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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 26. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tensor on January 29, 2005, at 5:24:53
Hi,
I would like to hear your experiences with trileptal, especially when usen as an antidepressant/mood-staiblizer/AD-augmentor.
Also, how does it compare to lamictal? weaker, stronger, s/e etc.
Thank you./Mattias
Posted by stresser on January 29, 2005, at 12:18:30
In reply to Trileptel success stories?, posted by tensor on January 29, 2005, at 5:24:53
My daughter just started taking triletpal and zoloft on Wed., for bipolar II. I hope she has great success, because I have read positive things about both. Will you post back anything you read? -L
Posted by tensor on January 29, 2005, at 13:38:05
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories? » tensor, posted by stresser on January 29, 2005, at 12:18:30
Hi Stresser!
> Will you post back anything you read? -L
I'm not sure about what you mean with the above. Do you wonder if i reply to posts meant for me?
/Mattias
Posted by Phillipa on January 29, 2005, at 17:16:19
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories? » stresser, posted by tensor on January 29, 2005, at 13:38:05
Tensor, I'm following your Posts, and it sounds like you are looking for the same information I am. I read the "site" on Bipolar and mood stabilizers, and did learn that trileptal was not as effective as lamictal. No rash though. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by smokeymadison on January 29, 2005, at 19:00:49
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories?, posted by Phillipa on January 29, 2005, at 17:16:19
i have been on trileptal for about two years and it works great for my bipolar II. i take 600mg at night since it makes me sort of sleepy. i was on 900 (300 3x daily) but that made me too tired. i really don't notice any other side effects, so i really like the med.
SM
Posted by stresser on January 29, 2005, at 19:52:58
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories?, posted by Phillipa on January 29, 2005, at 17:16:19
Thank you everyone. I'm thinking we may not see much on 75mg just yet, but I think the doctor will increase the dosage at her next appt. Everyone seems to be at a much higher dosage. Do any of you know if this is much more effective than topamax? She was on that previously and really didn't get too much of the mood stabilization that she needed from it. I really want a happy daughter. Soon. Thank you everyone. -L
Posted by tygereyes on January 29, 2005, at 20:57:33
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories?, posted by stresser on January 29, 2005, at 19:52:58
Trileptal has been a DREAM for me. It has taken away my irritability and dysphoric mania completely. I have been as high as 1050 mgs but had to lower due to cognitive problems. Currently I take 600 mgs, with 50 mgs Desipramine and 25 mgs Seroquel.
I love Trileptal. It has helped me more than I ever thought any medication could.
Posted by Maxime on January 29, 2005, at 22:22:10
In reply to Trileptel success stories?, posted by tensor on January 29, 2005, at 5:24:53
I had tried every mood stabiliser and I would either have a bad reaction to it (rash, psychosis etc.) or it would not work. Trileptal is a great med for me. It is weight neutral. You can take it with most meds. The main side effects I had at first was sedation and nausea but both went away.
It is the same as Tegretol but has an oxygen atom attached to it's chemical makeup. This atom is what makes it have less side effects than Tegretol and have no contraindications with other meds.
If you looking for something that is going to help your depression more than mood swings, lamictal is the one that most people would try first. In my case Lamictal made me more depressed and gave me brain fog.
Are you bipolar type 2?
Maxime
Posted by Maxime on January 29, 2005, at 22:33:15
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories?, posted by stresser on January 29, 2005, at 19:52:58
Stresser,
It's not a case of whether a med is more effective than another. Everyone reacts differently to meds. Topomax made me psychotic and I had to hospitalised. For others, it works really well. But since your daughter wasn't doing well on the Topomax hopefully Trileptal will be the one. If not there are others out there.What is her diagnosis?
I know it's hard, but you have to be patient and see what happens. Although since I am not a mother, I can't imagine what you have been going through so I can empathize with your wanting to find out and do as much as possible for her. She is lucky to have you as a mom.
Hope you will keep us posted on her progress.
Hugs,
Maxime> Thank you everyone. I'm thinking we may not see much on 75mg just yet, but I think the doctor will increase the dosage at her next appt. Everyone seems to be at a much higher dosage. Do any of you know if this is much more effective than topamax? She was on that previously and really didn't get too much of the mood stabilization that she needed from it. I really want a happy daughter. Soon. Thank you everyone. -L
Posted by tensor on January 30, 2005, at 5:50:47
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories?, posted by smokeymadison on January 29, 2005, at 19:00:49
Hi,
nice to hear it works for you! You're not taking it alone, are you? If not, what are you combining it with?
/Mattias
Posted by tensor on January 30, 2005, at 5:53:31
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories?, posted by Phillipa on January 29, 2005, at 17:16:19
Hi Phillipa!
