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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 Bob on May 7, 2002, at 23:09:53
I'm currently on a microdose of Lamcital: 5mg bid, as well as 100mg of Neurontin tid, both of which I've been taking for about a month. I have started to develop very dry hands. It seems like a pretty low dose to be experiencing these things, but I'm extremely sensitive to meds.
Has anyone experienced a drying out of the hands like this, and did it eventually normalize? I put lotion on several times a day, but it doesn't seem to help for very long.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Chloe on May 8, 2002, at 19:34:19
In reply to Dryness on Neurontin, Lamictal - does it subside?, posted by Bob on May 7, 2002, at 23:09:53
> I'm currently on a microdose of Lamcital: 5mg bid, as well as 100mg of Neurontin tid, both of which I've been taking for about a month. I have started to develop very dry hands. It seems like a pretty low dose to be experiencing these things, but I'm extremely sensitive to meds.
>
> Has anyone experienced a drying out of the hands like this, and did it eventually normalize? I put lotion on several times a day, but it doesn't seem to help for very long.
>
> Any input would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> BobHi Bob,
I have the exact same problem with dryness and antiepileptic drugs. I found the problem got worse as I increased the dose. So my doses were so low, I was not getting much therapuetic effect.That is how I got into the flaxseed oil. Moisturizing on the outside seemed useless. I got no relief at all. But adding 1-2 tbs of FSO to my diet has made it so I can take double the neurontin and lithium I was taking before the EFA's.
So, just another plug for flaxseed oil I guess...If you are sensitive to meds, the AED's are really tough to tolerate, IMHO. I do hope it gets better for you...
Chloe
Posted by Bob on May 8, 2002, at 22:22:18
In reply to Re: Dryness on Neurontin, Lamictal - does it subside? » Bob, posted by Chloe on May 8, 2002, at 19:34:19
> So, just another plug for flaxseed oil I guess...If you are sensitive to meds, the AED's are really tough to tolerate, IMHO. I do hope it gets better for you...
>
> Chloe
Did lithium dry you out also?It seems that if one is sensitive to meds, then just about everything is tough to tolerate. SSRIs, Tricyclics, AEDs... you name it, I have trouble tolerating it.
Bob
Posted by Bob on May 8, 2002, at 22:28:57
In reply to Re: Dryness on Neurontin, Lamictal - does it subside? » Bob, posted by Chloe on May 8, 2002, at 19:34:19
Chloe:
How long have you been taking flaxseed oil?
Bob
Posted by Chloe on May 9, 2002, at 9:13:48
In reply to Re: Dryness on Neurontin, Lamictal - does it subside? » Chloe, posted by Bob on May 8, 2002, at 22:22:18
> Did lithium dry you out also?
Yes, very much so. I have to drink tons of water. I think that helps a little bit. It's funny though, in my teens I took loads of lithium with no drying side effects at all. Go figure!
>
> It seems that if one is sensitive to meds, then just about everything is tough to tolerate. SSRIs, Tricyclics, AEDs... you name it, I have trouble tolerating it.I don't have too much trouble tolerating the AD's in terms of side effects. I just can't take them due to hypomania, agitations and short fuse etc. It's the AED's that do me in. I am sorry you are having trouble with meds. It's so hard to find a balance between stability/happiness vs. side effects!
Are you drinking enough water to flush yourself out?
Chloe
Posted by Chloe on May 9, 2002, at 9:18:27
In reply to Re: Dryness on Neurontin, Lamictal - does it subside? » Chloe, posted by Bob on May 8, 2002, at 22:28:57
>
> How long have you been taking flaxseed oil?Hi again!
I have been taking the full tablespoon of the liquid for about 2 and a half months. I am now really seeing the benefits. It's amazing how soft my skin is too the touch :-) And in general, I think I just "feel" better, FWIW.
Chloe
Posted by Bob on May 9, 2002, at 13:44:15
In reply to Re: Dryness on Neurontin, Lamictal, Li » Bob, posted by Chloe on May 9, 2002, at 9:13:48
> > Did lithium dry you out also?
