![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 24 to 48 of 60. Go back in thread:
Posted by Hattree on March 26, 2002, at 11:59:22
In reply to Re: Lamictal problems already -- any advice?, posted by Bekka H. on March 22, 2002, at 20:31:30
Still on Lamictal and Neurontin (and stimulants), still off Zo. I take one 300mg neurontin once or twice during the day, sometimes 600mg if anxious, and 600 at bedtime. You might want to get some 100mg caps to start. The first night I took 100mg and felt very relaxed and floaty. That passes, tho.
Posted by Hattree on March 26, 2002, at 12:04:05
In reply to Re: Emme- Mirapex for Prozac induced fatigue » Peter S., posted by Cindylou on March 26, 2002, at 10:59:32
I was wondering how you were doing. I think Neurontin is a great choice for the med-sensitive.
Posted by Cindylou on March 26, 2002, at 21:07:19
In reply to Re: Lamictal - bekka, hattree, emme, jane, etc. , posted by Cindylou on March 24, 2002, at 14:55:24
Hi everyone,
I've been following some of the threads about SAMe ... was wondering if any of you have tried it, or know any reason why NOT to try it (especially while on Lamictal) ... We all seem to have similarities in our med reactions, so was just curious if you've tried SAM-e, or have any information on it.It sounds very tempting from the threads I've been reading, but I have learned the hard way that
these things are often too good to be true...Thanks for your help. Hope you are all doing well!
cindy
Posted by Bekka H. on March 26, 2002, at 23:32:58
In reply to Re: bekka, hattree, emme, jane, etc. - SAMe?, posted by Cindylou on March 26, 2002, at 21:07:19
Hi Cindy,
I would have to give SAMe a fair trial. I've only tried it twice in my life, and each time was for only one day. I remember feeling kind of strange and detached the first time (I was also on 10 mg Dex), and I wasn't aware of feeling anything the second time. I'd like to try it some time when I'm not on anything else, and I'd like to try it for a few days - at least. I'm also interested in the Omega-3 Fatty Acids. I take them every day, but I don't notice any change in mood. I continue to take them because I read how healthy they are, but perhaps I should just eat more fish!
Bekka
Posted by Bekka H. on March 27, 2002, at 0:28:56
In reply to Re: - SAMe? Cindy Lou, posted by Bekka H. on March 26, 2002, at 23:32:58
P.S. By the way, my cats really like the Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Their fur is so shiny since I've been giving it to them! The vet gave me some that is formulated especially for pets.
Posted by Hattree on March 27, 2002, at 9:54:25
In reply to Re: bekka, hattree, emme, jane, etc. - SAMe?, posted by Cindylou on March 26, 2002, at 21:07:19
Sam didn't do a thing for me. Wouldn't guess it would be a problem with Lamictal, though.
Posted by Emme on March 28, 2002, at 6:58:03
In reply to Re: bekka, hattree, emme, jane, etc. - SAMe?, posted by Cindylou on March 26, 2002, at 21:07:19
Posted by Ron Hill on March 31, 2002, at 10:32:59
In reply to Re: bekka, hattree, emme, jane, etc. - SAMe?, posted by Cindylou on March 26, 2002, at 21:07:19
Cindy,
SAM-e saved my life, but your mileage may vary.
-- Ron
--------------------------------------> Hi everyone,
> I've been following some of the threads about SAMe ... was wondering if any of you have tried it, or know any reason why NOT to try it (especially while on Lamictal) ... We all seem to have similarities in our med reactions, so was just curious if you've tried SAM-e, or have any information on it.
>
> It sounds very tempting from the threads I've been reading, but I have learned the hard way that
> these things are often too good to be true...
>
> Thanks for your help. Hope you are all doing well!
> cindy
Posted by Cindylou on April 8, 2002, at 20:10:44
In reply to Re: bekka, hattree, emme, jane, etc. - SAMe? » Cindylou, posted by Ron Hill on March 31, 2002, at 10:32:59
Hi Ron,
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner (I was out of town for 10 days, at my in-laws. UGH)I appreciate your response, and I'm glad to hear SAM-e worked so well for you. I remember seeing a long thread where you discuss your success with SAM-e, but if you don't mind I'll still throw out some questions to you ...
