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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by linkadge on August 22, 2004, at 8:32:58
You were taking trileptal. Why'd you stop?
I stopped because it was pretty much like other mood stabalizers, sure they'll bring you down but they do little for depression.
My doctor tried to convince me that this med would have me dancing in the streets. I tried to tell him, I know what anticonvulsants do. There is *no way* that this med is an effective antidepressant.
Linkadge
Posted by chemist on August 22, 2004, at 12:15:13
In reply to Chemist !! what happened to trileptal ????, posted by linkadge on August 22, 2004, at 8:32:58
hey, linkadge, how are you? you sound better.....my comments below....all the best, and be well!!!! chemist
> You were taking trileptal. Why'd you stop?
**** because i do not suffer from epilepsy or have seizures/convulsions. as a rule - although i have been tricked in the past - i do not waste my time and money on medications for conditions from which i do not suffer, nor do i continue to visit a medical professional who pursues such approaches. *****
>
> I stopped because it was pretty much like other mood stabalizers, sure they'll bring you down but they do little for depression.
>
**** it made mine a little worse, because my self-esteem was lowered when i finally realized that anti-epileptic drugs, anti-convulsants, and atypical anti-psychotics are effective in treating epilepsy, convulsions, and psychoses, respectively, and that i had ignorantly been taking these medications for relief of anxiety, panic, and depression. i felt really, really stupid, and that made it worse, for me. i have recovered, pretty much....****> My doctor tried to convince me that this med would have me dancing in the streets. I tried to tell him, I know what anticonvulsants do. There is *no way* that this med is an effective antidepressant.
>
**** it appears that you will need to induce literacy in your doctor: i do not envy you this task. my current psychiatrist is the one i saw when i first sought treatment, over ten years ago. interestingly, he prescibes an anxiolytic for my anxiety/panic (alprazolam) and an antidepressant for my mild/moderate depression (fluvoxamine). based on what i read on this board, an antihistamine and an antipsychotic would be better choices...i guess he's just a little out-of-date :) ********* be well, chemist *****
>
> Linkadge
Posted by jlbl2l on August 22, 2004, at 12:59:21
In reply to Re: Chemist !! what happened to trileptal ???? » linkadge, posted by chemist on August 22, 2004, at 12:15:13
"based on what i read on this board, an antihistamine and an antipsychotic would be better choices...i guess he's just a little out-of-date :) "
that was pretty funny chemist!
Jason
Posted by jlbl2l on August 22, 2004, at 13:07:49
In reply to Chemist !! what happened to trileptal ????, posted by linkadge on August 22, 2004, at 8:32:58
its werid, most drugs don't touch my depression 100% . the only one that really helped for awhile was klonopin and like i said not 100% by far.
BUT the one drug that (when it doesn't poop-out) works well for my depression & anxiety perfectly in every way is neurontin at higher end dosages.
To me that drug is just amazing! I am very anxtiously waiting for Lyrica's release in the usa at the end of the year - for anxiety seizures and neuropathic pain. I heard reports from people who where in the trials that many of them were very happy and unusually less depressed and felt like they were on top of the world. I knw they ae going into trials for firbomyglia next with it, and it is rumored if that goes okay, they might go into trials for depression..(that would make 5 indications for 1 drug) (they will most defintely be 4 i am sure tho)
I just cannot wait for this new neurontin succesor!
Jason
Posted by alesta on August 22, 2004, at 13:08:23
In reply to Re: Chemist !! what happened to trileptal ????, posted by jlbl2l on August 22, 2004, at 12:59:21
jealous much?
Posted by chemist on August 22, 2004, at 15:19:53
In reply to Re: Chemist !! what happened to trileptal ????, posted by jlbl2l on August 22, 2004, at 12:59:21
Posted by chemist on August 22, 2004, at 15:25:10
In reply to Re: Chemist !! what happened to trileptal ????, posted by jlbl2l on August 22, 2004, at 13:07:49
hello there, chemist here....glad to hear the neurontin is working for you...i hope there is more development along that line, as drugs with several indications would be a boon for patients, in my opinion, and the companies would get their $$$, too......all the best, chemist
> its werid, most drugs don't touch my depression 100% . the only one that really helped for awhile was klonopin and like i said not 100% by far.
