Posted by SLS on January 3, 2008, at 7:22:37
In reply to Scared to start Gabitril -increases anxiety?, posted by 4WD on December 29, 2007, at 16:09:25
Hi 4WD.
I tried Gabitril several years ago.
Gabtril is an especially unpredictable drug. In a significant number of people, a mild to moderate increase in anxiety can dissipate as a startup side effect. However, for me, Gabitril did not produce a persistent anxiety. There is a chance that cognitive blunting and "brain fogginess". This might force an end to Gabitril treatment. I think it is a drug worth titrating low and slow. To add to the list of possible untoward reactions: worsened depression, perstent moderate anxiety, and derealization.
As an asside, I forgot to mention that several of my doctor's colleagues have noticed a surprisingly robust antidepressant response when Lamictal is combined with Deplin.
Of the second generation neuroleptics, Geodon is probably the most activating. However, I have noticed more early drop-outs on Geodon than on other drugs of the same class.
Don't neglect the axiom that shows itself at every corner in the treatment of most mental illnesses. It is manifestly true that each individual has a unique structural and biochemical constitution such that there will be people whom take Geodon whom respond robustly to lower dosages - 60mg. She experienced a bit of anxiety in the beginning. Beyond one week, this anxiety has disappeared. For her, Geodon is a magic pill when added to the other miracle pills she takes. Why are they miracle pills? Quite simply, her ability to function with additional energy. Quite nice is the increase in motivation and a feeling of wellness. It is still early in her Geodon treatment, but in a polypharmacy setting, I think most of the atypicals produce minor to moderate improvements in depression. They generally do not poop out at a rate commensurate with SSRIs. If you can stick it out beyond the first 1-3 weeks, you may see the anxiogenic effect gradually disappear. Geodon is not one of my favorite drugs. However, an absolutely gorgeous lady friend of mine began taking Geodon a little more than a week ago. She is feeling better than she can remember.
EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. THERE ARE NO COOKIE-CUTTER PEOPLE. THE DIRECT RESULT OF THE EXISTING, AND POSSIBLY UNIQUE INTERVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN THE BRAIN / CNS FUNCTION. PATTERNS OF RESPONSE TO TREATMENT ARE EXTREMELY VARIABLE, EVEN WHEN TREATMENTS BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS IS EXACTLY THE SAME.
One thing to consider are the results of experiments using identical twins. One twin can become psychiatry ill, while the other not.
Any explanation of mental illness must account for this phenomenono. Twin studies offer unique opportunities to determine the differences in gene activity.Sorry...
Started with Gabitril and ended up at Geodon as an example of inconsistencies in the way researchers postulate pathology.
I am not a big fan of Gabitril. I believe it oversaturates the synaptic cleft with GABA. This could explain the variability in the responses patterns seen with Gabitril and its tendency to upset and skew the GABA/glutamate balance. Gabatril is a GABA reuptake inhibitor. Too much GABA is no good. This probably occurs early in treatment as the "brakes" on the glutamate/DA are no longer. Through an accomodation process, postsynaptic receptors downregulate.
Thanks for reading.
Time for me to live a little. I have a date later this afternoon. I enjoy socialization and connecting with people. Since I still have a long way to go to reach FULL remeission, I am confident that it is happening, especialy with the Deplin on board.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:803159
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071225/msgs/803968.html