1. what is your diagnosis?
2. are you on other meds?
3. did SAM-e have side effects for you?
4. have you tried the Omega 3 fatty acids? My pdoc just mentioned that to me as a possible option, but neither one of us have much info. on it. I remember seeing a thread about that, too -- I'll have to get busy researching those posts!I was able to post a quick question to Dr. Kramer while I as away about SAM-e, and he said he wouldn't recommend it for bipolar -- I was recently diagnosed as BPII (however, I'm a bit skeptical about that diagnosis. Depression, definitely. Anxiety, definitely. Bipolar? I don't know.)
Well, thanks again for your response!
-cindy
> Cindy,
>
> SAM-e saved my life, but your mileage may vary.
>
> -- Ron
> --------------------------------------
>
> > Hi everyone,
> > I've been following some of the threads about SAMe ... was wondering if any of you have tried it, or know any reason why NOT to try it (especially while on Lamictal) ... We all seem to have similarities in our med reactions, so was just curious if you've tried SAM-e, or have any information on it.
> >
> > It sounds very tempting from the threads I've been reading, but I have learned the hard way that
> > these things are often too good to be true...
> >
> > Thanks for your help. Hope you are all doing well!
> > cindy
Posted by Ron Hill on April 9, 2002, at 14:11:35
In reply to Re: SAMe? » Ron Hill, posted by Cindylou on April 8, 2002, at 20:10:44
>I remember seeing a long thread where you discuss your success with SAM-e, but if you don't mind I'll still throw out some questions to you ...
> 1. what is your diagnosis?
Hi Cindylou. My dx is BP II.
> 2. are you on other meds?
600 mg/day Lithobid and 200 mg/day SAM-e.
> 3. did SAM-e have side effects for you?
Slight nausea at times.
> 4. have you tried the Omega 3 fatty acids? My pdoc just mentioned that to me as a possible option, but neither one of us have much info. on it. I remember seeing a thread about that, too -- I'll have to get busy researching those posts!
I take salmon oil capsules and flax seed oil capsules and I try to eat a diet high in omega-3 Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA's). For me, omega-3 PUFA supplementation provides a slightly beneficial mood stabilizing effect, but nothing profound. By contrast, I take 500 mg/day of phosphatidylserine (PS) complex (containing 100 mg of PS) and the mood stabilizing effect of PS is, for me, much more profound than that of omega-3 PUFA's. Unfortunately, PS is expensive (about one dollar per 500 mg capsule).
As an aside, I am convinced that phospholipids play a central role in cell membrane plasticity and, as a result, contribute to improved mental health. IMHO, SAM-e's beneficial effects are partially attributable to SAM-e acting as a methyl donor in the synthesis of phospholipids. While, I believe that the primary reason for the effectiveness of SAM-e is that it serves as a methyl donor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, I think that the phospholipids aspect is important as well. Click the link below if you care to read an article related to this topic.
http://www.immunesupport.com/news/SAMe2txt.htm
> I was able to post a quick question to Dr. Kramer while I as away about SAM-e, and he said he wouldn't recommend it for bipolar -- I was recently diagnosed as BPII (however, I'm a bit skeptical about that diagnosis. Depression, definitely. Anxiety, definitely. Bipolar? I don't know.)
I have been following your posts for about the last month or so and, therefore, I am familiar with what you wrote to Dr. K and his response. I wanted to respond to his post to you, but I decided that Dr. K was already too busy and that he did not need another input from me. I disagree with Dr. K's post to you in so much as I believe SAM-e is safe for bipolars PROVIDED the patient is taking an adequate dose of a mood stabilizer and is under the care of a good pdoc.
As I've read your posts over the past month, I have always thought that you would be a good candidate for a SAM-e trial. However, as I see in a thread below, you are discontinuing your mood stabilizer (Lamictial) during pregnancy. If in fact you are bipolar, then I would not recommend that you take SAM-e without a mood stabilizer (MS) fully in place because it may induce mania (or hypomania). At the same time, feeding a BP patient an AD (a TCA in your case) without a MS in place can also induce mania (or hypomania). Is the pdoc that gave you the BP dx the same pdoc prescribing the TCA in the absence of a MS? If so, I'd have real concerns regarding the pdoc.
