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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Emme on September 18, 2001, at 23:47:26
Chloe,
Haven't seen anything from you in a while and I was curious how things are going. Which meds are you trying now? I hope something is working well for you.
Emme
Posted by chloe on September 19, 2001, at 6:58:22
In reply to Chloe, how are things going?, posted by Emme on September 18, 2001, at 23:47:26
Hi Emme,
Thanks so much for asking. I am feeling really awful...Every med I try to manage my mood instability, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts I can't tolerate (I have BP2 and BPD).
I just retried Zyprexa, which worked nicely as an AD augmentor, but I immediately got revisited by TD symptoms. So after 6 days I had to stop it. So I am back to
1.75 mgs Celexa
400 mgs Neurontin
7 mgs ValiumI don't drink or smoke or self medicate. So I find that this cocktail just isn't enough for me. I am in constant emotional pain. My life and relationships have truly suffered. I am unable to do anything that is not completely absolutely necessary, and I have very little support network left, since I am so unstable I can't follow through with anything.
My pdoc doesn't have anymore ideas. She mentioned augmenting with Lithium awhile back, and now I am considering it. I just hate the jitteriness and frequent urination. But maybe I could get away with a sub therapuetic dose and not be so bothered by side effects. Is there any chance that Li could help me sleep and not feel so labile? One minute I am fine, the next so suicidal, I can't function. This is no way to live...But just this summer I have tried:
Geodon, Zyprexa, Topamax and Lamictal and they have all failed. I wish so much I could get by on the three I already take. But I feel like I am swirling in the bowl here...
Anyone have any suggestions???
Thanks so much for checking in Emme. You don't know how much that meant to me...
I hope you are doing ok:)
Chloe> Chloe,
>
> Haven't seen anything from you in a while and I was curious how things are going. Which meds are you trying now? I hope something is working well for you.
>
> Emme
Posted by Mitch on September 19, 2001, at 9:28:49
In reply to Re: Chloe, how are things going? » Emme, posted by chloe on September 19, 2001, at 6:58:22
> My pdoc doesn't have anymore ideas. She mentioned augmenting with Lithium awhile back, and now I am considering it. I just hate the jitteriness and frequent urination. But maybe I could get away with a sub therapuetic dose and not be so bothered by side effects. Is there any chance that Li could help me sleep and not feel so labile? One minute I am fine, the next so suicidal, I can't function. This is no way to live...But just this summer I have tried:
> Geodon, Zyprexa, Topamax and Lamictal and they have all failed. I wish so much I could get by on the three I already take. But I feel like I am swirling in the bowl here...
> Anyone have any suggestions???Hi Chloe, you might consider the lithium at just 300mg at bedtime with your other meds and see how it goes. I don't want to wind up taking it again, but that is a possibility for me as well. Oh, here is another thought, you might want to consider thyroid hormone augmentation with it-levothyroxine (T4), it is supposed to help suppress rapid-cycling. Hope you get better, you don't sound as distressed as when you were going through Topamax and Lamictal and the AP's.
Mitch
Posted by chloe on September 19, 2001, at 17:59:14
In reply to Re: Chloe, how are things going? » chloe, posted by Mitch on September 19, 2001, at 9:28:49
Mitch,
I don't remember how awful I felt when I stopped my last meds, but since stopping Zyprexa I have been on a terrible rollercoaster. I think I am going to be fine, then I am suicidal again. I think I am now feeling so low because I don't really think i have any decent options left...and I can't sleep. I toss and turn and just get up around 5am. No day should last so long, esp. when I feel at the end of my rope.Without AD augmentation, I don't have the energy to increase my support system. My world is getting so small...I had to stop my saturday job and I am just so isolated.
But I don't have much hope for Li (I have vivid memories of the tremor, and not just in my hands, restlessness and hypoglycemic attacks, ugh), and I am afraid to fool around with my thyroid.
Do you have any opinion about the smallest dose (125mgs)of Depakote? I really need to sleep SOUNDLY and not be so labile (and suicidal). If I remember right, Dep would give me these really strange dreams...(and hair loss!) Aren't you taking Dep? Do you have any insight on this med for sleep, cycling, ruminating, etc?Ho hum. Somehow I have to get out the door for a walk. Hopefully tonight I can resist the urge to cry most of the way. Thank heavens it get dark early now so no one has to witness that!
thanks for any thoughts Mitch and others!
