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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by saw on December 2, 2004, at 6:47:35
After a month on Lamictal and a deep crash in depression and rage, not to mention ever increasing weight gain, my pdoc has moved me onto Topamax. She may want to combine this with Cymbalta in about 8 weeks time. I read the infamous line on Cymbalta of weight gain ...... so I don't know!
I have an enormous talent in getting most side effects. I can only pray that the weight loss on Topamax will be one.
Pdoc also asked me to think about receiving ECT. I am so alarmed and terrified that I can't even talk much about it yet.
Sabrina
Posted by stresser on December 2, 2004, at 7:12:23
In reply to From Effexor to Lamictal, now to Topamax, posted by saw on December 2, 2004, at 6:47:35
Sabrina,
What is ECT? Forgive me for what I do not know. As you probably know from some of my postings, the topamax is not a quick fix for everyone.....my daughter has been taking it for around nine weeks and is up to 275mg per day, and has yet to see any weight loss. I am not sure if that is going to happen, because she is eating out of emotional distress......that's another board and post....and a long one, I'm afraid. Good luck to you
my thoughts are with you, as I have been keeping up with your posts on some of the other boards, so let us know how the meds are working out for you. -L
Posted by saw on December 2, 2004, at 8:21:19
In reply to Re: From Effexor to Lamictal, now to Topamax, posted by stresser on December 2, 2004, at 7:12:23
ECT is Electro Convulsive Therapy. There is a lot of info about it on a thread above.
Thanks for keeping up with me. Appreciate it.
Sabrina
Posted by jujube on December 2, 2004, at 8:40:25
In reply to From Effexor to Lamictal, now to Topamax, posted by saw on December 2, 2004, at 6:47:35
Sabrina,
I am so sorry that you are struggling. It breaks my heart to see someone endure as much pain as you have in the past number of weeks.
As for your medication, I am relatively new to this stuff, but I wonder why your doctor put you on Lamictal as a stand alone AD. It is my understanding that Lamictal is used as a mood stabilizer, and typically used as an adjunct to an AD. Same thing for the Topamax. I didn't think it was a stand alone treatment for depression. Perhaps you should insist that you start the Cymbalta (or whatever AD you and your doctor feel would be most appropriate for you) at the same time or within a week or two of starting the Topamax.
Also, have you considered a TCA. They are the older ADs, and, yes, some do cause weight gain. But they tend to be extremely effective.
I think ECT is quite a drastic step, particularly if your doctor has not tried any augmentation strategies with the ADs you have been on. However, ECT would be your choice, if you feel it is in your best interest at this point.
I have found that there are a lot of good, knowledgeable people on the med board. You will, no doubt, get a number of viable suggestions on which meds or which combination of meds might help you before you have to resort to ECT.
I wish you all the best, and hope you find some relief soon.
Tamara
> After a month on Lamictal and a deep crash in depression and rage, not to mention ever increasing weight gain, my pdoc has moved me onto Topamax. She may want to combine this with Cymbalta in about 8 weeks time. I read the infamous line on Cymbalta of weight gain ...... so I don't know!
>
> I have an enormous talent in getting most side effects. I can only pray that the weight loss on Topamax will be one.
>
> Pdoc also asked me to think about receiving ECT. I am so alarmed and terrified that I can't even talk much about it yet.
>
> Sabrina
>
>
Posted by partlycloudy on December 2, 2004, at 9:36:50
In reply to From Effexor to Lamictal, now to Topamax, posted by saw on December 2, 2004, at 6:47:35
Hmm. I can't imagine that ECT would be recommended unless medication solutions had been exhausted. I don't blame you for being alarmed, and I sent you an email with some ideas.
When I was having a VERY hard time this past summer, this post helped me a great deal. I have it printed out and on my fridge:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040603/msgs/355808.html
I agree that this is a great board for asking questions about possible solutions other than ECT.
Please know we are rooting for you!
pc
This is the end of the thread.
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