If I were you, the first thing I would do is find out if the BP II dx is accurate. See another pdoc and get a second opinion. Also, as a screening tool, you might take the following online diagnostic test. It cost ten bucks, but I think it is worth the small fee. If you can, have your husband (or a very close friend) sit next to you while you take the test to provide an objective opinion of your answers.
http://www.mentalhealth.com/fr71.html
-- Ron
Posted by Cindylou on April 9, 2002, at 21:04:21
In reply to Re: SAM-e and BP II » Cindylou, posted by Ron Hill on April 9, 2002, at 14:11:35
Hi Ron,
Thanks again for your helpfulness. I am interested in taking that online screening, but was a bit confused when I checked out the link. I couldn't find the actual screening test. Do I need to pay the $10 first, in order to "subscribe" to their services, and then I'll have access to the test?As far as my pdoc prescribing the tricyclic -- she is also the one who believes that I am bipolar II. We were both in a quandry over what to do ... since no mood stabilizer that we know of is safe during pregnancy.
Since depression is my predominant issue, she thought the nortriptyline would be worth a try -- and she did mention the Omega 3 fatty acids being a possiblity for stabilizing moods (although she didn't know much about it -- said I would need to take 5 grams, but that's about it.)
I wonder if SAM-e and Omega 3 could work together without a med? I'm not sure if SAM-e is safe during pregnancy, though.
I will probably be moving to Pennsylvania in the next month or two, so I am in the market for a new pdoc -- I am looking forward to another opinion; a fresh set of eyes.
I am planning to start a thread about psychiatrists vs. psychopharmacologists ... is one better than the other?
Thanks again, Ron. You've been a great help!
cindy
> >I remember seeing a long thread where you discuss your success with SAM-e, but if you don't mind I'll still throw out some questions to you ...
>
> > 1. what is your diagnosis?
>
> Hi Cindylou. My dx is BP II.
>
> > 2. are you on other meds?
>
> 600 mg/day Lithobid and 200 mg/day SAM-e.
>
> > 3. did SAM-e have side effects for you?
>
> Slight nausea at times.
>
> > 4. have you tried the Omega 3 fatty acids? My pdoc just mentioned that to me as a possible option, but neither one of us have much info. on it. I remember seeing a thread about that, too -- I'll have to get busy researching those posts!
>
> I take salmon oil capsules and flax seed oil capsules and I try to eat a diet high in omega-3 Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA's). For me, omega-3 PUFA supplementation provides a slightly beneficial mood stabilizing effect, but nothing profound. By contrast, I take 500 mg/day of phosphatidylserine (PS) complex (containing 100 mg of PS) and the mood stabilizing effect of PS is, for me, much more profound than that of omega-3 PUFA's. Unfortunately, PS is expensive (about one dollar per 500 mg capsule).
>
> As an aside, I am convinced that phospholipids play a central role in cell membrane plasticity and, as a result, contribute to improved mental health. IMHO, SAM-e's beneficial effects are partially attributable to SAM-e acting as a methyl donor in the synthesis of phospholipids. While, I believe that the primary reason for the effectiveness of SAM-e is that it serves as a methyl donor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, I think that the phospholipids aspect is important as well. Click the link below if you care to read an article related to this topic.
>
> http://www.immunesupport.com/news/SAMe2txt.htm
>
> > I was able to post a quick question to Dr. Kramer while I as away about SAM-e, and he said he wouldn't recommend it for bipolar -- I was recently diagnosed as BPII (however, I'm a bit skeptical about that diagnosis. Depression, definitely. Anxiety, definitely. Bipolar? I don't know.)
>
> I have been following your posts for about the last month or so and, therefore, I am familiar with what you wrote to Dr. K and his response. I wanted to respond to his post to you, but I decided that Dr. K was already too busy and that he did not need another input from me. I disagree with Dr. K's post to you in so much as I believe SAM-e is safe for bipolars PROVIDED the patient is taking an adequate dose of a mood stabilizer and is under the care of a good pdoc.