Chloe
Posted by Emme on September 19, 2001, at 21:31:27
In reply to Re: Chloe, how are things going? » Emme, posted by chloe on September 19, 2001, at 6:58:22
I am sorry you are so miserable. Can you tolerate higher doses of any of your current meds? It takes so much stamina to try different meds, think about them, try to keep your life going. If your doctor is out of ideas, can you get a second opinion? An extra viewpoint never hurts. My four-day experience with Li knocked me out. If I decide to try again, it'll have to be a *much* lower dose. Like much lower than 150 mg.
As for me, well, I could be better. It's taking most of my energy to try to get *something* done at work, pay bills, appear socially responsive. sigh. One week into Gabitril.
I will keep my fingers crosse that you get some relief.
Emme
> Hi Emme,
> Thanks so much for asking. I am feeling really awful...Every med I try to manage my mood instability, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts I can't tolerate (I have BP2 and BPD).
> I just retried Zyprexa, which worked nicely as an AD augmentor, but I immediately got revisited by TD symptoms. So after 6 days I had to stop it. So I am back to
> 1.75 mgs Celexa
> 400 mgs Neurontin
> 7 mgs Valium
>
> I don't drink or smoke or self medicate. So I find that this cocktail just isn't enough for me. I am in constant emotional pain. My life and relationships have truly suffered. I am unable to do anything that is not completely absolutely necessary, and I have very little support network left, since I am so unstable I can't follow through with anything.
>
> My pdoc doesn't have anymore ideas. She mentioned augmenting with Lithium awhile back, and now I am considering it. I just hate the jitteriness and frequent urination. But maybe I could get away with a sub therapuetic dose and not be so bothered by side effects. Is there any chance that Li could help me sleep and not feel so labile? One minute I am fine, the next so suicidal, I can't function. This is no way to live...But just this summer I have tried:
> Geodon, Zyprexa, Topamax and Lamictal and they have all failed. I wish so much I could get by on the three I already take. But I feel like I am swirling in the bowl here...
> Anyone have any suggestions???
> Thanks so much for checking in Emme. You don't know how much that meant to me...
> I hope you are doing ok:)
> Chloe
>
> > Chloe,
> >
> > Haven't seen anything from you in a while and I was curious how things are going. Which meds are you trying now? I hope something is working well for you.
> >
> > Emme
Posted by Mitch on September 19, 2001, at 23:50:42
In reply to Re: how to hang on with few acceptable meds... » Mitch, posted by chloe on September 19, 2001, at 17:59:14
> Do you have any opinion about the smallest dose (125mgs)of Depakote? I really need to sleep SOUNDLY and not be so labile (and suicidal). If I remember right, Dep would give me these really strange dreams...(and hair loss!) Aren't you taking Dep? Do you have any insight on this med for sleep, cycling, ruminating, etc?
>Chloe,
Yeah it is good for sleep. I stopped the Depakote though because I starting getting left hand resting tremor from it (again-but this time at a lower dose than the last time) and my left eyelid was fluttering-everything on the left side!
I swear I have got structural brain damage in my right temporal lobe or something, maybe I will get a scan done soon.
The Depakote got replaced by a microdose of Remeron (2-2.5mg) at bedtime and I feel a lot better. I definitely sleep SOUNDLY, no doubt about that-have to set the alarm to get up or forget about getting to work on time! Another thing I notice is that it counters the restlessness from the microdose of SSri I take as well. We are both on similar meds, maybe a tiny chunk of Remeron at bedtime added to your Neurontin, Valium, and tiny chunk of Celexa could work out for you as well?? The Remeron is also a 5HT-2c antagonist like the atypical antipsychotics like Geodon and Zyprexa, but doesn't have the dopamine antagonist activity which can cause TD. They have also found that Remeron can help people that have tremors and parkinson's. Who knows?
Ask your pdoc what she thinks,
good luck,
Mitch
Posted by chloe on September 20, 2001, at 18:26:20
In reply to Re: Chloe, how are things going?, posted by Emme on September 19, 2001, at 21:31:27
Emme,
I had a horrible suicidal/dissociative crash for the third day in a row since stopping Zyprexa. I can't keep going like this. Relationships can't stand up to this kind of abuse. How many times can I say "I am sorry." I was so desperate today, I wanted to check in to a hospital. Something that hasn't been necessary in over a decade.When I called my pdoc, she insisted on Li, and not a small dose I had in my mind. 300 mgs lithobid ER to build up to 600. She told me that the ER version is a more consistant blood level of the med, and that I shouldn't get the harsh spike of med that can cause the awful tremor.