>
> BUT the one drug that (when it doesn't poop-out) works well for my depression & anxiety perfectly in every way is neurontin at higher end dosages.
>
> To me that drug is just amazing! I am very anxtiously waiting for Lyrica's release in the usa at the end of the year - for anxiety seizures and neuropathic pain. I heard reports from people who where in the trials that many of them were very happy and unusually less depressed and felt like they were on top of the world. I knw they ae going into trials for firbomyglia next with it, and it is rumored if that goes okay, they might go into trials for depression..(that would make 5 indications for 1 drug) (they will most defintely be 4 i am sure tho)
>
> I just cannot wait for this new neurontin succesor!
>
> Jason
Posted by linkadge on August 23, 2004, at 16:02:02
In reply to Re: Chemist !! what happened to trileptal ???? » jlbl2l, posted by chemist on August 22, 2004, at 15:25:10
Personally I think that anticonvulsants can help some anxiety. They can help the endless mind racing and rumination that is caused by some depression. They can also be of some help if your anxiety has psychotic elements.
But what they don't help at all is anticipatory anxiety. They make you feel dumb, I agree. Feeling dumb can in turn make anxiety and depression much worse.
I found that depakote was good for physical anxiety, probably because of its strong gaba effect. But again it made me depressed.
Personally I think the best anxiolitic would be a 5-ht1a agonist/5ht2a antagonist/ gaba agonist
I am doing a little bit better but it is just the wait that is so excruciating for me. Docotors don't seem to understand this. If sombody is coming into the hospital with 2nd degree burns. They don't tell them to go home and take a pill that *might* help their pain within the next *few months*. They give them morphine. Likewise I consider a severely depressed persion to have emotional 2nd degree burns, and sending them away to wait for a few months is unnacptable.I should go back to the hospital, but you sit in your room and wait 2 weeks for them to give you an ativan.
Linkadge
Linkadge
Posted by zeugma on August 23, 2004, at 18:45:52
In reply to anticonvulsants can help some anxiety, posted by linkadge on August 23, 2004, at 16:02:02
Personally I think the best anxiolitic would be a 5-ht1a agonist/5ht2a antagonist/ gaba agonist
if you're right then buspirone plus periactin and a benzo would be ideal. Do you know if gepirone ER was ever released in Canada or Europe?
Posted by linkadge on August 23, 2004, at 19:35:35
In reply to Re: anticonvulsants can help some anxiety » linkadge, posted by zeugma on August 23, 2004, at 18:45:52
I don't think that gepirone is in canada. I don't know about europe. It is really pathetic that the FDA denied it so quickly, there really needs to be more research done. To me this would be a more effective, selective and potent version of buspar.
When I tried celexa + periactin + lorazepam, I was basically anxiety free.
Linkadge
Posted by Starlight on August 24, 2004, at 13:11:13
In reply to Re: Chemist !! what happened to trileptal ???? ? linkadge, posted by chemist on August 22, 2004, at 12:15:13
Chemist,
What was coming off of trileptal like?I'd like to come off of both Lamictal and Trileptal because I'm not convinced that I'm bipolar II and for the same reasons that you mentioned - I'm not epileptic and don't want to take drugs for conditions I don't have. I like the effexor pretty well because it addresses my anxiety and depression, but the more crap you take the more it costs, which is a bummer.
Just curious about what your experience was like coming off of the drug - how much were you taking? And how long did you titrate down?