>
> As I've read your posts over the past month, I have always thought that you would be a good candidate for a SAM-e trial. However, as I see in a thread below, you are discontinuing your mood stabilizer (Lamictial) during pregnancy. If in fact you are bipolar, then I would not recommend that you take SAM-e without a mood stabilizer (MS) fully in place because it may induce mania (or hypomania). At the same time, feeding a BP patient an AD (a TCA in your case) without a MS in place can also induce mania (or hypomania). Is the pdoc that gave you the BP dx the same pdoc prescribing the TCA in the absence of a MS? If so, I'd have real concerns regarding the pdoc.
>
> If I were you, the first thing I would do is find out if the BP II dx is accurate. See another pdoc and get a second opinion. Also, as a screening tool, you might take the following online diagnostic test. It cost ten bucks, but I think it is worth the small fee. If you can, have your husband (or a very close friend) sit next to you while you take the test to provide an objective opinion of your answers.
>
> http://www.mentalhealth.com/fr71.html
>
> -- Ron
Posted by Ron Hill on April 9, 2002, at 23:10:39
In reply to Re: SAM-e and BP II » Ron Hill, posted by Cindylou on April 9, 2002, at 21:04:21
>I am interested in taking that online screening, but was a bit confused when I checked out the link. I couldn't find the actual screening test. Do I need to pay the $10 first, in order to "subscribe" to their services, and then I'll have access to the test?
Yes. You can access the demo tests without paying the ten bucks for ten days. Just click on the desired demo where it says:
FREE SAMPLES
Anorexia Nervosa (self-imposed starvation)
Internet Mental Health Quality of Life Scale (Paper format)Then, if you want to pay the ten for ten, click the continue button in the box that says:
Diagnosis Programs
Online diagnosis of the disorders are available at MyTherapy.com , Dr. Phillip Long's other website.From there you can sign up. I've never paid the ten bucks because it was free when I used it a few years back. I thought it was pretty good for what it is; a screening tool.
> As far as my pdoc prescribing the tricyclic -- she is also the one who believes that I am bipolar II. We were both in a quandry over what to do ... since no mood stabilizer that we know of is safe during pregnancy.
Not an easy situation, huh? A year or two ago judy1 was faced with this situation. Her dx is BP and if my memory serves me right (which it rarely does!), she tapered off of Lamictal to have a child. Also, Beardy (beardedlady) has expressed interest in this issue of pregnancy and psychotropic medications. These two ladies (and more?) may be able to give you some good ideas.
> Since depression is my predominant issue, she thought the nortriptyline would be worth a try -- and she did mention the Omega 3 fatty acids being a possiblity for stabilizing moods (although she didn't know much about it -- said I would need to take 5 grams, but that's about it.)
One of my soap box issues is that a BP patient should NOT be put on an AD or a stimulant without first having a MS fully in place. The reason for my bias on this issue is that, although I'm BP II, I was initially mis-dx'ed as ADHD and put on Ritalin. Paxil was added a couple months later to try to control the irritable mood swings brought on by the Ritalin. This med combo pushed me into full blown mania and then eventually dumped me into a depression pit too deep to climb out of. As an aside, it was SAM-e that gave me back my life after six years of failed AD trials (with Lithobid as my MS). At any rate, this is the origin of my bias in this issue.
> I wonder if SAM-e and Omega 3 could work together without a med?Maybe it could, but if you truly are BP II, you will probably need more mood stabilization fire power than what Omega-3 PUFA's can provide. There is a warning on the side of the SAM-e box against BP's taking it unless their pdoc approves it. SAM-e can induce mania (or hypomania) in BP patients.
>I'm not sure if SAM-e is safe during pregnancy, though.
I've never read anything that would lead me to believe that SAM-e is unsafe during pregnancy, but I'm not a doctor. SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound and is synthesized by the human body.
-- Ron
Posted by Cindylou on April 10, 2002, at 6:45:07
In reply to Re: SAM-e and BP II » Cindylou, posted by Ron Hill on April 9, 2002, at 23:10:39
THANKS, RON! You have been such a help.
