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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
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. Why can't they just put a person on their Lithium when they relapse and then wait it out? Why all the horrible experiments at the patients expense? The records prove that the anti-convulsants only make things worse for this particular person, so, don't they ever look up a person's history before treating them??? The patient could be spared so much agony!!!!
Different hospitals, different drugs, strange staffs, different Doctors....And yet they talk about getting her stabilized???? How important is it to be able to trust your Dr.? Thanks for letting me sound off.
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.
Posted by Scott L. Schofield on November 17, 1999, at 9:35:33
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. Why can't they just put a person on their Lithium when they relapse and then wait it out?
I wish it were that easy.
Sometimes 1+1=3
- Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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