starlight
Posted by chemist on August 24, 2004, at 15:03:44
In reply to What Happened to Trileptal! Chemist!!, posted by Starlight on August 24, 2004, at 13:11:13
hello there, chemist here...comments below...note that i have posted previously that trileptal did appear to be working for me at the time. this is relative to other drugs such as topamax, neurontin, and gabitril. with the exception of trileptal, all were free of mood-stabilization effects. importantly, i was taking diazepam and dexedrine with each trial. whether or not trileptal was truly effective remains an unsolved mystery for me, as it was never taken as monotherapy without stronger meds being taken concurrently.....all the best, chemist
> Chemist,
> What was coming off of trileptal like?*** on par with the emotions i felt when i stopped receiving complimentary (and unsolicited) copies of Entertainment Weekly in the mail: relief, temporary sense that i was ``missing something'' (this passed in about an hour, because i occasionally ``borrow'' my neighbor's copy), and excitement due to the knowledge that i would not have to pay for something i did not want to receive anyhow. ***
>
> I'd like to come off of both Lamictal and Trileptal because I'm not convinced that I'm bipolar II and for the same reasons that you mentioned - I'm not epileptic and don't want to take drugs for conditions I don't have. I like the effexor pretty well because it addresses my anxiety and depression, but the more crap you take the more it costs, which is a bummer.*** well, if you can get a trial subscriction to Entertainment Weekly, kiss those problems goodbye: no more worrying about j-lo's love life, whom tom cruise is dating, and what blockbuster will smith will be appearing in next. and it is free, as long as you cancel in time. save deal with Trileptal, if you are not in too deep and/or have been getting those ``free samples'' from your psychiatrist, which soon vanish and are replaced with - voila! - a prescription for which you must pay. ***
>
> Just curious about what your experience was like coming off of the drug - how much were you taking? And how long did you titrate down?
> starlight*** Trileptal: 300 mg bid, titrated down over a week or so in 100 mg increments. Savings: without insurace, over $200/month. with insurance, $15/month. Entertainment Weekly: once a week, titrated down to zero abruptly. Savings: about $15/month (news-stand), same as Trileptal (with insurance), yet i never actually paid for any copies of Entertainment Weekly. ***
Posted by Starlight on August 24, 2004, at 16:09:34
In reply to Re: What Happened to Trileptal! Chemist!! ? Starlight, posted by chemist on August 24, 2004, at 15:03:44
It's interesting that you titrated down so quickly. My pdoc and I have just been talking about it, but we're not in a hurry and she wants to get to know me better, but I would save 170 bucks by coming off of both Trileptal and Lamictal.
starlightThanks for the info.
Posted by chemist on August 24, 2004, at 16:12:50
In reply to Re: What Happened to Trileptal! Chemist!!, posted by Starlight on August 24, 2004, at 16:09:34
> It's interesting that you titrated down so quickly. My pdoc and I have just been talking about it, but we're not in a hurry and she wants to get to know me better, but I would save 170 bucks by coming off of both Trileptal and Lamictal.
> starlight
>
> Thanks for the info.hello starlight, chemist here...all kidding aside in my former post, i did titrate that quickly. given the diazepam especially - which was a rather high dose - i feel that any untoward withdrawl effects were likely diminished if not masked more completely by the benzo. i do wish you well, and keep us informed....all the best, chemist
Posted by Starlight on August 25, 2004, at 14:08:40
In reply to Re: What Happened to Trileptal! Chemist!! ? Starlight, posted by chemist on August 24, 2004, at 16:12:50
Chemist,
Were you taking the anticonvulsants to counteract moodswings? And if so, did you notice any swings when you came off of the drug? Or any returning depression?
starlight
Posted by karen m. on August 25, 2004, at 14:19:55
In reply to Re: What Happened to Trileptal! Chemist!! » Starlight, posted by chemist on August 24, 2004, at 15:03:44
chemist, you absolutely crack me up. how do you come up with these things? entertainment weekly subscriptions. i am going to miss your posts when in washington this weekend. don't say anything funny til i get back.
Posted by chemist on August 25, 2004, at 16:37:46
In reply to Re: What Happened to Trileptal! Chemist!!, posted by Starlight on August 25, 2004, at 14:08:40
> Chemist,
> Were you taking the anticonvulsants to counteract moodswings? And if so, did you notice any swings when you came off of the drug? Or any returning depression?
> starlighthello there starlight...i was taking it - and the others - for the mood stabilizing properties. i did not notice any depression, although do note that i was (and am) taking a high dose of a benzo or xanax and dexedrine, the two of which effectively might well have masked any depression, which for me, tends toward the mild side. as you may gave gathered, my usual state is somewhat hypomanic and overcaffeinated, so my experience with the anticonvulsants is probably not the model from which to judge.....all the best, chemist
Posted by chemist on August 25, 2004, at 16:39:03
In reply to Re: What Happened to Trileptal! Chemist!! » chemist, posted by karen m. on August 25, 2004, at 14:19:55
> chemist, you absolutely crack me up. how do you come up with these things? entertainment weekly subscriptions. i am going to miss your posts when in washington this weekend. don't say anything funny til i get back.
