Posted by SLS on January 17, 2006, at 9:09:57
In reply to Re: Keppra for benzo taper and/or mood stabilizer... ? » SLS, posted by 4WD on January 16, 2006, at 22:03:42
Hi Marsha.
> Hi Scott,
>
> I'm glad to see you back.Thanks. I doubt I'll be posting that much, though. Burnout.
> I hope you've been gone because you've been feeling great and been out there having a good time.
That would be extraordinarily cool were that the case. I guess in some ways it is. I've been busy doing things like doing Christmas shopping with my girlfriend, breaking up with my girlfriend, and playing with a new digital camera. I think Keppra 1000mg has helped supply me with enough energy to go out and do a few things. The breakup has been a bit taxing, but, fortunately, it has not triggered a worsening of bipolar depression.
> My pdoc now thinks I have med-induced bipolar (just like you, because of a one time hypomanic dysphoric episode due to an increase in Celexa). (Although I've been having mixed states and some rapid cycling for a while now).
According to the literature, Lamictal is often mentioned as being a particularly good choice for rapid cyclers.
How severe was your mania? Was it more severe than hypomania? Did you become delusional or psychotic? Bipolar III (as your presentation might soon be designated) might be closer to bipolar I than bipolar II.
> I've just started Depakote.
I found Depakote to be extremely effective at treating the mania, but only intermittantly and mildly effective at treating the depression. Upon chronic administration, I found it to be somewhat depressogenic. Zyprexa might be a better choice if the Depakote does not exert enough of an antidepressant effect for you.
> I'm wondering whether Keppra might have been a better choice?
Me too.
> At far as I know, though, the Depakote should work more quickly.
I would agree with you at this point.
> If Depakote doesn't work for mood stabilization, does that mean Keppra likely wouldn't either?
The two drugs are extremely different. I don't think one can conclude what a person's reaction to one drug will be based upon their experience with the other.
> And is Keppra useful as an anxiolytic, as Depakote supposedly is?
I wish I could tell you for sure. At least I didn't find it to be anxiogenic. I don't suffer from a constant background anxiety, just some social anxiety. As such, I don't think I represent a good subject to represent Keppra's efficacy as an anxiolytic. I'll try to take note of my current level of social anxiety. Keppra does not affect directly GABA function as does Depakote. That does not, however, rule out the possibility that it does have a secondary effect as a pro- GABAergic. For all I know, it might work by limiting the amount of synaptic release of excitatory neurotransmitters rather than increasing the activity of inhibitory neurons.
> Sorry to inundate you when you've just stuck your toe back in the water.
No problem. :-)
Please don't take it personally if I make my way back to my beach chair now...
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:599782
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060115/msgs/599932.html