Posted by Cindylou on November 11, 2001, at 14:10:02
In reply to Add lithium/valproate/something else for t.r. dep?, posted by Jenna S. on November 7, 2001, at 18:03:56
Hi Jenna,
Try Lamictal.I am VERY treatment-resistant -- have been on and off ADs, APs, stimulants, and tricyclics for two plus years now. ... all seem to make me worse, or work for a few days, maybe a few weeks, and then I crash ...
Lithium made me extremely drugged out and all I wanted to do was sleep.
Finally, things are starting to turn around with Lamictal. I believe it is fairly new out there. I am feeling more stable than ever .. and as others have said, my agitation and anxiety are becoming less severe, while my depression/exhaustion is getting better.
I hope you find the right med for you. From experience, I recommend at least trying Lamictal.
cindy
> My pdoc has suggested lithium or valproate to augment the bupropion I'm taking for depression. I don't know which one to try, I don't like the sound of either of them... can anyone offer opinions on what it is like to take them?
>
> I think lithium might make me more depressed, since I understood it to be more useful for mania, however my pdoc says it works well to augment antidepressants. Also I didn't know that valproate could be used for depression. I am not diagnosed with bipolar, but still I think a mood stabiliser might help me since my mental state is often apathetic and agitated at the same time. I have had very minor manic like reactions to some ADs before and to withdrawals as well.
>
> Because of the agitation I feel and generally not being able to think straight or concentrate very well, I asked if I could try Ritalin. I'll find out on Friday if he will give me that, I somehow doubt it, they don't like the idea of ADD here in the UK :-(
>
> I also asked about pramipexole, since I have never had a remission of anhedonia. I don't have much hope for getting that one either. So I will probably then have to choose between the lithium or valproate...
>
> Maybe I am being a little pessimistic about my pdoc, he is actually one of the nicer ones I've seen.
>
> Jenna
poster:Cindylou
thread:83461
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011104/msgs/83900.html