Posted by Patient on January 11, 2004, at 10:23:18
In reply to Re: Lamictil is NOT a mood stabilizer » SLS, posted by Flipsactown on January 10, 2004, at 16:27:15
The mood stabilising agents are lithium, valporic acid, and carbamzepine. Newer drugs are actually anticonvulsants used to treat epilepsy. Okay, we know all that.
The newer drugs used for treating bipolar illness "include the three mood stabilisers listed above, seem to stimulate the transmitter called GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid) or inhibit a transmitter substance known as glutamate. GABA and glutamate are used by a large percentage of the nerves in the brain. The anticonvulsants that stimulate GABA tend to cause sleepiness. Medications in this catagory include valporic acid, as well as gabapentin (Neurontin), tiagibine (Gabitril), vigabatrin (Sabril), and several others. The anticonvulsants that inhibit glutamate tend to cause stimulation and anxiety. Medications in this catagory include felbamate (Felbatol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), topirimate (Topamax), and several others." Quote from "Feeling Good"
I would think that if Lamictil wasn't helping, then try something from the other catagory that stimulates GABA.
poster:Patient
thread:208531
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040109/msgs/299370.html