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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 36. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lamdage22 on August 22, 2012, at 11:35:39
Hi all,
i havent posted in a while due to being busy with trying to keep my head up. I have withdrawn from Nardil because i suspect both Nardil and life stressors have caused me to become paranoid and voicey this year.
I fell into a devastating depression that was a burden for my family. Now i am somewhat recovered with Lamotrigine, BUT the cognitive side effects make me question if im going to make it through college like that. Im enrolled for January and i want to have a sharp state of mind.
My state of mind makes it hard to pinpoint a particular disorder and i have gotten many (too many) diagnoses. Its almost pathetic and i wonder if some docs even know what the heck they are talking about. They just love to let judgements fall on my head.
How about simply looking for the meds that support me the best and CONSIDERING THEIR MEDS HAVE DRIVEN ME TOWARDS PSYCHOTICNESS AND BIPOLARISHNESS. They give me a med, it drives me manic, im bipolar. They give me a med, i go delusional/psychotic, im schizophrenic. Pretty destructive treatment of an individual seeking for help. What a vicious circle. Anyway:It looks like regular antidepressants can make me voicey/paranoid (happened on nardil).. I initially seeked help because of social anxiety and depression, which indeed were the predominant problems at the time prior to drug treatment. No mania and no psychotic features.
Treatment of the depression showed there is some bipolarishness to my condition and in times when strong antidepressant treatment and life stressors coincided have led me into the psychotic direction.I am not a particular disorder(let me tell you, i have many to choose from), i am still ME and unique.
Anyway, i now am on Lamictal 200mg and its helping somewhat against depression.. I am considering to go on Memantine and Piracetam since they both have such a wide range of positive effects and i feel they might best support me in college.
Do you guys think this is a suitable combination for me? Why, why not?
Can i cross taper from Lamictal to Memantine?I know i scream for help here alot but again id appreciate advice/help ;)
Have a great day,
Lamdage
Posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2012, at 12:39:37
In reply to Memantine/Piracetam. Help me get ready for college, posted by Lamdage22 on August 22, 2012, at 11:35:39
Stick with the lamictal for now since you are saying it's now helping. Give it a bit of time. Phillipa
Posted by Lamdage22 on August 22, 2012, at 13:35:40
In reply to Re: Memantine/Piracetam. Help me get ready for college » Lamdage22, posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2012, at 12:39:37
Hey Phillipa,
yes but the Lamictal gives me cognitive side effects. And whats the point of going to college and not being able to perform?
Posted by Novelagent on August 22, 2012, at 15:53:15
In reply to Memantine/Piracetam. Help me get ready for college, posted by Lamdage22 on August 22, 2012, at 11:35:39
Memantine won't work, and piracetam is a waste of money-- the idea increasing oxygen to the brain will result in increased IQ is silly and has never been proven. If it were true, smoking would decrease IQ, and we know it does the opposite (because of nicotine, but not enough to justify smoking over).
Try adding Latuda-- it has cognition boosting effects, and is an antipsychotic. I have no idea why you're not on an antipsychotic if you have schizophrenia-- aren't you afraid of relapse?
Also, try aricept, but only after you stabalize ob an antipsychotic, as it can otherwise trigger hypomania if you're predisposed. Aricept does wonders, trust me.
If you're going to take a supplement, you want fish oil-- it's good for schizophrenia, because of the inflammation hypothesis. And try citicoline (CDP Choline, not to be confused with choline).
Before you start school, do full-time volunteering for several months (now until january) to get yourself into a routine of working. The easiest place to volunteer 24/7 is an election campaign.
For your first semester, take half a courseload, so you don't set yourself up for failure. And remember, habits matter: try to aim to do your best studying the first 3 weeks, and you'll find yourself sailing through the semester without feeling like you're falling behind and playing catch-up.
Don't worry about psychosis, just take an antipsychotic regularly. Ideally, consider taking Invega Sustenna. It's more convenient, becase you only have to take it once a month.
Aricept dosing is 5mg once in the morning daily for 2 months, then increase to 10mg. Good luck! Use a day planner religiously.
Hi all,
>
> i havent posted in a while due to being busy with trying to keep my head up. I have withdrawn from Nardil because i suspect both Nardil and life stressors have caused me to become paranoid and voicey this year.