> Tensor, I'm following your Posts, and it sounds like you are looking for the same information I am.
That's nice to hear, let know if you find a med that works for you.
I read the "site" on Bipolar and mood stabilizers, and did learn that trileptal was not as effective as lamictal. No rash though. Fondly, Phillipa
Yes, that's the problem. No rash, less effecient.
/Mattias
Posted by tensor on January 30, 2005, at 6:01:26
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories?, posted by Maxime on January 29, 2005, at 22:22:10
Hi Maxime
> It is the same as Tegretol but has an oxygen atom attached to it's chemical makeup. This atom is what makes it have less side effects than Tegretol and have no contraindications with other meds.
>
> If you looking for something that is going to help your depression more than mood swings, lamictal is the one that most people would try first. In my case Lamictal made me more depressed and gave me brain fog.I believe trileptal is more effective against the manic side while lamictal is better when depression is the dominant symptom. However, trileptal seems to have less side effects.
> Are you bipolar type 2?I've never had hypo-mania, is that 'needed' for BPII? I do have recurring unipolar depression.
/Mattias
Posted by stresser on January 30, 2005, at 9:38:05
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories? » stresser, posted by Maxime on January 29, 2005, at 22:33:15
She is bipolar II, with some borderline personality disorder. We didn't have enough time to go over everything in the last visit, so I assume I will go back in at some point to speak with the doctor again concerning her diagnosis. AS far as being lucky to have me as a mom, I don't know about that! I'm very pushy and controlling! I think I have a part in why she is at least borderline in a way....a lot of guilt here. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it. -L
Posted by tygereyes on January 30, 2005, at 12:37:00
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories? » Maxime, posted by stresser on January 30, 2005, at 9:38:05
> She is bipolar II, with some borderline personality disorder. We didn't have enough time to go over everything in the last visit, so I assume I will go back in at some point to speak with the doctor again concerning her diagnosis. AS far as being lucky to have me as a mom, I don't know about that! I'm very pushy and controlling! I think I have a part in why she is at least borderline in a way....a lot of guilt here. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it. -L
Please don't blame yourself. Borderline Personality Disorder has a strong biological component and there is a push within the psychiatric community to make it an Axis I diagnosis with a new name: Emotion Dysregulation Disorder.
I'm currently in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for my Borderline Personality Disorder and THAT is what has helped me the most. The medication helps me to get better but the THERAPY is what is helping me to get WELL.
Posted by Minnie-Haha on January 30, 2005, at 12:56:02
In reply to Trileptel success stories?, posted by tensor on January 29, 2005, at 5:24:53
I am BP2. I have taken Trileptal as monotherapy, and in conjunction with Effexor and Wellbutrin, and currently with Cymbalta. I have found it to be a good mood stabilizer (and weight neutral) but at dosages about 300mg/day I have to watch my serum sodium. It is better for hypomania than for depression.
I was on Lamictal (as monotherapy) for a couple months in 2003, but I got a rash on my forearms and chest and my pdoc made me get off it. It was more more activating/energizing than Trileptal and definitely worked better on my depression than Trileptal alone, but I think it could have the potential for pushing one into mania. Some here have reported agitation and others have reported poop-out. I don't know. I liked it for the little time I was on it and was really upset with my pdoc when she made me get off, especially since I believe my rash was photosensitivity (which I'm prone to) or the new sunscreen I was using (we were on vacation in Hawaii when I got the rash and as soon as I took a break from the sun, stopped using the sunscreen, and took a couple Benadryl, it cleared up).
There's a long answer to a short question. Nutshell: I think Lamictal has potential for some, especially those who lean more toward depression than mania. But if you can't take it, Trileptal is very good, though I have to augment it with an AD.
Posted by Minnie-Haha on January 30, 2005, at 12:58:04
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories?, posted by Minnie-Haha on January 30, 2005, at 12:56:02
> I am BP2. I have taken Trileptal as monotherapy, and in conjunction with Effexor and Wellbutrin, and currently with Cymbalta. I have found it to be a good mood stabilizer (and weight neutral) but at dosages about 300mg/day I have to watch my serum sodium...
Oops. I meant at dosages ABOVE 300mg/day.
Posted by tensor on January 30, 2005, at 13:02:43
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories? oops..., posted by Minnie-Haha on January 30, 2005, at 12:58:04
Posted by Phillipa on January 30, 2005, at 15:52:14
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories?, posted by tygereyes on January 30, 2005, at 12:37:00
Tigereyes; What is Dialectical Behavior therapy? I have never heard of it. Where do you live? I've not heard of it on the East Coast. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by tygereyes on January 30, 2005, at 17:51:27
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories?, posted by Phillipa on January 30, 2005, at 15:52:14
> Tigereyes; What is Dialectical Behavior therapy? I have never heard of it. Where do you live? I've not heard of it on the East Coast. Fondly, Phillipa
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is basically the only proven treatment to work for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder.