>
> Yes, very much so. I have to drink tons of water. I think that helps a little bit. It's funny though, in my teens I took loads of lithium with no drying side effects at all. Go figure!So the flaxseed oil is helping with that also, I assume?
> >
> > It seems that if one is sensitive to meds, then just about everything is tough to tolerate. SSRIs, Tricyclics, AEDs... you name it, I have trouble tolerating it.
>
> I don't have too much trouble tolerating the AD's in terms of side effects. I just can't take them due to hypomania, agitations and short fuse etc. It's the AED's that do me in. I am sorry you are having trouble with meds. It's so hard to find a balance between stability/happiness vs. side effects!Well, I get intolerable side effects, as well as unintended consequences, such as what you've mentioned above (i.e. agitation, hypomania etc.) To me, anything that is intolerable, whether it be an unintended response, or a "side effect" renders the med intolerable for that individual. It gets a little semantic.
>
> Are you drinking enough water to flush yourself out?Probably not. I'll have to try and drink more. Does that help with the dryness?
> Chloe
Posted by Bob on May 9, 2002, at 13:45:37
In reply to Re: Dryness on Neurontin, Lamictal, FSO » Bob, posted by Chloe on May 9, 2002, at 9:18:27
> >
> > How long have you been taking flaxseed oil?
>
> Hi again!
> I have been taking the full tablespoon of the liquid for about 2 and a half months. I am now really seeing the benefits. It's amazing how soft my skin is too the touch :-) And in general, I think I just "feel" better, FWIW.
>
> ChloeThat is VERY consoling to hear Chloe! I hope it stays like that forever!!!
Bob
Posted by Chloe on May 9, 2002, at 19:59:01
In reply to Re: Dryness on Neurontin, Lamictal, Li » Chloe, posted by Bob on May 9, 2002, at 13:44:15
> Well, I get intolerable side effects, as well as unintended consequences, such as what you've mentioned above (i.e. agitation, hypomania etc.) To me, anything that is intolerable, whether it be an unintended response, or a "side effect" renders the med intolerable for that individual. It gets a little semantic.
Yes, I guess it is all in the wording...What meds are you on now other than Lamictal? How do you like Lamictal? Are you benefiting from any other meds? I think a while ago you were considering Li. Have you tried that yet?
> > Are you drinking enough water to flush yourself out?
>
> Probably not. I'll have to try and drink more. Does that help with the dryness?Drinking at least 8 glasses of water is healthy for the body. Anyone can feel lousy (low energy, tired, mild headache, etc) when they are slight dehydrated. But when you throw medications in the mix, especially drying ones, it's essential to get enough water. The body needs to be able to flush out the metabolites and waste products from the organs. Also if you are sweating, you need to drink more, so blood levels of meds don't increase and make you notice more side efffects.
Lack of water=dryness, so you might give it a shot and see if some moisture comes back. Can't hurt!
Later:)
Chloe
Posted by Bob on May 11, 2002, at 11:05:28
In reply to Re: Dryness on Neurontin, Lamictal, Li » Bob, posted by Chloe on May 9, 2002, at 19:59:01
> Yes, I guess it is all in the wording...What meds are you on now other than Lamictal? How do you like Lamictal? Are you benefiting from any other meds? I think a while ago you were considering Li. Have you tried that yet?I'm also on Neurontin 100mg tid, Clonazepam .5mg qid, and 20mg Celexa before bed. I assume I'm benefitting somewhat from this combo, as without it I would most assuredly be in the hospital. I've been on the Neurontin for about 3 weeks. In the beginning I experienced drowsiness and dizziness, but now it seems to be smoothing out. My sleep at night is getting heavier, though, and I might be able to attribute that to the Neurontin, but who knows.
I like the Lamictal from the standpoint that it is the only medecine that seems to allow me to sleep less. Unfortunately, it also seems to cause anxiety. That's why I added on the Neurontin; I had no desire to start increasing my Clonazepam doses.
Med cocktails sometimes seem to be advantageous over monotherapy, but the problem arises for me in guessing what's doing what. It makes it harder to decide how to modify the regimen.
