![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 150 to 174 of 182. Go back in thread:
Posted by morgan miller on October 26, 2010, at 10:41:47
In reply to Re: adding lamotrigine--Morgan Miller, posted by moongoo on October 26, 2010, at 5:30:40
> Please tell me what is dangerous about Lamictal. I take 200 mh for depression for bipolar and it seems to help but am very very worried about hurting my body.
How much is it helping? Does it help more than anything you've tried? What other medications have you tried?
I'm sure some people have taken Lamictal for years and been fine, or at least they couldn't feel any bad happening. The same goes with other psychiatric medications, including SSRIs. Some say that Prozac altered their brain for the worse permanently, while others have been on Prozac for 20 years and feel fine.
All I know is, Lamictal is one of those drugs that I often hear about people experiencing what appear to be fairly disturbing short term and long term negative effects, more so than most other medications. I said it earlier in this thread, it appears Lamictal can negatively impact something called Long Term Potentiation(LTP), something you don't want to mess with. It also depletes your body of folate, so you should be supplementing extra folate, and it should be in the form of l methylfolate(Metafolin). Metafolin may actually upregulate monoamine neurotransmitters, possibly contributing to a better antidepressant response to psychiatric treatment, especially treatments that are specifically geared toward depression. Another thing that concerns me about Lamictal is it was originally made as an anti-epileptic, not a mood stabilizer and especially not an antidepressant. Anti-epileptics are very very powerful drugs that do much more to our brains than target neurotransmitters and other things that play a role in depression(I know I know, antidepressants do other things than just target neurotransmitters). If you don't have epilepsy and your brain does not need a drug that targets the parts of your brain that may cause seizures, why would you take an ant-epileptic. Unless someone has exhausted all other possibilities and they found Lamictal is the only medication that relieves their depression without unwanted side effects, I think it's a bit extreme to be taking an ant-epileptic for depression. I know Scott takes Lamictal because he has tried everything in the toolbox and right now Lamictal is one of the few things that seems to help. This is a case where it makes sense to be on Lamictal.
Does your doctor suspect that you may be bipolar? If so, the use of Lamictal would make more sense, especially if you are suffering from bipolar depression, but not mania.
Posted by Hunk20 on October 27, 2010, at 4:16:32
In reply to Re: adding lamotrigine--Morgan Miller, posted by moongoo on October 26, 2010, at 5:30:40
i can tell you that.. you develop a nasty skin rash that is potentially fatal.
The skin rash is not rare at all.. many deal with it and have to discontinue.
F*ck those psych meds seriously.
Drink some green tea and take 5htp
Posted by Conundrum on October 27, 2010, at 10:05:50
In reply to Re: adding lamotrigine--Morgan Miller, posted by Hunk20 on October 27, 2010, at 4:16:32
I'm glad to becoming off the stuff. It hasn't helped and my memory is bad enough without any potential future insults from longterm lamictal use. I'm just taking a quarter of a 150mg pill now.
Posted by morgan miller on October 27, 2010, at 12:03:07
In reply to Re: adding lamotrigine--Morgan Miller, posted by Hunk20 on October 27, 2010, at 4:16:32
> i can tell you that.. you develop a nasty skin rash that is potentially fatal.
>
> The skin rash is not rare at all.. many deal with it and have to discontinue.
>
> F*ck those psych meds seriously.
>
> Drink some green tea and take 5htpHa ha..5htp is ok, but I think one one of the superior brands of SJW is a better long term treatment. I'd also add fish oil, moderate to intense exercise, yoga, meditation, proper diet, turmeric, Metafolin(upregulates production of monoamines), Lysine(assists in the production of tryptophan), therapy(individual and group), and social interaction.
I will say, I think there are psychiatric medications that work very well and do little harm. For me, Zoloft was one of those.
Posted by Hunk20 on November 10, 2010, at 1:51:47
In reply to Re: adding lamotrigine--Morgan Miller, posted by morgan miller on October 27, 2010, at 12:03:07
i am now planning to take omega 3, lithium orotate (240mg or 360mg), SJW (its in the mail), 50mg 5htp, and maybe 2.5mg NADH.
and i ordered nadh since i heard it has dopamine like effects, wich are what i need. i do however have to be very careful to not get too much of this "dopamine effect" since i am sensitive to dopamine. i do need some though.
Any opinions/experiences with NADH?
i recently saw a bloodtest and it turns out my testosterone is pretty low, wich may be the reason why i am deficient in dopamine.
Ill see a new doc, whom i will inform about everything i take. Maybe he can figure out why the testosterone is low and fix it. That way maybe ill have my dopamine level where it needs to be.
Maybe this fred is more suitable for the alternative forum. Can someone transfer it?
