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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by SLS on October 2, 2005, at 8:59:26
There seems to be a growing interest in the use of certain anticonvulsant medications to treat withdrawal from various substances including benzodiazepines, SSRIs and other SRIs, and alcohol. Some have even proposed anticonvulsants to aid in cocaine and opiate withdrawal.
Any comments or experiences?
• Depakote
• Tegretol
• Trileptal
• Lamictal
• Neurontin
• Topamax
• Gabitril
• Zonegran
• Keppra
• Sabril
- Scott
Posted by blueberry on October 7, 2005, at 18:25:45
In reply to Treating withdrawal using anticonvulsants?, posted by SLS on October 2, 2005, at 8:59:26
The only one I can comment on is Depakote extended release. And I've only been on 500mg for 4 days. But I can say, beginning the first day, it brought tremendous relief from anxiety, mania, and depression, all at the same time. Side effects are practically nill. Just based on the little experience I have with it, and based on things I've read at pubmed, I definitely think depakote has strong potential for anxiety, depression, mania, substance abuse, and benzo withdrawals. Doses needed though would probably be in the 1000mg to 1500mg range, which is still fairly benign in terms of side effects. I don't want to speak too soon, but at this time I give depakote two thumbs up for everything you mentioned. Probably real good for schizophrenic stuff too.
Posted by Declan on October 13, 2005, at 23:12:20
In reply to Treating withdrawal using anticonvulsants?, posted by SLS on October 2, 2005, at 8:59:26
Hi Scott
My nutritional doctor put me on a low dose of phenytoin for an extended and slow (uncompleted in fact) withdrawal from methadone and Valium. I had this thing happen on first going to sleep where I would wake up with a convulsive movement and my first thought would be 'I've had a stroke'. Electrical flash sensation.
The phenytoin might have helped that. I think I was on around 60mg/d. It made sense and I was comfortable with it as it seemed unlikely to damage me further.
Declan
This is the end of the thread.
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