![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by anna on October 3, 1999, at 23:14:03
Pleeeeeeeeeeeees help!!! I started talking zyban to quit smoking 3 days ago, and i am know supposed to take 300g a day. Is something wrong, i am experiencing total shakiness, in my hands, and i feel totally strange, and also my eyes are wide open and my pupils completely dialated. Is the shakiness and twitching normaLL?
Posted by citiboy on October 3, 1999, at 23:22:59
In reply to zyban, posted by anna on October 3, 1999, at 23:14:03
> Pleeeeeeeeeeeees help!!! I started talking zyban to quit smoking 3 days ago, and i am know supposed to take 300g a day. Is something wrong, i am experiencing total shakiness, in my hands, and i feel totally strange, and also my eyes are wide open and my pupils completely dialated. Is the shakiness and twitching normaLL?
Yes, Anna, there *is* something wrong!
You're taking a worthless drug with multiple side effects.
Get off that crap!
ZYBAN is the antidepressant drug Wellbutrin in sheep's clothing.
When I tried it to stop smoking, all it did was create a terrible taste in my mouth so that cigarettes tasted terrible, but
it wasn't effective at all. I still smoked.
Get yourself the patch, NICOTROL (in 21, 14, 7 mgs. increments), and within 3 months you'll be free of smoking.
Posted by Racer on October 3, 1999, at 23:34:01
In reply to Re: zyban, posted by citiboy on October 3, 1999, at 23:22:59
Zyban is indeed Wellbutrin. On the other hand, for some people, it's a great AD.
As for your symptoms, they do show that something's wrong. Sounds like maybe your BP is dropping, or maybe it's starting to set you into seizures, one of the side effects.
Anyway, good luck on quitting. A worthy goal. Do try the Patch, and if you get a rash, that's likely the adhesive, so talk to your doc about the other options.
Also, studies have shown that bicarbonate of soda can help with quitting, and my experience tells me that keeping my blood sugar stable helped me. Try everything, and then try it again! Quitting is a good thing.
Good luck, and better luck to you.
Posted by dj on October 4, 1999, at 1:43:25
In reply to Re: zyban, posted by Racer on October 3, 1999, at 23:34:01
Were the seizures in the trials because of a group of bulimics or anorexics who were tested with it and already had screwed up metabolisms? My p-doc. told me something along those lines... Wellbutrin is working alright for me after 2.5 weeks or so and tapering up from 2 X 100 to 2 X 150 tabs. As for any off taste, I already had that so if W. contrbutes to that perhaps it will be like a double negative and cancel out the existing effect.. ; ) -- if only...
> Zyban is indeed Wellbutrin... maybe it's starting to set you into seizures, one of the side effects.
>
Posted by MA on October 4, 1999, at 9:45:38
In reply to zyban, posted by anna on October 3, 1999, at 23:14:03
The side effects can be pronounced for some on higher doses of Wellbutrin (Zyban). It soiunds like the dose is too high. I started on 100, went to 200, then ended up at 300 without any problems. I was on it for depession.
It seems as though they would also increase the dose slowly to stop smoking. I hope you called your doctor about this. Either you need to drop the dose or stop it. These drugs can have terrible side effects and the way to avoid that is by starting slowly especially if you are known sensitivity to any meds. This is how I have been able to tolerate new medications for depression.
IMHO, 300 mg is too high. Jitteriness is one the the most common side effects with Wellbutrin (Zyban).
Good luck.
Posted by Noa on October 4, 1999, at 18:43:15
In reply to Re: zyban, posted by MA on October 4, 1999, at 9:45:38
Good luck with the goal of quitting smoking. I have heard it is one of the hardest things a person can face. With all my problems, I am thankful that I never took up smoking, because I know I would have a rough time trying to quit. You are admired.
