Posted by Elizabeth on November 10, 1999, at 16:16:34
In reply to Trying Different Combinations, posted by Boo on November 10, 1999, at 11:07:31
> I was just wondering how come so many different meds are tried when Lithium works just great.
Lithium often works great for manic-depression (bipolar disorder) -- and it may be that the anticonvulsants (Depakote, Tegretol, etc.) work better for mixed or dysphoric manias.
About 50% of the time, lithium *augmentation* works for unipolar depression. I'm not sure how often it works by itself, but it is not as effective as the traditional antidepressants.
Lithium has sometimes been used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. This is a last resort, as typical neuroleptics are much more effective.
Finally, lithium is more dangerous than anticonvulsants and has a worse side effect profile (especially in the high doses that may be required for acute mania) and lower therapeutic index.
poster:Elizabeth
thread:14933
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991108/msgs/14964.html