Right now, I am just so glad to have something that might keep me from diving into the depth daily. I have had a lot of disappointments with my family of late. And I just can't tolerate my experience. it's too painful for me to feel too much. I just splinter and get angry over nothing and dissociate and ruminate about my demise. I am so amazed I am able to write about my day. I thought it was my last. But I have popped back into reality for the evening...
Anyway, enoough about me, I have not heard much about Gabitril. When I heard it had activating properties, my mind closed on it. Activating=anxiety in my book. Could you tell me exactly what it is, and what your experience of it is?
You are so right, about how hard it is to try new meds, and keep your life and ducks in a row. It is so hard to hide mental illness. I know I am not keep up such a good front these days...But at least I know how Li affects me. It's almost like I know what to expect, so I am not so worried.
Please take care
Chloe
Posted by chloe on September 20, 2001, at 18:46:12
In reply to Re: how to hang on with few acceptable meds... » chloe, posted by Mitch on September 19, 2001, at 23:50:42
Mitch
It is amazing how sensitive you are to side effects. I can totally relate to your plight, even with the small doses. Maybe that scan would be a prudent idea.Though I am glad you found a good substitute. I like how your pdoc thinks...microdoses. I tend to just take the small amounts, though my pdoc thinks I could take me. But I really feel too depressed if I take more Valium, for instances. Or if I go up on the neurontin, I find absolutely no benefit. In fact, I get really dry skin and I don't sleep as well. I am sleepy, but don't sleep. Figure that one out.
I am sure you read the post above, I did have to start Li. I am really hoping for the best on this one...No tremor so far! But it's only been 4 hours! Ha I just have to have something to stop this diurnal variation. I got up feeling pretty good this morning, but by afternoon, the rage and depression ascended again. Now that it is dark, and I have some hope that I am taking a mood stabiler, I feel able to go on.
In terms of Remeron, i wish I could take it. I does seem like the 5 HT-2c is useful for me. But the appetite increase really annoys me...I found on Zyprexa, that I was really hungry, but has NO desire to eat anything. Nothing appealed (anhedonia???). So I just thought about food, but didn't eat too much of anything. It really messed with my head. I am not anxious to repeat that with Remeron. But the sleep would be ever so welcomed. Has your appetite changed?Thanks, Mitch
Chloe
Posted by Mitch on September 20, 2001, at 23:37:44
In reply to Re: how to hang on with few acceptable meds... » Mitch, posted by chloe on September 20, 2001, at 18:46:12
> In terms of Remeron, i wish I could take it. I does seem like the 5 HT-2c is useful for me. But the appetite increase really annoys me...I found on Zyprexa, that I was really hungry, but has NO desire to eat anything. Nothing appealed (anhedonia???). So I just thought about food, but didn't eat too much of anything. It really messed with my head. I am not anxious to repeat that with Remeron. But the sleep would be ever so welcomed. Has your appetite changed?
>
> Thanks, Mitch
> ChloeChloe,
I have tried Remeron before, and we went through "the more is less sedative" thing and it didn't work out. Well, this time it got retried again and I blanked out at work so bad for several days-I am now just discovering all of the mistakes I have made and fortunately nothing catastrophic has ocurred. So, that is when I started exploring the microdose idea mainly for sleep. It seems to be working ok thus far. I can sleep a solid 8 hours and by the time coffee gets in me and I have to start thinking I can handle it fairly well. Yes, without a "microdose" of SSri in with the Remeron I would be eating probably nonstop (the SSri has an appetite suppressant effect for me). Without that to counterbalance it I would be "grazing" (as someone else here aptly put it) in the refrigerator uncontrollably. There is another hidden benefit the Rem. has and that is it seems to suppress acid reflux at nite while I am sleeping, so that is a plus. It just seems that Rem. is like several drugs in one, and unfortunately most people don't need all of those! Serzone at bedtime was the best AD for sleep without making me a zombie the next day (just taking it at bedtime-small dose), but it got me to itching a lot-always a fly in the ointment! Good luck with your lithium trial. I know what you mean about you know what to expect with it. The one thing that is good about Li is that you can get better mood stability and tends to lift depression too and you don't have to worry about drastic, bizarre side effects, just chronic stuff that is annoying.
keep us posted,
Mitch
Posted by Emme on September 21, 2001, at 14:26:17
In reply to Re: Chloe, how are things going? » Emme, posted by chloe on September 20, 2001, at 18:26:20
Hi Chloe,
Ooh, you are really taking a horrible beating with so much mental anguish. Hang on as tight as you can and I'll keep you in my thoughts, as I'm sure many others on this board will also. I hope that the Lithium will help. Quickly. Let me know how it goes. It's good that you were able to muster up the concentration to write. Wish I had more profoundly helpful things to say.