Posted by saint james on October 6, 1999, at 20:53:37
In reply to Re: seizures??, posted by dj on October 4, 1999, at 1:43:25
> Were the seizures in the trials because of a group of bulimics or anorexics who were tested with it and already had screwed up metabolisms? My p-doc. told me something along those lines... Wellbutrin is working alright for me after 2.5 weeks or so and tapering up from 2 X 100 to 2 X 150 tabs. As for any off taste, I already had that so if W. contrbutes to that perhaps it will be like a double negative and cancel out the existing effect.. ; ) -- if only...
>
> > Zyban is indeed Wellbutrin... maybe it's starting to set you into seizures, one of the side effects.
> >
James here...Correct. also all AD's carry a slight risk of seizures, and as the study subjects already had screwed up metabolisms this very uncommon side effect may happen more often in this group.
j
Posted by Janice on October 6, 1999, at 21:50:11
In reply to Re: seizures??, posted by saint james on October 6, 1999, at 20:53:37
Are seizures related to any of these things?
--Is this when parts of your body (like an arm) moves quickly without you meaning to move them. ----are seizures related to an emotion that completely takes over you for a (usually short) period of time, and then afterwards you regret what you did during this time or can't understand why you were just so emotionally intense about something.
Hi anna,
I was a 2 pack a day smoker for about a decade and I quit 3 years ago. If you don't make it, just consider it practise, and keep trying. I finally quit with a group program at the Lung Association (they teach you EVERY SINGLE TRICK in the book, plus you have group support). I used gum, too. My nervous system was wild for one year afterwards, which i treated with anti-anxiety pills. I remember everyone telling me that, 'when you really want to quit, you'll quit, and you'll know that you've quit for certain'... total crap. I had no idea that I would be quitting for good, I just thought i was practising. Janice. Good luck anna.
Posted by Janice on October 6, 1999, at 21:52:27
In reply to Re: seizures??, posted by saint james on October 6, 1999, at 20:53:37
hi anna, I just want to add that I've done so much in my life, but quitting smoking is probably the thing I am most proud of. Janice. It was tougher than anything else I've ever accomplished.
Posted by dj on October 6, 1999, at 23:32:29
In reply to What exactly are seizures?, posted by Janice on October 6, 1999, at 21:50:11
> Are seizures related to any of these things?
Janice,You ask great questions and make wonderful comments. I don't know the answer to this but can relate. Irritation can be linked to depression I've read and God knows I've experienced some of the obesessive emotional volatility you describe in your exchange below with Kel.
> --Is this when parts of your body (like an arm) moves quickly without you meaning to move them. ----are seizures related to an emotion that completely takes over you for a (usually short) period of time, and then afterwards you regret what you did during this time or can't understand why you were just so emotionally intense about something.
>
Posted by NANCY on October 7, 1999, at 16:51:17
In reply to Re: seizures??, posted by saint james on October 6, 1999, at 20:53:37
How interesting, St. James...I just had this exact information drilled into my stubborn Scottish head by my pdoc YESTERDAY afternoon!
I've begun 100mg, b.i.d., Wellbutrin to my existing regimine of 300mg Effexor, Synthroid and Cytomel. But, my pdoc adamantly refused to allow this additional AD unless I agreed to also take an AE (like Lamictal, yadda yadda).
This pdoc's concern was for the infamous "siezure threshold"..."everyone has a seizure threshold"..."we're particularly concern with those whom have an history with anorexia/bulimia"...
So, I agreed to the compromise. Within 24hrs, I seem to have popped right out of a dark and desperately fatigued low mood swing.
Good Luck All,
Nancy> > Were the seizures in the trials because of a group of bulimics or anorexics who were tested with it and already had screwed up metabolisms? My p-doc. told me something along those lines... Wellbutrin is working alright for me after 2.5 weeks or so and tapering up from 2 X 100 to 2 X 150 tabs. As for any off taste, I already had that so if W. contrbutes to that perhaps it will be like a double negative and cancel out the existing effect.. ; ) -- if only...
> >
> > > Zyban is indeed Wellbutrin... maybe it's starting to set you into seizures, one of the side effects.
> > >
>
>
> James here...
