Posted by SLS on November 9, 2001, at 16:10:36
In reply to Re: Trileptal and topomax » Mitch, posted by Sue4 on November 9, 2001, at 15:34:23
> I've never been on Tegrotol, although I've been on Depakote. Side effects of weight gain and heart pains made me stop. I've been on Topomax for a long time and have been able to go up to 200 mg (slowly) w/o any apparent cognitive side effects...my pdoc thinks I cycle too much on addition of antidepressants (wellbutrin and prozac)and that the neurontin isn't really all that effective. Yet he thinks I could handle the antidepressants with the addition of another anticonvulsant.
I am extremely happy to hear that you have not suffered any cognitive impairments resulting from Topomax. Could you describe how you went about initiating treatment and the schedule you followed to increase the dosage? In what ways do you think Topomax is currently helping you.
Thanks.
> Have you tried Lamictal?? My Pdoc doesn't seem all that excited about that.
He should be. I try not to use the word "should" too often, but I think it is warranted here. Of all the anticonvulsants that are used as mood-stabilizers, Lamictal displays the strongest antidepressant properties. In fact, it has been known to cause mania. It has shown utility in both unipolar and bipolar depression, and is often successful in treating rapid-cyclicity when others drugs are not. It is generally well tolerated, and usually produces little, if any, cognitive side effects, although some people do experience memory problems at higher dosages. The biggest concern with Lamictal is that the dosage not be increased too quickly when beginning treatment. Some people develop a serious reaction (Steven's Johnson Syndrome) that includes a skin rash. However, many of these same people are able to successfully start all over again using the recommended dosing schedule.
I am currently taking 300mg of Lamictal. I have bipolar disorder. It is the only mood-stabilizer that helps me.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:83661
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011104/msgs/83702.html