By the way, what is Lithoboid? I have never heard of that med.
cindy
> >I am interested in taking that online screening, but was a bit confused when I checked out the link. I couldn't find the actual screening test. Do I need to pay the $10 first, in order to "subscribe" to their services, and then I'll have access to the test?
>
> Yes. You can access the demo tests without paying the ten bucks for ten days. Just click on the desired demo where it says:
>
> FREE SAMPLES
> Anorexia Nervosa (self-imposed starvation)
> Internet Mental Health Quality of Life Scale (Paper format)
>
> Then, if you want to pay the ten for ten, click the continue button in the box that says:
>
> Diagnosis Programs
> Online diagnosis of the disorders are available at MyTherapy.com , Dr. Phillip Long's other website.
>
> From there you can sign up. I've never paid the ten bucks because it was free when I used it a few years back. I thought it was pretty good for what it is; a screening tool.
>
> > As far as my pdoc prescribing the tricyclic -- she is also the one who believes that I am bipolar II. We were both in a quandry over what to do ... since no mood stabilizer that we know of is safe during pregnancy.
>
> Not an easy situation, huh? A year or two ago judy1 was faced with this situation. Her dx is BP and if my memory serves me right (which it rarely does!), she tapered off of Lamictal to have a child. Also, Beardy (beardedlady) has expressed interest in this issue of pregnancy and psychotropic medications. These two ladies (and more?) may be able to give you some good ideas.
>
> > Since depression is my predominant issue, she thought the nortriptyline would be worth a try -- and she did mention the Omega 3 fatty acids being a possiblity for stabilizing moods (although she didn't know much about it -- said I would need to take 5 grams, but that's about it.)
>
> One of my soap box issues is that a BP patient should NOT be put on an AD or a stimulant without first having a MS fully in place. The reason for my bias on this issue is that, although I'm BP II, I was initially mis-dx'ed as ADHD and put on Ritalin. Paxil was added a couple months later to try to control the irritable mood swings brought on by the Ritalin. This med combo pushed me into full blown mania and then eventually dumped me into a depression pit too deep to climb out of. As an aside, it was SAM-e that gave me back my life after six years of failed AD trials (with Lithobid as my MS). At any rate, this is the origin of my bias in this issue.
>
> > I wonder if SAM-e and Omega 3 could work together without a med?
>
> Maybe it could, but if you truly are BP II, you will probably need more mood stabilization fire power than what Omega-3 PUFA's can provide. There is a warning on the side of the SAM-e box against BP's taking it unless their pdoc approves it. SAM-e can induce mania (or hypomania) in BP patients.
>
> >I'm not sure if SAM-e is safe during pregnancy, though.
>
> I've never read anything that would lead me to believe that SAM-e is unsafe during pregnancy, but I'm not a doctor. SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound and is synthesized by the human body.
>
> -- Ron
Posted by Ron Hill on April 10, 2002, at 9:22:21
In reply to Re: SAM-e and BP II » Ron Hill, posted by Cindylou on April 10, 2002, at 6:45:07
> By the way, what is Lithoboid? I have never heard of that med.
--------------------Cindylou, Lithobid is a brand name of slow release lithium carbonate.
-- Ron
Posted by Cindylou on April 12, 2002, at 17:57:43
In reply to Re: SAM-e and BP II » Cindylou, posted by Ron Hill on April 9, 2002, at 23:10:39
Hi Ron,
Thanks for your help with that online screening tool. I just took several tests, and it did not diagnose me as bipolar! Obsessive compulsive and chronic depression (dysthymia?), but not bipolar.That is actually what I suspected. After treating me for a year, my pdoc said she thought I was bipolar II because I had such large bouts of fatigue and agitation. But I never had any type of actual "mania" that I can think of, except on a rare occasion where I felt excessively happy ("too" happy, kind of zoomy.)This would only last a day, and usually happened: when I first started a med; when I was infatuated with someone; or after a long night of drinking (I think I may still have been drunk!)
So, the online test was interesting ... and I think I will definitely get a second opinion.
Thanks so much!
cindy
> >I am interested in taking that online screening, but was a bit confused when I checked out the link. I couldn't find the actual screening test. Do I need to pay the $10 first, in order to "subscribe" to their services, and then I'll have access to the test?
