Posted by Mitch on January 8, 2002, at 23:24:38
In reply to Re: Neurontin/MS's-Mitch, posted by Chloe on January 8, 2002, at 18:29:27
> > >What I am "lean" on is mood stabilizer.
>
> Mitch, ME TOO! Have you ever in your trials over the years tried verapamil? That one was recommended to me. But, I can't seem to tolerate any mood stablizers anymore. Even the "gentle" neurontin at 400 mgs is giving me the same problem they all do, intense scalp burning and hair pain.
>
> Though I don't really think Neurontin does anything as an MS, it's very good for keeping anger and frustration at bay. Just keeping things calmer. But I am desperate for something for my cycling. My pdoc wants to add back 75 mgs of Lithium. But I am not optimistic this small amount will help(because I really needed about 600 mgs of lithobid to feel a stabilizing, AD effect), AND I don't fancy the non-extended release formula. I have heard that people who have responded well to Li can also have good luck with Calcium Channel Blockers...
>
> Just wondering if you have had any experience with this one...
> Many thanks and glad you are doing well with the WB!
> Chloe
Hello Chloe,Nope, I must say I haven't dealt with either verapamil or nimodipine. You do realize that Neurontin blocks voltage-dependent calcium-ion channels *selectively* whereas the others are generally a shotgun with more side-effects? It really sounds like from what you have posted that Lithium has done you more good than anything else (without having to take AP's and deal with dystonia, etc.). You did say that your TSH went up when you were on Lithium and there was a delay from the time you felt better on the Li to the time you started to experience the scalp stuff. Just my opinion...but I think that if you simply started to add back the lithium (say 150mg/bedtime) AND a *little* thyroxine (T4) to compensate AND work those up together maintaining your TSH within normal levels but in the hyperthyroid "half" of the bellcurve (instead of the hypothyroid half), your skin might be more forgiving and might find your way back to 600mg/day of lithium with your Neurontin *without* the scalp trips...might be worth considering. An important note: I remember you mentioning your *DAD* saying something about how the Li positively helped you. That is an important thing when someone else notices an improvement (whether or not you are aware of it).
Mitch
poster:Mitch
thread:88843
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020103/msgs/89383.html