Gabitril is one of the newer anticonvulsants. My doctor says it has a pretty benign side effect profile. I'm still working my way up with it, so I don't think I'm at a fully therapeutic dose yet. I'll reserve judgment for another week or so. I'm also still on Trileptal, which is sedating for me and I feel really tired. I'm hoping to ditch the Trileptal soon. If I feel too activated from the Gabitril I'll try to balance it out with Neurontin and Klonopin. All very uncertain right now. I really hope I feel better enough physically to exercise soon.
Feel better soon.
Emme
> Emme,
> I had a horrible suicidal/dissociative crash for the third day in a row since stopping Zyprexa. I can't keep going like this. Relationships can't stand up to this kind of abuse. How many times can I say "I am sorry." I was so desperate today, I wanted to check in to a hospital. Something that hasn't been necessary in over a decade.
>
> When I called my pdoc, she insisted on Li, and not a small dose I had in my mind. 300 mgs lithobid ER to build up to 600. She told me that the ER version is a more consistant blood level of the med, and that I shouldn't get the harsh spike of med that can cause the awful tremor.
>
> Right now, I am just so glad to have something that might keep me from diving into the depth daily. I have had a lot of disappointments with my family of late. And I just can't tolerate my experience. it's too painful for me to feel too much. I just splinter and get angry over nothing and dissociate and ruminate about my demise. I am so amazed I am able to write about my day. I thought it was my last. But I have popped back into reality for the evening...
>
> Anyway, enoough about me, I have not heard much about Gabitril. When I heard it had activating properties, my mind closed on it. Activating=anxiety in my book. Could you tell me exactly what it is, and what your experience of it is?
> You are so right, about how hard it is to try new meds, and keep your life and ducks in a row. It is so hard to hide mental illness. I know I am not keep up such a good front these days...But at least I know how Li affects me. It's almost like I know what to expect, so I am not so worried.
> Please take care
> Chloe
Posted by chloe on September 21, 2001, at 18:46:39
In reply to Re: how to hang on with few acceptable meds... » chloe, posted by Mitch on September 20, 2001, at 23:37:44
Mitch,
Serzone hs might be a thing for me to retry. when I tried serzone as an AD I had a hard time with lability and irritability. And I couldn't get anywhere near 300 mgs. I was too hard to live with! But maybe 25 mgs would be enough?
I have tried Trazadone for sleep and always just feel horrible in the am. My mouth is dry and my heart is pounding out of my chest, and I don't feel rested...though I am thinking of giving it another try if my inability to sleep drags on...I am quite energized from the Li. I was really hoping to get "knocked out" a bit. But nothing seems to have that effect on me lately. I am hoping it's a start up thing. But, I think this may be a permanent feature. Boy, I hope not. But hey at least I am not suicidal today.
Thanks for all your great support.
Chloe
Posted by chloe on September 21, 2001, at 19:06:08
In reply to Re: Chloe, how are things going? » chloe, posted by Emme on September 21, 2001, at 14:26:17
>
> Gabitril is one of the newer anticonvulsants. My doctor says it has a pretty benign side effect profile. I'm still working my way up with it, so I don't think I'm at a fully therapeutic dose yet. >I'll reserve judgment for another week or so. I'm also still on Trileptal, which is sedating for me and I feel really tired. I'm hoping to ditch the Trileptal soon. If I feel too activated from the Gabitril I'll try to balance it out with Neurontin and Klonopin. All very uncertain right now. I really hope I feel better enough physically to exercise soon.Hi Emme,
Thanks so much for keeping me in your thoughts. I am feeling quite a bit better today in terms of depression. Thank heavens!
I know how difficult it is to be patient waiting to see if a med is going to be a good "fit." I, too, was on Trileptal for about 5 months. It was a little activating, especially when I added a dab of Celexa. I found it was difficult to sleep soundly at night. But, I couldn't get beyond 600 mgs because I developed crippling dry skin. So I kept trying to shave the dose so some oil would return to my skin. But at 300 mgs, I still had sore skin and hair, and mood instability, so I switched to Topamax, then lamictal, which both caused me too much anxiety. That's when I tried Geodon, and later Zyprexa, which both worked, but gave me TD, so those went on the heap. So I was left with Neurontin as my mood stabilizer, and I realized first hand how ineffective it is on it's own for me.
