Posted by Elizabeth on January 6, 2002, at 22:47:30
In reply to Re: How long until Trileptal sleepiness goes away? » Elizabeth, posted by MB on January 6, 2002, at 9:44:45
> Well, things have changed since I've been on it a while. It seems that about two hours after a dose, I get really agitated and restless.
Hmm. I wonder if it's contributing to my sleep problems (I'm a long-time insomniac).
> For a while there, I was only sleeping 4-5 hrs a night.
I'd be grateful for that much!
> It seems that the sleepiness hits as my blood levels of the Trileptal start to go *down*.
I haven't read up on the pharmacokinetics of Trileptal -- when does the serum level start dropping again? (Also remember that things like this may not be the same with steady-state levels as with a single dose.)
> This is all I can figure since the sleepiness hits right before my next dose, and the anxiety and agitation return if I take more.
Sounds like maybe an in-between dose is what you need. Maybe you could divide the doses up more (e.g., taking it three times a day instead of two)?
> I'm taking it for rage attacks. I'm supposed to start Prozac for OCD and Adderall for ADD.
Jeez. Honestly, I think that the chances are that your symptoms are all due to one underlying disorder. Have you ever tried benzos (Klonopin maybe?), and if so, what effect did they have?
> Unfortunately, SSRIs make my anxiety and rage worse, and stimulants make my thoughts race so fast I "lose it" (and the anxiety on stims is absolutely, maddeningly unbearable).
Yeah, I'm not so impressed by the recommendation of SSRIs and stimulants for you! How do you feel about it? Do you think it will be okay? It seems like Trileptal isn't the answer, but maybe there's something else that will help (that's why I asked about benzos -- I'm thinking Klonopin maybe). Also, have you tried other anticonvulsants like Depakote, Lamictal, etc. for the rage attacks? And is there anything else you've taken that's helped with the rages?
> > Good luck to you.
>
> Thanks, I'll need it...LOLYeah, I know what you mean! I hope things work out sooner or later (preferably sooner)!
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:88575
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020103/msgs/89130.html