Posted by Hunk20 on November 10, 2010, at 1:55:05
In reply to omega3, SJW, Li Orotate, NADH combo, posted by Hunk20 on November 10, 2010, at 1:51:47
anyone heard of emotional blunting with one of those? especially lithium orotate?
Posted by Hunk20 on November 10, 2010, at 2:11:36
In reply to omega3, SJW, Li Orotate, NADH combo, posted by Hunk20 on November 10, 2010, at 1:51:47
oh i forgot metylfolate in the equation. I currently take metanx,
i heard deplin is supposed to be better...
opinions about that
Posted by Tomatheus on November 10, 2010, at 10:08:36
In reply to omega3, SJW, Li Orotate, NADH combo, posted by Hunk20 on November 10, 2010, at 1:51:47
> Any opinions/experiences with NADH?
Hunk20,
I've taken NADH. What I remember about my experience with the supplement was that I noticed a reduction in the severity of my depressive symptoms on the first day that I took it, but then after that I noticed little in terms of its effects on depression. I also noticed some cognitive impairment, which ultimately prompted me to discontinue the supplement.
I too like taking combos of supplements, but one of the problems with this approach is that if one of the supplements that you're taking is having unwanted effects, you won't know which one it is. It might be best to try the NADH alone or at least wait until you've been on your other supplements for a while before adding the NADH. That way, you'll know what it feels like to be on an omega-3 supplement with St. John's Wort and lithium orotate, and you'll be able to better recognize NADH's effects and side effects once you add it to your combo. I hope this makes sense.
Tomatheus
Posted by Conundrum on November 10, 2010, at 10:49:54
In reply to omega3, SJW, Li Orotate, NADH combo, posted by Hunk20 on November 10, 2010, at 1:51:47
Hi Hunk,
Nice name btw. lol.I have tried NADH and all it did for me was give me headaches, so watch out for that. So if you start all these at once and get a headache it might be from the NADH. I didn't notice any prodopaminergic effcts. I don't really seem to respond to drugs that increase dopamine anymore, so my experience is not the norm.
Posted by Conundrum on November 10, 2010, at 10:52:21
In reply to Re: omega3, SJW, Li Orotate, NADH combo » Hunk20, posted by Tomatheus on November 10, 2010, at 10:08:36
That is a good point. Except for the Omega 3, the supplements you are trying can have side effects just like drugs. So if you start them all at once you won't know what is doing what. Also with deplin, even though its methylfolate there are side effects like being tired all the time or trouble sleeping. SO i would start that on its own just like a drug.
> > Any opinions/experiences with NADH?
>
> Hunk20,
>
> I've taken NADH. What I remember about my experience with the supplement was that I noticed a reduction in the severity of my depressive symptoms on the first day that I took it, but then after that I noticed little in terms of its effects on depression. I also noticed some cognitive impairment, which ultimately prompted me to discontinue the supplement.
>
> I too like taking combos of supplements, but one of the problems with this approach is that if one of the supplements that you're taking is having unwanted effects, you won't know which one it is. It might be best to try the NADH alone or at least wait until you've been on your other supplements for a while before adding the NADH. That way, you'll know what it feels like to be on an omega-3 supplement with St. John's Wort and lithium orotate, and you'll be able to better recognize NADH's effects and side effects once you add it to your combo. I hope this makes sense.
>
> Tomatheus
Posted by Hunk20 on November 13, 2010, at 7:08:21
In reply to Re: omega3, SJW, Li Orotate, NADH combo, posted by Conundrum on November 10, 2010, at 10:52:21
I think i will see that doc pretty soon.. well talk about my fairly low testosterone levels as well.
Could be one of the sources of my depression. Thats exactly what i want to have checked out. Its more effective to treat a problem at the very root right? ;)
He seems to be a very competent guy and is into classic medicine as well as hollistic medicine, so thats good.
Hope well make some more useful discoveries in the "root of the problem" area.
Will keep u updated
Posted by Phillipa on November 13, 2010, at 19:34:35
In reply to Re: omega3, SJW, Li Orotate, NADH combo, posted by Hunk20 on November 13, 2010, at 7:08:21
Thanks Hunk and you sound so much better Phillipa
Posted by morgan miller on November 16, 2010, at 0:16:48
In reply to Re: omega3, SJW, Li Orotate, NADH combo, posted by Hunk20 on November 10, 2010, at 1:55:05
> anyone heard of emotional blunting with one of those? especially lithium orotate?
Emotional blunting can happen with any of them, but is probably more likely with lithium orotate.
Posted by Hunk20 on November 21, 2010, at 13:41:32
In reply to Re: NARDIL (Phenelzine) 4 weeks in » Hunk20, posted by jedi on May 11, 2010, at 18:53:44
I had a docs appointment yesterday and he took a look at my supps and checked dosages with me, he added a prescription med against candida as well as a good probiotic so i can digest raw food better.
