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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MM on August 3, 2001, at 18:17:12
Just got back from the Pdoc. I like him more today. He answered all my questions (tho I forgot to ask some) and I liked his answers. I just want some feedback on my prescription. Depakote ER 500 (the new grey pill, which he says doesn't have the side effects of the old pink pill) and 10mg paxil. I think you all know, but just in case, I have BPII (which he says is the hardest to figure out and treat in all psychiatry). He also said depression predominates with me, which is why I have so much anxiety. I asked him about benzos and neurontin and he said that benzos cover up symptoms like a bandaid, but don't take care of the root of the problem (which sounds right to me) and that neurontin is a good antidepressant, but it might not have enough mood stabilization (which I've heard). So what do you think? Is depakote ER (the new one) ok? What are the side effects? Is paxil (which he said is a strong SSRI, and it's approved for GAD and Depression, and he likes which receptors it targets or something) a good SSRI? (I've been on it before, but without mood stabilization so...) He also said I wouldn't gain weight with such a small dose. Anyone on a similar cocktail? I'd appreciate any responses. Thanks.
Posted by MM on August 3, 2001, at 20:02:23
In reply to What do you think of this cocktail?, posted by MM on August 3, 2001, at 18:17:12
I don't mean to demand that someone answer this, but I will be getting this prescription filled tonight. What I REALLY want to know, is if Depakote ER 500 (grey pills, not pink) is really a new, improved drug that won't cause side effects?? If it does cause them, what are they? If they are the same as the old Depakote, I'm going to SERIOUSLY consider firing my pdoc, becaue he assured me a few times that it was different, it was only approved for migraines (I think that's what he said, but don't quote me) and that he uses it with success. I looked through pharmacology tips and didn't find anything. Someone on another board said when they looked it up somewhere, it was no different than old depakote. I want to find out what's up before I take this tonight. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks again.
Posted by paxvox on August 3, 2001, at 20:13:15
In reply to semi-urgent, posted by MM on August 3, 2001, at 20:02:23
> I don't mean to demand that someone answer this, but I will be getting this prescription filled tonight. What I REALLY want to know, is if Depakote ER 500 (grey pills, not pink) is really a new, improved drug that won't cause side effects?? If it does cause them, what are they? If they are the same as the old Depakote, I'm going to SERIOUSLY consider firing my pdoc, becaue he assured me a few times that it was different, it was only approved for migraines (I think that's what he said, but don't quote me) and that he uses it with success. I looked through pharmacology tips and didn't find anything. Someone on another board said when they looked it up somewhere, it was no different than old depakote. I want to find out what's up before I take this tonight. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks again.
IT is the same thing, and yes, it has the same problems. The new formulation you probably got was the ER version that has only been labeled for migraines. I tried it... HATED IT!
Posted by MM on August 3, 2001, at 20:19:25
In reply to Re: semi-urgent » MM, posted by paxvox on August 3, 2001, at 20:13:15
Oh man, I was feeling so good about him. What side effects did you have? :( :(
Posted by paxvox on August 3, 2001, at 21:07:04
In reply to Re: semi-urgent » paxvox, posted by MM on August 3, 2001, at 20:19:25
> Oh man, I was feeling so good about him. What side effects did you have? :( :(
It made me feel really sluggish the next day. It also made me nauseated. If you have had it before, and tolerated it, you may not have a problem. I just think that it is not appropriate to use an antipsychotic (for manic stage of bipolar disorder)as a sleep aid. My doc said that it "helps calm down the brain" poo poo, say I!
There are a whole lot of better meds with less "baggage" than Depakote. Unless you are bipolar, I personally would not think you should take it.
Posted by MM on August 3, 2001, at 21:19:13
In reply to Re: semi-urgent, posted by paxvox on August 3, 2001, at 21:07:04
Well I'm BPII, but it's mostly depression which means I get a lot of anxiety. Closest thing to a mania I had was a mixed hypomania (possibly, or it could just be that I'm really depressed and anxious which makes me angry). I don't know if I need a strong anti-manic. O well. I guess I'll just take it and see what happens.
pppppleh (< -----gesture of resignation).
I don't think depakote is usually prescribed for sleep either. My pdoc prescribed seroquel for sleep, but I don't take it :) (feel like complete crap the next day). Anyway, thanks paxvox.
Posted by shelliR on August 3, 2001, at 23:15:54
In reply to Re: semi-urgent » paxvox, posted by MM on August 3, 2001, at 21:19:13
> Well I'm BPII, but it's mostly depression which means I get a lot of anxiety. Closest thing to a mania I had was a mixed hypomania (possibly, or it could just be that I'm really depressed and anxious which makes me angry). I don't know if I need a strong anti-manic. O well. I guess I'll just take it and see what happens.
> pppppleh (< -----gesture of resignation).
> I don't think depakote is usually prescribed for sleep either. My pdoc prescribed seroquel for sleep, but I don't take it :) (feel like complete crap the next day). Anyway, thanks paxvox.Depakote is not an anti-psychotic; it's an anti-convulsant which is used to act as a mood stabilizer. I think your doctor gave you appropriate meds. You'll just have to see how you feel on them and if they help you.
Shelli
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