Posted by BarbaraCat on July 13, 2004, at 13:57:09
In reply to Re: okay, here we go... (new cocktail) » chemist, posted by cpallen79 on July 13, 2004, at 12:13:49
I have my own very strong feelings on Lamictal, having come down with Stevens Johnson Syndrome rash and worse. Was sick, sick, sick for 5 weeks. It was not directly due to Lam, although I'm sure it predisposed and sensitized me to sulfa meds (where I'd never had a problem before) because I was getting weird little itches and skin sensitivities the whole time I was taking it, but ignoring those signs as I was looking for 'rash'. Lamictal is not an antianxiety by a long shot. It was activating at each new dose, although it did help with depression. But it did nothing for my agitation except to perhaps reframe the feeling into a 'buzz'.
I have had good luck on Gabapentin, although others may disagree. It's short acting and works on GABA receptors in a different manner than benzos. As long as I don't take it all the time I can get a very nice gentle relaxer from it at around 900mg.
Another thing worth trying is the amino acid L-Taurine. it's had good press as a mood stabilizer and I've found it to be very relaxing and helpful with bipolar symptoms. I take 2M twice a day (if you opt to try Gabapentin, don't take it at the same time since they compete). IMHO, anyone who is taking an antidepressant should consider taking a mood stabiliser. Potentiates their action and smooths the effect. I happen to LOVE lithium, but I'm probably in the minority. And don't hesitate to take a benzo when you really need one. The shorter half-lifers like Serax and ativan shouldnt' product any addiction problems. They won't leave you a smiling blissed out yogi, that's for certain, but they will take the edge off without worrying about developing a jones from them. Ativan is a very good benzo and will allow you to function so treat it like a security blanket. It's there if you need it and that's sometimes enough to take the edge off. - Barbara
> Hey Chemist,
> I went to my PDOC today! here's the new "cocktail" we are going to try.
>
> Luvox- probably get upt to around 200 MGS
> Trazedone- around 25 mgs
> Adderall XR- 5 mgs
> Ativan as needed
>
> I am reluctant to take ativan, but my PDOC is very concerned about my anxiety and agitation of course, both of have been major cornerstones of my depression. We've also discussed the posssiblity of using an anticonvulsant/mood stabilizer to help with anxiety and agitation. Lamitcal came up, I told her I'd consider it.... just gotta watch out for that pesky rash of course! :)
poster:BarbaraCat
thread:339744
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040712/msgs/365700.html