![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 27 to 51 of 251. Go back in thread:
Posted by michele on June 2, 1999, at 18:47:41
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by jackie coughenour on June 2, 1999, at 6:39:59
> > YOU HAVE TO BE OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND TO TAKE ANTI-EPILEPTIC MEDICINES FOR MOOD DISORDERS(KLONOPIN,DEPAKOTE,NEURONTIN ETC...) A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO I WAS PRESCRIBED KLONOPIN BY A SHRINK (MAY HE AND HIS FAMILY BURN IN HELL)FOR ANXIETY AND ALSO PAXIL WHICH I DIDNT TAKE VERY LONG, WELL AFTER ABOUT 3 MONTHS I FELT LIKE I DIDNT NEED THE KLONOPIN EITHER SO I STOPPED TAKING IT. WELL NOW I AM A DOCTOR MADE EPILEPTIC AND HAVE TO TAKE MEDICINE FOR SEIZURES THE REST OF MY LIFE.I NEVER HAD SEIZUREE AT ALL NOW I HAVE GRAN-MAL ( THE KIND THAT MAKE YOU BLACK OUT SHAKE RATTLE & ROLLBITE YOUR TONGUE AND MAYBE EVEN SHIT YOUR PANTS) I WOULD RATHER BE FUCKING CRAZY THAN GO THRU THIS SHIT. AND YOU KNOW WHAT I STILL HAVE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY.NOW THAT I LOOK BACK I COULD OF EASILY LIVED WITH THE WAY I FELT BEFORE I WENT TO THAT PIECE OF SHIT DOCTOR. SO A WORD OF ADVICE DONT LOOK TO LIFES PROBLEMS TO BE RELIEVED BY A PILL( I BET NONE OF YOUR DOCTORS HAVE WARNED YOU ABOUT THESE TYPES OF MEDS)
wow, i am horribly shocked to have heard your story paul! i have been on klonopin for close to 10 yrs now. i am bipolar with anxiety disorder and after years of xanax and ativan, dr. recommonded klonopin to me. i have had it every which way, with depakote, and a slew of other anti-depressants....so far, im doin ok on it. i am currently on 2mg. at bed w/ 30 mg. remeron. and i have been up to 10 mg. klonopin per day when things were REAL bad. some days i do not take it at all. i did get off all meds about a year ago, thinking i may want to get pregnant, but was only off of klonopin about 6 weeks. i had terrible panic attacks and dr. put me back on....i am wondering if i were to ever go back off it..(which i am considering) would my body revert back to panic attacks, or would i have severe withdrawal...
Posted by Ellis on June 2, 1999, at 22:36:19
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by michele on June 2, 1999, at 18:47:41
> > > YOU HAVE TO BE OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND TO TAKE ANTI-EPILEPTIC MEDICINES FOR MOOD DISORDERS(KLONOPIN,DEPAKOTE,NEURONTIN ETC...) A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO I WAS PRESCRIBED KLONOPIN BY A SHRINK (MAY HE AND HIS FAMILY BURN IN HELL)FOR ANXIETY AND ALSO PAXIL WHICH I DIDNT TAKE VERY LONG, WELL AFTER ABOUT 3 MONTHS I FELT LIKE I DIDNT NEED THE KLONOPIN EITHER SO I STOPPED TAKING IT. WELL NOW I AM A DOCTOR MADE EPILEPTIC AND HAVE TO TAKE MEDICINE FOR SEIZURES THE REST OF MY LIFE.I NEVER HAD SEIZUREE AT ALL NOW I HAVE GRAN-MAL ( THE KIND THAT MAKE YOU BLACK OUT SHAKE RATTLE & ROLLBITE YOUR TONGUE AND MAYBE EVEN SHIT YOUR PANTS) I WOULD RATHER BE FUCKING CRAZY THAN GO THRU THIS SHIT. AND YOU KNOW WHAT I STILL HAVE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY.NOW THAT I LOOK BACK I COULD OF EASILY LIVED WITH THE WAY I FELT BEFORE I WENT TO THAT PIECE OF SHIT DOCTOR. SO A WORD OF ADVICE DONT LOOK TO LIFES PROBLEMS TO BE RELIEVED BY A PILL( I BET NONE OF YOUR DOCTORS HAVE WARNED YOU ABOUT THESE TYPES OF MEDS)
>
>
> wow, i am horribly shocked to have heard your story paul! i have been on klonopin for close to 10 yrs now. i am bipolar with anxiety disorder and after years of xanax and ativan, dr. recommonded klonopin to me. i have had it every which way, with depakote, and a slew of other anti-depressants....so far, im doin ok on it. i am currently on 2mg. at bed w/ 30 mg. remeron. and i have been up to 10 mg. klonopin per day when things were REAL bad. some days i do not take it at all. i did get off all meds about a year ago, thinking i may want to get pregnant, but was only off of klonopin about 6 weeks. i had terrible panic attacks and dr. put me back on....i am wondering if i were to ever go back off it..(which i am considering) would my body revert back to panic attacks, or would i have severe withdrawal...
