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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by queenb on March 28, 2001, at 7:57:56
I was just diagnosed with Cyclothymia and social anxiety. I am now taking Xanax and Neurontin. Has anybody had any experience with either of these medications? I am not sure of what to expect. What are the side effects? Your in put would be great. Thanks. I
Posted by roo on March 28, 2001, at 9:26:58
In reply to Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by queenb on March 28, 2001, at 7:57:56
Queen,
Do you take anything else, or just those two? How
much of each?
I was diagnosed with cyclothymia too. I take 20
mgs of prozac (which I plan on gradually decreasing),
and 1800 mgs of neurotin. I have found neurotin to
be a great drug. It makes me feel a lot calmer, and
has evened out my moods, which has helped me a lot.
I have little, or no side effects. I think I might
notice a little bit of an increase in my appetite, but
that only happened recently when my pdoc increased the
dose to 1800mgs. And it's not that big of a deal.
I like neurotin. I'm glad it's worked out for me.
If you don't mind (since I've talked with so few people
who have that same diagnoses as me) tell me a little bit
about your depression, what it's like, how long you've had
it, what sorts of medications you've taken before, etc.
Posted by Kingfish on March 28, 2001, at 10:30:21
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by roo on March 28, 2001, at 9:26:58
> Queen and Roo:
Roo - I had posted a while back and said I'd get back to you. I had just decided to add Neurotin to Topamax and Celexa for BP II, and you were considering Neurontin.
Anyhoo, to both Queen and Roo:
I now take:
Celexa - 40 mg
Topamax - 300 mg (but may have to go back down to 200 mg because the sedation is becoming a problem again)
Neurontin - 1800 - 2400 mgWhen I took just the Neurontin it didn't seem to do much but with the Topamax it's wonderful. It seems to wear off every 3-1/2 to 4 hours.
What's the cycle time for you all?
How does it make you feel?
Do you have a problem with sedation?
It's weirdest thing for me - the Neurontin actually counteracts the sedating effect of the Topamax for me. I don't think that makes any sense medically. Very strange.
I had no side effects from it either.
Glad to hear it's helping others.
Take care.
- K.
Posted by roo on March 28, 2001, at 10:54:33
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by Kingfish on March 28, 2001, at 10:30:21
> What's the cycle time for you all?It seems to wear off for me in 4 hours or so...I can
feel myself becoming more anxious as it wears off. (altho
for some weird reason, that hasn't been true the past couple
of weeks, I haven't felt that anxious)
>
> How does it make you feel?calmer...less reactive...physically more relaxed.
>
> Do you have a problem with sedation?No, i'll get reaall relaxed sometimes, but not sedated.
When I first started taking it, it was activating for me
too. It was hard to sleep at night. That has worn off.
Posted by queenb on March 28, 2001, at 11:02:38
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by roo on March 28, 2001, at 9:26:58
>Roo, I take 300mg twice a day and i don't remember how much Xanax since i just started two days ago. I don't take anything else and never have. When I woke up this morning, I was extremely disoriented and uncoordinated. I wasn't sure I was going to make it through the day....though I migh fall asleep. Is that common? Do those effects ever pan out? I can say that I feel a little calmer. Less anxiety. I know it takes awhile for the medicine to kick in....about how long? But, about my depression....well, it's like a dark hole I can't seem to get out of. I feel extremely hopeless about life and I have absolutely no self esteem. I always feel very unstable emotionally. Like any minute I am goin to totally lose it. I cry for no reason. I don't feel the need to be around anyone. Basically, i can't stand anyone. Even the people I love. I experience rage on a daily basis. I fear what I could do to someone. People always say "think happy thoughts; think about all the good things in life" or "just snap out of it." thats a good one. Well, I can't. I wish I could. With those comments, i feel like no one understands me. Do you ever feel like you weigh 1000 pounds when your low? I do. I move in slow motion. Right now I feel stable a little too happy at times (before the medicine). My mood shifts quite often throughout the day though. Even during my depression stage. Its pretty hard to figure out who the hell you really are. Anyway....what about you? You know, my psychologist diagnosed me with cyclothymia and the psychiatrist diagnosed me with bipolar II. whats the difference?
Posted by loosmrbls on March 28, 2001, at 12:51:37
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by queenb on March 28, 2001, at 11:02:38
The difference between cyclothymia and bipolar II is basically how bad your depression gets.
Bipolar II is hypomanic states associated with episodes of major depression in the past.
Cyclothymia is hypomanic states associated with less-severe depression (dysthymia instead of major depressive episodes).
As you all know, however, it's not that simple. It' not so much the label, but the fact that "bipolar" illnesses can respond poorly to antidepressants and mood stabilizeres might be needed, even for depressive symptoms.
Posted by roo on March 28, 2001, at 13:03:01
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by queenb on March 28, 2001, at 11:02:38
Queen,
It sounds like you are depressed (duh) ... so it
surprises me that you p-doc dosen't also have you
on an antidepressant. Maybe they're afraid it'll
trigger hypomania, I don't know. But it seems to
me you need more med. type help with your depression
to get the full benefit of these other drugs.
About your feeling uncoordinated--I know my pdoc told
me when I first tried Neurotin that if I felt drunk
when I took it, we'd have to try something else. Do
you feel drunk or just sleepy? I would guess if it's just
sleepiness it'll probably subside with time. I don't know,
it wasn't sedating for me, just relaxing.
It's a shame the people around you aren't more supportive
of your depression. It's just ignorance. If they knew more
about the disease, they wouldn't say things like "just
snap out of it" (how enraging, no wonder you feel rageful!)
Are you seeing a therapist too? It makes me feel bad that
you're in so much discomfort. I hope you get some help with
that soon, b/c it's' a hard way to live.
