Posted by Elizabeth on June 25, 2001, at 7:18:29
In reply to Re: subthreshold epilepsy and stuff » Elizabeth, posted by Lorraine on June 16, 2001, at 11:36:01
[re Cylert:]
> OK, then it definately goes on the "to try" list.Good luck with it! Lots of people seem to think it's no good because it's milder than the amphetamine-type stimulants, but I found it quite helpful.
[re drug abuse:]
> Actually, I just messed around and took a lot of drugs for a couple of years in my teens. Shot speed for a month or two. The drugs I took depended on who I was around at the time and what was available.So you were a "garbage-head," in other words?
What you're describing sounds like it would probably qualify as abuse, but it sounds like it was just a youthful transgression, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.
[re moclobemide:]
> It was very easy to do and I have the name of the pharmacy if you need it.No thanks. I tolerate Parnate fine, and moclobemide doesn't have a very good reputation. It's not worth the time, effort, money, red tape, etc. to me.
> Who did you SPECT? Do you still have the "pictures"?
I must have been unclear. I had a SPECT scan done of my own brain while I was in the hospital. I didn't get any pretty pictures, just a written report. It's consistent with classic depression, from what I know of brain anatomy and functional imaging. In other words, it didn't tell me anything that I haven't known for a decade! I really believe functional imaging has a place in the future, but the idea that it's very useful in making psychiatric diagnoses right now is pretty far-fetched.
> > Those refer to different combinations of amplitude and frequency: for example, theta rhythm refers to low-amplitude (voltage) and moderately high-frequency (fast) waves.
>
> Yeah, I know, but I can't keep the terms in my head. It's like I'm allergic to these high tech words.I had to memorise them for two classes I took: that's my excuse. Hey, what's so high-tech about Greek letters? < g >
> It's really hard to separate fact from fiction in this stuff. It's all so experimental.
Exactly! Until quite recently, SPECT and PET were strictly research tools, and they still don't have even a rudimentary understanding of how these images relate to psychiatric disorders.
> (although lately, I've been feeling like drug therapy is experimental. You roll the dice and hope it comes up with your number.)
Definitely true if you have anything other than "classic" mental illness. You just have to resign yourself to being a guinea pig.
> Depekote--really slammed me down sedation wise.
What dose did you start on, and what was your serum level?
> Lomictal just made me feel wierd and uncomfortable.
Can you be more specific? (I found Lamictal to be free of all effects, even at the highest doses.)
> Now it's Neurontin. There are others to try, but I don't want a lot of cognitive side effect (because my cognitive abilities are weak due to the depression anyway).
I think the cognitive impairment is secondary to the depression: if you treat the depression adequately, the brain fog will follow.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:64320
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010625/msgs/67794.html