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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by vagen on December 30, 2002, at 6:17:43
In the past I have always used echinacea to take care of colds, flu and that sort of thing. Now that I am on depakote and wellabutrin, I am wondering if I ought to go with my natural rememdies or not.
And, does anyone have experience with supplementing with valerian root for insommnia?
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 30, 2002, at 8:22:44
In reply to depakote+echinacea-Larry Hoover..!, posted by vagen on December 30, 2002, at 6:17:43
> In the past I have always used echinacea to take care of colds, flu and that sort of thing. Now that I am on depakote and wellabutrin, I am wondering if I ought to go with my natural rememdies or not.
I can't find any possible interactions between any of the three substances you mentioned, using a variety of tables of liver enzyme activities. Just for the record, I personally find multi-gram doses of vitamin C, taken at the earliest possible notice of symptoms of cold or flu, to be very helpful. You can't prove the absence of something (i.e. taking vitamin C prevented an illness from becoming established), but I get sick far less often when I do the vitamin C thing.
> And, does anyone have experience with supplementing with valerian root for insommnia?
I personally have a paradoxical reaction, and develop insomnia from valerian root. It works for some people, but not all. Again, no interaction with valproic acid or buproprion.
All the best in the New Year,
Lar
Posted by La'Trice on December 30, 2002, at 13:07:02
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-Larry Hoover..!, posted by Larry Hoover on December 30, 2002, at 8:22:44
I've taken depakote before and became jaundice. I now take Wellbutrin, but I think my body must be getting use to it. I take 150mg-SR twice a day. How has the depakote with the Wellbutrin been working for you.
Posted by vagen on December 31, 2002, at 2:59:16
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-Larry Hoover..!, posted by Larry Hoover on December 30, 2002, at 8:22:44
I have a whole list of items I take as I can't take antibiotics anymore, which is a good thing I think.
Thank you for taking the time to check these interactions.
And while I have your attention:what about the muscle twitches --- is that the depakote?
I am on a small dose, 125 mg at night. But, since I am in Germany and depend upon the military hospital, I have to cut a 250mg SR in half and I wonder if that might make a difference or not.The depakote, I think, is giving me insomnia..
Posted by vagen on December 31, 2002, at 3:04:56
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-Larry Hoover..!, posted by La'Trice on December 30, 2002, at 13:07:02
I take the WB SR 150mg once a day. These two have worked wonders for me. In fact, I am finding it rather odd to be 'stable' ...or ...'chill'...or one with the force as my son says. It is taking some time to get used to having, what I think, a normal range of emotions. Very strange.
I take the depakote right before bed, although I am on a small dose, I feel, about an hour after I take it, that I have the munchies, not unlike when I tried pot as a teenager.
I have struggled to maintain a normal weight range for myself. It's so bizarre. I don't want anything but fruit during the day and healthy stuff, but once night falls, I am like a raving chick PMS-ing on a search for ice cream of all things and ruffles....
Posted by La'Trice on December 31, 2002, at 8:34:12
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-Larry Hoover-, posted by vagen on December 31, 2002, at 2:59:16
It's funny you should mention that. A few weeks ago my doctor increased my dosage of Wellbutrin from 300mg per day (150mg-SR) twice per day to 400mg (I took 100mg in the morning with my first 150mg dosage)per day. I was going through some major life changes and he thought increasing the dosage for a few weeks would help. Within a day or two my left eye started twitching,even while asleep. It was so annoying and uncontrollable. Then my right pinky started to tremor. That for me was the last straw. I called my psychiatrist and he told me to go back to my 300mg of Wellbutrin. I haven't had a muscle tremors/twitches since.
As for depakote I just couldn't function. I was sleepy and foggy all the time. Getting stuck by a needle monthly wasn't fun either (smile). I eventually became Jaundice from the depakote, so they took me off.
From what you are telling me, I'm thinking that you may want to lower your dosage of Wellbutrin. See if that is the culprit. Have you ever tried Lithium at night instead of depakote?
Posted by La'Trice on December 31, 2002, at 8:41:23
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-La'Trice, posted by vagen on December 31, 2002, at 3:04:56
Glad to hear that depakote is working for you. I became jaundice on depakote, so the doctor took me off. He suggested Lithium,but I hadn't heard many good things about that, so I never took it (against his advice). As for Wellbutrin, all I can say is - WOW!!!!!!!!!! This is the wonder drug of the future. I don't know how I would manage on a day to day basis without it. I take 300mg/SR (150mg twice a day) We've tried 400mg, but I started have muscle tremors,so my doctor lowered the dosage. I now take Adderall and Wellbutrin. The combo seems to be doing the trick, except now I can't sleep at night, so my doctor gave me some Ativan on Saturday to take for a few week to get my circadian cycle back on track. I have a feel that he may suggest the Lithium again. My doctor is the greatest. Through trial and error, we've discovered that I have a dopamin/norenephrine deficiency. I had little if any progress while taking the SSRI's, but as soon as I took the Wellbutrin - bingo. I'm bi-polar and this holiday season has been rough. I can usually tell when I'm about to have an episode because I become a gym fanatic, that's when I call my doctor (smile).
