Posted by tensor on November 26, 2009, at 8:48:59
In reply to Re: Lyrica and BZD discontinuation » tensor, posted by SLS on November 26, 2009, at 8:07:42
Thanks for the comprehensive explanation. So I guess it boils down to Lyrica and Trileptal then. Will be interesting to hear my pdoc's experiences with them. I did not actually find Lamictal to be antidepressant at all, it made me tired, but perhaps bacause of the clonazepam.
Perhaps Trileptal would be better in this aspect. There seems to be a lot of controversies surrounding Lyrica - many can't stand the s/e while some think it's like a sugar pill, the obvious advantage with Lyrica is the anxiolytic effect which is welcomed during a BZD discontinuation./tensor
> I know that both Trileptal and Lamictal block or stabilize voltage-gated sodium channels. However, where the two drugs differ is that Trileptal also potentiates GABA receptors. Trileptal also affects second messenger events. I don't think Lamictal does this.
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> It is important to note that Lamictal was developed and marketed as an add-on to other anticonvulsants. It was meant to combine with drugs like Trileptal. There is no reason why you could not combine them and take advantage of the mood-enhancing effect of Lamictal while taking Trileptal temporarily only during the time of BZD withdrawal.
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> I found Trileptal to have antidepressant properties. I experienced no side effects. The only caveat is that you need to be careful to check your electolytes every now and then. Trileptal can produce hyponatremia (too little sodium).
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> Perhaps you could start with the Trileptal and add Lamictal later if Trileptal is not adequately treating the depression.
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>
> - Scott
poster:tensor
thread:926916
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20091117/msgs/927030.html