>
> Yes. You can access the demo tests without paying the ten bucks for ten days. Just click on the desired demo where it says:
>
> FREE SAMPLES
> Anorexia Nervosa (self-imposed starvation)
> Internet Mental Health Quality of Life Scale (Paper format)
>
> Then, if you want to pay the ten for ten, click the continue button in the box that says:
>
> Diagnosis Programs
> Online diagnosis of the disorders are available at MyTherapy.com , Dr. Phillip Long's other website.
>
> From there you can sign up. I've never paid the ten bucks because it was free when I used it a few years back. I thought it was pretty good for what it is; a screening tool.
>
> > As far as my pdoc prescribing the tricyclic -- she is also the one who believes that I am bipolar II. We were both in a quandry over what to do ... since no mood stabilizer that we know of is safe during pregnancy.
>
> Not an easy situation, huh? A year or two ago judy1 was faced with this situation. Her dx is BP and if my memory serves me right (which it rarely does!), she tapered off of Lamictal to have a child. Also, Beardy (beardedlady) has expressed interest in this issue of pregnancy and psychotropic medications. These two ladies (and more?) may be able to give you some good ideas.
>
> > Since depression is my predominant issue, she thought the nortriptyline would be worth a try -- and she did mention the Omega 3 fatty acids being a possiblity for stabilizing moods (although she didn't know much about it -- said I would need to take 5 grams, but that's about it.)
>
> One of my soap box issues is that a BP patient should NOT be put on an AD or a stimulant without first having a MS fully in place. The reason for my bias on this issue is that, although I'm BP II, I was initially mis-dx'ed as ADHD and put on Ritalin. Paxil was added a couple months later to try to control the irritable mood swings brought on by the Ritalin. This med combo pushed me into full blown mania and then eventually dumped me into a depression pit too deep to climb out of. As an aside, it was SAM-e that gave me back my life after six years of failed AD trials (with Lithobid as my MS). At any rate, this is the origin of my bias in this issue.
>
> > I wonder if SAM-e and Omega 3 could work together without a med?
>
> Maybe it could, but if you truly are BP II, you will probably need more mood stabilization fire power than what Omega-3 PUFA's can provide. There is a warning on the side of the SAM-e box against BP's taking it unless their pdoc approves it. SAM-e can induce mania (or hypomania) in BP patients.
>
> >I'm not sure if SAM-e is safe during pregnancy, though.
>
> I've never read anything that would lead me to believe that SAM-e is unsafe during pregnancy, but I'm not a doctor. SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound and is synthesized by the human body.
>
> -- Ron
Posted by Ron Hill on April 15, 2002, at 10:13:02
In reply to Re: online diagnosis » Ron Hill, posted by Cindylou on April 12, 2002, at 17:57:43
Posted by disney4 on January 6, 2003, at 13:18:02
In reply to Re: Lamictal problems already -- any advice? » Bekka H., posted by Hattree on March 26, 2002, at 11:59:22
Hi,
I am getting ready to make a change in my medication. I am currently taking Neurontin and klonopin for Bipolar Disorder and OCD. I am in a depression and want to add Lamictal and possibly a low dose imipramine. I am afraid of weight gain because I am also a binge eater. I am very sensitive to meds, but the Neurontin and klonopin have been very easy to tolerate. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Elsie
Posted by polarbear206 on January 6, 2003, at 16:29:42
In reply to Re: Lamictal problems already -- any advice? » Hattree, posted by disney4 on January 6, 2003, at 13:18:02
> Hi,
>
> I am getting ready to make a change in my medication. I am currently taking Neurontin and klonopin for Bipolar Disorder and OCD. I am in a depression and want to add Lamictal and possibly a low dose imipramine. I am afraid of weight gain because I am also a binge eater. I am very sensitive to meds, but the Neurontin and klonopin have been very easy to tolerate. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
>
> Thanks,
> ElsieElsie,
When my bipolar got under control the binge eating stopped. The dose of imipramine I'm on is low at 25mg. My appetite is under control. No carbo cravings.
