems, thought patterns, habits, CBT, non-invasive therapies) that are the gap between doctor and psychologist. This allows for specialisation and for both to be the best at their disciplines. However, this is Australia, and I'm sure your health care system, as you describe, is dysfunctional. We have it quite good in Australia when it comes to public healthcare, in comparison.

Edited by Colors, 01 May 2016 - 04:35 AM.

[Junk Master]

Very good points!  But how hard is it to develop a basic working knowledge of the 5 or 6 drugs most commonly prescribed for depression/social anxiety?

 

Let me submit, it's FAAAR easier than developing any comprehensive knowledge of nootropics.

[Colors]

I don't know, lol. I am an amateur and new to this 'nootropic' world. Wouldn't mind trying piracetam, modafinal etc. Even just as an experiment. 

[Junk Master]

Well, I can help you out with NOOTS.  I sure wouldn't prescribe, though...lol.

 

If I were you, I'd start with plain ol' Piracetam.   As for dosage, I would begin with 1 gram x 2 times a day and work towards 1 gram x 4 times a day, which is fairly aggressive but Piracetam is pretty forgiving and about the worst side you could expect would be a headache from a lack of choline (eat some eggs), or a slightly upset stomach.  I think the main thing you would notice would be an increase in verbal fluency.  Music might sound a bit better.  Colors might look a little brighter.  Anyway, not a bad place to start and it's relatively cheap if you shop around.  My only warning would be not to continue to up your dosages if you have any history of bipolar disorder, or are prone to mania.

 

I've taken just about every racetam commonly available, with the notable exception of Fascoracetam-- which I'm in the process of ordering.

 

There's a world of difference between Piracetam and something like Modafinil.  I've been prescribed Modafinil for years because of sleep apnea and idiopathic narcolepsy, and have also been prescribed Armodafinil, the ® enatiomer version of Moda, which I didn't care for because of it's longer onset and the way it disrupted my sleep architecture. Modafinil is a serious drug and should not be taken lightly.  It can be a life saver, but it's definitely something I don't recommend anyone take on a daily basis.

 

The best way to use it IMO is if you really, really have to pull an all nighter for work or school.  In that case, if you have taken a low dose before, to make sure it doesn't cause you any G.I. issues etc., it's flat out a wonder drug.  Now, it has very little recreational value unless taken at very high doses, which I definitely DO NOT recommend unless you have an extensive history with the substance.  It will NOT give you the same sort of dopamine dump as any amphetamine, but that's a good thing if you are just looking to stay awake to focus on finishing a project.

 

I have some experience with more exotic anti-depressants like NSi-189, and Tianeptine (various versions), and hope to continue to educate myself.  GTS-21 is next on "the list."