>
> I fell into a devastating depression that was a burden for my family. Now i am somewhat recovered with Lamotrigine, BUT the cognitive side effects make me question if im going to make it through college like that. Im enrolled for January and i want to have a sharp state of mind.
>
> My state of mind makes it hard to pinpoint a particular disorder and i have gotten many (too many) diagnoses. Its almost pathetic and i wonder if some docs even know what the heck they are talking about. They just love to let judgements fall on my head.
> How about simply looking for the meds that support me the best and CONSIDERING THEIR MEDS HAVE DRIVEN ME TOWARDS PSYCHOTICNESS AND BIPOLARISHNESS. They give me a med, it drives me manic, im bipolar. They give me a med, i go delusional/psychotic, im schizophrenic. Pretty destructive treatment of an individual seeking for help. What a vicious circle. Anyway:
>
> It looks like regular antidepressants can make me voicey/paranoid (happened on nardil).. I initially seeked help because of social anxiety and depression, which indeed were the predominant problems at the time prior to drug treatment. No mania and no psychotic features.
> Treatment of the depression showed there is some bipolarishness to my condition and in times when strong antidepressant treatment and life stressors coincided have led me into the psychotic direction.
>
> I am not a particular disorder(let me tell you, i have many to choose from), i am still ME and unique.
>
> Anyway, i now am on Lamictal 200mg and its helping somewhat against depression.. I am considering to go on Memantine and Piracetam since they both have such a wide range of positive effects and i feel they might best support me in college.
>
> Do you guys think this is a suitable combination for me? Why, why not?
> Can i cross taper from Lamictal to Memantine?
>
> I know i scream for help here alot but again id appreciate advice/help ;)
>
>
> Have a great day,
> Lamdage
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 22, 2012, at 18:46:15
In reply to Re: Memantine/Piracetam. Help me get ready for college » Lamdage22, posted by Novelagent on August 22, 2012, at 15:53:15
I agree, if your diagnosis is schitzophrenia, I'd try one of the less sedating atypical antipsychotics (risperidone, geodon) in a low-moderate dose.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 22, 2012, at 18:47:23
In reply to Re: Memantine/Piracetam. Help me get ready for college, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 22, 2012, at 18:46:15
perhaps with an antidepressant added - Welbutrin is probably the best one as far as not pushing you into mania, but there are many options for you.
Posted by Lamdage22 on August 23, 2012, at 3:42:54
In reply to Re: Memantine/Piracetam. Help me get ready for college » Lamdage22, posted by Novelagent on August 22, 2012, at 15:53:15
> Memantine won't work,
How do you know that? Its supposed to work against (bipolar or whatever) depression and enhance cognition without sending me into mania. That is the plan anyway.
If it were true, smoking would decrease IQ, and we know it does the opposite (because of nicotine, but not enough to justify smoking over).
>
> Try adding Latuda-- it has cognition boosting effects, and is an antipsychotic. I have no idea why you're not on an antipsychotic if you have schizophrenia-- aren't you afraid of relapse?I do not have schizophrenia.
> Also, try aricept, but only after you stabalize ob an antipsychotic, as it can otherwise trigger hypomania if you're predisposed. Aricept does wonders, trust me.
>
> If you're going to take a supplement, you want fish oil-- it's good for schizophrenia, because of the inflammation hypothesis. And try citicoline (CDP Choline, not to be confused with choline).I take Fishoil.
> Before you start school, do full-time volunteering for several months (now until january) to get yourself into a routine of working. The easiest place to volunteer 24/7 is an election campaign.Im going to english school beginning next week for 3 hours 5 times a week as a start.
> For your first semester, take half a courseload, so you don't set yourself up for failure. And remember, habits matter: try to aim to do your best studying the first 3 weeks, and you'll find yourself sailing through the semester without feeling like you're falling behind and playing catch-up.Thanks, i will try to do that. However i HAVE to take 12 credit hours.
Posted by Novelagent on August 23, 2012, at 11:58:56
In reply to Re: Memantine/Piracetam. Help me get ready for college, posted by Lamdage22 on August 23, 2012, at 3:42:54
> >
> Thanks, i will try to do that. However i HAVE to take 12 credit hours.
