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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 19 to 43 of 43. Go back in thread:
Posted by SLS on October 10, 2003, at 17:17:27
In reply to Re: zonegran and bipolar II/nausea/fatigue, posted by tired10mom on October 10, 2003, at 13:50:12
> > Dear tired10mom,
> >
> > I'm so sorry about what happened to your daughter. My Dr. just prescribed this drug to me and warned me to stop taking it if I felt itchy or developed a rash.
Hi.I developed severe itching after taking Zonegran for two weeks. My doctor had me discontinue it. I also experienced fatigue, malaise, muscle weekness, and some mild aches and pains. It looks like these things aren't so rare.
- Scott
Posted by sarita0001 on October 11, 2003, at 8:59:31
In reply to Re: zonegran and bipolar II/nausea/fatigue, posted by tired10mom on October 10, 2003, at 13:50:12
Hello-
I am sorry to hear about what happened to your daughter. I hope she is doing better. I was diagnosed bipolar at 17 and was started on lithium and continued on that for 7 years. Lithium has less chance for adverse effects like the anticonvulsants but every one handles medicine differently. Doctors will tell you that it is not used as often but historically has always been the first choice for bp.
Earlier this year, I took Topamax(an anticonvulsant) and experienced side effects which I was told were rare but found out from my new doctor that they are really not. The key to having less side effects is the fewer medications one takes. My body was so used to lithium when I added Topamax it threw everything off. I grew a significant amount of hair on my face (which is costing me up to 2000 to laser off) and extra body hair. So i know what it is like regarding self-esteem as a young woman. As time goes on and the scars fade your daughter will get better. Good luck to you and if you have any questions I am here.
Sara
Posted by tired10mom on October 12, 2003, at 18:01:14
In reply to Re: zonegran and bipolar II/nausea/fatigue » tired10mom, posted by katia on October 10, 2003, at 14:55:12
She was still on the initial lowest dose and was scheduled to be increased the following week if everything was going well. However, she was also left of the depakote at the same time. As far as going to the hospital sooner, if it is truly an SJS/TEN reaction as hers was, it wouldn't have mattered. There is nothing that can be done to stop it. It has to run its course. Were there something that could have been done to stop it, they would have stopped it the first day they were sure what it was. Had it be simply an allergic reaction, the benedryl and steriods would have taken care of it quite well.
Posted by katia on October 13, 2003, at 1:35:50
In reply to Re: zonegran and bipolar II/nausea/fatigue, posted by tired10mom on October 12, 2003, at 18:01:14
Thanks for getting back to me.
It's so scary - SJS, and the fact that nothing can stop it and only 30% of people survive it. I am also on Depakote and have just started Lamictal; of which both have risk of this. I'm 33 and I think younger people have a greater risk somehow. The thought of it makes me want to quit. But then the thought of living like I have been makes me want to take the chance.
Many blessings to you and your daughter.
Katia
Posted by California_Princess on October 15, 2003, at 20:29:59
In reply to Re: zonegran and bipolar II/nausea/fatigue » tired10mom, posted by katia on October 13, 2003, at 1:35:50
Hello!
Tired10mom, I am soooo sorry about your daughter. As I read the post I was crying for you and her and I hope this will be behind you soon!I was recently diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder, (after being misdiagnosed 7 years ago with Major Depressive Disorder) I also have an Anxiety Disorder, both of which I've had all my life, but just thought I was a bad person and loser. I was so happy to finally know what was wrong with me, but now come all the drugs.
Because I'm 140 pounds over weight I told my PDoc that I would not take any drug that would cause weight gain. He started me out with Topamax because of it's weight loss properties. Unfortunately after about 3 weeks I had to stop taking it because at only 75 mgs, (I stated out with 25 mgs) my lungs hurt so badly it was hard for me to breath and crazy racing thoughts made it impossible to sleep.
The irritability, being unable to concentrate and the general "dumbness" (memory loss, slurred speech or not being able to say one half way intelligent thing, stuttering...) was something that I could live with because I was hoping that it would go away.I failed a test for a job that I needed, I lost my car in the parking structure, (this was a big city) and I got lost on the freeway and ended up in a neighboring city with no idea how to get home!!! However the sore lungs and insomnia I couldn't deal with. I've been off Topamax for 5 days now and my lungs just stopped hurting yesterday. My appetite came back today.... :O( My sleeping has almost returned to normal and mental fog has lifted.
