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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SLS on July 16, 2005, at 7:45:44
Hi.
Has anyone experienced double-vision (diplopia) with Trileptal?
I am currently taking 1200mg.
- Scott
Posted by ed_uk on July 16, 2005, at 9:07:13
In reply to TRILEPTAL and DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION, posted by SLS on July 16, 2005, at 7:45:44
Hi Scott,
Diplopia is common with Tegretol and other antiepileptics, I'd expect it to be common with Trileptal too.
~Ed
Posted by SLS on July 16, 2005, at 10:06:38
In reply to Re: TRILEPTAL and DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION » SLS, posted by ed_uk on July 16, 2005, at 9:07:13
> Hi Scott,
>
> Diplopia is common with Tegretol and other antiepileptics, I'd expect it to be common with Trileptal too.
>
> ~EdDo you know if it is a startup side effect that will eventually disappear? I look like an impoverished pirate. I'm using a piece of newspaper to cover one eye.
The diplopia occurs about an hour after dosing and lasts for 1-2 hours thereafter. If is definitely dosage-dependant. I didn't have this at 900mg.
It's always something...
>:-(
- Scott
Posted by ed_uk on July 16, 2005, at 10:32:18
In reply to Re: TRILEPTAL and DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION, posted by SLS on July 16, 2005, at 10:06:38
Hi Scott,
It seems to occur when the plasma concentration is high, especially with Tegretol.
Perhaps you could try taking 300mg Trileptal four times a day.
>Do you know if it is a startup side effect that will eventually disappear?
I'm not sure.
~Ed
Posted by linkadge on July 16, 2005, at 15:01:38
In reply to Re: TRILEPTAL and DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION » SLS, posted by ed_uk on July 16, 2005, at 10:32:18
Yes, I got double vision with both trileptal and its cousin.
Linkadge
Posted by Ron Hill on July 16, 2005, at 15:48:53
In reply to TRILEPTAL and DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION, posted by SLS on July 16, 2005, at 7:45:44
Scott,
> Has anyone experienced double-vision (diplopia) with Trileptal?
Yes, I had vision changes with Trileptal. For me, the effects went away over time (like a few months or so, but I don't recall exactly). However, at this stage in my life it's hard to tell if it's the drugs or just old age. ;-)
-- Ron
Posted by Phillipa on July 16, 2005, at 18:51:25
In reply to Re: TRILEPTAL and DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION » SLS, posted by Ron Hill on July 16, 2005, at 15:48:53
Trileptal causes double vision? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by emme on July 17, 2005, at 15:04:44
In reply to TRILEPTAL and DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION, posted by SLS on July 16, 2005, at 7:45:44
Hi Scott,
I've been watching your posts and keeping my fingers tightly crossed that Trileptal would work out for you. I'm sorry to hear about the double vision.
I've had vision issues on a couple of drugs. I had visual trails on Wellbutrin, but I didn't mind them. On one or two other drugs I've had a worsening of my strabismus (I think Keppra was one of them), which improved with a lower dose.
Can you shift more of your dose to night-time so that you can take smaller doses during the day?I wonder if your brain will learn to compensate for the double vision. I don't know if that happens if the double vision is intermittent. It’s encouraging that Ron’s vision changes went away with time. I'm rambling.... I really hope it resolves.
Yep, it's always somethin'. If it's not one thing, it's another. :~/
em
Posted by SLS on July 18, 2005, at 7:54:41
In reply to Re: TRILEPTAL and DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION » SLS, posted by emme on July 17, 2005, at 15:04:44
> Hi Scott,
>
> I've been watching your posts and keeping my fingers tightly crossed that Trileptal would work out for you.Thanks, Emme. That I am recieving support from so many people means a lot to me.
I have decided to return to 900mg. Besides the double vision, I am developing some pretty heavy duty seborrheic dermatitus of the scalp and excema at several other sites on my body. Thankfully, none of them lie below the waist!
I am still very angry that yet again, a drug has begun to work its magic and then pooped-out on me. I really didn't expect that to happen this time. I was so optimistic because I was responding to an anticonvulsant rather than an antidepressant. I still consider my depression to be a manifestation of a bipolar diathesis.
- Scott
- Scott(Hee hee)
Posted by emme on July 18, 2005, at 8:49:37
In reply to Re: TRILEPTAL and DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION » emme, posted by SLS on July 18, 2005, at 7:54:41
Hi Scott,
> Thanks, Emme. That I am recieving support from so many people means a lot to me.
Well you give everyone here a heckuva lot of support!
> I have decided to return to 900mg. Besides the double vision, I am developing some pretty heavy duty seborrheic dermatitus of the scalp and excema at several other sites on my body.
Ew. Miserable. I hope it clears up quickly.