Anyhow, I said all that to say, that I can relate to how hard it is to try out meds. And do hope Gabitril is the one for you. I do hope it does continue to have that "benign" side effect profile for you. And of course, good effect!
Keep your courage up, and keep up posted
Chloe
Posted by Mitch on September 21, 2001, at 23:36:15
In reply to Re: how to hang on with few acceptable meds... » Mitch, posted by chloe on September 21, 2001, at 18:46:39
> Mitch,
> Serzone hs might be a thing for me to retry. when I tried serzone as an AD I had a hard time with lability and irritability. And I couldn't get anywhere near 300 mgs. I was too hard to live with! But maybe 25 mgs would be enough?
> I have tried Trazadone for sleep and always just feel horrible in the am. My mouth is dry and my heart is pounding out of my chest, and I don't feel rested...though I am thinking of giving it another try if my inability to sleep drags on...
>
> I am quite energized from the Li. I was really hoping to get "knocked out" a bit. But nothing seems to have that effect on me lately. I am hoping it's a start up thing. But, I think this may be a permanent feature. Boy, I hope not. But hey at least I am not suicidal today.
>
> Thanks for all your great support.
> ChloeHi Chloe-no problem,
Oh, about Serzone-I found that 25mgs at bedtime (NOT during the day, thank you please!), worked quite well-maybe if you feel too wired from the Celexa and the Lithium combo. perhaps 300mg lithium+ 25mg Serzone (instead of the Celexa) at bedtime with Neurontin and diazepam PRN would do?
Mitch
Posted by chloe on September 22, 2001, at 17:05:53
In reply to Re: how to hang on with few acceptable meds... » chloe, posted by Mitch on September 21, 2001, at 23:36:15
> Oh, about Serzone-I found that 25mgs at bedtime (NOT during the day, thank you please!), worked quite well-maybe if you feel too wired from the Celexa and the Lithium combo. perhaps 300mg lithium+ 25mg Serzone (instead of the Celexa) at bedtime with Neurontin and diazepam PRN would do?
Mitch
Thanks for your replies here and the Li thread, you are a friend indeed. I am in the process of try to reach the ol' pdoc, but it's the weekend, and getting a time to talk before monday is unlikely.
I did cut my Celexa dose in half today, and actually managed to sit still, and feel a little sleepy...Though that may be related to getting no quality sleep, night after night. And I only drank half of my precious one cup of coffee before work as well. that makes me sad, because I love that bit of caffeine. It *usually* makes me feel like life is worth living. But when I wake up with my nerves fried and body pulsing, coffee would probably push me over the edge.How are you are managing with the change in light and seasons? I have noticed that, constrary to what I would guess, I want to sleep less not more. When it was so bright and sunny all summer, I couldn't get up and be at work by 9:30am, so I had to quit my job. These past few weeks it's been very easy to get up so I resumed my satuday job today. I guess the Li got me out of a rut, because I got a call thursday to work, and I felt good enough to say yes. How could it work so damn fast...And why isn't it knocking me out, like it's known to do?
Anyway, thanks,
C
Posted by Mitch on September 22, 2001, at 17:32:21
In reply to Re: how to hang on with few acceptable meds... » Mitch, posted by chloe on September 22, 2001, at 17:05:53
> How are you are managing with the change in light and seasons? I have noticed that, constrary to what I would guess, I want to sleep less not more. When it was so bright and sunny all summer, I couldn't get up and be at work by 9:30am, so I had to quit my job. These past few weeks it's been very easy to get up so I resumed my satuday job today. I guess the Li got me out of a rut, because I got a call thursday to work, and I felt good enough to say yes. How could it work so damn fast...And why isn't it knocking me out, like it's known to do?
> Anyway, thanks,
> CHi,
I *love* the reduced light right now. It is mainly the cooler temps that make me feel better. I am finally pulling out of my midsummer's depression episode. Things should be okeedokee until mid November and then the "sleeping sickness" hits and I just can't seem to get enough sleep and HUNGRY, too! It is a hibernation thing I am certain.Lithium is the *only* mood stabilizer I have tried thus far (out of several) that I can half-ass trust on its own to keep me going. I never got any kind of "knocked-out" feeling from it unless I took 600mg at bedtime or something like that. I also get a fairly rapid AD response to it as well (within a few days). Maybe you can hold onto the 300mg dose with your other meds and let it play out. I have found in the past it can take a month or so before you start feeling "settled down" with it.
good luck,
Mitch
Posted by Emme on September 22, 2001, at 20:40:36
In reply to Re: Chloe, how are things going? » Emme, posted by chloe on September 21, 2001, at 19:06:08
Hi Chloe,
Thanks for the kind thoughts. I am really glad to hear you're doing better! Maybe I should rethink trying Li myself.... Interesting that the topomax and trileptal were activating for you - they are sedating for me. Was the TD you developed on Geodon and Zyprexa permanent? (I hope not.)
