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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Janelle on March 13, 2002, at 19:05:20
Well, after discomfort with the new pdoc switching all my meds, I've returned to the original one and she added back LAMICTAL to my meds in hopes that it will get me stablized and stop the d@mn cycling. I've also heard that DEPAKOTE is good for this (she had once tried to give me that but I freaked when I read that it can cause hair loss) -- how do these two meds compare? Could someone explain how each works - are they similar, different (how), etc. Thanks.
Posted by JohnX2 on March 14, 2002, at 0:10:18
In reply to Info needed: DEPAKOTE versus LAMICTAL , posted by Janelle on March 13, 2002, at 19:05:20
> Well, after discomfort with the new pdoc switching all my meds, I've returned to the original one and she added back LAMICTAL to my meds in hopes that it will get me stablized and stop the d@mn cycling. I've also heard that DEPAKOTE is good for this (she had once tried to give me that but I freaked when I read that it can cause hair loss) -- how do these two meds compare? Could someone explain how each works - are they similar, different (how), etc. Thanks.
Both medicines modulate neuronal firing.
Lamictal is a better antidepressant.
Depakote is quicker acting and primarily a mood stabilizer.Depakote tablets smell like candy.
John
Posted by Janelle on March 14, 2002, at 0:16:14
In reply to Re: Info needed: DEPAKOTE versus LAMICTAL » Janelle, posted by JohnX2 on March 14, 2002, at 0:10:18
Hi John,
Thank you for your kindness in responding to my posts. I'm glad to hear you confirm what I'd heard somewhere else - that Lamictal is a better antidepressant. I'm re-trying Lamictal and think this is the one I need (for its a-d properties).
You brought a smile to my face when I read your comment that "Depakote tablets smell like candy" !! I bet they do ... interesting! By the way - do you know/have you heard - is Depakote supposed to be somewhat sedating? Thanks.
-Janelle
Posted by Janelle on March 14, 2002, at 0:18:57
In reply to Re: Info needed: DEPAKOTE versus LAMICTAL » Janelle, posted by JohnX2 on March 14, 2002, at 0:10:18
I'm just curious since you seem to be up *late* posting like I am - do you work during the day and what line of work are you in - you are so knowledgeable about meds and all I'm just wondering. You can say you'd rather not get into it if you prefer not to; I'd understand.
Posted by JohnX2 on March 14, 2002, at 0:36:57
In reply to Oh, JOHNX2, a question 4 U ... » JohnX2, posted by Janelle on March 14, 2002, at 0:18:57
That's Ok, my posts are a bit short I'm sorry,
I'm just trying to give you some quick answers.I'm an electrical engineer. I specialize in microchip design.
I have bipolar II disorder. I have taken 25 different medicines in the past many years including pretty much every mainstream antidepressant, mood stabilizer, and some of the antipsychotics. It took me about 4 pdocs and a few misdiagnosis and many med changes to get my formula right, but I'm doing pretty good.
So I know the medicines pretty well and how they tick. And I follow this newsgroup closely, so I see how other people do on the medicines too.
I have done a bit of my own readings in the human body to better understand my own disorder.
Most of the people here are fairly intellegent. I don't think you are talking to any medical professionals. The people here are mostly patients that have already gone through the "wringer". We've actually taken the medicines that these doctors are giving out. So we know what works. ;)
Can I ask you a question? When you first came here and asked about medicines, I was hesitant to give you frank answers about side effects because I felt that maybe you were a little anxious and would not successfully complete a medication trial if you worried to much about side effects.
I also sensed that something was wrong with the medicine strategy, so I kinda beat around the bush on my answers and focused on the doctor change situation instead, did you find this an odd thing to happen?
Can you comment on this?
Thanks for you interest.
John> I'm just curious since you seem to be up *late* posting like I am - do you work during the day and what line of work are you in - you are so knowledgeable about meds and all I'm just wondering. You can say you'd rather not get into it if you prefer not to; I'd understand.