Unfortunately the day after I quit taking the med, (and I was only on it for about 3 weeks) I plunged into a VERY deep depression and I think if my husband would have left me alone I would have tried to kill myself. After about a day and a half it went a way.
So now I'm thinking about Zonegran.... I read that it can cause Kidney stones, Irritability, and Weight loss so I'm wondering how much this drug is like Topamax because those are the side affects of it too. However I haven't read so much about the loss of the ability to think and reason, ("dumbness") which was a big problem for a lot of folks with the Topamax.
I was thinking about asking my PDoc about it on my next appointment Monday, but after hearing about what happend to your daughet, Tired10mom, I'm scared now.
I'm such a baby, but I get panic attacks when I have to take a medicine that I'm scared to take.... :O(
I so much want this sickness to end or get better, I'm tired of living like this for 35 years... but now with all these drugs avalible, and some of the dangerous, it seems hopeless!
Melissa
Posted by katia on October 15, 2003, at 22:55:11
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 15, 2003, at 20:29:59
Hi Cal. Dreamer,
Yes, I agree it seems ALMOST hopeless. I go bacck and forth - should I take meds and risk these awful results or live as I have been? I always come back to, I can't live like I have been and I need help. I too am BP, I think II/mixed/rapid cycler? who knows> I've had so many different ways in which this "disorder" has manifested itself over the years - had one classic mania (was never hospitalized) high 15 yrs. ago (I was 17/18), and then panic anxiety pre that and post that - serious chronic depression interspersed with either mania or hypomania for the hellish duration of my adult and teenage life (I'm 33). Anyway, finally a year ago, I finally realized how i was, was not "normal" and could possibly be depression? I sought help. I was mis-dxed for a year too as double depressed until finally none of the ADs worked on me. I've just started my own trial and error with the mood stabilizers. I'm going off of Depakote, going onto Lamcital (scared about the rash!) and probably combining Lithium.
I thought about Topamax too. Sorry to hear you had bad luck with that.
the stats with the rash and lamictal are 1 in 1,000 (if you titrate up slowly and are over 16). I wonder what the stats are on Zonegram? Is it more dangerous? anyone know?
Katia
Posted by tired10mom on October 16, 2003, at 9:05:56
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 15, 2003, at 20:29:59
I've been taking Topomax for 3 years to prevent migraines. I must say, at first I had the same side effects you are talking about that I thought would drive me crazy. I, too, started at 25mg, but over time have built up to 500mg. The "dumbness" as you put it went away at about 125mg if I remember correctly. My doc just temporarily gave me something to help me sleep. I went from having migraines 3/week to about 1/month and now maybe 4/year. And I lost about 40 lbs.
As for the Zonegran, I don't want to anyone away from it that it might be beneficial for. It worked extremely well for what it was being used for. Unfortunately, a lot of times, people don't think about the fact that these type of drugs can and do have substances in them like sulpha that people are allergic to, that are more commonly found in antibiotics. We had a known history of a sulpha allergy in our family for generations, and Jennifer's doc gave her the drug anyway knowing this. Neither he nor the pharmacist told us sulpha was a compound in Zonegran or we wouldn't have given it to her. Now we ALWAYS request the drug inserts, and we know how to read them.
Part of being bipolar for Jennifer was never feeling that anyone really loved and accepted her. She was always working too hard to fit in. After going through this, she knows how many people really do love her and care about her. She has found that some people she thought were her friends really weren't. But she also found that there were more people than she new cared about her. People came out of the woodwork to see if they could help, if she needed anything, if she just wanted to watch a movie or talk. She feels more at ease and secure with herself without having to keep up a facade and be one of the "cool kids" than she's ever felt before. It's hard enough to be a teenager these days with all the peer pressure that goes along with it, without adding second degree burn scars on both arms and on your back and chest. Between her new friends, her family, her psychiatrist, and her "very cool" psychologist, she has decided that if someone doesn't like the way she looks, it is their problem.