Posted by vagen on January 1, 2003, at 5:18:36
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-La'Trice, posted by La'Trice on December 31, 2002, at 8:41:23
I have been on the wellabutrin for about 6 months...and was doing 75mg 2x a day....been on the depakote for a month now, that's why I am wondering why the eye twitches and muscle spasms ( above my lip and last night, my right thumb was jerking around) are happening now. I switched to the 150 Sr just a few days ago cause I am forgetfull and have three kids and sometimes miss that pm dose......
I am prob too hyper focused on it now. And, it seems to start right before I am about to take the depakote dose....maybe it's wearing off?
Also, I have noticed in the evening, I say the wrong word for certain things. Last night, for example, I wanted to get my daughters cup but I said coat and I have been doing that, just in the evening, for a week or so.
But, I agree, I love the WB. I am one of those apathetic, tired, mournful bp's when depressed....even my hair looks depressed when I am depressed.
I will call the pdoc tomorrow...I am just wondering if it a combo thing.I am scared to take lithium.
I took it when I was 16...I was a walking zombie.
Posted by La'Trice on January 2, 2003, at 8:19:53
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-La'Trice, posted by vagen on January 1, 2003, at 5:18:36
Happy New Year!!!!
Yeah, I think I'm agreeing with you. It could be a combo thing. I started taking Ativan last night to help me sleep and with a little anxiety that I'm having. My doctor only gave me about a 1month's supply just to help me out during this difficult time. I was reading that someone I was chatting with takes Mirapex. It's used on Parkinson's patients and helps increase dopamine and helps with memory. There haven't been any tests on individuals without Parkinson's taking the medcation. I personally think it's a littel to radical for me. Are you able to drink coffee in the morning or does it send you over the roof?
Posted by vagen on January 2, 2003, at 13:55:28
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-La'Trice, posted by La'Trice on January 2, 2003, at 8:19:53
hah! I couldn't live without the coffee!
I drink it all morning. It makes me a bit more hyper...not too much tho.It seems less stimulating on the SR than the 75mg WB I was taking.
Happy new year to you too.
I was blissfully sober while I watched my husband turn 40-shades of pale after way too much german beer!
Posted by La'Trice on January 2, 2003, at 14:34:18
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-La'Trice, posted by vagen on January 2, 2003, at 13:55:28
What's your take on Activan otherwise known as Lorazepam?
Posted by vagen on January 3, 2003, at 1:16:55
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-La'Trice, posted by La'Trice on January 2, 2003, at 14:34:18
I don't know much about it. I have only taken Prozac, tried trazadone, Elavil, and when I was younger, Lithium and Navane (sp?)
I looked it up tho:http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-a04.html
I guess you must have pretty high ANX levels.
http://www.healthyplace.com/medications/lorazepam.htmI am so SE prone that even if I were in a panic attack, I don't think I could do the benzo's.
Do you think the WB activates the ANX?
I know every now and then, when in crowds or traffic, I tend to wig out.
And, I have to do my grocery shopping at off peak times.
Posted by La'Trice on January 3, 2003, at 8:39:08
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-La'Trice, posted by vagen on January 3, 2003, at 1:16:55
After my session with my psychiatrist he called me at home and told me that of late that I have seem anxious. I told him I've been stressed the hell out - hahahahah. My husband tried to kidnap my daughter, file for divorce, and full custody. Not to mention he is no longer helping me with the mortgage. He moved to AZ. Although things are 100% better. We have joint custody and I become the legal residential parent next year - meaning that she resides with him now. I've gone back to school full time and I work full time. My doctor was like geez - I didn't know you were into all that - ahahahaha. I did try the Activan on Monday night. I must admit I woke up refreshed and a overall feeling of calmness. Perhaps a good night's sleep will do that. I don't sleep much, which is another reason why he put me on the Ativan. I've tried Trazadone, it worked for a minute, but made me zombie like. He wants to keep me on the Ativan for a month and see how it works. I've read the little pamphlet that came with the meds from the pharmacy and it says that it can become addictive. Perhaps you are right, maybe the wellbutrin and the adderall which I also take are taking me over the edge - smile. I can't stop the wellbutrin, I tried once and those same thoughts kept popping up in my head - not very nice ones of course. I'll ask my doctor about lowering my Adderall and see what he says. Sorry for the manuscript I just typed - hhahah. I can get long winded sometimes.
