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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Anna P. on May 1, 2000, at 12:39:51
Hello there. I'm on Tianeptine and Topamax now for two reasons:
1)having treatment resistant depression
2)have no other choices at the moment
3)major symptoms are lack of energy, psychomotor slowdown, fatigue
The combo Tianeptine-Topamax has a stimulating effect which is good, no cognitive problems.
However, together with Tianeptine it causes anxiety. This combo has brought me out from dysfunctional state (not being able to do anything). It doesn't cause the sexual dysfunction, but I do gain weight on it as I crave sweets.
But, having problems with anxiety since my early 20-ies, this is no good chemical match for me. I feel on it like I was in my early 20-ies:anxious, oversensitive, too emotional. This is not good. But anxiety is the major problem. I've learn to control my anxiety
years ago through SSRI's and therapy, now , I'm back at my previous level.I'm affraid to change my medications but I need to do something. My major problem is anxiety. What are my choices?
Change the base medication? But to which? There is only left Amineptine and Parnate. Cardiac effects that I got after moclobemide exclude Parnate already, as well as stimulants.
Should I try Neurontin (has antianxiety effects)?
I'm still waitingpatiently for my shipments of amineptine and amisulpride
Anna P
Posted by Noa on May 1, 2000, at 13:03:19
In reply to Tianeptine and Topamax (long), posted by Anna P. on May 1, 2000, at 12:39:51
Have you had a thorough Thyroid check-up? Some of your symptoms are consistent with low-grade hypothyroid/atypical depression, and if you do have a thyroid problem, addressing the thyroid issue might help you to respond more favorably to medications. Even if your thyroid tests are borderline normal, this may be the case.
I am reading The Thyroid Solution, by Ridha Arem, an endocrinologist at Baylor University in Texas. He explains how low-grade thryoid problems can be easily overlooked but are intricately connected with anxiety and depressive disorders.
Another good book is Living Well with Hypothyroidism, by Mary Shomon, a writer who has hypothryoidism. She also has a web site at www.thyroid-info.com
Posted by Greg on May 1, 2000, at 13:40:16
In reply to Tianeptine and Topamax (long), posted by Anna P. on May 1, 2000, at 12:39:51
Anna,
I'm going to end up being kind of useless here, but....The only thing here I can speak about with any relative intelligence is the Neurontin. I've taken Neurontin for a while for aches and pains from a prior back surgery. I have noticed that when the pain coinsides with an anxiety attack it seems to calm the anxiety as well as helping with the pain. I never really thought about it being an answer for anxiety, but who knows? It might be worth speaking to a doc about.
This could all be in my head too, most everything else is.... :-)
Waiting patiently, now there's something I haven't tried.Peace,
Greg
> Hello there. I'm on Tianeptine and Topamax now for two reasons:
> 1)having treatment resistant depression
> 2)have no other choices at the moment
> 3)major symptoms are lack of energy, psychomotor slowdown, fatigue
> The combo Tianeptine-Topamax has a stimulating effect which is good, no cognitive problems.
> However, together with Tianeptine it causes anxiety. This combo has brought me out from dysfunctional state (not being able to do anything). It doesn't cause the sexual dysfunction, but I do gain weight on it as I crave sweets.
> But, having problems with anxiety since my early 20-ies, this is no good chemical match for me. I feel on it like I was in my early 20-ies:anxious, oversensitive, too emotional. This is not good. But anxiety is the major problem. I've learn to control my anxiety
> years ago through SSRI's and therapy, now , I'm back at my previous level.
>
> I'm affraid to change my medications but I need to do something. My major problem is anxiety. What are my choices?
>
> Change the base medication? But to which? There is only left Amineptine and Parnate. Cardiac effects that I got after moclobemide exclude Parnate already, as well as stimulants.
>
> Should I try Neurontin (has antianxiety effects)?
>
> I'm still waitingpatiently for my shipments of amineptine and amisulpride
>
> Anna P
Posted by DC on May 4, 2000, at 16:13:21
In reply to Re: Tianeptine and Topamax (long), posted by Greg on May 1, 2000, at 13:40:16
> Anna,
As I have mentioned in other posts, I have found neurontin quite helpful for social anxiety and have heard it's helpful for other types of anxiety as well. Give it a try. You'll know fairly soon whether it works. I've also heard good things about amisulpride--so good luck with that. I'm sure you'll find a better combo.
--Dwight
Posted by Anna P. on May 5, 2000, at 11:46:15
In reply to What kind of anxiety, Anna?, posted by DC on May 4, 2000, at 16:13:21
> > Anna,
>
> As I have mentioned in other posts, I have found neurontin quite helpful for social anxiety and have heard it's helpful for other types of anxiety as well. Give it a try. You'll know fairly soon whether it works. I've also heard good things about amisulpride--so good luck with that. I'm sure you'll find a better combo.
> --DwightI had to stop Topamax,and my symptoms went away.
This is a perfect example that the wrong medication combo can make you worse.
It pushed me toward obsessive thinking, worrying about the future,
and I lost my reasonable thinking, and self-control.I was on Topamax for 3 weeks, and I gained weight.
I'm affraid I will gain some weight again on neurontin.
I heard it's good for anxiety.Anna P.
Posted by DC on May 5, 2000, at 23:05:52
In reply to Re: Thank you all!!!, posted by Anna P. on May 5, 2000, at 11:46:15
Anna, you wrote:
> I'm affraid I will gain some weight again on neurontin.
> I heard it's good for anxiety.
Yes, neurontin can cause weight gain or make it difficult to lose weight. It can cause some water retention and constipation and this can lead to bloating. For me it's not a problem because I am taking Adderal at the same time--I have actually lost 23 lbs. The nardil was much worse. If the weight gain is a problem with the neurontin you might try adding a stimulant. I find the two work pretty well together, but everybody is different. --Dwight
This is the end of the thread.
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