Posted by colin wallace on August 9, 2002, at 13:27:36
In reply to Re: Depakote Dismissal » colin wallace, posted by Ron Hill on August 9, 2002, at 10:58:57
> Colin,
>
> Sorry to hear that Depakote didn't work out for you. My suggestions (FWIW): Explore Lithobid (low dose, say 600 mg/day to start), Neurontin, and Lamictal. Or maybe, Lithobid (for mood stabilization) augmented with low dose of Neurontin (to reduce irritability).
>
> You are not currently taking any SAM-e, correct? (Please respond to this question.)
>
>
>Hi there Ron ol' pal!Yes, depakote was dashed on the rocks- good thing too, the lack of sleep was driving me scatty.
I've been med free now for three days, and it feels very strange as my poor harassed brain frantically tries to unscramble itself after years of being assaulted by AD's.My irritability has faded along with the last traces of chemicals, and although I feel flattened and mentally exhausted, it's a helluva lot better than a hyper agitated mixed state!
I don't actually feel that depressed either, but I'm not naive enough to suppose this will last.
My pdoc. has graciously assented to me trying out a low dose of lithium- starting at a mere 200mg, next week.
I'm really tempted to postpone things a while though, as I really couldn't handle being dragged under into another med.induced hades.
I'm beginning to think I'm better off med. free-for me at least, the risks seem less.We'll see.
As for sam-e (I think I mentioned this elsewhere, but I may have overlooked it)I was forced to drop it over a month ago- zoloft fired me into mania-orbit, and ever since that episode, sam-e has a tendancy to do the same.
I agree with your med. suggestions entirely, and lithium was the med. I asked for first off, as I went snarling and hurtling past Pluto.But whoever listens to patient input, eh?
Right now I'm sick to death of meds. and the misery they've caused me.Enough is enough I tells ya!
BTW, as I'm contemplating resurrecting some meagre form of social life, do(have) you ever drunk alcohol on lithium? Doesn't it exacerbate dehydration and cause monumental hangovers??!
Haven't had a beer in ages, and my imaginary girlfriend, Gertrude, says I need to get out more- even if that entails infidelity.
------------------------------------------Thanks for sharing the tale of your misdiagnosis and consequences Ron- I shudder to think what you went through (got up to?) whilst manic.
Hope the log cabin's coming along nicely too.Keep well and stay relaxed.Col.
poster:colin wallace
thread:115426
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020807/msgs/115824.html