karen, i promise not to be funny until your return. please say hello to the president for me, and remind him he still owes me $10 when i beat him in the capitol city 10K in austin, tx, in 1996. thanks, chemist
Posted by starlight on August 26, 2004, at 0:29:41
In reply to Re: What Happened to Trileptal! Chemist!! » Starlight, posted by chemist on August 25, 2004, at 16:37:46
Wow, I can relate to the hypomania and overcaffienation. I do get fairly depressed, though I think it's more of a mixed state, since I can remain pretty much fully active. On one hand I don't like messing with my brain with all this stuff, but then on the other hand, I mess with it all the time between caffeine, alcohol, herb, and the occasional whatever I've got around. Sometimes, I just don't know what to think about it all. Sometimes I try not to think about it all. Whatever.
starlight
Posted by alesta on August 26, 2004, at 9:32:20
In reply to Re: What Happened to Trileptal! Chemist!!, posted by starlight on August 26, 2004, at 0:29:41
hi, starlight :),
i wonder this, too. :) but i think that just because you exercise doesn't mean you won't be depressed. simple lack of exercise i'm sure is the cause of depression in some cases, but i don't think exercise alone provides relief for a lot of people suffering from depression and/or anxiety. it would be interesting to see how many people on this board have tried exercise without success. i feel like going around and asking everyone...but that would be annoying.:) maybe i will anyway....:)
amy :)
Posted by cpallen79 on August 26, 2004, at 13:00:24
In reply to anticonvulsants can help some anxiety, posted by linkadge on August 23, 2004, at 16:02:02
I ahve to agree with this... I take Ativan as needed, but boy has trileptal helped me /w anxiety, whoah... too bad it gave me a rash, now we're doing Lithium for mood swings/ BP... great.
> Personally I think that anticonvulsants can help some anxiety. They can help the endless mind racing and rumination that is caused by some depression. They can also be of some help if your anxiety has psychotic elements.
>
> But what they don't help at all is anticipatory anxiety. They make you feel dumb, I agree. Feeling dumb can in turn make anxiety and depression much worse.
>
> I found that depakote was good for physical anxiety, probably because of its strong gaba effect. But again it made me depressed.
>
> Personally I think the best anxiolitic would be a 5-ht1a agonist/5ht2a antagonist/ gaba agonist
>
>
> I am doing a little bit better but it is just the wait that is so excruciating for me. Docotors don't seem to understand this. If sombody is coming into the hospital with 2nd degree burns. They don't tell them to go home and take a pill that *might* help their pain within the next *few months*. They give them morphine. Likewise I consider a severely depressed persion to have emotional 2nd degree burns, and sending them away to wait for a few months is unnacptable.
>
> I should go back to the hospital, but you sit in your room and wait 2 weeks for them to give you an ativan.
>
>
> Linkadge
>
>
>
>
> Linkadge
>
>
Posted by Starlight on August 26, 2004, at 14:56:39
In reply to Re: What Happened to Trileptal! --starlight, posted by alesta on August 26, 2004, at 9:32:20
I think my depression has gotten work, but I'm generally always able to deal with my normal routine, which is fairly demanding between my full time job, exercise (bikram yoga and walking), teaching yoga, writing music and playing with my band. I have noticed that I'm not as energetic lately, and want to be more lazy these days, but sometimes I think it's because I've been running at such a fast pace for so many years. But then again, maybe it's the meds - I only take 75 of Effexor in addition to the lamictal and trileptal, and maybe the dose needs to be increased. I don't want to end up taking too high of a dose, but it seems like it's pooped out over the past two weeks.
starlight
Posted by alesta on August 27, 2004, at 6:59:31
In reply to Re: What Happened to Trileptal! --starlight, posted by Starlight on August 26, 2004, at 14:56:39
hi, starlight :),
stress can *definitely* cause depression. i have experienced this myself. perhaps you could slow down a bit? if not, then the meds should help you restore your neurotransmitter levels. unfortunately i have no knowledge concerning the drugs you are currently taking. hopefully others can help you out on that, or you could start a new thread. and if the meds don't work well for you, perhaps you could try some natural approaches.
i wish you luck. :)
take care,
amy
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