Posted by JohnX2 on March 14, 2002, at 0:46:44
In reply to Well, JOHNX2, ya got a SMILE out of me! » JohnX2, posted by Janelle on March 14, 2002, at 0:16:14
Hi Janelle,I've taken both Depakote and Lamictal.
The Depakote was a placebo for me which was unusual. (It really does smell like candy, which is odd. You think kids might pick the stuff up and eat it).
The Depakote can lean towards being a bit neutral to sedating. But I really don't think it is all that bad (not like Seroquel or Serzone). I think it has a very tolerable profile. Much more so than antidepressants. The medicine is quick acting. So if you want to give it a shot, you can try it out quickly , and you can always dump it if you don't like it.
I'd say there is a pretty fair split between Lamictal, Depakote, and Lithium users.
-John
> Hi John,
>
> Thank you for your kindness in responding to my posts. I'm glad to hear you confirm what I'd heard somewhere else - that Lamictal is a better antidepressant. I'm re-trying Lamictal and think this is the one I need (for its a-d properties).
>
> You brought a smile to my face when I read your comment that "Depakote tablets smell like candy" !! I bet they do ... interesting! By the way - do you know/have you heard - is Depakote supposed to be somewhat sedating? Thanks.
> -Janelle
Posted by Janelle on March 14, 2002, at 14:52:27
In reply to Re: Oh, JOHNX2, a question 4 U ... » Janelle, posted by JohnX2 on March 14, 2002, at 0:36:57
John - VERY impressive that you are an electrical engineer specializing in microchip design. Wow.
How long have you had BiPolar disorder - meaning how long has it been since you were diagnosed with it? And how long was it before then that you were suffering but were misdiagnosed?
And WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FORMULA? You've mentioned it in bits and pieces but I'd like to read it in its entirety, so to speak!
To answer your question - actually, I posted here months ago but went into such a bad spell that I was unable to continue. When I returned recently I had to confirm my previous registration! Actually, I've taken enough meds in enough categories over enough time that I'm no longer worried about potential side effects, but I suppose that this has been an issue for me in the past. At this point I'm growing increasigly desparate so I'm willing to try just about anything to feel better. I can't stand this. I want to get off the roller coaster.
I'm not sure I understand your other question - you wrote: "I also sensed that something was wrong with the medicine strategy, so I kinda beat around the bush on my answers and focused on the doctor change situation instead, did you find this an odd thing to happen? Can you comment on this?"
I'd be glad to answer that and comment on it, but what do you mean by "did you find this an odd thing to happen" -- what are you referring to with "this" -- are you asking if I found your beating around the bush to be an odd thing to happen?
Actually I did NOT feel that you were beating around the bush! What came across to me in your earlier responses was that you were concerned about my pdoc switch and were wanting to know why I was switching if the meds the original pdoc has had me on were providing some (partial) relief.
Thanks again so much for your continuing interest.
-Janelle
Posted by JohnX2 on March 14, 2002, at 17:29:02
In reply to To JOHNX2 - answers, more: » JohnX2, posted by Janelle on March 14, 2002, at 14:52:27
> John - VERY impressive that you are an electrical engineer specializing in microchip design. Wow.
Everybody has there own skills ;) I stink at writing.
>
> How long have you had BiPolar disorder - meaning how long has it been since you were diagnosed with it? And how long was it before then that you were suffering but were misdiagnosed?I don't know for sure. My 1st major depression was around the age of 14. I was diagnosed with depression back then. 3 yrs ago I relapsed into major depression and got antoher major depression rediagnosis. This time I took antidepressants but they never worked (always gave bizarre results). I had pretty clear cut hypomanic symptoms. I suffered for 1.5 yrs with doctors before I just went ahead and started Lamictal since it treats both unipolar and bipolar depression. This got be back on my feet with no major crashes (except 1 or 2 for only a few days).
>
> And WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FORMULA? You've mentioned it in bits and pieces but I'd like to read it in its entirety, so to speak!I have something called facial neuralgia (chronic facial pain, so I take some medicines to help that).
