Posted by BarbaraCat on February 26, 2002, at 11:31:42
In reply to Re: Adrafinil NO, lithium + Remeron YES » BarbaraCat, posted by JohnX2 on February 26, 2002, at 0:25:13
Hi John,
I also bucked and screamed before going on lithium. I'd heard about the renal side effects, tremors, need for blood level work, wiping out the highs, etc. My pdoc's rationale was approaching it as purely an AD augmentor, rather than treating bp-II, since he had not yet considered that was my problem. I too had AWFUL experiences with paxil and effexor. Ugh!The thing that finally pursuaded me to give it a try were some recent publications stating Lithium's neuroprotective effects and ability to regrow neurons. There are even people without affective disorders taking it for it's alleged anti-aging benefits. There were some discussions here about a month ago. The possibility that lithium is actually good for my brain exerts it's own psychological benefits.
I can't really address your headache issue since that has never been one of my complaints. Also, if the lamactil is working, I'd hesitate about adding something else that may not address your headache. But here is my experience: I'm only taking 300 mg rather than the recommended 900+ bipolar amount so I'm not noticing anything other than looser bowels (not a problem, believe me). I don't know if I'm getting a robust 'anti-bipolar' response, however it has made all the difference in my response to Remeron and I suspect in the klonopin as well. It seems to act like a 'spark plug'. As long as it's working I'll stay at this level, but am prepared to increase if need be.
I also was on Serzone for a while and didn't like it because of the all-day fog and it made me feel more depressed. I'm taking Remeron because it is anti-anxiety, but acts also on norepinephrine. I've been on all the SSRI's and their analogs, most TCA's, and I can honestly say I like Remeron the best, but ONLY with Lithium since without Li it poops out like all the others. I can actually say that on this combo Remeron 30 mg, lithium 300 mg and klonopin as needed, I'm at about 90%. The other 10% will come from my renewed enthusiasm for exercise. It's been a loooooooong time since I've been able to claim that and I pray it lasts this time!
I'm looking into L-taurine, an amino acid, that I'm hearing good things about as far as it's anti-seizure 'irritible brain soothing' properties (500 mg 2x day). Will let you know. You might also consider taking silymarin (artichoke extract) in liquid form for your liver. It's being used for various liver diseases with good results. Can get it at a health food store. Good luck. - Barbara
poster:BarbaraCat
thread:95539
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020222/msgs/95580.html