Posted by rainy on November 15, 2004, at 7:16:47
In reply to Topamax and depression, posted by stresser on November 15, 2004, at 6:25:23
Hi, you're up early too. I don't believe Topamax causes depression, at least for me--it just doesn't work as an antidepresant. All the antidepressants and anticonvulsants have depression in their fine print list of adverse effects. All of the SSRIs, the tricyclics (trofranil, elavil, etc) usually (not always)cause weight gain. I did well on trofranil for periperphal neuropathic pain, but I was on low dose and seriously restricting my diet. I was also 40 something.
Serzone, which is still available in Canada but not in the States, doesn't cause much weight gain. It worked wonders for me until they jerked it off the market and at last visit, Ms. Pdoc refused to prescribe. So I'm on Deseryel, (Trazodone) at 200 mgs, dopey but not yet gaining. Also, as you have read, still depressed.Lamictal (lamotrignine, not sure if I spelled that right) is a wonder drug for treating bipolar II disorder. It has antidepressant properties as well as mood stabilizing effects and apparently many people do very well on it. It doesn't cause weight gain, according to the literature and my experience. It didn't work for me, but I'm what they call "treatment resistant." Love that nonjudgmental jargon.
For me, 15 was a higly emotionally volatle time. Only M knows: can she differentiate this current depression from the downs of the mood swings she's experienced? It was just Saturday, I think, that she was telling you that her mood is better. Maybe Topamax and Lamictal combined would work although I'm not a doctor and frequently don't know as much as I think I do. Is her doctor a psychiatrist, internist, GP or what, Stresser?
rainy
poster:rainy
thread:5053
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041113/msgs/416128.html