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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by katie on July 5, 1999, at 15:04:57
If anyone out there could give me the names of alternative drugs (other than lithium and anti-convulsants) used to treat manic-depression I'd be really grateful. I just can't deal with the side effects of topamax and lithium. I've gotten off of the topamax and am back on full dose of lithium, but have been suffering w/ diarreah. I really don't know what my doc will do with me because I plan on complaining to him about this...I really, really DON'T want to try another anti-convulsant. The topamax made me very irritable and I suffered from numbness in my feet and hands. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks, Katie
Posted by jamie on July 5, 1999, at 18:59:36
In reply to manic-depression--meds?, posted by katie on July 5, 1999, at 15:04:57
> If anyone out there could give me the names of alternative drugs (other than lithium and anti-convulsants) used to treat manic-depression I'd be really grateful. I just can't deal with the side effects of topamax and lithium. I've gotten off of the topamax and am back on full dose of lithium, but have been suffering w/ diarreah. I really don't know what my doc will do with me because I plan on complaining to him about this...I really, really DON'T want to try another anti-convulsant. The topamax made me very irritable and I suffered from numbness in my feet and hands. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks, Katie
Lamictal (Lamotrigene) is a new generation anticonvulsant used to treat all spectrums of manic depression. You might consider it because of its very favorable side effect profile compared to classic drugs you mention. I'm overly sensitive to everything, but I find Lamictal easy to handle. If your illness involves a lot of depression, Lamictal also has significant antidepressant characteristics in addition to mood stabilization. Though we are all different, Lamictal may very well have the most benign side effect profile of anything you might choose. Hope this helps. Take care, jamie.
Posted by Elizabeth on July 7, 1999, at 23:32:17
In reply to Re: manic-depression--meds?, posted by jamie on July 5, 1999, at 18:59:36
Hi. I hope you haven't ruled out anticonvulsants altogether; just because Topamax gave you side effects doesn't mean others will. Some other ones that are used are Depakote (valproate), Tegretol (carbamazepine), Lamictal (lamotrigine), Neurontin (gabapentin), and sometimes Gabitril (tiagabine). The best evidence is for Depakote and Tegretol. They have varied side effect profiles, and again, you can't predict your response to one of them based on your response to another.
Some other things that are sometimes used:
- calcium channel blockers: nimodipine, verapamil, amlodipine, etc. These are mainly used for high blood pressure, but they work on manic depression as well. Depression may be a side effect.
- atypical antipsychotics: Zyprexa (olanzapine), Seroquel (quetiapine), Risperdal (risperidone). Can be pretty sedating.
- benzodiazepines: mainly clonazepam. These are not terribly effective but can help with slowing down your thoughts a bit. Watch out for "paradoxical" disinhibition, especially if you have mixed (manic + depressed) symptoms.
- omega-3 fatty acids; i.e., fish oil. Available in your local health food store. Very trendy.
Posted by jen on July 22, 1999, at 18:22:43
In reply to manic-depression--meds?, posted by katie on July 5, 1999, at 15:04:57
Well, I have been diagnosed for over five years now and I have been on depakote and welbutrine. I would not recomend the depakote if you are sensitive to weightgain as I am. Actually I am currently looking to find a new med to take also because of this side effect. The welbutrine helps with the depression part, but I am not sure what your doctor can mix that with besides depakote to make the manic phases calm down a bit. Hope that helps. Let me know if you hear of anything else also!
Best of luck (to both of us) JEN : )
Posted by katie on July 22, 1999, at 20:17:42
In reply to Re: manic-depression--meds?, posted by jen on July 22, 1999, at 18:22:43
> Well, I have been diagnosed for over five years now and I have been on depakote and welbutrine. I would not recomend the depakote if you are sensitive to weightgain as I am. Actually I am currently looking to find a new med to take also because of this side effect. The welbutrine helps with the depression part, but I am not sure what your doctor can mix that with besides depakote to make the manic phases calm down a bit. Hope that helps. Let me know if you hear of anything else also!
> Best of luck (to both of us) JEN : )********************Well, just to update everyone...I'm still taking the lithium and am doing fine now. I started drinking a glass of citrucel every other day and that took care of the diarreah. I'm really happy that my doc didn't put me on an anti-convulsant. I really don't trust even the idea of taking something intended for seizure control.
The only drawback is that I'm back on the navane in the PM which kind of makes me nervous, considering the potential side effects with prolonged use. Oh, well, I guess it keeps me pretty stable, so I'll go with it for now.
thanks everybody, for the suggestions.
Katie
Posted by kate on December 20, 1999, at 13:05:54
In reply to manic-depression--meds?, posted by katie on July 5, 1999, at 15:04:57
katie,
neurontin has worked really well for me. i'm taking 1,000 mgs a day and the only side effect for me has been occasional hand/arm tremors. this drug has helped me stay calm (well, calmer) in times of stress and it has "quieted" my mind so i can sleep better. good luck.
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