>
> Correct. also all AD's carry a slight risk of seizures, and as the study subjects already had screwed up metabolisms this very uncommon side effect may happen more often in this group.
>
> j
Posted by Susan on October 7, 1999, at 20:45:13
In reply to Re: seizure risk, eating disorder history, ADs , posted by NANCY on October 7, 1999, at 16:51:17
> How interesting, St. James...I just had this exact information drilled into my stubborn Scottish head by my pdoc YESTERDAY afternoon!
>
> I've begun 100mg, b.i.d., Wellbutrin to my existing regimine of 300mg Effexor, Synthroid and Cytomel. But, my pdoc adamantly refused to allow this additional AD unless I agreed to also take an AE (like Lamictal, yadda yadda).
>
> This pdoc's concern was for the infamous "siezure threshold"..."everyone has a seizure threshold"..."we're particularly concern with those whom have an history with anorexia/bulimia"...
>
> So, I agreed to the compromise. Within 24hrs, I seem to have popped right out of a dark and desperately fatigued low mood swing.
>
> Good Luck All,
> Nancy
>
So you are taking Lamictal? If so, I would like to compare experiences.
Posted by Janice on October 7, 1999, at 21:05:52
In reply to Re: What exactly are seizures?, posted by dj on October 6, 1999, at 23:32:29
everything seems to lead to more questions. I think this is my ADHD... it is ideas that stimulate me. I hope your doing good, or at least okay. Janice.
ps I may be going to Hawaii on Saturday for a week.
Posted by dj on October 7, 1999, at 21:57:45
In reply to thanks dj, I just wish I had more answers..., posted by Janice on October 7, 1999, at 21:05:52
Me too, Janice, me too!! I'm doing alright, could be better, could be worst...
Hawaii, from Spud Island & then to T.O. or the cowtown? You could alway come back to the wet coast for the grey winters, that would be great for your S.A.D. Good luck reeling in a man on those flights, as you described above -- sounds like you charm them throroughly just as you do with many of the denizens of this board.
> everything seems to lead to more questions. I think this is my ADHD... it is ideas that stimulate me. I hope your doing good, or at least okay. Janice.
>
> ps I may be going to Hawaii on Saturday for a week.
Posted by Janice on October 8, 1999, at 21:23:42
In reply to Re: thanks dj, I just wish I had more answers..., posted by dj on October 7, 1999, at 21:57:45
hi dj,
how'd you get your depression anyway? You said you had a good childhood. Did you inherit it from one of your parents?
I don't think anyone is going to respond to the seizures question. I mean there can't be a state of 'no seizures' and then a state of 'grand mal seizures' with nothing in between.
I was just being silly about the men. Generally speaking, I don't like to externalize my messes. So I have been single for about half my adult life. But the men I have been with have been healthy, stable, kind, intelligent men; and this sometimes surprises me (that I am attracted to them - considering all my problems).
How's school going? Are you back in session? Janice.
Posted by dj on October 9, 1999, at 3:55:21
In reply to depression, posted by Janice on October 8, 1999, at 21:23:42
Hii Janice!
My depression stems from natural and learned temperment, defective genes and some shitty cicumstances along the way which helped push me over the edge, or did I jump, in a twisted bit of conscious and uncounsious self-sabatoge -- yes, at times.. I believe we all have the predisposition toward depression and many other dis-eases which we express as a result of cicumstance(s) which push us toward the edge and beyond of our resilience, sometimes. And like a stretched rubber band, over time the resilience slackens and sometimes breaks completely
Some familial disposition and temprement but out of 9 sibs. only one other has an recurrence of major depression to my knowledge. No doubt I get some of my melancholy from my late father who brooded some and certainly was a perfecionist on some fronts -- perfectionism being a good precursor for depression.
My mother had a rough time at times with all those kids and continues to fret about each and every one, though some more than others because we give her more to fret about... Both were very supportive in their own ways but there was emotional and geographic distance which grew from the teens on.