A detailed analysis can be found here:
<< http://www.priory.com/dbt.htm >>
It is everywhere. I am in New York and involved in DBT on an individual basis as well as the skills training group.
Posted by Phillipa on January 30, 2005, at 19:35:21
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories?, posted by tygereyes on January 30, 2005, at 17:51:27
I went to the site you provided and copied the information. I have trouble concentrating, but from what I gathered----l. Mixed messages as a child, 2. sexual abuse as a child, 3. can't deal with emotions, 4. reacts to stress in extreme ways, all of this I fit, except 5. Suicide attempts or ideation. Did I get it right? Do you have to be suicidal to be dx BPD? I did try to "cut" my thigh when I was l4, but that's all. Could I have BPD? A therapist once said I did. Thanks, Phillipa
Posted by Maxime on January 30, 2005, at 19:52:16
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories? » Maxime, posted by tensor on January 30, 2005, at 6:01:26
Yes, mood swing and hypomania need to be present to have the dx of bipolar.
So in your case, I think you should try the lamictal or try lithium which is good for boosting ADs and reducing depression.
Maxime
> Hi Maxime
>
> > It is the same as Tegretol but has an oxygen atom attached to it's chemical makeup. This atom is what makes it have less side effects than Tegretol and have no contraindications with other meds.
> >
> > If you looking for something that is going to help your depression more than mood swings, lamictal is the one that most people would try first. In my case Lamictal made me more depressed and gave me brain fog.
>
> I believe trileptal is more effective against the manic side while lamictal is better when depression is the dominant symptom. However, trileptal seems to have less side effects.
>
> > Are you bipolar type 2?
>
> I've never had hypo-mania, is that 'needed' for BPII? I do have recurring unipolar depression.
>
> /Mattias
>
>
Posted by Maxime on January 30, 2005, at 20:02:43
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories? » Maxime, posted by stresser on January 30, 2005, at 9:38:05
Ah, then the trileptal should help. If she is borderline, she should be in therapy - Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. Look into this as soon as possible. You shouldn't feel responsible for her borderline personality disorder (god I hate that name). But really you should get into therapy ASAP otherwise she will start getting into things like cutting and maybe an eating disorder. A good book to read is
"I Hate you Don't Leave me" to help you understand Borderline and perhaps a support group for yourself.Where do you live? ( I am only asking because I can find out about support groups that's all)
Maxime
> She is bipolar II, with some borderline personality disorder. We didn't have enough time to go over everything in the last visit, so I assume I will go back in at some point to speak with the doctor again concerning her diagnosis. AS far as being lucky to have me as a mom, I don't know about that! I'm very pushy and controlling! I think I have a part in why she is at least borderline in a way....a lot of guilt here. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it. -L
Posted by tygereyes on January 30, 2005, at 20:30:28
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories? » tygereyes, posted by Phillipa on January 30, 2005, at 19:35:21
Sexual abuse is not a prerequisite. I was not sexually abused.
Here is the criteria from the DSM-IV:
Diagnostic criteria for DSM-IV 301.83: Borderline Personality Disorder
A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
(1) frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
(2) a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation.
(3) identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.
(4) impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, Substance Abuse, reckless driving, binge eating).
(5) recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior.
(6) affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days).
(7) chronic feelings of emptiness.
(8) inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights).
(9) transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms.
Posted by Phillipa on January 30, 2005, at 20:46:56
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories? » tygereyes, posted by Phillipa on January 30, 2005, at 19:35:21
Thanks Tigereyes; You have definitely opened my eyes. I may be much older than most Posters, but I definitely need to tell my new pdoc that I think I am BPD. A lot of this fits me, especially in the past. Can you outgrow this? I know that for example, I told myself that I would never jump out of a relationship again, and I haven't. Sometimes I want to though. Are you in the Medical field? Phillipa
Posted by stresser on January 31, 2005, at 11:44:27
In reply to Re: Trileptel success stories? » stresser, posted by Maxime on January 30, 2005, at 20:02:43
Maxime, Yes, she is in therapy now. She just has a small hint of BPD, she is mostly BP. I need more information from her psychologist, because we haven't had enough time to discuss this. I just found out last week about the diagnosis, so I don't know what the treatment will involve. I do know that she lives in a "fantasy world", and thinks that everything will just automaticaly happen for her. She's emiotionaly immature and we have always wondered why she can't handle things well. I live in Indiana, and will ask the doctor about support groups in my town. I have been checking around already, thanks for any help you can offer.-L
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