>You can get a doctor to write a letter requesting an exception to the course load requirement...
Posted by Lamdage22 on August 23, 2012, at 13:27:08
In reply to Re: Memantine/Piracetam. Help me get ready for college, posted by Novelagent on August 23, 2012, at 11:58:56
That sounds like a swell idea.. i will need four years for the associates degree then i guess.. but its also four years to get a social life, to take care of my bad case of candida.. to get healthy.
If i look at people, how busy they are with life, how they are moving on to pursue their careers.. makes me jealous and makes me resent my goddamn situation here. I need to get engaged in something.
It makes me want to get back on nardil.
> > Thanks, i will try to do that. However i HAVE to take 12 credit hours.
> >
>
> You can get a doctor to write a letter requesting an exception to the course load requirement...
>That sounds like a swell idea.. i will need four years for the associates degree then i guess.. but its also four years to get a social life, to take care of my bad case of candida.. to get healthy.
Posted by Lamdage22 on August 23, 2012, at 13:30:13
In reply to Re: Memantine/Piracetam. Help me get ready for college, posted by Lamdage22 on August 23, 2012, at 13:27:08
It will certainly be a leap of faith.. flying to the US, furnish my home, go to college.
Im german..
Posted by Lamdage22 on August 26, 2012, at 15:25:23
In reply to Re: Memantine/Piracetam. Help me get ready for college » Lamdage22, posted by Novelagent on August 22, 2012, at 15:53:15
Anyone?
Posted by phidippus on August 28, 2012, at 22:54:38
In reply to Memantine/Piracetam. Help me get ready for college, posted by Lamdage22 on August 22, 2012, at 11:35:39
>Anyway, i now am on Lamictal 200mg and its ?helping somewhat against depression..
If you've felt an improvement in symmptoms due to the lamotrogine, its a strong indication you are bipolar. If you feel the cognitive side effects of the drug are intolerable, try a different mood stabilizer. I would recommend Lithium because it really helps with depression and smooths things out.
>I am considering to go on Memantine
Don't replace your lamotrogine with the Memantine. If you want to take it to augment your current treatment, I say do it, but be cautioned, Memantine is a D2 agonist which can cause psychosis.
>Piracetam
Is a great drug, but let me offer an alternative drug therapy: Keppra. Keppra improves cognition just like piracetam, in fact it is a racetam (Keppra=Leviteracetam). On top of improved cognition, Keppra makes a good way to treat anxiety and at higher doses has some mood stabilizing effects.
Another drug you could take to sharpen up at school would be Aricept
>Do you guys think this is a suitable combination >for me?
Lamictal+Keppra+Memantine would be my recommendation.
>Can i cross taper from Lamictal to Memantine?
Do not switch from Lamictal to Memantine. If you are bipolar, you are going to feel worse. Take Memantine with the Lamictal.
Let me know what you think.
Eric
Posted by AlexCanada on August 30, 2012, at 18:18:20
In reply to Re: Memantine/Piracetam. Help me get ready for college » Lamdage22, posted by Novelagent on August 22, 2012, at 15:53:15
Hello I have melancholic depression.
Does Latuda work for depression as well? if not is it safe to take as an add-on? I have severe cognitive issues, i have antero grade memory loss (difficultly retaining new information), general memory problems, learning problems, poor interest, poor enjoyment, poor motivation, low energy.
Please let me know. I have doc apt tomorrow.
>Memantine won't work, and piracetam is a waste of money-- the idea increasing oxygen to the brain will result in increased IQ is silly and has never been proven. If it were true, smoking would decrease IQ, and we know it does the opposite (because of nicotine, but not enough to justify smoking over).
>
> Try adding Latuda-- it has cognition boosting effects, and is an antipsychotic. I have no idea why you're not on an antipsychotic if you have schizophrenia-- aren't you afraid of relapse?
>
> Also, try aricept, but only after you stabalize ob an antipsychotic, as it can otherwise trigger hypomania if you're predisposed. Aricept does wonders, trust me.
>
> If you're going to take a supplement, you want fish oil-- it's good for schizophrenia, because of the inflammation hypothesis. And try citicoline (CDP Choline, not to be confused with choline).