Please don't give up, it is never hopeless. Over the last seven years, our family has been through some extremely tramatic and sometimes tragic events. But something good comes out of every situation. Sometimes you just have to look really hard for it. But more than that, you have to WANT to find it. Believe in yourself. Believe in your husband. Believe in your love and life together. Otherwise, all the meds in the world won't help.
Posted by Smilez on October 31, 2003, at 20:23:39
In reply to Re: zonegran and bipolar II/nausea/fatigue » tired10mom, posted by katia on October 13, 2003, at 1:35:50
I was diagnosed a few weeks ago as ADD with some tendencies towards Bipolar type II.
I had once been on Paxil two years ago and gained 30 pounds in the two months I was on it so I informed my doctor I would NOT take any such drug again.
He gave me Wellbutrin and Zonegram.
I came home and went online and found that people with sulfa allergies should not take the zonegram. I was stunned! After all, that same afternoon I told my doctor my ONLY known drug allergy was Sulfa-based meds!!!
I called the office and he said that it is such a low amount of sulfa that he figured I would be okay. He was willing to prescribe something else if it was desired.
Two weeks later, I still have not taken the Zonegram and had finally popped the first pill out of the tin foil packet as I was reading these threads. After reading about Tiredmom's experience with her daughter, I flushed the pill.
But, I am curious - has anyone taken it more than 4 weeks who wasn't allergic to sulfa and how did they respond???
Posted by katia on November 1, 2003, at 1:45:56
In reply to Zonegran and Wellbutrin, posted by Smilez on October 31, 2003, at 20:23:39
Wow! Thank god you read these posts. I really think very few doctors have a f-ing clue! I personally wouldn't get near it if I had even the smallest allergy to it.
There are other things out there. Maybe get a new doctor. I can't believe s/he gave you that!
I personally haven't tried Zonegran.
Katia
Posted by Smilez on November 1, 2003, at 17:06:30
In reply to Re: Zonegran and Wellbutrin » Smilez, posted by katia on November 1, 2003, at 1:45:56
yeah - when he said that he "figured" that because it was "just a small amount" of sulfa in the Zonegram that I'd "be okay", it didn't sit right (which is why I never took one).
I'm doing okay with just the Wellbutrin, (and I hate taking ANY thing) so I will stick with that for now. I admit though I did get real anxious/ragey when my neighbors began cranking their superloud car stereo and I had visions of throwing bricks through their car speakers. I guess some things take time. LOL!!!! ;)
Posted by katia on November 1, 2003, at 18:04:20
In reply to Re: Zonegran and Wellbutrin, posted by Smilez on November 1, 2003, at 17:06:30
Hi,
I think ANYONE would get rageful at those damn loud speakers! Also, Wellbutrin can cause anger, anxiety I've heard.
Posted by Smilez on November 6, 2003, at 21:23:26
In reply to Re: Zonegran and Wellbutrin » Smilez, posted by katia on November 1, 2003, at 18:04:20
LOLOL!!! I am soooo glad to hear I am not the only one. In my complex of 8 units, I am the only one who seems to be annoyed by them. My counselor said that some people just get anxious when their auditory space is infringed upon. He then guessed that I have a musical background (11 years professional fulltime musician) as he said those are the ones that he sees having the biggest issues with noise infringement (even as petty as peoples gum snapping, carrot eating, and hiccupping)
I do hope this wellbutrin continues to help me. I am still quite capable of rage, but the depression is not an issue anymore and after almost a year of the blues, that is a real nice change. :)
Posted by katia on November 6, 2003, at 22:07:44
In reply to Re: Zonegran and Wellbutrin, posted by Smilez on November 6, 2003, at 21:23:26
fingerlicking does it to me. I just had to end a friendship b/c she licked her fingers too much when eating. Hee hee. Partially true anyway.
Noise. One of the most tormenting things in my life. Snoring being up there in first running place. However, I love music and other nice sounds, and would be devastated if I lost my hearing. I think part of it comes from being a light sleeper and the other part comes from feeling caged or trapped by someone else's noise...therapy issues I guess.
good that your depression has lifted. I'm waiting for that myself.
katia
Posted by lostlamb on December 1, 2003, at 22:53:14
In reply to zonegran and bipolar II, posted by River1924 on July 12, 2003, at 20:43:31
> I just added the anticonvulsant, zonegran, to the antidepressant, effexor, and the anxiety med, klonipin. I'm amazed at how much better I feel and act. Bipolar II is my new diagnosis: hence my doctor has added a mood stabilizer to medication regimen. Has anyone else tried zonegran for moodiness, moodswings, etc..? Will this 100mg of zonegran continue to work long term?