Laura
Posted by Hattree on January 6, 2003, at 17:37:14
In reply to Re: Lamictal problems already -- any advice? » Hattree, posted by disney4 on January 6, 2003, at 13:18:02
Lamictal has been the most helpful med of the many I have tried. No complaints about Neurontin, either. I've lost ten pounds or so since I started Lamictal, not that Lamictal was the reason, but it hasn't done any harm.
> Hi,
>
> I am getting ready to make a change in my medication. I am currently taking Neurontin and klonopin for Bipolar Disorder and OCD. I am in a depression and want to add Lamictal and possibly a low dose imipramine. I am afraid of weight gain because I am also a binge eater. I am very sensitive to meds, but the Neurontin and klonopin have been very easy to tolerate. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
>
> Thanks,
> Elsie
Posted by Colin Wallace on January 8, 2003, at 4:49:55
In reply to Re: Lamictal problems already -- any advice?, posted by polarbear206 on January 6, 2003, at 16:29:42
!
>>
>>
> When my bipolar got under control the binge eating stopped. The dose of imipramine I'm on is low at 25mg. My appetite is under control. No carbo cravings.
>
> Laura
Hi Laura,Glad you're still faring well on Lamictal.I'm still doing fine at 150mg,(although the awful UK weather is testing me to the limit), but I'm guessing that at some point in the future, the depression will finally outrun a viable dosage, and I'll have to add an AD- makes me shudder.
I've not had much fun with any AD in the past (especially SSRI's) and I was looking ahead and thinking perhaps desipramine or lofepramine in low doses;thing is,current opinion seems to suggest that tricyclics are the most destabilizing med. for any type of bipolar.I see you're on imipramine, and was wondering how you've found it.Looking back, I actually think that Lofepramine was probably one of the least troublesome meds I tried when compared with all the others.Then again, maybe I didn't take it in high enough doses or for long enough to become destabilized.Hmmmmmmmmmmm.Cheers,
Col.
ps.Anyone else's input welcome here too.
Posted by pork chop on January 8, 2003, at 14:35:12
In reply to Re: Lamictal » polarbear206, posted by Colin Wallace on January 8, 2003, at 4:49:55
Hello,
It's been about 6 weeks for me on Lamicatal, I'm finally up to 100 mg. and things are going great. My pdoc suggested Lamicatal because I was terrified of the weight gain associated with Depakote and Lithium, and because of it's tendancy to help with depression. I take Klonopin every once in a while when I feel the anxiety kicking in, but not more than once or twice a week. I'm still cycling a little, but on the whole, I'm rapidly improving. Best of luck.
My one piece of advice with Lamictal is GO SLOW. You don't want to get the rash.
Posted by Colin Wallace on January 8, 2003, at 15:36:10
In reply to Re: Lamictal, posted by pork chop on January 8, 2003, at 14:35:12
> Hello,
>
> It's been about 6 weeks for me on Lamicatal, I'm finally up to 100 mg. and things are going great. My pdoc suggested Lamicatal because I was terrified of the weight gain associated with Depakote and Lithium, and because of it's tendancy to help with depression. I take Klonopin every once in a while when I feel the anxiety kicking in, but not more than once or twice a week. I'm still cycling a little, but on the whole, I'm rapidly improving. Best of luck.
>
> My one piece of advice with Lamictal is GO SLOW. You don't want to get the rash.Hi there,
Yes,it is a great med. ain't it? It's taken me around four months to reach 150mg due to med. sensitivity, but the prolonged titration has been worthwhile.I find it an unusual med. in that I can be feeling great for a while and then it 'cuts out' very suddenly and without warning;then I up the dose by 12.5mg(25mg last adjustment), and I'm fine again.Hoping to reach a dose where the effect will be a lasting one-this will probably be the only med. I've ever taken where I reach a full therapeutic dose.
Good luck with your treatment too.
Posted by polarbear206 on January 9, 2003, at 10:45:13
In reply to Re: Lamictal » polarbear206, posted by Colin Wallace on January 8, 2003, at 4:49:55
> !