Posted by queenb on March 28, 2001, at 13:28:47
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by roo on March 28, 2001, at 13:03:01
>I was actually feeling alright before I got on the meds. I have periods of feeling "normal" whatever that is. But, those feelings of being normal, for me, is just feeling empty. Not happy and not sad. Just a body going through the motions. This morning i felt not so much drunk, but i couldn't focus on anything that i needed to and i would focus too much on thins that i should not have been ( like empty space or something). My periods of hypomania are not too bad, unless I have been drinking. Then, I am out of control totally. I usually risk getting killed or being put in the slammer---again. What are your ups like?
Posted by queenb on March 28, 2001, at 13:30:52
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by roo on March 28, 2001, at 13:03:01
>Did I mention today my mind felt at ease. I was feelin anxiety or just freaking out about everything. I didn't hate everyone in my sight. it was kinda nice. I haven't taken my medicine today. Im starting to feel a little irritable. Is this what happens when youdon't take your medicine?
Posted by roo on March 29, 2001, at 11:12:44
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by queenb on March 28, 2001, at 13:28:47
I don't really think I have _major_ ups, just really
good moods. Usually I feel creative and have a lot
of different ideas flowing. Like I'll think of businesses
I want to start, or some new creative avenue to expore. I
get all excited about it and think I've found "the answer!",
then when I'm in the low part of my cycle I can't relate to
any of that excitement at all. Sometimes I'll make plans on
the high part of my cycle, and then by the time it comes to
actually do the thing, I'll be in the low part of my cycle
and not have the energy or motivation anymore. So it seems like
I have all these great ideas, but never go anywhere with
them...
Posted by roo on March 29, 2001, at 11:13:27
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by queenb on March 28, 2001, at 13:30:52
Sometimes I start to feel irritable when my neurotin
wears off...then I take one, and I'm fine.
Posted by Queenb on March 29, 2001, at 11:19:16
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by roo on March 29, 2001, at 11:12:44
> Yeah, I can relate. I do the samething. For example, when I feel great and I want to be around everyone and just do everything. So, I make plans with everyone, not thinking that I can't possible keep all of the plans with everyone. Then my mood will change ( can be withing the next 10 minutes at times) and i no longer want to be around any of them or do any of the plans i made. I actually have built up areputation for doin that. Same concept applies for many other things. Today, Idon't feel as sedative, but I have a hard time getting my eyes to focus on things and i am practically walking sideways. Did you ever experience that???? Get back when you get a chance.
Posted by Queenb on March 29, 2001, at 11:21:26
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by roo on March 29, 2001, at 11:13:27
> Do you follow the doc request?
Posted by roo on March 29, 2001, at 13:44:35
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by roo on March 29, 2001, at 11:12:44
No, I really don't experience any side effects with
neurotin...who knows, it might not be the drug for
you...there's lots of other mood stabilizers to try.What doc suggestion?
Posted by queenb on March 29, 2001, at 14:15:08
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by roo on March 29, 2001, at 13:44:35
> I think i may need to switch meds. I am so tired and clumsy. What i meant was when you start to feel irritable again, do you just take your medicine or do you follow docs request?
Posted by Mr. Scott on March 30, 2001, at 15:15:23
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by queenb on March 29, 2001, at 14:15:08
You folks seem to have experience with this BP II and cyclothymia stuff. I have used every available Antidepressant and Anxiolytic in the US and several abroad to treat my depression and Anxiety. I recently saw a physician (2nd opinion) who for no small fee suggested I use either Vicodin or Morphine to treat my symptoms. I am at the end of the line here, and need to try looking into some other alternatives. If any of you can help, please let me know what you think about how I am about to decribe my experiences with antidepressants.
Generally I am depressed, irritable, Angry, anxious, ruminating. My mind NEVER stops spinning negative webs and thoughts and this I think actually causes the depression part.
When I take Antidepressants especially Prozac or Nardil I have an IMMEDIATE and ROBUST response. I feel INTENSELY GOOD for a few days.. Then it turns into negativity again, only I feel even closer to being "out of control" and the thoughts that are negative don't hurt me as much anymore, but I feel more likely to ACT on Them "tell someone off, drive like an A-hole, etc.".. In short I feel more out of control. More Harsh and critical and negative and Angry.. Maybe less anxious but maybe not.
What is going on here? Do I need a mood stabilzer. PLEASE HELP!!
Posted by queenb on March 31, 2001, at 21:53:53
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by Mr. Scott on March 30, 2001, at 15:15:23
> Mr. Scott:
What were you diagnosed with? Mood stabilizers will help prevent you from going into depression, as well as help prevent you from going into a hypomania state. They stabalize your cycles. If you were diagosed with a mood disorder than I would say a mood stabilizer seems like your best bet. I have been diagnosed with cyclothymia and social anxiety. I take Neurotin to stabilze and Xanax for anxiety. I don't know to much about Morphine, but that sounds pretty harsh and i know its extremely addicting. Im sorry you are not having any luck finding a treatment that works for you. I can sympathize with you. I know what it feels like to be in depression and feel like your about to lose it. Feelings, thoughts, and emotions are totally negative and uncontrollable. Sometimes I would wish that I could just not think about anything for a minute....just to give my mind a rest.
Well I hope you find someone you can really help you. Good luck.Queenb
Posted by jimmygold70 on April 1, 2001, at 16:22:08
In reply to Cyclothymia and treatment, posted by queenb on March 28, 2001, at 7:57:56
Sounds OK.
Jimmy
> I was just diagnosed with Cyclothymia and social anxiety. I am now taking Xanax and Neurontin. Has anybody had any experience with either of these medications? I am not sure of what to expect. What are the side effects? Your in put would be great. Thanks. I
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