I was on 100mg of Zonegran, and while it didn't work as well as the Depakote does now, it helped lessen my mood swings. But I quit because of kidney problems that developed from not drinking enough water on this med. Anyone else had the same problems with this med?
Posted by Emme on December 2, 2003, at 7:08:35
In reply to Re: Zonegran and Wellbutrin, posted by Smilez on November 6, 2003, at 21:23:26
Hi. I just read this thread with interest. I'm wondering if anyone had the same experience I did on Zonegran. At 25 and 50 mg it didn't seem to do much.
Then we tried it again at 100 mg. After about 3 days on it, I waas sleeping only about 2 hours at night and was so depressed and worn that my pdoc wanted to put me in the hospital. I said no. I said that my gut instinct made me feel that I was having a bad reaction to Zonegran and we stopped it after only 5 days.
During the 2 weeks after that I had about 3 more really bad trips into the emotional abyss. So now I am second guessing myself and wondering if it was the zonegran that made me feel so awful or if it was a coincidence and maybe I should have stuck with it longer.
Is this stuff supposed to have any antidepressant qualities? Has anyone else felt they might have gotten worse on it? I'm curious.
BTW, we tried it on the recommendation of a good pdoc in NYC after I went for a second opinion.
Emme
Posted by CollBell on January 1, 2004, at 19:57:02
In reply to My zonegran experience - anyone else?, posted by Emme on December 2, 2003, at 7:08:35
> Hi. I just read this thread with interest. I'm wondering if anyone had the same experience I did on Zonegran. At 25 and 50 mg it didn't seem to do much.
>
> Then we tried it again at 100 mg. After about 3 days on it, I waas sleeping only about 2 hours at night and was so depressed and worn that my pdoc wanted to put me in the hospital. I said no. I said that my gut instinct made me feel that I was having a bad reaction to Zonegran and we stopped it after only 5 days.
>
> During the 2 weeks after that I had about 3 more really bad trips into the emotional abyss. So now I am second guessing myself and wondering if it was the zonegran that made me feel so awful or if it was a coincidence and maybe I should have stuck with it longer.
>
> Is this stuff supposed to have any antidepressant qualities? Has anyone else felt they might have gotten worse on it? I'm curious.
>
> BTW, we tried it on the recommendation of a good pdoc in NYC after I went for a second opinion.
>
> Emme
HI EmmeI have been on Zonegran since the end of July and for the most part I have had great luck with it! I usually don't have good luck with meds, they tend to fizzle out after a few months and doses need to be upped and meds need to be changed yadda, yadda, yadda...
Anyway, I take 400mg- 200 in the am and 200 in the pm. I also take 300mg Wellbutrin XR and 30mg Lexapro. I have experienced a really bad depression while on the Zonegran that lasted nearly amonth but I kept taking the med and the depression passed with me spending many dark days in bed and missing many days of work. I have come to realize that meds are not the cure all for this disorder. I have Bipolar 1 with psychotic features and have fought very hard to be the victor over it. Sometimes I win, sometimes it wins~ attitude really is as big a part in recovery from this disorder as are the medications.
Feel free to email me if you'd like! I too live in NY- upstate
Colleen
Posted by Emme on January 1, 2004, at 20:13:46
In reply to Re: My zonegran experience - anyone else? » Emme, posted by CollBell on January 1, 2004, at 19:57:02
> > Hi. I just read this thread with interest. I'm wondering if anyone had the same experience I did on Zonegran. At 25 and 50 mg it didn't seem to do much.
> >
> > Then we tried it again at 100 mg. After about 3 days on it, I waas sleeping only about 2 hours at night and was so depressed and worn that my pdoc wanted to put me in the hospital. I said no. I said that my gut instinct made me feel that I was having a bad reaction to Zonegran and we stopped it after only 5 days.