I just really don't feel all that well physically, and for some reason I'm having a hard time putting my finger on *what* feels wrong and *how* I feel odd. but want to give it a little time, a few more days, to see how my body adjusts. Moodwise, I'm better than when I'm less medicated, so the trileptal and gabitril are doing something useful. It's just still unclear about whether I can tolerate them.
Emme
>
> >
> > Gabitril is one of the newer anticonvulsants. My doctor says it has a pretty benign side effect profile. I'm still working my way up with it, so I don't think I'm at a fully therapeutic dose yet. >I'll reserve judgment for another week or so. I'm also still on Trileptal, which is sedating for me and I feel really tired. I'm hoping to ditch the Trileptal soon. If I feel too activated from the Gabitril I'll try to balance it out with Neurontin and Klonopin. All very uncertain right now. I really hope I feel better enough physically to exercise soon.
>
> Hi Emme,
> Thanks so much for keeping me in your thoughts. I am feeling quite a bit better today in terms of depression. Thank heavens!
> I know how difficult it is to be patient waiting to see if a med is going to be a good "fit." I, too, was on Trileptal for about 5 months. It was a little activating, especially when I added a dab of Celexa. I found it was difficult to sleep soundly at night. But, I couldn't get beyond 600 mgs because I developed crippling dry skin. So I kept trying to shave the dose so some oil would return to my skin. But at 300 mgs, I still had sore skin and hair, and mood instability, so I switched to Topamax, then lamictal, which both caused me too much anxiety. That's when I tried Geodon, and later Zyprexa, which both worked, but gave me TD, so those went on the heap. So I was left with Neurontin as my mood stabilizer, and I realized first hand how ineffective it is on it's own for me.
> Anyhow, I said all that to say, that I can relate to how hard it is to try out meds. And do hope Gabitril is the one for you. I do hope it does continue to have that "benign" side effect profile for you. And of course, good effect!
> Keep your courage up, and keep up posted
> Chloe
>
Posted by chloe on September 22, 2001, at 21:41:49
In reply to Re: how to hang on with few acceptable meds... » chloe, posted by Mitch on September 22, 2001, at 17:32:21
Mitch,
I think you are right about waiting it out, and seeing what happens. Just reducing the Celexa made a huge difference, plus upping the benzo and neurontin...(I guess that's not really waiting...that's tinkering)I am learning that: All that is really consistant with me is my inconsistancy. I wish my moods were more "predictable" like you describe yours. Hey, maybe some day, right!
Thanks for helping though yet another med addition. I should know by now, everytime I add something with an AD effect, I am going to have some pretty serious activation and anxiety. I should just batten down the hatch until that passes in a few days...Hum, hashing it out here is really beneficial to me. I appreciate your knowledge, willingness to share and timely responses.
Enjoy the cooler temps and improved mood, etc!
Chloe
Posted by chloe on September 22, 2001, at 21:57:46
In reply to Re: Chloe, how are things going? » chloe, posted by Emme on September 22, 2001, at 20:40:36
Hi Emme,
I am sorry you are not feeling so hot physically. I had alot of trouble feeling "well" on AC's over the years. Some even worked well as mood stabilizers for me, but I too, just didn't feel right. I find the side effects are extremely harsh, and would often get a cold or feel fluish with an adjustment of a dose, especailly with Tegretol or Trileptal for some reason.I hope you start to feel more like "yourself" soon and that the you can gradually adjust to the gabitril. Have you tried just going for a brisk walk or moving about a bit. Also hydrating yourself with plenty of water is also prudent especially if you are switching meds.
You mentioned retrying li. I wouldn't rule it out. I am rather suprised that the side effects are not as harsh as remember them 10 years ago. I think this may have to do with the extended release form. But other than some pretty strong AD effect and activation, I am not suffering from the usual tremor, etc. Who knew I would be able to tolerate it!!!
I hope I can stay on Li for a while and not have to make any more med changes! But my mood changes so much, I just can't count on anything like that at this point!
Wow, i am starting to ramble. Better head off to bed. Please take care and let us know how you are.
Chloe
This is the end of the thread.
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