So, a combo of nature and nurture. If you haven't read *The Beast - A Journey through Depression* by Washington Post reporter, Tracy Thompson it's a good primer on one person's journey and also describes some of the learned element which Richard O'Connor focuses on in *Undoing Depression* In hindsight I can see my blind spots where I've verbally struck out from a sense of grandiosity, arrogance, entitlement, rage and/ or anxiety/fear and burned some bridges with myself still on them.
All in all my judgement has not and is not always what it could be because of those elements and my exoeriences learned responses and resistances. For instance the choice of studying computer networks was a very foolish one on my behalf because my memory is not great for that sort of arcane, abstract, propeller-head, detailed technical trivia. However, a lot of $ has gone down the drain and a lot of time passed so I'm back for now. Remains to be seen if I am just pissing in the wind or not. I could go on but I won't.
Have a GREAT time in Hawaii!!
Posted by Nancy on October 9, 1999, at 15:06:10
In reply to Re: seizure risk, eating disorder history, ADs , posted by Susan on October 7, 1999, at 20:45:13
Yes, and no... :)
The Lamictal start-pack starts me at a level of 50mgs each morning. I conspired to secretly take only 25mgs per day and take it at night.
OK! I know it's sneaky and not completely in line with the bargain that I made with my pdoc. But, hear me with your heart. In the past three- unimaginably-horrible years, in which I was totally consumed and debilitated with a very severe form of Bipolar-1, there's developed an overwhelming and morbid fear that docs and medicines are going to terribly hurt me. If you can just know what horrors I've been put through...I can't even think about it all to discuss in therapy. It's been as traumatic as having the the illness itself WITHOUT having therapeutic advantage of effective meds. In other words, a very large portion of the past three years, I'd have been better off locked in the attic (that is, if any house, here, in Las Vegas had an attic), so to speak, than anything else that was allowed to happen to me.
Do I digress?
Anyway, I'm starting at at teensey dose of Lamictal, because of low tolerance to side effects. Side effects that also are considered "rare"? Well, I've been known to have those, while not even receiving any therapeutic action. Should I mention the three-months of quite attention-gripping jaw pain from a very short stint with Resperidone? Then, as I think about it, there was also Prozac induced psychotic mania. Untreatable. But, did finally resovle itself into ultradian (many switches in one day) cycles and some incredibly painful mixed state episodes. LOL...and just to add insult to injury...On Lithium, I went from a size-1, 110lb and amazingly fit petite figure to a total weight gain of 70lbs in six-months! Yikes...sprinkle that onto an ego and see how fast it shrinks (go to visual: salt sprinkled on a snail...fizzle, fizzle).
To wrap up a very long blurb of a story into, yet, still a long diatribe, the Lamictal has had a very rapid therapeutic onset. The Wellbutrin, as well, has had a quick and pronounced effect. Meanwhile, the Lamictal keeps my feet on the ground as the Wellbutrin's more than therapeutic action threatens to launch me to the heavens of hypomania.
Any questions??? :) Nancy
> > How interesting, St. James...I just had this exact information drilled into my stubborn Scottish head by my pdoc YESTERDAY afternoon!
> >
> > I've begun 100mg, b.i.d., Wellbutrin to my existing regimine of 300mg Effexor, Synthroid and Cytomel. But, my pdoc adamantly refused to allow this additional AD unless I agreed to also take an AE (like Lamictal, yadda yadda).
> >
> > This pdoc's concern was for the infamous "siezure threshold"..."everyone has a seizure threshold"..."we're particularly concern with those whom have an history with anorexia/bulimia"...
> >
> > So, I agreed to the compromise. Within 24hrs, I seem to have popped right out of a dark and desperately fatigued low mood swing.
> >
> > Good Luck All,
> > Nancy
> >
> So you are taking Lamictal? If so, I would like to compare experiences.
Posted by Janice on October 9, 1999, at 20:49:36
In reply to Re: depressing..., posted by dj on October 9, 1999, at 3:55:21
hi dj, can you think you're way out of perfectionism? It is very irrational. Cognitive therapy worked for me to almost completely rid myself of perfectionism and anxiety (at least as far as I know they're almost gone).