> >
> > During the 2 weeks after that I had about 3 more really bad trips into the emotional abyss. So now I am second guessing myself and wondering if it was the zonegran that made me feel so awful or if it was a coincidence and maybe I should have stuck with it longer.
> >
> > Is this stuff supposed to have any antidepressant qualities? Has anyone else felt they might have gotten worse on it? I'm curious.
> >
> > BTW, we tried it on the recommendation of a good pdoc in NYC after I went for a second opinion.
> >
> > Emme
>
>
>
>
> HI Emme
>
> I have been on Zonegran since the end of July and for the most part I have had great luck with it! I usually don't have good luck with meds, they tend to fizzle out after a few months and doses need to be upped and meds need to be changed yadda, yadda, yadda...
>
> Anyway, I take 400mg- 200 in the am and 200 in the pm. I also take 300mg Wellbutrin XR and 30mg Lexapro. I have experienced a really bad depression while on the Zonegran that lasted nearly amonth but I kept taking the med and the depression passed with me spending many dark days in bed and missing many days of work. I have come to realize that meds are not the cure all for this disorder. I have Bipolar 1 with psychotic features and have fought very hard to be the victor over it. Sometimes I win, sometimes it wins~ attitude really is as big a part in recovery from this disorder as are the medications.
>
> Feel free to email me if you'd like! I too live in NY- upstate
>
> Colleen
>Hi Colleen,
Thanks for writing. I wouldn't mind talking about your experience. ... I look forward to talking to you.
Thanks,
Emme
Posted by AB Jones on February 18, 2004, at 12:30:34
In reply to Re: My zonegran experience - anyone else? » CollBell, posted by Emme on January 1, 2004, at 20:13:46
I have been diagnosed with PTSD but it seems my doctors are treating my symptoms rather than addressing my problem. I am on a VERY heavy regimen of medicines to date. My treatment began about 7 years ago.
I also have a Sulfa allergy but have had no reaction from using Zonegram. My doctor has gradually increased my dosage to 300mg/day and I still have had no negative reactions. I am also taking 300mg of Wellbutrin/day as well as lithium, resperdol, neurotin, and clonazepam. My newest addition to my medication list is Abilify (10mg/day to be increased to 15mg over the next two weeks.) I have not been taking this one long enough to report anything positive or negative, which I suppose is a good thing.
I have gained a serious amount of weight over the years (although I am not considered obese). My doctors are working with me to alter my medications in hope that I will be able to lose this extra weight. I have developed a very low self-image because of the weight. I'm wondering if anyone else has had a similar reaction to medications and what if anything will get rid of these extra pounds I am carrying around. I have tried literally everything on the market for weight loss but it seems as long as I have to take these "psychotropic" meds I am fighting a losing battle. I would rather be slim and have "problems" than overweight with the same problems. The Zonegram is supposed to help with weght loss but I have had no success there. Has anyone else?
Posted by Jenbracha on January 4, 2005, at 16:24:17
In reply to Re: zonegran and bipolar II/nausea/fatigue, posted by tired10mom on July 24, 2003, at 12:14:35
Hi there,
I read this post and am very concerened. I wonder if you can tell me what your daughter's initial symptoms were in re: to the burning? When did it start? What parts of her body were affected first? How much was she on?
Any detailed info is much appreciated.
Best,
Jen> My daughter was on Zonegran (the miracle drug) for
> just two weeks before she had an allergic reaction to it.
> It is a sulfonamide. Her body burned from the inside
> out with second degree burns over 51% of her body,
> and her mucous members burned from her mouth all the way
> through to her anus and vagina. We spent three weeks in
> June in the Burn Intensive Care Unit, and now that she is
> home, I am bathing my 16-year-old daugther, soaking off
> bandages, applying ointments, and putting dressings back on.
> She has massive scarring on her back, chest, arms, buttocks,
> and stomach. We are waiting on a compression suit that she
> will wear for 6-9 months, if not longer. Then we can consult
> with a plastic surgeon for reconstructive surgery.
>
> Sometimes miracle drugs aren't all they're cracked up to be.
> The thing that attracted my daughter to it was the weight loss
> side effect since most of the other drugs cause weight gain.