Furthermore he put me on a fairly high magnesium dosage because a blood test showed that there is excess calcium in my blood.
He gave me a sublingual called dopaflo, wich contains phenylethylamine, phenylalanine and acetyl-tyrosine. This i can use carefully when i need concentration or a little extra drive.
He seems to be very competent and i think i am going to be more and more stable and healthy with his help.
I currently take about 100mg seroquel and thats it. Im weining myself of psychiatric drugs. No big guns anymore
Posted by Tomatheus on November 21, 2010, at 15:16:41
In reply to Re: NARDIL (Phenelzine) 4 weeks in, posted by Hunk20 on November 21, 2010, at 13:41:32
Hunk20,
I just wanted to wish you luck with all of your supplements and the medication that you're taking for Candida. Feel free to let us know how you're doing after a few more weeks on the supplements, or whenever you'd like.
Tomatheus
Posted by Hunk20 on November 26, 2010, at 10:16:36
In reply to Re: NARDIL (Phenelzine) 4 weeks in » Hunk20, posted by jedi on May 11, 2010, at 18:53:44
Hey guys.. unfortunately i am in a state of depression once again.
Im gonna see a psychiatrist again.
I got two questions.. one is i do have a fairly low total testosterone level and ontop of that low free testosterone. Im not sure if i should start testosterone replacement therapy.
That propably would totally take care of my low dopamine problem.
Then i had an idea how i can get a mild dopamine effect and that is the maoi selegiline. Since it irreversibly destroys maoi i figured i could dose it every other day or something like that and that way get a mild stable dopamine effect. Wellbutrin was too strong for me and i dont even want to start with the non-extended release form.
Right now im thinking to myself screw the bipolar diagnosis and try with a intelligent and mild antidepressant combo + lithium orotate and omega 3.
Any opinions?
Posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2010, at 19:00:42
In reply to Testosterone Replacement.. selegiline, posted by Hunk20 on November 26, 2010, at 10:16:36
Hunk discuss this with your doc as bipolar you just can't ignore? Phillipa
Posted by morgan miller on November 26, 2010, at 19:31:10
In reply to Testosterone Replacement.. selegiline, posted by Hunk20 on November 26, 2010, at 10:16:36
How old are you?
I'm all for testosterone replacement as long as it's being done by a doctor that knows what he is doing. The key is keep estrogen at the right level, this is how you avoid having problems down the line. I'm not crazy about the gels, I would go for injections. Do your research and find a good doc.
What are your symptoms again?
I have no problem with treating bipolar with just an antidepressant, especially if your going to take some lithium orotate with it. I took Zoloft for 7 years and was o.k., I'm bipolar I. If you are going to take lithium orotate, why not just take extended release lithium carbonate? It's really not much different. Don't believe all those claims of better bioavailability and efficacy at low non-toxic doses, they have not been substantiated.
Are you taking fish oil?
What antidepressants have you tried besides Wellbutrin? Sorry, I should go back and read your first post.
Posted by Hunk20 on November 28, 2010, at 3:36:10
In reply to Re: Testosterone Replacement.. selegiline » Hunk20, posted by morgan miller on November 26, 2010, at 19:31:10
Hey morgan,
im 21.. Im not sure about the Testosterone replacement. Its a pretty big interference with the body and being 21 means that there is plenty of time for a med to cause long term damage. Maybe, maybe very low dose of T, yes i could imagine that. I was wondering if herbs could help me with the T problem. Of course no quackery, i know that herbs can do damage, too. I tend to want to use only "half" of what doctors prescribe, because i think they frequently use big guns when slight adjustments are all that is needed.
I should list what im taking daily so you can get a picture:
Methylfolate, Metanx; 2 pills; (ca 6 mg methylfolate)
Omega 3, Nordic naturals ultimate omega, 4000 mg dha/epa, 4 tablets
Lithium Orotate, Advanced Research, 240mg, 2 tablets
Magnesium Glycinate 600mg
multi mineral
candida treatment
SJW new chapters serofin, 2 tablets, =1800 mg SJW flower extract, 540mg SJW flower supercritical extract. (thinking about going down to 1 tablet.
With this regimen my remaining symptoms are: Difficulty getting out of bed, slight lack of motivation, not overly social, emotional numbness/tired creativity, "spiritual sleepyness", lack of drive. All those symptoms are not severe but they exist. It sounds dopamine related to me.PS: I was thinking about going down on the serofin and take only one tablet to be on the safe side. I dont like this sunlight+SJW could mean f*ck*d eyes thing.