But Lamictal is my main mood stabilizer/anti-depressant. I may add in a very small dose of lithium to help with some agitation (small enough to not have side effects bug me I hope).Lamictal 150 mg
Topamax 400 mg
Serzone 300 mg
Klonopin 2 mgI have taken Serzone twice. The 1st time without a mood stabilizers, it made me quite drowsy. This time I have no side effects and sleep better. Who knows why?
>
> To answer your question - actually, I posted here months ago but went into such a bad spell that I was unable to continue. When I returned recently I had to confirm my previous registration! Actually, I've taken enough meds in enough categories over enough time that I'm no longer worried about potential side effects, but I suppose that this has been an issue for me in the past. At this point I'm growing increasigly desparate so I'm willing to try just about anything to feel better. I can't stand this. I want to get off the roller coaster.
>
> I'm not sure I understand your other question - you wrote: "I also sensed that something was wrong with the medicine strategy, so I kinda beat around the bush on my answers and focused on the doctor change situation instead, did you find this an odd thing to happen? Can you comment on this?"
>
> I'd be glad to answer that and comment on it, but what do you mean by "did you find this an odd thing to happen" -- what are you referring to with "this" -- are you asking if I found your beating around the bush to be an odd thing to happen?
>
> Actually I did NOT feel that you were beating around the bush! What came across to me in your earlier responses was that you were concerned about my pdoc switch and were wanting to know why I was switching if the meds the original pdoc has had me on were providing some (partial) relief.
>
> Thanks again so much for your continuing interest.
> -JanelleHey no problem. I hope you can get set up with some maintanance medicines and shop around for another pdoc in the mean time. Sorry, but this is what you need to do. I found my best pdoc by going to a crisis center at a hospital. The man who saw me there was really good and decided to take me along as a patient.
Best regards,
John
Posted by Janelle on March 14, 2002, at 17:43:41
In reply to Re: To JOHNX2 - answers, more: » Janelle, posted by JohnX2 on March 14, 2002, at 17:29:02
John,
Well, during my *good* periods, I'm a writer, so yep, we all have our own skills!
If you don't mind my asking, how old are you? I ask because I'm trying to get an idea of HOW LONG you've been with the depression, BiPolar2, etc. You said your first major depression was at age 14, so if I knew how old you are know that would tell me how long you've been in the *loop* so to speak.
Thanks for telling me your med formula (sorry to hear about the chronic facial pain) -- we have two meds the same (Lamictal - I had been up to 100 mg and something tells me this round I may go higher and Klonopin - I take 1mg)
What is TOPAMAX for? What kind of med is it? I've heard of it in name only.
I'm still not sure I answered your previous question - you had said "I also sensed that something was wrong with the medicine strategy, so I kinda beat around the bush on my answers and focused on the doctor change situation instead, did you find this an odd thing to happen?"
What did you mean by did I find this an odd thing to happen? (do you mean did I find your focusing on the doc situation rather than the meds an odd thing to happen)?
Thanks for your continuing interest,
Janelle
Posted by Janelle on March 14, 2002, at 17:51:56
In reply to More for JOHNX2 ! » JohnX2, posted by Janelle on March 14, 2002, at 17:43:41
John - you said that you just decided to start Lamictal based on it being for BiPolar and Unipolar depression but I am guessing that you asked your pdoc at the time to put you on it - wouldn't you have had to go through a doctor to get on it (it's a prescription med!)??
Posted by JohnX2 on March 14, 2002, at 23:19:16
In reply to P.S. one more 4 JOHNX2, posted by Janelle on March 14, 2002, at 17:51:56
My 1st pdoc gave it to me for unipolar depression but dosed it WAY TOO FAST.A long time later, I started taking it again and went slower (using left overs). When I got into see a new psychiatrist I told him I was taking it. He didn't want to prescribe it but I didn't really give him much choice.
-John
> John - you said that you just decided to start Lamictal based on it being for BiPolar and Unipolar depression but I am guessing that you asked your pdoc at the time to put you on it - wouldn't you have had to go through a doctor to get on it (it's a prescription med!)??
This is the end of the thread.
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