> The doctors and pharmacies tell you about the nausea, fatigue,
> headaches, weight loss, drowsiness... You can live with those.
> They don't tell you about Stevens-Johnson Syndrom or Toxic
> Epidermal Necrolysis which are also know side effects. These are
> the ones that will kill you. And your children.
>
> Please be careful. I don't want anyone to ever go through what
> we've experienced. Especially since the meds she was on were
> working well except for the weight. And imagine my surprise to
> find out that in Texas, for mental health issues, a 16-year-old
> can make decisions about their own welfare and sign for themselves.
>
>
Posted by ed_uk on January 4, 2005, at 17:20:48
In reply to Re: zonegran and bipolar II/nausea/fatigue, posted by Jenbracha on January 4, 2005, at 16:24:17
Here is some information from the Merck Manual about Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis....
Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are two forms of the same life-threatening skin disease that cause rash, skin peeling, and sores on the mucous membranes.In Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a person has blistering of mucous membranes, typically in the mouth, eyes, and vagina, and patchy areas of rash. In toxic epidermal necrolysis, there is a similar blistering of mucous membranes, but in addition the entire top layer of the skin (the epidermis) peels off in sheets from large areas of the body. Both disorders can be life threatening.
Nearly all cases are caused by a reaction to a drug, most often sulfa drugs, barbiturates, certain anticonvulsants and some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
A very few cases are caused by a bacterial infection. In some cases, a cause cannot be identified. The disorder occurs in all age groups but is more common in older people, probably because older people tend to use more drugs. The disorder is also more likely to occur in people with AIDS.
Symptoms
Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis usually begin with fever, headache, cough, and body aches, which may last from 1 to 14 days. Then a flat red rash breaks out on the face and trunk, often spreading later to the rest of the body in an irregular pattern. The areas of rash enlarge and spread, often forming blisters in their center. The skin of the blisters is very loose and easy to rub off. In toxic epidermal necrolysis, large areas of skin peel off, often with just a gentle touch or pull. In many people, 30% or more of the body surface peels away. The affected areas of skin are painful, and the person feels very ill with chills and fever. In some people, the hair and nails fall out.
In both disorders, blisters break out on the mucous membranes lining the mouth, throat, anus, genitals, and eyes. The damage to the lining of the mouth makes eating difficult, and closing the mouth may be painful, so the person may drool. The eyes may become very painful, swell, and become so filled with pus that they seal shut. The corneas can become scarred. The opening through which urine passes (urethra) may also be affected, making urination difficult and painful. Sometimes the mucous membranes of the digestive and respiratory tracts are involved, resulting in diarrhea and difficulty breathing.
The skin loss in toxic epidermal necrolysis is similar to a severe burn and is equally life threatening. Huge amounts of fluids and salts can seep from the large, raw, damaged areas. A person who has this disorder is very susceptible to infection at the sites of damaged, exposed tissues; such infections are the most common cause of death in people with this disorder.
Treatment
People with Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis are hospitalized. Any drugs suspected of causing the disorder are immediately discontinued. When possible, these people are treated in a burn unit and given scrupulous care to avoid infection. If the person survives, the skin grows back on its own, and unlike burns, skin grafts are not needed. Fluids and salts, which are lost through the damaged skin, are replaced intravenously.
Use of corticosteroids to treat the disorder is controversial: Some doctors believe that giving large doses within the first few days is beneficial; others believe that corticosteroids should not be used. These drugs suppress the immune system, which increases the potential for serious infection. If infection develops, doctors give antibiotics immediately.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................
Here is a link to a dermatology site where you can see pictures of TEN (Lyell syndrome) and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.Stevens-Johnson...
http://www.dermis.net/doia/diagnose.asp?zugr=d&lang=e&diagnr=695120&topic=tToxic Epidermal Necrolysis...
http://www.dermis.net/doia/diagnose.asp?zugr=d&lang=e&diagnr=693040&topic=tEd.
Posted by River1924 on May 14, 2005, at 16:16:47
In reply to Zonegran @ Week 2, posted by River1924 on July 24, 2003, at 0:16:01
I posted this in July 2003. I'm going to try again. I realized that zonegran has a half-life of about 60-100 hours. I'll take 100mg every other day and see if it helps with anything. It seems I've had every diagnosis.