> I am still very angry that yet again, a drug has begun to work its magic and then pooped-out on me. I really didn't expect that to happen this time. I was so optimistic because I was responding to an anticonvulsant rather than an antidepressant.I was optimistic for you. I forget exactly how 1200 mg was going (I read posts and then instantly forget things - I have the short term memory of a gnat at the moment). Is this primarily the development of intolerable S/Es, or a poop-out therapeutically as well? Which other ACs are left? Keppra was on the list, right? Have you tried Zonegran?
> I still consider my depression to be a manifestation of a bipolar diathesis.
I think your situation is a similar to mine at the moment. Bipolar spectrum, depressed, anergic, brain fog...
A while back you mentioned that it looks like the next DSM will have new categories of bipolar, including one that fits your situation. Do you have any references or links on proposed changes?
> - Scott
> - ScottIs one of these an evil twin?
When I had surgery for my strabismus, I had double vision for a couple of days. At one point I remember looking down at a bowl of soup and wondering which one I should aim for with the spoon. But then there were two spoons, so the problem was solved. :)em
> (Hee hee)
Posted by SLS on July 18, 2005, at 10:37:24
In reply to Re: TRILEPTAL and DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION » SLS, posted by emme on July 18, 2005, at 8:49:37
Hi again.
> > I am still very angry that yet again, a drug has begun to work its magic and then pooped-out on me. I really didn't expect that to happen this time. I was so optimistic because I was responding to an anticonvulsant rather than an antidepressant.
> I was optimistic for you. I forget exactly how 1200 mg was going (I read posts and then instantly forget things - I have the short term memory of a gnat at the moment).I believe "memory of a gnat" is proposed to be a diagnostic criterion in the next DSM.
> Is this primarily the development of intolerable S/Es, or a poop-out therapeutically as well?
It is both. I was getting nothing from 1200mg after 10 days. I do try not to think in terms of days or weeks and more in terms of months when it comes to testing anticonvulsants. However, I think I made the right decision to reduce the dosage to 900mg. I received the most benefit while at that dosage.
> Which other ACs are left? Keppra was on the list, right?
Yup.
> Have you tried Zonegran?
Yup. It did nothing for me except produce quite a bit of fatigue and muscle weakness. I did find it activating at first, though. Lots of itching, particularly after showers.
> > I still consider my depression to be a manifestation of a bipolar diathesis.
> I think your situation is a similar to mine at the moment. Bipolar spectrum, depressed, anergic, brain fog...Do you find it difficult to begin moving? Do you sometimes find yourself to be statuesque and nearly rigid such that it takes a great deal of mental effort to initiate movement? Do you experience sadness, dysphoria, or depressed mood, or is loss of interest and motivation more evident?
> A while back you mentioned that it looks like the next DSM will have new categories of bipolar, including one that fits your situation. Do you have any references or links on proposed changes?I have come across literature from time to time describing various proposed diagnostic subtypes of bipolar disorder, but I can't remember where I saw them. You can try this Google search:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=%22bipolar+III%22+dsm&btnG=Search
Let me know what you come up with.
Be well.
- Scott
Posted by emme on July 19, 2005, at 12:04:51
In reply to Re: TRILEPTAL and DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION » emme, posted by SLS on July 18, 2005, at 10:37:24
Hey,
> It is both. I was getting nothing from 1200mg after 10 days. I do try not to think in terms of days or weeks and more in terms of months when it comes to testing anticonvulsants. However, I think I made the right decision to reduce the dosage to 900mg. I received the most benefit while at that dosage.
I hope you continue to get at least some benefit at 900 mg.
> Do you find it difficult to begin moving? Do you sometimes find yourself to be statuesque and nearly rigid such that it takes a great deal of mental effort to initiate movement? Do you experience sadness, dysphoria, or depressed mood, or is loss of interest and motivation more evident?
It's hard to get the lead out. I'm not rigid, just very sloth-like. When I have continued forceful stimulation but don’t have to really concentrate (i.e. an exercise class), I can pull out some energy for a little while. Mostly I am very very tired, although my night-time sleep can be erratic. In the past I’ve had many episodes of brutally depressed mood. My moods are not agonizing nowadays. But I can’t get motivated. And there’s the continued heaviness/fogginess in my brain that’s making me want to sleep all the time. Not good.
I’m trying L-phenylalanine for a few days to see if that provides a little zip. So far I’m not impressed. If anything, I may be more spacey.
> I have come across literature from time to time describing various proposed diagnostic subtypes of bipolar disorder, but I can't remember where I saw them. You can try this Google search:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=%22bipolar+III%22+dsm&btnG=SearchThanks. I took a very cursory look at the first few hits. It looks like stuff I’ve seen before, but I’m going to keep poking around.
> Let me know what you come up with.
I’ll let you know if I find anything I find especially useful.
> Be well.You too!
emme
This is the end of the thread.
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