Posted by randy on February 17, 1999, at 16:05:04
In reply to Re: Alternative to Depakote, posted by Elizabeth on February 16, 1999, at 22:57:58
> >Tegretol was never approved for
> >bipolar disorder. It's used so often for that indication, though, that it's
> >hard to remember that.
>
> It is indeed, and very widely accepted. Although Peter Kramer relates a pretty funny story about how he decided to use Tegretol for a patient once (in _Moments of Engagement_).
>
> >As for Topamax causing weight loss, that's only
> >based on one small study that I know of (Dr. Susan McElroy, Cincinnati). I
> >think the APA meeting will have a lot more data presented on Topamax
> >for bipolar disorder that may clear that up.
>
> Gosh, I wasn't even talking so much in terms of data as just "I know a few people who...." :-) Didn't know anyone was serious about Topamax as a bipolar drug.
>
> >Someday perhaps we'll have a targeted drug just for
> >bipolar disorder (not approved for other indications) other than lithium!
> >Wouldn't that be wonderful! (Drug companies, are you listening?)
>
> Don't hold your breath. Right now they have something (or other) going with the AEDs, and I've at least heard the claim that it's easier to get something approved for epilepsy (especially as "adjunctive treatment") than it is for manic-depression, so they just do that and then let the patients be the guinea pigs for bipolar.
>
> Anyway, what do you think lithium is? :-) (Just for the record, I didn't gain weight on lithium.)
>
> -elizabethmy experience with depakote was horrible. weight gain was demotivating. I now use neurontin and am very pleased. I am able to do my daily aerobics.
on depakote i was to sedated to want to exercise.
neurontin does not interfere with my life as much.
dont give up joann just because of the weight. Keep trying different meds untill you find one that is right for you.
poster:randy
thread:2774
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990201/msgs/3033.html