Is there anyone who has had to get off of a drug for pregnancy? I want to get pregnant within the next 3 years but am afraid to get off of the depakote and neurontin. I don't think I could handle 9 months of depression and/or suicidal thoughts. What would my chemical imbalances do to the baby as well?
Posted by Ellis on June 2, 1999, at 22:40:25
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Elizabeth on January 7, 1999, at 15:12:10
Elizabeth,
How have you fared on the neurontin? I just started it two weeks ago and would like to hear from someone who has been on it for awhile...
> I just started Neurontin 200 mg 2x/300 mg at bedtime. I also take Zoloft 150 mg. I don't notice anything in particular.
> However, I do feel calm and less jittery. I have been diagnosed with bipolarII. I also notice that my craving for alcohol has been
> eliminated. I used to feel I needed something, anything, to cut the high strung moods that were almost constant. I was leary of going
> on a mood stabilizer because of weight gain. I just started a new excercise regime. I'll post in a month to let you know how it's going. Thanks. Elizabeth
Posted by Ellen Brodie on June 13, 1999, at 6:45:00
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Ellis on June 2, 1999, at 22:36:19
> > > In reading all the reaction to all the drugs it's hard to know what works for who. I am starting to believe this drug shit is for the birds. I have been diagnosed with bipolar. I have been on 150 mg of Topomax, and 25 mg of klonopin. I have recently started on Neurontin because my anxiety is so bad. I want to get off the damn Klonopin. I am thinking it;s the topamax that has increased the anxiety. Try convincing my doc of that. Although I have lowered my dosage of the topamax to 100mg to see if the anxiety lessons.
I think that med is for the bird. I have lost a lot of weight on that drug which of course they have given me shit about. So it is a no win situation. What have others experienced with neurontin in terms of anxiety and how much and when do you take it. I am just starting on 300mg at bedtime so I am sure that I won't see a change right away. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks Ellen
Posted by randy on June 22, 1999, at 17:51:06
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Ellis on June 2, 1999, at 22:40:25
> Elizabeth,
>
> How have you fared on the neurontin? I just started it two weeks ago and would like to hear from someone who has been on it for awhile...
>
> > I just started Neurontin 200 mg 2x/300 mg at bedtime. I also take Zoloft 150 mg. I don't notice anything in particular.
> > However, I do feel calm and less jittery. I have been diagnosed with bipolarII. I also notice that my craving for alcohol has been
> > eliminated. I used to feel I needed something, anything, to cut the high strung moods that were almost constant. I was leary of going
> > on a mood stabilizer because of weight gain. I just started a new excercise regime. I'll post in a month to let you know how it's going. Thanks. ElizabethGoing on 1 year and have never slept better in my life.
just make sure you can keep with the regimine cause
neurontin does not stay with you very long.
Posted by Julia on June 27, 1999, at 8:52:36
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by randy on June 22, 1999, at 17:51:06
> Going on 1 year and have never slept better in my life.
> just make sure you can keep with the regimine cause
> neurontin does not stay with you very long.I just started (two days ago) with neurontin, am Bipolar (resisting meds for years...... Klonopin, depakote, prozac etc...). This time a new shrink (M.D.) convinced me to try neurontin....too early to tell, obviously.
Anyway, I was curious about the comment
> neurontin does not stay with you very long.> what did you mean?Also, I'm eager to hear anyone else's opinions regarding this drug......as things are getting only worse and I'm feeling a bit desperate. Thanks.
Posted by randy on July 7, 1999, at 12:36:46
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Julia on June 27, 1999, at 8:52:36
if i miss more than a day or two i start getting edgy.
but if you take your meds with no problems than
this drug might work for you. i have had no side effects.