> >>
> >>
> > When my bipolar got under control the binge eating stopped. The dose of imipramine I'm on is low at 25mg. My appetite is under control. No carbo cravings.
> >
> > Laura
>
>
> Hi Laura,
>
> Glad you're still faring well on Lamictal.I'm still doing fine at 150mg,(although the awful UK weather is testing me to the limit), but I'm guessing that at some point in the future, the depression will finally outrun a viable dosage, and I'll have to add an AD- makes me shudder.
> I've not had much fun with any AD in the past (especially SSRI's) and I was looking ahead and thinking perhaps desipramine or lofepramine in low doses;thing is,current opinion seems to suggest that tricyclics are the most destabilizing med. for any type of bipolar.I see you're on imipramine, and was wondering how you've found it.Looking back, I actually think that Lofepramine was probably one of the least troublesome meds I tried when compared with all the others.Then again, maybe I didn't take it in high enough doses or for long enough to become destabilized.Hmmmmmmmmmmm.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Col.
>
> ps.Anyone else's input welcome here too.
Hi col.
My pdoc told be that some bipolar's do well on low doses of tricyclics. I also read some info on this on Dr. Ivan's site Depression Central. I think you should give it a try if you need to add an AD. Sart out real low at 10mg. You might want one that is more sedating then the other's. Imipramine has moderate sedation. The reason I do so well with imipramine is that I feel more like myself on this class of AD. My emotions are not blunted. So glad your still hanging in there with lamictal. It's been wonderful for me. Stable at 200mg. I'm looking forward to my next pdoc appt. to share the good news. Please keep me posted. I hope sunny days are ahead for you!
Laura
Posted by colin wallace on January 10, 2003, at 13:17:23
In reply to Re: Lamictal Colin, posted by polarbear206 on January 9, 2003, at 10:45:13
>
>
> Hi col.
>
>
> My pdoc told be that some bipolar's do well on low doses of tricyclics. I also read some info on this on Dr. Ivan's site Depression Central. I think you should give it a try if you need to add an AD. Sart out real low at 10mg. You might want one that is more sedating then the other's. Imipramine has moderate sedation. The reason I do so well with imipramine is that I feel more like myself on this class of AD. My emotions are not blunted. So glad your still hanging in there with lamictal. It's been wonderful for me. Stable at 200mg. I'm looking forward to my next pdoc appt. to share the good news. Please keep me posted. I hope sunny days are ahead for you!
>
>
> LauraHi Laura,
Thanks for the slant on TCA's and Lamictal.I wouldn't mind trying Imipramine, but my GP pulls a grimace at the mention of it.I take Amitriptyline now at night for sleep (a tiny 10mg)but didn't like it at all at a 50mg dose as I recall.Can't get Desipramine in the UK, so I'll probably go with Lofepramine(if/when the time comes when I need it).
I presented myself at my GP's office recently, a new man, after taking Lamictal (unauthorized)for four months.I bypassed both him and my YDNP (yawning disinterested (nhs) psychiatrist, who both refused me Lamictal ( or a psych. appointment until April!) and now I'm basically well.My (terrified) GP tried to halt my dosage at 100mg on the pretext that it may cause some obscure bone-marrow problem that required blood tests.I did as I was told (knowing that this was utter crap)and started to lapse again.
Once again I bypassed him, hit 150mg and felt well.He's refusing to go higher than 200mg for monotherapy 'cause it says so in his dustly lil' book)or to go up faster than 25mg per fortnight.
Thank God I've educated and treated myself, and can obtain my own meds.Otherwise I'd still be laying groaning on the setee all day, or worse.
UK- at the cutting edge of 'medieval' psychiatry..enough rambling,
Col.ps. do you have a link to the Depression central TCA/bipolar info??
Posted by disney4 on January 10, 2003, at 15:48:42
In reply to Re: Lamictal Colin » polarbear206, posted by colin wallace on January 10, 2003, at 13:17:23
I had my psych Dr appt today, and after going over my symptoms....binge eating, frequent depression, and OCD flare ups, he decided upoon effexor XR. I am sticking to 1/2 of a 37.5 dose, because of my sensitvity to medication. I hope I can tolerate it, and it helps, because I need something to work gently.
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