Adding meds i would say a mild serotonin agent and low dose of a dopamine agent. Low dose, and stable, even effects are the things im aiming for. Yes i need to talk with the pdoc about the one pill of SJW. But i dont think that its going to be a problem provided both is low dose.Meds History: I fried my brain with 45mg nardil. Psychotic, trip to the hospital.
The other cocktail that shot me way outta there was 360mg effexor + 150mg wellbutrin. This cocktail also contained some supps like methylfolin, 50mg 5htp etc.
@ Phillipa
I didnt mean ignore the bipolar tendencies but ignore some doctors recommendations on meds. Recommendations like "bipolar? ok here you go some mood stabilizers and antimanics". I need to be careful but i also dont need stabilized mysery, know what i mean?
Any thoughts/concerns?
PeaceHunk
Posted by morgan miller on November 28, 2010, at 12:46:26
In reply to Re: Testosterone Replacement.. selegiline, posted by Hunk20 on November 28, 2010, at 3:36:10
>With this regimen my remaining symptoms are: Difficulty getting out of bed, slight lack of motivation, not overly social, emotional numbness/tired creativity, "spiritual sleepyness", lack of drive. All those symptoms are not severe but they exist. It sounds dopamine related to me.
It could be dopamine related, but I've had some of those symptoms nearly completely wiped away by an SSRI.
>PS: I was thinking about going down on the serofin and take only one tablet to be on the safe side. I dont like this sunlight+SJW could mean f*ck*d eyes thing.
The danger to the eyes is not fully substantiated. If you absolutely love being able to go without sunglasses on sunny days, and you love the way it feels when the glaring sun hits your eyes, maybe giving up SJW completely is the right thing to do. I wear sunglasses on sunny days for the most part now so I'm not too concerned about SJW. I do miss having the sun hit my eyes for long periods of time, I feel like it was very stimulating in a good way. BTW, I take Serofin also and just doubled the typical dose(4 softgels a day). It's only been 2 1/2 days but so far I think I notice an improvement. I need to give it at least a week of course on this dose to see if it is making a difference. Have you thought about trying SC27 by New Chapter? It is mostly hyperforin, so you may not have to be as concerned about the phytotoxicity.
Yeah man, you are way too young to make the commitment to testosterone replacement. You should try more natural means, weight training being one of them. You should check out mindandmuscle.net and make a post in the neuroscience health and longevity forum.
Have you been on mindandmuscle or imminst before? I feel like I've heard a very similar case presented on one or both of those sites.
Morgan
Posted by Hunk20 on November 28, 2010, at 21:10:04
In reply to Re: Testosterone Replacement.. selegiline, posted by morgan miller on November 28, 2010, at 12:46:26
Thanks Morgan,
yeah i dont think i will do the T replacement. I certainly will keep track of my T levels and see if i can enhance them.. if anybody has ideas about how to do this (HEALTHY herbs/supps) please let me know. I already do quite alot of weight training so thats probably not it.
Thanks again for the recommendation about SC27, yes i do like to enjoy the sunshine and i live in san diego so.. ;) I will also check out mindandmuscle and imminist.
Anyone know a high quality multi mineral product? I ran out of mine.
Thanks and PeaceHunk
Posted by morgan miller on November 28, 2010, at 21:51:34
In reply to Re: Testosterone Replacement.. selegiline, posted by Hunk20 on November 28, 2010, at 21:10:04
You'll find some good suggestions for a multimineral on those two sites I mentioned.
I hope you can get back to feeling good again. You are sooooooooo young. Just try not to take your youth for granted. Try to focus on everything positive that comes with being young. I'm assuming you are in good health aside from the few things you are struggling with. If so, then you likely have a body that feels really good. That's something we take for granted when we are young. Please try not to do this, you will be better off. I wish I were 20 again. I would do so many things differently, things that may have helped me prevent being in the state I'm in now.
Morgan
Posted by Hunk20 on January 3, 2011, at 7:57:35
In reply to Re: Testosterone Replacement.. selegiline » Hunk20, posted by morgan miller on November 28, 2010, at 21:51:34
Posted by Hunk20 on January 6, 2011, at 17:08:30
In reply to trouble (nm), posted by Hunk20 on January 3, 2011, at 7:57:35
im at the end of my rope seriously.. family relations f*ck*d, im trying to get into a clinic
Im only destroying relationships walking around like that. People dont take me seriously anymore, i think about death like 2 hours a day, indecisiveness, submissive, socially awkward, psychotic and i sleep 13 hours with nightmaires.
Posted by Phillipa on January 6, 2011, at 21:29:10
In reply to Re: trouble, posted by Hunk20 on January 6, 2011, at 17:08:30
Hunk things are not going well? Still in the USA? What meds you taking now? Phillipa
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.