Posted by Chloe on May 12, 2002, at 19:18:06
In reply to Re: Dryness on Neurontin, Lamictal, Li » Chloe, posted by Bob on May 11, 2002, at 11:05:28
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> > Yes, I guess it is all in the wording...What meds are you on now other than Lamictal? How do you like Lamictal? Are you benefiting from any other meds? I think a while ago you were considering Li. Have you tried that yet?
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> I'm also on Neurontin 100mg tid, Clonazepam .5mg qid, and 20mg Celexa before bed. I assume I'm benefitting somewhat from this combo, as without it I would most assuredly be in the hospital. I've been on the Neurontin for about 3 weeks. In the beginning I experienced drowsiness and dizziness, but now it seems to be smoothing out. My sleep at night is getting heavier, though, and I might be able to attribute that to the Neurontin, but who knows.
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> I like the Lamictal from the standpoint that it is the only medecine that seems to allow me to sleep less. Unfortunately, it also seems to cause anxiety. That's why I added on the Neurontin; I had no desire to start increasing my Clonazepam doses.
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> Med cocktails sometimes seem to be advantageous over monotherapy, but the problem arises for me in guessing what's doing what. It makes it harder to decide how to modify the regimen.
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> You have an amazing memory! I was considering trying Lithium awhile back, as well as Provigil. I got prescriptions for both of these from my pdoc, and they're sitting on my bureau right now. I went the Lamictal route because I needed something to energize me on top of the Celexa/Clonazepam mix which was causing hypersomnia and fatigue. The evidence for Lithium being energizing didn't seem to be there. Who knows, with the way my life is going, I may be trying both of those meds before it's all over.
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> Bob
Hi Bob,
Sorry about the delay, had a bit of a meltdown. But I am back, somewhat!I agree med cocktails can be confusing. But I think if you get a few meds that you know work for you, you can add and subtract from there without too much disruption.
My primary thought about your post is, that you might stick with the meds you have and perhaps tinker with the Neurontin. Neurontin is a strange bear. It can be sedating, initially cause dizziness (and the dryness for me, ugh), but it also has some wonderful, subtle AD/energizing properties.
Perhaps you could inch the N up to 400, then 500, then 600 over a few weeks and see if you feel calmer, less moody and a little more motivated. Sounds strange, but the higher the dose(small by most people's standard), I take 200mgs TID, the less sedation I have, and I feel more energized in a quiet sort of way...I wasn't able to tolerate the anxiety of Lamictal either. And I never ever had any desire to sleep on the stuff. And I like to sleep. I think sleep is one of the best part of my day. It's the only time I am not feeling something! Being awake does have it's good moments too. All I am saying is I do like the break from my constant intense feelings.
Hopefullly you won't have to have tons of med trials to find something that "keeps you out of the hospital" or coping. Perhaps the celexa, K, and Neurontin will keep you in check for the time being. If these three are keepers, adding on something is much less difficult than changing to a totally different med.
Any thoughts?
Chloe
poster:Chloe
thread:105515
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020510/msgs/106135.html