Posted by bob on January 28, 2002, at 22:18:08
In reply to Re: The Uniqueness of Lithium? » bob, posted by Chloe on January 28, 2002, at 21:47:37
> Burning scalp, yup, that was me. Hair can also dry out over time. Using a mild shampoo and deep conditioner can really prevent that, along with a good diet and LOTS of h2o.I'm very, very sorry you couldn't overcome the burning scalp. That really sucks.
> I found topamax to be intolerabe too. The numb/cold hands and feet was very disconcerting. I am sorry you still have this issue. Have you consulted a doctor about this?
I've told pdocs about it, but it's one of those things that seems to go right in one ear and out the other for them. You know, I've never heard mention of cold hands and feet in the Topomax side-effect profile list. I'm thinking may I should submit an FDA complaint.
> In terms of lithium (or any med!)and reports on the www, I would be very cautious. It is very easy to scare oneself. I didn't retry lithium for years because I read of all the horror stories about weight gain, hair loss, etc. And I had my own experiences of being on it for years in the eighties and having this horrendous hand tremor. I don't know how I managed, shaking like I did...But my retry on the ER formula was like a different, very effective med. Not at all what I remember or was rumored out there on the web.Yes, you're right... it is very easy to scare yourself. Sometimes it's my own experiences that scare me though. I had a very bad time on Anafranil, and now don't want to try any more tricyclics. I also had a life-threatening experience with Topomax, and don't want to touch anything like it anymore.
>
> I can see why you would be leery about try anything that would exacerbate you cold hands...But you know what they say, "Cold hands, warm heart?" But seriously, I think you have to weigh the benefits of some relief from mental torture and some uncomfortable side effects. And I guess we have to be hopeful that any adverse effects that do develop aren't permanent...But untreated mental illness can become permanent too. The brain seems to get intrenched into patterns of depression, cycling or anxiety or whatever your issues are. And digging yourself out from this state can be extremely difficult, if not impossible as time elapses.Yes... I think you have a point.
>
> And finally, imho, there is no "perfect" drug. In fact, you may find that you have to keep trying different agents as your illness/issues and metabolism evolve. I encourage you to try something to help you with your pain as soon as possible. Do you have a good pdoc to work with? I am sorry you are suffering...Well, that's definitely what I've been doing so far: trying different drugs as different symptoms arise. I definitely think both my illness and metabolism is evolving.
I'm sorry for any suffering you are undergoing also. Hopefully you are doing better than I.
Bob
poster:bob
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URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020124/msgs/91960.html