Posted by renhnt on June 17, 2003, at 12:18:32
In reply to Re: Gabitril? » Viridis, posted by Ritch on June 17, 2003, at 10:13:07
> >I was just prescribed Gabitril this AM. I am still researching it before I take it. I was just diagnosed with bipolar spectrum along with OCD, PTSD, Panic Disorder, GAD, and an eating disorder. I was also prescribed Zoloft. I am so scared of side effects especially weight gain and lethargy. I would appreciate any information anyone could give me about these drugs. Thank you in advance.
I saw my pdoc today, we chatted about various things and verified that my Klonopin/Xanax (occasionally)/Adderall/Neurontin combo is working pretty well for depression, anxiety, and ADD, but I'm still prone to the effects of stress. He gave me a sample pack of Gabitril (tiagabine, 2 mg pills) and suggested I try it out -- apparently some of his colleagues have had good success with it, and he's thinking of trying it himself (interesting...a pdoc who actually takes these meds).
> >
> > He asked that I use it cautiously and let him know what I think. I've seen mixed reports here -- any suggestions/experiences?
>
> Hi Viridis,
>
> The last two or three visits my pdoc has brought Gabitril up. I wonder what is going on (recent article)? I *think* it is in phase II or III trials for GAD. I'm sure I saw that someplace. I've tried the stuff before (previous pdoc). I got switched from Depakote to Gabitril and started on a long and slow titration with it. At the time it came out the smallest tabs were 4mg, so I took 4mg hs, and then added 4mg in the day after one week. Continued to add 4mg/day/week, until I got to 12mg hs, and 8mg midday. Then when I went to 12mg bid, I got some pretty bad facial numbness and derealization and freaked out-stopped it. The things that were good about it---it definitely seemed to have a mild antidepressant effect---I didn't get angry or hostile or manic on it---I *seemed* to sleep better on it (although not as good as Neurontin). The BAD part (with any daytime dose), was a Topamax-like DAH, cognitive dulling, that was very disruptive at work. Even a single 4mg dose taken just before going to work would make me quite stupid. I might re-consider it, but only as an experiment at a low-dose at bedtime to see if it improves my sleeping.
>
poster:renhnt
thread:234506
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030614/msgs/234563.html