> > Going on 1 year and have never slept better in my life.
> > just make sure you can keep with the regimine cause
> > neurontin does not stay with you very long.
>
> I just started (two days ago) with neurontin, am Bipolar (resisting meds for years...... Klonopin, depakote, prozac etc...). This time a new shrink (M.D.) convinced me to try neurontin....too early to tell, obviously.
>
> Anyway, I was curious about the comment
> > neurontin does not stay with you very long.> what did you mean?
>
> Also, I'm eager to hear anyone else's opinions regarding this drug......as things are getting only worse and I'm feeling a bit desperate. Thanks.
Posted by angie on July 7, 1999, at 20:09:54
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by randy on July 7, 1999, at 12:36:46
> if i miss more than a day or two i start getting edgy.
> but if you take your meds with no problems than
> this drug might work for you. i have had no side effects.
>
>
> > > Going on 1 year and have never slept better in my life.
> > > just make sure you can keep with the regimine cause
> > > neurontin does not stay with you very long.
> >
> > I just started (two days ago) with neurontin, am Bipolar (resisting meds for years...... Klonopin, depakote, prozac etc...). This time a new shrink (M.D.) convinced me to try neurontin....too early to tell, obviously.
> >
> > Anyway, I was curious about the comment
> > > neurontin does not stay with you very long.> what did you mean?
> >
> > Also, I'm eager to hear anyone else's opinions regarding this drug......as things are getting only worse and I'm feeling a bit desperate. Thanks.i have been on neurontin for about 2 months and
i have noticed a big difference in my moods as well as my constant headaches. i cant waite to take my meds every day. stick with it and good luck!!!!
Posted by J Meyer on July 15, 1999, at 8:32:54
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Julia on June 27, 1999, at 8:52:36
> > Going on 1 year and have never slept better in my life.
> > just make sure you can keep with the regimine cause
> > neurontin does not stay with you very long.
>
> I just started (two days ago) with neurontin, am Bipolar (resisting meds for years...... Klonopin, depakote, prozac etc...). This time a new shrink (M.D.) convinced me to try neurontin....too early to tell, obviously.
>
> Anyway, I was curious about the comment
> > neurontin does not stay with you very long.> what did you mean?
>
> Also, I'm eager to hear anyone else's opinions regarding this drug......as things are getting only worse and I'm feeling a bit desperate. Thanks.I'm also interested in the effects (good and bad) of neurontin. My 15 year old daughter just started on it for bipolar. Depakote worked wonderfully for the moods, but made her vomit, especially with physical exertion. She also gets daily headaches, and from what I've read elsewhere, neurontin is diagnosed for that as well. Evertime we start a new med (7x now), my prayer is that it is the right one. Thanks for your sharing.
Posted by kevin i. on July 17, 1999, at 23:37:41
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by randy on July 7, 1999, at 12:36:46
>am wondering if others have had large weight gain with depakote and if there is a way to help with it. also wonder about neurontin...do people have weight gain with it and is it a substitute for depakote
Posted by tangee on July 20, 1999, at 17:58:56
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by kevin i. on July 17, 1999, at 23:37:41
> >am wondering if others have had large weight gain with depakote and if there is a way to help with it. also wonder about neurontin...do people have weight gain with it and is it a substitute for depakote
Kevin,
My sister took depakote and it did cause weight gain and also water retention. The weight gain is different for everyone. Not sure what can be done about the weight gain, except tell dr. and find a different medication.
Posted by Janet on July 20, 1999, at 21:28:56
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by tangee on July 20, 1999, at 17:58:56
I gained weight and retained water in my ankles and feet while on Depakote. The dr. prescribed water pills plus potassium that the water pills drain you of. But when Lithium was added, the water pills had to go because it messes with the salt level. So now I'm fat but mentally level headed which is just a trade off. I realize that if I starved myself it would take the weight off, but I'm not willing to do that yet.
>
> Kevin,
> My sister took depakote and it did cause weight gain and also water retention. The weight gain is different for everyone. Not sure what can be done about the weight gain, except tell dr. and find a different medication.
Posted by Chrissy on July 21, 1999, at 16:27:44
In reply to Re: mood disorders/posted by Ron, posted by Nancy on December 2, 1998, at 12:09:00
I have been on Celexa for 2 weeks and Klonopin for 1 week. My doctor has started me on 300mg 3x/day of Neurontin for anxiety to try to wean me off Klonopin in 3 weeks. This message board is scaring me about developing seizures from Neurontin (if I stop in the future). Does anyone know anything more of this?
