Posted by Christ_empowered on October 31, 2011, at 20:42:25
In reply to UNSURE actions, what's up?, posted by b2chica on October 31, 2011, at 15:33:59
I don't know what to tell you. Gabapentin made me stupid as hell, and it increased my anxiety. The idea was for me to cross over from klonopin to neurontin. I ended up needing the Klonopin to counter the increased anxiety from the gabapentin.
I don't think neurontin is a mood-brightener. I mean, sedation+anticonvulsant action seems to usually equal potential drug-induced depression, just from what I've seen. Plus, from what I've read, neurontin was outperformed by placebo in a mood stabilizer trial. That's right: not only did the gabapentin not beat placebo, it was actually outdone by that magical panacea, placebo.
I don't know what to tell you in terms of medication selection. I'm a big fan on lamictal lately (it changed my life), so maybe that would help? I mean, its not the best thing for treating acute depression, but it can make depressive episodes less frequent and less severe, so that's something. For me, it also seems to counter agitation and (to a more limited extent) anxiety, which might prove helpful for you. And its a proven mood stabilizer.
Other than that, I don't know. Do you have time to pursue hobbies or spiritual activities? You have kids and a job and a husband, so I imagine your plate is pretty full, but if you could maybe find a way to work through some of your angst in a constructive (at least not destructive) way, then I think you might feel better over the long haul. Of course, I've also found that before I felt better because of my writing and spiritual path, I felt *worse* for a little bit. That could just be me, though--some people feel better ASAP.
Also, you might want to look into Orthomolecular Psychiatry. I'm not trying to turn you into me or anything, but the Orthomolecular protocol--especially the emphasis on high dose niacinamide and vitamin c--has really helped me out. I don't freak out as much, my hallucinations are less intense, and I don't have as many negative reactions to medication. I also seem to require less medication, which drives down overall costs (even factoring in all the $$$ spent on vitamins).
I hope you find something that works for you. Oh, another thought just popped into my brain--meditation. I can't do it, but lots of people swear by it. I think the latest "thing" is mindfulness meditation, but I'm sure you could find some technique that suits your personality and spiritual inclinations.
poster:Christ_empowered
thread:1001309
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20111027/msgs/1001372.html