>
> Before you start school, do full-time volunteering for several months (now until january) to get yourself into a routine of working. The easiest place to volunteer 24/7 is an election campaign.
>
> For your first semester, take half a courseload, so you don't set yourself up for failure. And remember, habits matter: try to aim to do your best studying the first 3 weeks, and you'll find yourself sailing through the semester without feeling like you're falling behind and playing catch-up.
>
> Don't worry about psychosis, just take an antipsychotic regularly. Ideally, consider taking Invega Sustenna. It's more convenient, becase you only have to take it once a month.
>
> Aricept dosing is 5mg once in the morning daily for 2 months, then increase to 10mg. Good luck! Use a day planner religiously.
> Hi all,
> >
> > i havent posted in a while due to being busy with trying to keep my head up. I have withdrawn from Nardil because i suspect both Nardil and life stressors have caused me to become paranoid and voicey this year.
> >
> > I fell into a devastating depression that was a burden for my family. Now i am somewhat recovered with Lamotrigine, BUT the cognitive side effects make me question if im going to make it through college like that. Im enrolled for January and i want to have a sharp state of mind.
> >
> > My state of mind makes it hard to pinpoint a particular disorder and i have gotten many (too many) diagnoses. Its almost pathetic and i wonder if some docs even know what the heck they are talking about. They just love to let judgements fall on my head.
> > How about simply looking for the meds that support me the best and CONSIDERING THEIR MEDS HAVE DRIVEN ME TOWARDS PSYCHOTICNESS AND BIPOLARISHNESS. They give me a med, it drives me manic, im bipolar. They give me a med, i go delusional/psychotic, im schizophrenic. Pretty destructive treatment of an individual seeking for help. What a vicious circle. Anyway:
> >
> > It looks like regular antidepressants can make me voicey/paranoid (happened on nardil).. I initially seeked help because of social anxiety and depression, which indeed were the predominant problems at the time prior to drug treatment. No mania and no psychotic features.
> > Treatment of the depression showed there is some bipolarishness to my condition and in times when strong antidepressant treatment and life stressors coincided have led me into the psychotic direction.
> >
> > I am not a particular disorder(let me tell you, i have many to choose from), i am still ME and unique.
> >
> > Anyway, i now am on Lamictal 200mg and its helping somewhat against depression.. I am considering to go on Memantine and Piracetam since they both have such a wide range of positive effects and i feel they might best support me in college.
> >
> > Do you guys think this is a suitable combination for me? Why, why not?
> > Can i cross taper from Lamictal to Memantine?
> >
> > I know i scream for help here alot but again id appreciate advice/help ;)
> >
> >
> > Have a great day,
> > Lamdage
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by phidippus on August 30, 2012, at 21:29:10
In reply to Latuda for depression??? » Novelagent, posted by AlexCanada on August 30, 2012, at 18:18:20
>Does Latuda work for depression as well?
Yes its a potent 5ht1a antagonist, which means it helps produce more of that receptor which helps with both depression and anxiety.
What else are you taking?
Eric
Posted by SLS on August 31, 2012, at 0:40:12
In reply to Re: Latuda for depression??? » AlexCanada, posted by phidippus on August 30, 2012, at 21:29:10
> >Does Latuda work for depression as well?
>
> Yes its a potent 5ht1a antagonist, which means it helps produce more of that receptor which helps with both depression and anxiety.I believe lurasidone is a partial agonist.
More recently, scientists have become interested in the involvement of the serotonin 5-HT7 receptor in depression. Latuda is a potent antagonist at this receptor. I don't know how this effect trickles down.
- Scott
Posted by AlexCanada on August 31, 2012, at 8:01:19
In reply to Re: Latuda for depression??? » AlexCanada, posted by phidippus on August 30, 2012, at 21:29:10
Parnate 15mg (tapering, will not take it anymore), + ritalin + valium. Gabapentin 300-400mg a day but likely stopping very soon to tolerance and side effects (works amazingly well initially).
> >Does Latuda work for depression as well?
>
> Yes its a potent 5ht1a antagonist, which means it helps produce more of that receptor which helps with both depression and anxiety.
