Posted by mtdewcmu on May 2, 2011, at 14:18:26
In reply to Re: PLEASE READ.Pro/con:Gabapentin-agitated depression, posted by Jmb2012 on May 2, 2011, at 13:07:59
> One thing that sprung to my obsessive mind is that Depakote and many other anticonvulsants are known to raise insulin levels causing hyperinsulinemia. This is thought to b a possible cause of weight gain and, potentially, hair loss-- seeing that excess Insulin raises testosterone which downstream can cause hairloss. Any one want to sound off on that? Also thinking neurotically abou medicine as I do, was wondering if metformin or even cinnamon, the first being s treatment for hyperinsulinemia , would help ameliorate the anticonvulsant Induced high insulin.
Interestingly enough, Depakote does seem to be capable of causing hair loss (alopecia). A quick way to check side effects is rxlist.com. Did you already know that, or were you predicting it from its effects on hormones? It seems a tad speculative to recommend an add-on, especially for a side effect that you have not yet demonstrated trouble with.
Thinking a little more about your situation -- if this latest trial does not do the trick, maybe you have been barking up the wrong tree with anticonvulsants. Gabapentin sounds like it is giving you an alcohol-like buzz. Anything that causes euphoria will tend to make your problems go away. However, I don't think that can be taken as evidence that you will respond to a non-euphoric anticonvulsant. Maybe you should go back to trying more standard psychiatric meds. I don't recall your exact symptoms, but it sounded like an anxiety disorder. There are other med classes that have better established records in anxiety disorders.
Real psych patient. Not a real doctor. Contact a real doctor for medical advice.
40mg citalopram, 20mg ish d-amphetamine, 15mg mirtazapine
poster:mtdewcmu
thread:984211
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110502/msgs/984359.html