I'll be in Vancouver (the airport) tomorrow evening. It's probably raining.
I beginning to wonder how much depression I have actually had in my life. I got more Dexedrine (I feel like a hustler trying to get more of this out of doctors who don't know me), and I once again feel good. It's the only thing that has ever made me feel normal, well I'll never be normal, but feel 'not in pain for the majority of my waking moments'. When I told the doctor it cures my depression, she said she never heard of Dexedrine completely curing depression.
About 4 mornings ago (before I started on this increased dosage of Dexedrine and was feeling 'depressed') I awoke and lay in my bed. this next bit will be very difficult to put into words, but this is what happened. I had just awoken and was not yet my brain; i was not yet my thoughts, my beliefs, my perceptions. I simply was, and actually observed my brain at work. My brain quickly scanned my present life situation looking for knots. It went everywhere until it found a problem in my life, and then there it remained.
Anyway, I'm thinking much of what I thought was depression is ADD. I have only had hopelessness once in my life for about 20 seconds. From what I understand people with depression feel empty, I've always felt filled up (never satisfied, of course) and often overwhelmed.
have a good week dj. Are you french too? You must be at least Catholic with so many siblings. sounds to me like you've inherited your condition, and are far too hard on yourself. Ever notice that your memories change according to your mood? My feelings towards my childhood change substantially too, depending on my mood and my understanding of my disorders.
I've put a hold on that book you reccomended, 'The Beast'
I feel like I am butting in on this lady's posting. Janice.
Posted by Bob on October 10, 1999, at 0:20:05
In reply to zyban, posted by anna on October 3, 1999, at 23:14:03
Your post was a week ago. How are you doing? Have things settled down? Did you drop on the dosage to build up more gently? Fill us in, okay?
Stay strong,
Bob
Posted by dj on October 10, 1999, at 4:28:31
In reply to hi dj!, posted by Janice on October 9, 1999, at 20:49:36
Janice,
It's 2.30 a.m. and I'm on my way to bed so won't answer your full post, right now... How long will you be at the airport. It would be interesting to chat in person if you have time. If you are going to be there for awhile, e-mail me (djmd@direct.ca) with your ETA (estimated time of arrifval) -- and departure times. If it is workable I'll e-mail my phone # to you and you can retrieve it by finding an internet kiosk along the way. They had them in the airport in NY, when I was through a couple of years ago, so doubtless there's a good chance that their will be one along your route to the sun.
My parents were Catholic, I'm agnostic. Scottish like the majority of Nova Scotians and Canadians. Perfectionism I have worked on and when down and my mind is warped it makes little difference. I'm less down than I've been but also less up, currently.
Night! -
DJ
>
> I'll be in Vancouver (the airport) tomorrow evening. It's probably raining.
>
Posted by Susan on October 10, 1999, at 6:02:37
In reply to Re: seizure risk, eating disorder history, ADs , posted by Nancy on October 9, 1999, at 15:06:10
> Yes, and no... :)
>
> The Lamictal start-pack starts me at a level of 50mgs each morning. I conspired to secretly take only 25mgs per day and take it at night.
>
> OK! I know it's sneaky and not completely in line with the bargain that I made with my pdoc. But, hear me with your heart. In the past three- unimaginably-horrible years, in which I was totally consumed and debilitated with a very severe form of Bipolar-1, there's developed an overwhelming and morbid fear that docs and medicines are going to terribly hurt me. If you can just know what horrors I've been put through...I can't even think about it all to discuss in therapy. It's been as traumatic as having the the illness itself WITHOUT having therapeutic advantage of effective meds. In other words, a very large portion of the past three years, I'd have been better off locked in the attic (that is, if any house, here, in Las Vegas had an attic), so to speak, than anything else that was allowed to happen to me.
>
> Do I digress?
