Posted by SLS on June 23, 2009, at 5:13:58
In reply to Need some help with neurotransmitters, posted by Frustratedmama on June 19, 2009, at 14:54:56
> Ok, so for all of you out there that know these neurotransmitters so well- I have a question!
> I am trying to figure out what is going on with my brain and how to help stabilize my permanently agitated and depressed mind!
>
> Meds that have helped some include: lamictal, verapamil (short-lived!), Librium, Valium, neurontin, Effexor, Paxil and trazodone. However, none of these meds worked long term and lately dont appear to be helping.
>
> I also take adderall which helps me function and doesnt increase agitation (I have tested this theory several times)and take lunesta to sleep (this has been dropped and replaced before- I can use almost anything to help sleep- its the one that creates the least amount of side effects for me though)
>
> OK- so please respond if you have thoughts or suggestions (or even questions)
If your doctor feels strongly that Depakote would be worth a try, I would do that first. It is good for mixed-states in bipolar II disorder, which you may have.Topamax or Trileptal, two anticonvulsant mood stabilizers, might be worth thinking about as drugs to be used in combination with an SRI antidepressant that you haven't seen yet - like Cymbalta. Since you seem to fit into the bipolar spectrum somewhere, I would advise restarting Lamictal and trying to gradually reach a dosage of 200mg if you can tolerate it. By itself, it usually doesn't "stick", but can act as an augmentor to make antidepressants work better. If there are no side effect issues with Lamictal, just stay on it as you continue to try other drugs. The only drug you need to be careful when combining with Lamictal is Depakote. You would need to reduce the dosage of Lamictal in half.
To add Abilify to any of these things might be an important component to your treatment.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:902087
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20090129/msgs/902715.html