AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on drugs, both medical and "recreational". Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease. I am already a well established and highly rated expert in the pharmacy section of this site.
Publications Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" Editions 1-4 published between 1994 and 2004 by Pearson Education, Australia. Author of the 5th edition published 2007.
Author of many scientific papers.
Education/Credentials BSc(Hons);MSc;PhD;HECert
Awards and Honors The 4th edition of my textbook was awarded the the Educational Book of the Year Award in Australia.
Past/Present Clients See my profile in the pharmacy section.
Question Dear Dr Galbraith
For many years I have suffered from chronic mental tiredness and a foggy head with poor concentration; I also require a lot of sleep, both at night and in the afternoons. I am a positive thinker so I'm definitely not depressed although my symptoms might suggest otherwise. I've tried just about everything there is including prescription SSRIs (made me feel worse) and thyroxine (did nothing). I have in the past taken a few drugs (not many), namely ecstacy and cocaine. Cocaine made me feel normal - no tiredness or 'brain fog'. I was considering that my symptoms might be from low dopamine. Do you think this is possible? And if so, what is the most effective/least dangerous way of increasing dopamine, either with prescription drugs or natural substances?
many thanks - Jade (UK)
Answer Dear Jade
Definitely not cocaine as it eventually destroys the person taking it no matter how attractive it may seem. I am wondering whether you are suffering from adult ADD and need treated with an appropriate drug such as Ritalin or one of the newer non-stimulant drugs for this affliction. I suggest you try to be referred to a psychiatrist for proper appraisal and treatment. I do not think you should be self-treating.
