Posted by SLS on July 18, 2005, at 10:37:24
In reply to Re: TRILEPTAL and DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION » SLS, posted by emme on July 18, 2005, at 8:49:37
Hi again.
> > I am still very angry that yet again, a drug has begun to work its magic and then pooped-out on me. I really didn't expect that to happen this time. I was so optimistic because I was responding to an anticonvulsant rather than an antidepressant.
> I was optimistic for you. I forget exactly how 1200 mg was going (I read posts and then instantly forget things - I have the short term memory of a gnat at the moment).I believe "memory of a gnat" is proposed to be a diagnostic criterion in the next DSM.
> Is this primarily the development of intolerable S/Es, or a poop-out therapeutically as well?
It is both. I was getting nothing from 1200mg after 10 days. I do try not to think in terms of days or weeks and more in terms of months when it comes to testing anticonvulsants. However, I think I made the right decision to reduce the dosage to 900mg. I received the most benefit while at that dosage.
> Which other ACs are left? Keppra was on the list, right?
Yup.
> Have you tried Zonegran?
Yup. It did nothing for me except produce quite a bit of fatigue and muscle weakness. I did find it activating at first, though. Lots of itching, particularly after showers.
> > I still consider my depression to be a manifestation of a bipolar diathesis.
> I think your situation is a similar to mine at the moment. Bipolar spectrum, depressed, anergic, brain fog...Do you find it difficult to begin moving? Do you sometimes find yourself to be statuesque and nearly rigid such that it takes a great deal of mental effort to initiate movement? Do you experience sadness, dysphoria, or depressed mood, or is loss of interest and motivation more evident?
> A while back you mentioned that it looks like the next DSM will have new categories of bipolar, including one that fits your situation. Do you have any references or links on proposed changes?I have come across literature from time to time describing various proposed diagnostic subtypes of bipolar disorder, but I can't remember where I saw them. You can try this Google search:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=%22bipolar+III%22+dsm&btnG=Search
Let me know what you come up with.
Be well.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:528465
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050718/msgs/529478.html