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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by raisinb on February 11, 2009, at 14:07:34
The thread above reminded me. My father and I have very similar "classic" depression issues--insomnia, feelings of meaninglessness, and anxiety. It also seems as though similar drugs work--and don't work--for both of us. For instance, we both do well on Lexapro and Remeron didn't do jack for either of us.
My question is this: for the past eight months, my dad hasn't been doing so well. He has tried most SSRIs and they typically poop out after a few years. His pdoc put him on Remeron eventually, with somewhat disastrous results (45 mg)--he slept all day for months, gained a lot of weight, and no difference in his depression was seen. He's now on Remeron, Lexapro, Wellbutrin--and here's what I don't understand--Depakote.
The last seems odd to me. When asked, my dad says "I've been taking that since the beginning" (Depakote). Since I've never seen my dad even remotely manic, I don't understand the choice of the drug. Could it be contributing, even, to his depression?
Posted by JadeKelly on February 11, 2009, at 17:20:09
In reply to Depakote question, posted by raisinb on February 11, 2009, at 14:07:34
I think the best course of action is to ask his PDoc WHY he's on it!!! My son takes 1500mg per day for epilepsy. It makes him tired, it interferes with his cognitive abilities, and I think it causes weight gain, altho my son just sprout up (teen) so not so much an issue.
I think it could cause depression. My son is also bipolar 1, so it acts as a mood stabilizer, along with Seroquel which was a God send for us.The Seroquel we found out has a/d properties and my son is much happier.
Bottom line, if they don't have a really good reason to have him on that, I'd take him off. I suppose a small amount could have been prescribed for the anxiety and insomnia, but seems unlikely to be first choice.
~Jade
Posted by JadeKelly on February 11, 2009, at 17:31:29
In reply to Depakote question, posted by raisinb on February 11, 2009, at 14:07:34
Raisin,
I just reread your post, if he responded to Remeron with disasterous results, why is he still on it???
I think its time for a new evaluation by an excellent PDoc for a proper dx, and a review of meds.
I'm very close to my Dad, sounds like you are too. Good for you for taking a closer look to see whats up. Post as to your progress!!!
~Jade
Posted by SLS on February 12, 2009, at 6:56:41
In reply to Depakote question, posted by raisinb on February 11, 2009, at 14:07:34
> The thread above reminded me. My father and I have very similar "classic" depression issues--insomnia, feelings of meaninglessness, and anxiety. It also seems as though similar drugs work--and don't work--for both of us. For instance, we both do well on Lexapro and Remeron didn't do jack for either of us.
>
> My question is this: for the past eight months, my dad hasn't been doing so well. He has tried most SSRIs and they typically poop out after a few years. His pdoc put him on Remeron eventually, with somewhat disastrous results (45 mg)--he slept all day for months, gained a lot of weight, and no difference in his depression was seen. He's now on Remeron, Lexapro, Wellbutrin--and here's what I don't understand--Depakote.> The last seems odd to me. When asked, my dad says "I've been taking that since the beginning" (Depakote). Since I've never seen my dad even remotely manic, I don't understand the choice of the drug.
I don't understand the choice to leave your father on Remeron when it has already shown itself to be such a bad drug for him. It is hard to know what is the rationale for the Depakote. Perhaps the doctor saw a bipolar mixed state at some point. If he has been on Depakote for so long, maybe that's why you've never seen him manic. It is hard to know.
> Could it be contributing, even, to his depression?
Yes. It contributes to the depression of quite a few people here - not at first, perhaps. If I take it for more than a few weeks, it produces a mild-moderate worsening of depression. Of course, it is a great drug for some people.
Perhaps it is time to remove the Depakote to see what happens while being closely monitored. Also, what about discontinuing the Remeron and perhaps adding Lamictal? Wellbutrin + Lamictal go well together, even for unipolar depression. Obviously, changes need to be made. I would yank the Remeron first if it is affecting him that badly.
- Scott
Posted by raisinb on February 12, 2009, at 11:53:25
In reply to Re: Depakote question, posted by SLS on February 12, 2009, at 6:56:41
Thank you, everyone. My dad is a tough case. From all accounts, he has a good pdoc, but it's unclear whether he really tells the pdoc what's going on with him. He's the classic helpless/hopeless depressive. I know that at one point, several months ago, he went to see the pdoc, and when asked, reported that everything was fine (when it was NOT).
For someone so passive about his treatment, there's little his family can do. But I'll relay this information to my mom and see if she can make any inroads. I just don't see why he should be on Depakote for 20+ years.
Posted by JadeKelly on February 12, 2009, at 12:14:27
In reply to Re: Depakote question, posted by raisinb on February 12, 2009, at 11:53:25
> Thank you, everyone. My dad is a tough case. From all accounts, he has a good pdoc, but it's unclear whether he really tells the pdoc what's going on with him. He's the classic helpless/hopeless depressive. I know that at one point, several months ago, he went to see the pdoc, and when asked, reported that everything was fine (when it was NOT).
>
> For someone so passive about his treatment, there's little his family can do. But I'll relay this information to my mom and see if she can make any inroads. I just don't see why he should be on Depakote for 20+ years.I don't know if your father would allow this, but at a time when I was really bad, if I had to go somewhere someone had to drive me. Once when we went to my PDoc appt. my Mom said I'm coming in. Okay with me, I really didn't care. But she had a better insight as to what was going on with me when we left. And my PDoc.
Sounds like you have good PDoc for him, half the battle, but why not You or your Mom show up for a couple of appts before he has time to argue? See whats really going on? I think the time for niceties is past, and PDoc should certainly understand.
Just a thought.
Good Luck!
~Jade
Posted by raisinb on February 12, 2009, at 12:30:02
In reply to Re: Depakote question » raisinb, posted by JadeKelly on February 12, 2009, at 12:14:27
That is a good idea. I don't live in the same state they do, but maybe she can go along.
This is the end of the thread.
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