> I'm stopping the med. On the positive side, it has some effect on social anxiety. I seemed much less avoidant of people and normal day-to-day interactions. But I could only get the nausea to stop when I stopped my antidepressant and I quickly fell into a stuporous low. I may try it again someday but the itching is a big turn-off.
Posted by River1924 on May 19, 2005, at 0:11:35
In reply to Zonegran, one more try, posted by River1924 on May 14, 2005, at 16:16:47
just a bit of itching
is it possible i feel more depressed? we'll see...
Posted by donato on May 27, 2005, at 14:02:01
In reply to Re: Zonegran, one more try, posted by River1924 on May 19, 2005, at 0:11:35
I was on Zonegran for BPII a couple of years ago, but only for a very short time. I don't recall why I stopped it. I'm going to ask my doc to put me back on it next week. I read a description of it that said "like Topamax, but without so many side effects." Keep us posted. You're not alone --- I was glad to find someone else using it!
What else do you take?
Posted by River1924 on May 27, 2005, at 14:49:36
In reply to Re: Zonegran, one more try, posted by donato on May 27, 2005, at 14:02:01
In a recent study I read, some benefitted a great deal from zonegran but, many... say 30% found themselves settling into a calm depression. That is what happened to me this time. Even at this low dose (100 mg every other day), I was withdrawing and feeling blue. I think zonegran has benefits. During the summer, however, I lower my zoloft to 12.5 or 25 mgs so I can lose the weight I gain during the winter. I think zonegran may work for me if I went to the high end dose of one of the anti-depressants but I can't do that now. For health reasons, I need to keep my zoloft low so I have a chance of weight loss. I'll try again next fall. (During the winter I'm hungry all the time anyway so I can take as much zoloft or effexor or whatever as I want...) In the study, 30% or so moods leveled off at a point above depression and below hypomania. Maybe for you, it might work.
Posted by jeminiwmn on November 10, 2005, at 18:19:07
In reply to Re: My zonegran experience - anyone else?, posted by AB Jones on February 18, 2004, at 12:30:34
> I have been diagnosed with PTSD but it seems my doctors are treating my symptoms rather than addressing my problem. I am on a VERY heavy regimen of medicines to date. My treatment began about 7 years ago.
> I also have a Sulfa allergy but have had no reaction from using Zonegram. My doctor has gradually increased my dosage to 300mg/day and I still have had no negative reactions. I am also taking 300mg of Wellbutrin/day as well as lithium, resperdol, neurotin, and clonazepam. My newest addition to my medication list is Abilify (10mg/day to be increased to 15mg over the next two weeks.) I have not been taking this one long enough to report anything positive or negative, which I suppose is a good thing.
> I have gained a serious amount of weight over the years (although I am not considered obese). My doctors are working with me to alter my medications in hope that I will be able to lose this extra weight. I have developed a very low self-image because of the weight. I'm wondering if anyone else has had a similar reaction to medications and what if anything will get rid of these extra pounds I am carrying around. I have tried literally everything on the market for weight loss but it seems as long as I have to take these "psychotropic" meds I am fighting a losing battle. I would rather be slim and have "problems" than overweight with the same problems. The Zonegram is supposed to help with weght loss but I have had no success there. Has anyone else?
>
HI-I WAS just prescribed this Zonegram 100mg yesterday by my psych. I told her that I didn't feel the Welbutrin was doing much for me. I'm not going into the beat down I got so to speak about deciding to ween myself off of the welbutrin, but the end result was the Zonegram-It's not considered an anti depressant so I was told but has some anti dep qualities? She did in fact state that it is A WEIGHT LOSS DRUG. Now that you say this-I'm not so sure. They said that about topomax too and it didn't make me loose weight. I don't want to take this stuff if it's going to make me drowsy or worse off=-and if it's not going to help w/ the weight-what's the point? I will keep posting as to my results w/ this new drug. I really don't want to take it in addition to what I'm taking either. Question, you said you've tried weight loss products-I did too-especially when certain ones were allowed to be on the market and now are back temporarily-no problem for you while taking anti depressants? OR did you even tell your doc. Just curious. I am about to make major changes here. Wondering if I should go back on the Welbutrin too.
This is the end of the thread.
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