Posted by nancy on July 22, 1999, at 16:42:06
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Janet on July 20, 1999, at 21:28:56
I've tried strict (under doc-supervision)diet and exercise to combat weight gain from mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics. Never lost much, manybe a few pounds. Recently, however, I've been able to stop all meds, except, my much needed Effexor XR (300mg) and thyroid meds (taken because Litium messed up my thyroid and to alleviate treatment resistive bipolar depression). So far, so good. No mood switching going on. Also, I lost ten pounds within the first two weeks of discontinuation.
DO NOT STOP YOUR NECESSARY MEDS! But, you may get to a point, eventually, where those meds can either be reduced or removed. Be good to yourself. Don't get down on yourself about the weight problems. Just do the best that you can and be thankful that you've a combination of meds that stop the bipolar insanity. I'm very proud of all of us!
:) nancy
> I gained weight and retained water in my ankles and feet while on Depakote. The dr. prescribed water pills plus potassium that the water pills drain you of. But when Lithium was added, the water pills had to go because it messes with the salt level. So now I'm fat but mentally level headed which is just a trade off. I realize that if I starved myself it would take the weight off, but I'm not willing to do that yet.
> >
> > Kevin,
> > My sister took depakote and it did cause weight gain and also water retention. The weight gain is different for everyone. Not sure what can be done about the weight gain, except tell dr. and find a different medication.
Posted by Terri on July 22, 1999, at 16:58:41
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Janet on July 20, 1999, at 21:28:56
I was on Depakote and never felt better in my life, other meds gave me severe diarrhia and depakote stopped it and I lived a normal life, BUT, I have to say, that a VERY RARE side effect is stomach bloating. I weighed 125 pounds and after 2-3 months on Depakote I gained to 200 pounds and my waist was a 44, my husband said it was a baby I would never have. So it was a trade off, I went off Depakote with my doctors permission and within 2 weeks I lost 25 pounds and my stomach was flat again. Altho I needed the extra weight, I just didn't diet right or excercise. With the side effects out there, sometimes I wish I had my Depakote back, because nothing else lets me leave the house in confidence each day, right now, I fight to leave home. I am on 1800mg of Neurontin, 4mg of Klonopin and 40mg of Celexa a day, the Celexa is Fantastic for depression though. But I really hate the rest of it.
Posted by Jen on July 22, 1999, at 19:56:51
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Terri on July 22, 1999, at 16:58:41
Well! Fhew- I just read all of these entry's and I am amazed at all of the drugs out there that my doc never mentioned I could try. I am currently on a HIGH dose of Depakote and Welbutrine and I can't stand the weight struggles any longer. All of those bi-polar people out there know that sometimes when you get on that high manic part you think you don't need the med's anymore. I just can't decide what might work better...staying on my med's like I have for 6 years, or to get off of them and loose the weight and maybe that will take most of the depression away. Some of the responses were really helpful and I would appreciate anyone who could let me know if they have had a positive responce to an anti-depressant such as weight loss. I really hate the feeling when I stop taking my meds but I am at wits end here!
Looking for a response, Jen ; )
Posted by Klonogirl on July 23, 1999, at 22:09:50
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Jen on July 22, 1999, at 19:56:51
> Well! Fhew- I just read all of these entry's and I am amazed at all of the drugs out there that my doc never mentioned I could try. I am currently on a HIGH dose of Depakote and Welbutrine and I can't stand the weight struggles any longer. All of those bi-polar people out there know that sometimes when you get on that high manic part you think you don't need the med's anymore. I just can't decide what might work better...staying on my med's like I have for 6 years, or to get off of them and loose the weight and maybe that will take most of the depression away. Some of the responses were really helpful and I would appreciate anyone who could let me know if they have had a positive responce to an anti-depressant such as weight loss. I really hate the feeling when I stop taking my meds but I am at wits end here!
>
> Looking for a response, Jen ; )
Jen .....
i have been off my klono for about 6 months.I have not lost any weight at all. I wonder if this just screws up your metabolism for life. Also....having some life stress was disappoited that I had to take a KLONOPIN to get throughit.felt that old feeling of "PANIC" coming on.......I hate this!