Posted by vagen on January 5, 2003, at 5:04:53
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-La'Trice, posted by La'Trice on January 3, 2003, at 8:39:08
Yea, I know what you mean about the thoughts. My critics came back yesterday. I just got so worried about my eye twitches that I think the depakote is causing, so i havent taken it. But, I won't stop the wellabutrin for nothing I think.
My husband, is in the army, he just left for school for two weeks, so I am alone with three kids, full time job, a co-dependent cat, and a dirty car. I was a single mom for 5 years, and my ex-husband is such a useless bag of vomit.
He is now trying to cause all sorts of problems for us since we have decided to stay in europe for the time being. so he is making threats, and at first, I almost succombed to the negative energy and bad thoughts that are connected with him, but I was able to put it in perspective after a day or so. The point being: I did not fall into that black hole!
But, I haven't taken the depa in two days: hence the critics. But, I am gonna talk to pdoc tomorrow and see what else we can try.
i am glad the ativan is working for you.
You are going through an extrmemly horrific situation right now and I hope that you also have a support group (live in person) that you can also turn to. That made a huge difference with me.
Tell me though: what does the adderall do for you? I thought it was kinda in the same family as wellabutrin???
Posted by La'Trice on January 6, 2003, at 10:17:56
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-La'Trice, posted by vagen on January 5, 2003, at 5:04:53
You stopped the depakote? Maybe you should ask you doctor about lowering your wellbutrin dosage, if you are still twitching and you've stopped the depakote. I have ADD (Attention-Deficeit Disorder). There are two types. One with hyperactivity and the other without it. This I found out by my doctor is why so many adults are misdiagnosed. You have manic-depressive symptoms, rapid speech, euphoric feelings, and just bouncing off the wall. Of course when you crash, you crash hard. So doctors say you are manic depressive when in reality it's ADHD (H - with hyperactivity). They give you med's but they really never help. Eventually, youdo become depressed, because you not taking the correct meds, so your problem becomes worse and you more depressed. My Dad was manic-depressive. You never knew which way was up with him. I'm sure I inherited the disease from him. The wellbutrin is my mood stabilizer, but the Adderall is an amphetamine, which give me my get up and go power. The wellbutrin helps some overall, but the adderall with the wellbutrin give me kick-ass power and motivation. They have Adderall SR which last about 12hours. I've tried Ritalin, but it gave me miagranes. My only concern with the Wellbutrin is that one day it won't work as effectively - because my body would've become use to it. Then what? I don't know of any other type of drug that targets dopamine and
epenipherin(sp). I'd surely be up the creek without a paddle. I'm doing a little research on that know, so incase that day does come, i'll be somewhat prepared. Yesterday I had an episode. I don't know what triggered it. I'm suppose to start trying to recognize what brings on an attack. How in the world do ya do that. I'm thinking of trying hypnotherapy. My last result is electroconvulsive therapy - Lord help me (smile)
Posted by vagen on January 6, 2003, at 14:28:39
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-La'Trice, posted by La'Trice on January 6, 2003, at 10:17:56
I still wonder if anyone knows what I have, it seems at times, it's like adhd, then major dep. disorder, then the bipoloar....urgh.
I did stop the depa for a two days, still twitched. I think it might be the wellabutrin.
I couldn't get ahold of the doc today, so I am hoping we can get in sync tomorrow.
I am worried tho, about the depa munchie thingy.
while it's a tiny dose, i get the munchies at night!
how did they finally determine you were adhd?
Posted by docg.edu on February 9, 2003, at 0:26:47
In reply to Re: depakote+echinacea-Larry Hoover-, posted by La'Trice on December 31, 2002, at 8:34:12
Just stumbled into this posting on depakote and echinacea. Have taken depakote for at least a decade in treatment of epilepsy which I've had for about 40 years. Was suffering severe cold and a student of mine suggested I take echinacea and St. John's wort in treatment. That night I had the only night-time (during sleep) grand mal seizure I've ever experienced. Cause/effect?? - not sure, but no more echinacea for me.
As for eye twitches, most definitely. I refer to it often as an occular tracking problem. Seems to happen when I'm tracing a column of numbers or text, but not always (at other times just a random flicking). The eyes twitch or flick and I often have to restart at the beginning of the column. Depakote/flicking - cause/effect ?? Could very well be.
I've taken 500mg depakote 3 X's a day (1500mg total) for most of the decade. Last 3 weeks it was increased to 500mg 2 X's and 1000mg 1 X daily (2000mg total).
This is the end of the thread.
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