Posted by Ron Hill on July 27, 2002, at 20:07:14
In reply to Re: john J, posted by colin wallace on July 27, 2002, at 15:56:20
Hi Colin,
> As far as zoloft goes, I discontinued because, although it worked superbly (once the first few weeks of worsened anxiety passed), I then suddenly grew extremely angry, restless and agitated on it- even at a mere 25mg.
Are you absolutely positive that the AD was inducing the rage and not the SAM-e? The reason I ask is that, as I have said before, SAM-e was the mega rage enhancer in my case (after 5 months of excellent results with SAM-e). Were you taking SAM-e during the time of the rage episodes? Are you currently taking SAM-e? Don't get me wrong, I hold the same position as you regarding bipolar patients taking an AD's.
>If you read one of my (erratic and unstable!) posts below, you'll see that this enraged mind- state could have cost me (and any another hapless motorist nearby)my life.
Careful with that road rage, Colin! In the US some motorists carry loaded weapons and it can get outta hand very quickly.
> As for myself, I took the plunge and took my depakote yesterday, and my now calm mindstate and clear(ing) head for the first time in two years has made me determined NEVER to touch another AD again. My plan is to stay on this low dose (200mg, possibly up to 400mg) for a couple of months, and then tentatively add some lamotragine for an AD benefit.Lithium remains to be tried too, if needs be.
I'm happy to hear about the good preliminary results with Depakote. Several years ago I did a trial of Lamictal. I really liked how it felt in my brain but it gave me a severe rash (not Stevens Johnson Syndrome though). The pdoc switched me to Depakote and the rash decreased from severe to just bad. The rash continued until I quite taking Depakote. I forgot to list the rash in my side effect list that I posted to you a week or two ago. The rash and the Depakote induced depression were the main reasons I stopped using it. Lamictal, on the other hand, actually helped my depression significantly as well as providing excellent mood stabilization. If it hadn't caused that nasty rash I'd more than likely still be on it. I think it is a great med. YMMV.
> Right, have to dash, not least because I fell off my mountain bike today, and am now sporting a left testicle the size of a well proportioned water-mellon.
I grimiest in pain just reading about it. Hey, if Lance Armstrong can come back from testicular cancer and become a four time winner of the Tour de France, you can come back from this injury. The same thing applies to coming back from your brain chemistry issues. You are going to win this battle!
Armstrong is an inspiration!!
-- Ron
poster:Ron Hill
thread:113419
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020725/msgs/113956.html