Posted by Jen on July 23, 1999, at 23:05:57
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Klonogirl on July 23, 1999, at 22:09:50
Klonogirl,
Thanks for the info. I deceided that I would write down all the possible medications I could be taking and make an appointment with my doctor and see if any are a possibility to switch. So is it hard for you being off your med's and did you or your doctor decide when you should come off of them? Sorry for the personal questions, I just don't know if this disease is with me for the next couple years or for the rest of my life. Some people out there said that they got thier mood-swings undercontrol with med's and were able to eventually come off of them and live a DRUG FREE life. Wouldn't that be nice? You don't have to respond to those questions if they are too personal... thanks for the info again...
Jen : )
Posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 0:07:05
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Jen on July 23, 1999, at 23:05:57
> Klonogirl,
> Thanks for the info. I deceided that I would write down all the possible medications I could be taking and make an appointment with my doctor and see if any are a possibility to switch. So is it hard for you being off your med's and did you or your doctor decide when you should come off of them? Sorry for the personal questions, I just don't know if this disease is with me for the next couple years or for the rest of my life. Some people out there said that they got thier mood-swings undercontrol with med's and were able to eventually come off of them and live a DRUG FREE life. Wouldn't that be nice? You don't have to respond to those questions if they are too personal... thanks for the info again...
> Jen : )Well Jen .....I think he would have kept me on it for life. It was a quick $150 and a prescription. This Doc is one of :- ) the best in Chicago. I was on this for four (4!) years. At the time I needed this i was a mess.one panic attack after the next......very debilitating.I did not want to leave the house!
Butthe time i went off..my memory was so screwed up. I deceide that i wanted to go off and it took me about 6 months or more to do it! very slow process. Stress makes me get into a straglehold.and i reach for comfort.....KLONOPIN
I really have had only two bouts with taking some and have been able to keep myself on track most of the time. I dunno Jen......I am a fairly normal person i think. But i see other members of my family have similar or the same problems. Actually all three girls in our family. My mom....my neice...my adult son. It is strange. Good luck :)
Posted by Chrissy on July 24, 1999, at 6:38:15
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 0:07:05
Klonogirl:
I have severe anxiety but not necessarily panic attacks. I was put on Klonopin 2 weeks ago, but he wants me off of if cuz of the risk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. Chrissy
Posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 9:32:12
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Chrissy on July 24, 1999, at 6:38:15
> Klonogirl:
> I have severe anxiety but not necessarily panic attacks. I was put on Klonopin 2 weeks ago, but he wants me off of if cuz of the risk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. ChrissyChrissy.......
Neurotin was never offered to me. I have no idea how it works. I sure would NOT go on Klonopin. Yes it is addictive and yes it does work.....but the side effects are pretty major.
Check it out with your Doctor.
Good Luck....Klonogirl
Posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 9:38:26
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 9:32:12
> > Klonogirl:
> > I have severe anxiety but not necessarily panic attacks. I was put on Klonopin 2 weeks ago, but he wants me off of if cuz of the risk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. Chrissy
>
> Chrissy.......
> Neurotin was never offered to me. I have no idea how it works. I sure would NOT go on Klonopin. Yes it is addictive and yes it does work.....but the side effects are pretty major.
> Check it out with your Doctor.
> Good Luck....KlonogirlBTW Chrissy....
You can also have seizures from Klonopin.However you just have to go off this very slowly. That is what I did ..took over six months to get off of it. I was on this for four years! My doctor would have done this faster..but the idea of a seizure scare the .....of out me and I did it very sloowwwly.
Klonogirl
Posted by thewife on July 24, 1999, at 21:33:43
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 9:32:12
I am trying to help my husband because I understand psychopharm rather well.
He's a mood disorder nos/ADHD kind of guy, which means lots of irritability and no frustration tolerance, as well as energy levels that come and go, like gearing up when just sitting and talking. No off the wall mania. He's not a real garden variety bipolar I, I am suspecting a mixed state bipolar. Also history of grand mal seizures in high school, none for 30 years.
Depakote, Prozac, desiprimine, remeron and wellbutrin haven't done much, some of the ADHD responds to Dexedrine.
Next move is a better mood stabilizer. Doc wants to try Neurontin, but I am leaning toward Lamactil because of the antidepressant effects. Doc is scared of the rash phenomena. I like the anti-depressant effects.