>
> Anyway, I'm starting at at teensey dose of Lamictal, because of low tolerance to side effects. Side effects that also are considered "rare"? Well, I've been known to have those, while not even receiving any therapeutic action. Should I mention the three-months of quite attention-gripping jaw pain from a very short stint with Resperidone? Then, as I think about it, there was also Prozac induced psychotic mania. Untreatable. But, did finally resovle itself into ultradian (many switches in one day) cycles and some incredibly painful mixed state episodes. LOL...and just to add insult to injury...On Lithium, I went from a size-1, 110lb and amazingly fit petite figure to a total weight gain of 70lbs in six-months! Yikes...sprinkle that onto an ego and see how fast it shrinks (go to visual: salt sprinkled on a snail...fizzle, fizzle).
>
> To wrap up a very long blurb of a story into, yet, still a long diatribe, the Lamictal has had a very rapid therapeutic onset. The Wellbutrin, as well, has had a quick and pronounced effect. Meanwhile, the Lamictal keeps my feet on the ground as the Wellbutrin's more than therapeutic action threatens to launch me to the heavens of hypomania.
>
> Any questions??? :) Nancy
>
Just a few personal observations. I also started the Lamictal and thought it was the answer I'd been waiting for after only two doses. Then strange things started happening: nightmares that awoke me and my husband because of crying out in fear several times a night, extreme nerve pain in low back, and a paralyzing weakness and incredible thirst (both only at night). After 2 1/2 weeks I stopped the Lamictal and just stayed on the Effexor and Xanax which I had been taking for a year. Two weeks later I tried the Lamictal again and had horrible night terrors for 2 nights.
my pdoc and I decided to ease off the Effexor very gradually. Maybe I am better and don't need Effexor any more! Wishful thinking? Pdoc says yes.
So...I don't know if Lamictal without other meds would control depression and anxiety. Lamictal is supposed to have antidepressant qualities but if sleep is affected as mine was it only increases my depression.
I'll not forget how great I felt or how hopeful I was that first day of trying Lamictal. Just goes to show that meds are complicated, different for everyone and unpredictable.
The only consistently effective treatment I have found is a good dose of Scripture which transforms my thinking, influences my actions and points me to the One who loves me the most. I can't imagine coping with depression without God.
Let us know how the Lamictal works for you.
Posted by Nancy on October 10, 1999, at 10:43:44
In reply to Re: seizure risk, eating disorder history, ADs , posted by Susan on October 10, 1999, at 6:02:37
> > Yes, and no... :)
> >
> > The Lamictal start-pack starts me at a level of 50mgs each morning. I conspired to secretly take only 25mgs per day and take it at night.
> >
> > OK! I know it's sneaky and not completely in line with the bargain that I made with my pdoc. But, hear me with your heart. In the past three- unimaginably-horrible years, in which I was totally consumed and debilitated with a very severe form of Bipolar-1, there's developed an overwhelming and morbid fear that docs and medicines are going to terribly hurt me. If you can just know what horrors I've been put through...I can't even think about it all to discuss in therapy. It's been as traumatic as having the the illness itself WITHOUT having therapeutic advantage of effective meds. In other words, a very large portion of the past three years, I'd have been better off locked in the attic (that is, if any house, here, in Las Vegas had an attic), so to speak, than anything else that was allowed to happen to me.
> >
> > Do I digress?
> >
> > Anyway, I'm starting at at teensey dose of Lamictal, because of low tolerance to side effects. Side effects that also are considered "rare"? Well, I've been known to have those, while not even receiving any therapeutic action. Should I mention the three-months of quite attention-gripping jaw pain from a very short stint with Resperidone? Then, as I think about it, there was also Prozac induced psychotic mania. Untreatable. But, did finally resovle itself into ultradian (many switches in one day) cycles and some incredibly painful mixed state episodes. LOL...and just to add insult to injury...On Lithium, I went from a size-1, 110lb and amazingly fit petite figure to a total weight gain of 70lbs in six-months! Yikes...sprinkle that onto an ego and see how fast it shrinks (go to visual: salt sprinkled on a snail...fizzle, fizzle).
