Posted by MB on January 7, 2002, at 0:18:50
In reply to Re: How long until Trileptal sleepiness goes away? » MB, posted by Elizabeth on January 6, 2002, at 22:47:30
> 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.)
I don't know what the pharmacokinetics are but what I know is that it's making my depression worse. I was dysthymic before starting, now I don't care if I live, really. Just when I feel like I'm starting to pull myself out of the depressed pit (to the relatively high place of dysthymia), it's time for my next dose, and within two hours after I take it, all ability to have any positive feeling whatsoever is erased. Plus, it makes my body feel like absolute crap. I worked up to 450mg, then back down to 150mg...all I know is that its all bad and no good for me. I flushed that crap down the f*cking toilet tonight. I started the SSRI this morning, and around 7 tonight I could feel the Trileptal wearing off and I was actually feeling positive and even excited about starting school tomorrow. Then I took my evening dose of Trileptal, and I've crashed into another depression...totally hopeless. It only took two hours for the grey miasma of dread and hopelessness to overtake me. I'm not taking that crap anymore.
> > 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?
They relax me with no side effects (unless I drink with them, then I dissociate). When I take them as prescribed they're great. Unfortunately, I'm in alcohol recovery (sober 2 years) so I'll have to try everything on the market before I'll be allowed to try a benzo. You know how it is.
> > 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?
When I heard that the doc wanted to try SSRIs (*again*) I was mortified (I hate them) but he assured me the AE would mitigate the agitation/rage/anxiety induced by the SSRI (which Im supposed to start after getting on the AE). Then once I'm on the SSRI, I'm supposed to be able to tolorate the Adderall without anxiety. All I know is that I have OCD symptoms and I'm told SSRIs are the only way to go with OCD. My experience with SSRIs is that after I'm on them about a year, I go into a state where I'd sleep 24 hrs a day if someone would let me. I figured the Adderall would help with that, also.So, I took Gabitril for two weeks, but it made my fingers numb, and I couldn't think or remember what was real or not, what day it was, where I was, etc. It was like a waking, depressed dream. The Trileptal was better, but the depression got so much worse on that stuff, and now, even at a lower dose, the finger numbness is comming back. I think I hate antiepileptics. The past month has been like a dream...memories hazy like a dream you had three nights ago...pieces missing, anachronistic sequencing...bla bla bla
> > > Good luck to you.
> >
> > Thanks, I'll need it...LOL
>
> Yeah, I know what you mean! I hope things work out sooner or later (preferably sooner)!
>
> -elizabeth
poster:MB
thread:88575
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020103/msgs/89138.html