Please forward any advice you might have. He took one of my son's risperdals this week in an effort to calm himself, a dumb move since it made him very tired and he fell asleep in a parking lot, fortunately after calling me.... and he lost a realllllllly good job last year.
While we're at it, any anecdotal advice yet on Topamax or tiagibine? The doc says Topamax makes you stupid, whatever that means.....Thanks.....
Klonogirl:
> > I have severe anxiety but not necessarily panic attacks. I was put on Klonopin 2 weeks ago, but he wants me off of if cuz of the risk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. Chrissy
>
> Chrissy.......
> Neurotin was never offered to me. I have no idea how it works. I sure would NOT go on Klonopin. Yes it is addictive and yes it does work.....but the side effects are pretty major.
> Check it out with your Doctor.
> Good Luck....Klonogirl
Posted by Craig on July 25, 1999, at 1:32:21
In reply to Re: mood disorders and the new anticonvulsants, posted by thewife on July 24, 1999, at 21:33:43
For what it's worth, I am Bipolar II and have some experience with Lamictal and Topamax. Although there is a small risk of the dreaded rash with Lamictal, the key to avoiding that is to gradually increase the dosage by only twelve and a half to 25 mg per week. (Invest in a razor blade because you'll be cutting those tabs in half sometimes.) My psychopharmacologist told me that he has several hundred patients (he's a busy guy) on Lamictal and only one developed a rash. That person stopped taking Lamictal and the rash disappeared without requiring any further treatment. So, your doc may be exaggerating the risk factor.
As to the antidepressant effect of Lamictal, my doctor reports a lot of success with his other patients, but it doesn't seem to be doing much for me. I'm only up to 200 mg (300 mg is when it usually begins to take affect) and have recently added 200 mg of Wellbutrin to the mix. The Wellbutrin gave me insomnia, so I'm also taking .5 mg of Klonopin and 5 mg of Zyprexa at bedtime. (If you like sleeping 10 hrs a night, try this combo.)
My experience with Topamax was rather disappointing. I agreed to take it along with Depakote because Topamax supposedly caused weight loss. After gaining 30 pounds on Depakote in only a couple of months, I was willing to try just about anything that would help me lose that weight. Well, the Topamax didn't have any effect on me so I ended up discontinuing the Depakote and switching to Gabitril. (When that didn't work, I began taking Lamictal.) Your doc's comment about Topamax "making you stupid" is something that more likely occurs at high doses. My doctor mentioned something about this side effect, but I've since forgotten at what dosage this might occur. It doesn't really make you stupid, but I remember him saying something along the line of some trouble with certain skills at high doses.
I hope your husband finds a combo that works. I think that's what everyone on this board is looking for.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Depakote, Prozac, desiprimine, remeron and wellbutrin haven't done much, some of the ADHD responds to Dexedrine.
>
> Next move is a better mood stabilizer. Doc wants to try Neurontin, but I am leaning toward Lamactil because of the antidepressant effects. Doc is scared of the rash phenomena. I like the anti-depressant effects.
>
> Please forward any advice you might have. He took one of my son's risperdals this week in an effort to calm himself, a dumb move since it made him very tired and he fell asleep in a parking lot, fortunately after calling me.... and he lost a realllllllly good job last year.
>
> While we're at it, any anecdotal advice yet on Topamax or tiagibine? The doc says Topamax makes you stupid, whatever that means.....
>
> Thanks.....
Posted by Ellen on August 8, 1999, at 6:12:30
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 9:38:26
> > CHrissy, I have beenn on Neurontin for a while now. I am now up to 3000mg, which is pretty high. I am no ecpert,but I can tell you from my own experience along with extensive research that I have had no luck with Neurton alone. I wAS REALLY hesitant about taking the Klonopin on a regular basis, but it works for me. and that's the bottome line. I take 2mg a day, spread out over the course of the day. Two of which are taken at night to help me sleep. I too suffer from sever anxiety along with our bipolar. The Neurontin has help in alot of ways, with anger and agitation, I am much calmer now. Talk to you doc and do as much of your homework as you can on your own. There is tons of onfo out there. NIH is a great place to start. Trust you own body and try not to go by what works for eveybody else. This is a tough sight in that we all want to know what everyone else experiences on dugs but yet I feel it kind of plants seeds in the minds of those just starting new drugs. Good luck to you! ELlen
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