> >
> > To wrap up a very long blurb of a story into, yet, still a long diatribe, the Lamictal has had a very rapid therapeutic onset. The Wellbutrin, as well, has had a quick and pronounced effect. Meanwhile, the Lamictal keeps my feet on the ground as the Wellbutrin's more than therapeutic action threatens to launch me to the heavens of hypomania.
> >
> > Any questions??? :) Nancy
> >
> Just a few personal observations. I also started the Lamictal and thought it was the answer I'd been waiting for after only two doses. Then strange things started happening: nightmares that awoke me and my husband because of crying out in fear several times a night, extreme nerve pain in low back, and a paralyzing weakness and incredible thirst (both only at night). After 2 1/2 weeks I stopped the Lamictal and just stayed on the Effexor and Xanax which I had been taking for a year. Two weeks later I tried the Lamictal again and had horrible night terrors for 2 nights.
> my pdoc and I decided to ease off the Effexor very gradually. Maybe I am better and don't need Effexor any more! Wishful thinking? Pdoc says yes.
> So...I don't know if Lamictal without other meds would control depression and anxiety. Lamictal is supposed to have antidepressant qualities but if sleep is affected as mine was it only increases my depression.
> I'll not forget how great I felt or how hopeful I was that first day of trying Lamictal. Just goes to show that meds are complicated, different for everyone and unpredictable.
> The only consistently effective treatment I have found is a good dose of Scripture which transforms my thinking, influences my actions and points me to the One who loves me the most. I can't imagine coping with depression without God.
> Let us know how the Lamictal works for you.Then, go with God...meditation is very good for easing mood disorders. Personally, I like Zen.
Ok. Back to the meds.
#1, were you having these very active dreams before taking the Lamictal? In other words, has the Effexor been effective without much discomfort from side effects?
And, #2, what was your dosing for Lamictal? How much to begin and how fast was the increase in dosage?
Personally, my Bipolar symptoms have clearly indicated meds to inhibit the reuptake (R.I.s) of Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Seritonin. Therefore, I take high doses of Effexor. Because in this instance, the drug becomes an RI for Seritonin and Norepinephrine. Also, daily doses include Wellbutrin (an RI for dopamine). As a result, my most disturbing symptoms of bipolar depression have totally gone into remission.
I say remission. Because, once these meds are discontinued, the Big Ugly will once again darken my door step. Bipolar depression will return.
With each severe episode, the disease gets a stronger hold. It evolves into a more powerful malady than each time preceeding.
Furthermore, by discontinuing a med, some people with bipolar disease develope a resistance to the drug that once worked to control symptoms. So, one has to "run the course" all over again to find an effective med!
How I started Lamictal:
10/7 began daily dose of 25mgs. Noted a quick response to Lamictal (quite pleased), with just a mild but pleasant flattening of moods. Figured that my chemistry may have very low tolerance to this drugs effectiveness. Decided to proceed with extreme caution.
10/10 daily dose is 50mgs, taken right before sleep.
This a.m., feel much better. Slept much better last night than I have in a long time. This may be due to the mild sedating effects of an antiepileptic drug. Which is why, right or incorrect, I elected to take the Lamictal right before going to sleep.
So far so good. Well, that's my current status. Got any thoughts you want to share? :) Nancy
Posted by Janice on October 10, 1999, at 11:51:33
In reply to Re: seizure risk, eating disorder history, ADs , posted by Nancy on October 10, 1999, at 10:43:44
let us know. Don't feel bad if you haven't quit... it's all just practise until you do. Janice.
Posted by Janice on October 10, 1999, at 11:57:32
In reply to Anna, How are you doing? , posted by Janice on October 10, 1999, at 11:51:33
I would love to chat with you, but my stop over is very short. If I get near a computer in Hawaii and discover I have a longer stop over on the way back, I'll definately contact you for a psychobabble chat. Have as best a week as you can! Janice.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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