>
> What else are you taking?
>
> Eric
Posted by phidippus on August 31, 2012, at 15:11:04
In reply to Re: Latuda for depression??? » phidippus, posted by AlexCanada on August 31, 2012, at 8:01:19
Are you planning on taking another antidepressant? Latuda will not do the heavy lifting an antidepressant will do. Its best used as an augmenter.
Eric
Posted by phidippus on August 31, 2012, at 15:31:20
In reply to Re: Latuda for depression???, posted by SLS on August 31, 2012, at 0:40:12
"The 5-HT7 receptor is involved in thermoregulation, circadian rhythm, learning and memory, and sleep. It is also speculated that this receptor may be involved in mood regulation, suggesting that it may be a useful target in the treatment of depression."
That's what I get from Wikipedia
5ht7 vaguely said to modulate striatal and cortical dopamine function, but nobody really knows how this is any different from the modulation that occurs when you block 5ht2. Lattuda does cause significant sedation, whichits speculatedmay be a result of its effects on the 5-HT7 receptor.
Posted by SLS on August 31, 2012, at 23:34:19
In reply to Re: Latuda for depression??? » SLS, posted by phidippus on August 31, 2012, at 15:31:20
> Lattuda does cause significant sedation
It did not sedate me at all. At higher dosages, it produced some pretty nasty brain fog.
- Scott
Posted by Lamdage22 on September 1, 2012, at 6:36:49
In reply to Re: Latuda for depression??? » phidippus, posted by SLS on August 31, 2012, at 23:34:19
Thats what i want to avoid..
"Sharpening up" for college.. i couldnt have found better words to express what im trying to do.
As of now i am contemplating the Nardil/Stablon/Latuda.
As needed meds: Pramiracetam for periods of intense studying, Xanax for presentations and social events, Zyprexa to bar psychotic symptoms when they are coming on.
Zyprexa works almost overnight. Thats the good news for me.
Greetings,
Lamdage
> > Lattuda does cause significant sedation
>
> It did not sedate me at all. At higher dosages, it produced some pretty nasty brain fog.
>
>
> - Scott
>
Posted by Lamdage22 on September 1, 2012, at 6:47:43
In reply to Re: Latuda for depression???, posted by Lamdage22 on September 1, 2012, at 6:36:49
Nardil and Stablon are on their way to me.. The Latuda, i hope to get my GP here in Germany to prescribe it to me. Its not usually available in Germany.
Posted by SLS on September 1, 2012, at 7:32:04
In reply to Re: Latuda for depression???, posted by Lamdage22 on September 1, 2012, at 6:36:49
> Thats what i want to avoid..
With Geodon and Latuda, I didn't experience any brain fog until I exceeded 40 mg/day. Most people don't seem to get brain fog at all.
Good luck with school!
- Scott
Posted by Lamdage22 on September 1, 2012, at 12:18:45
In reply to Re: Latuda for depression??? » Lamdage22, posted by SLS on September 1, 2012, at 7:32:04
Thanks, Scott.
I guess its safe to say that Latuda and especially Nardil are going to give me some fog, but my hope is that Stablon will reverse this so my cognition remains unaffected.
Cognition is not really a problem unless it is diminished through meds. Its really no fun to go to school and feel stupid.
Greetings
> > Thats what i want to avoid..
>
> With Geodon and Latuda, I didn't experience any brain fog until I exceeded 40 mg/day. Most people don't seem to get brain fog at all.
>
> Good luck with school!
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by Lamdage22 on September 1, 2012, at 12:23:37
In reply to Re: Latuda for depression???, posted by Lamdage22 on September 1, 2012, at 12:18:45
The biggest problems i have are depression, lack of motivation and social anxiety.
Posted by Lamdage22 on September 3, 2012, at 8:01:56
In reply to Re: Latuda for depression???, posted by Lamdage22 on September 1, 2012, at 12:23:37
> The biggest problems i have are depression, lack of motivation and social anxiety.
>F*ck it, im going back on a hefty med cocktail. Bupropion Lamictal Nardil Stablon.
I dont give a damn about psychosis that may eventually develop. Im not living this half life anylonger.
I rather live short but decent than long and miserable.
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