Posted by smart.drug on December 3, 2008, at 20:46:23
In reply to Re: Cymbalta vs. Lyrica » antigua3, posted by Phillipa on December 3, 2008, at 12:28:21
Well, my psychiatrist asserts with strong conviction that benzos are strong mood destabilizers and that she never gives them to bipolar patients. In fact, one time before when I thought I was having a hpomanic episode, the on-call doctor gave me Klonopin. My own p-doc flipped out and made me turn in the medication. I can't speak for her, but that's what she said.
I'm myself totally biased against benzos for two reasons. One, they suppress slow-wave sleep. Bad idea for me, because my sleep is out of whack to begin with. Two, although they "work" you _will_ build tolerance to them. It's just a matter of time. They have their place in emergencies, and yes, they're "safe," but long-term is a different ball game.
I would have preferred Lyrica, only because it enhances slow-wave sleep. It has a lower abuse potential than benzos. I've struggled with depression my whole life, even as a child; I _really_ don't want to add an addiction to my baggage. Anyway, I'm curious if a bedtime-only dose might give me better sleep, and thus enhance alertness in the morning.
In the meantime, I'll be a compliant patient and do as the doc told me. I intend to stick with the Cymbalta and titrate up after a week. So far, it's making my anxiety worse. I think it worsens sleep quality too... ugh...
poster:smart.drug
thread:866260
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081123/msgs/866533.html