You have an amazing memory! I was considering trying Lithium awhile back, as well as Provigil. I got prescriptions for both of these from my pdoc, and they're sitting on my bureau right now. I went the Lamictal route because I needed something to energize me on top of the Celexa/Clonazepam mix which was causing hypersomnia and fatigue. The evidence for Lithium being energizing didn't seem to be there. Who knows, with the way my life is going, I may be trying both of those meds before it's all over.
Bob
>
> > > Are you drinking enough water to flush yourself out?
> >
> > Probably not. I'll have to try and drink more. Does that help with the dryness?
>
> Drinking at least 8 glasses of water is healthy for the body. Anyone can feel lousy (low energy, tired, mild headache, etc) when they are slight dehydrated. But when you throw medications in the mix, especially drying ones, it's essential to get enough water. The body needs to be able to flush out the metabolites and waste products from the organs. Also if you are sweating, you need to drink more, so blood levels of meds don't increase and make you notice more side efffects.
>
> Lack of water=dryness, so you might give it a shot and see if some moisture comes back. Can't hurt!
>
> Later:)
> Chloe
Posted by Chloe on May 12, 2002, at 19:18:06
In reply to Re: Dryness on Neurontin, Lamictal, Li » Chloe, posted by Bob on May 11, 2002, at 11:05:28
>
> > Yes, I guess it is all in the wording...What meds are you on now other than Lamictal? How do you like Lamictal? Are you benefiting from any other meds? I think a while ago you were considering Li. Have you tried that yet?
>
> I'm also on Neurontin 100mg tid, Clonazepam .5mg qid, and 20mg Celexa before bed. I assume I'm benefitting somewhat from this combo, as without it I would most assuredly be in the hospital. I've been on the Neurontin for about 3 weeks. In the beginning I experienced drowsiness and dizziness, but now it seems to be smoothing out. My sleep at night is getting heavier, though, and I might be able to attribute that to the Neurontin, but who knows.
>
> I like the Lamictal from the standpoint that it is the only medecine that seems to allow me to sleep less. Unfortunately, it also seems to cause anxiety. That's why I added on the Neurontin; I had no desire to start increasing my Clonazepam doses.
>
> Med cocktails sometimes seem to be advantageous over monotherapy, but the problem arises for me in guessing what's doing what. It makes it harder to decide how to modify the regimen.
>
> You have an amazing memory! I was considering trying Lithium awhile back, as well as Provigil. I got prescriptions for both of these from my pdoc, and they're sitting on my bureau right now. I went the Lamictal route because I needed something to energize me on top of the Celexa/Clonazepam mix which was causing hypersomnia and fatigue. The evidence for Lithium being energizing didn't seem to be there. Who knows, with the way my life is going, I may be trying both of those meds before it's all over.
>
> Bob
Hi Bob,
Sorry about the delay, had a bit of a meltdown. But I am back, somewhat!I agree med cocktails can be confusing. But I think if you get a few meds that you know work for you, you can add and subtract from there without too much disruption.
My primary thought about your post is, that you might stick with the meds you have and perhaps tinker with the Neurontin. Neurontin is a strange bear. It can be sedating, initially cause dizziness (and the dryness for me, ugh), but it also has some wonderful, subtle AD/energizing properties.
Perhaps you could inch the N up to 400, then 500, then 600 over a few weeks and see if you feel calmer, less moody and a little more motivated. Sounds strange, but the higher the dose(small by most people's standard), I take 200mgs TID, the less sedation I have, and I feel more energized in a quiet sort of way...I wasn't able to tolerate the anxiety of Lamictal either. And I never ever had any desire to sleep on the stuff. And I like to sleep. I think sleep is one of the best part of my day. It's the only time I am not feeling something! Being awake does have it's good moments too. All I am saying is I do like the break from my constant intense feelings.
Hopefullly you won't have to have tons of med trials to find something that "keeps you out of the hospital" or coping. Perhaps the celexa, K, and Neurontin will keep you in check for the time being. If these three are keepers, adding on something is much less difficult than changing to a totally different med.
Any thoughts?
Chloe
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