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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Nixon on February 13, 2005, at 10:24:15
In reply to Re: Effexor: Marketing Ploy » Nixon, posted by ed_uk on February 13, 2005, at 10:12:55
Hey Ed,
Your reduction method makes sense. My Pdoc after a year of conditioning by me basically gives me an open script book. She knows I don't overdue it and although I am not at your level with knowledge she respects what I know from experience and read. Let's say I add trileptal and reduce Depakote to 125, what dose of trileptal do you think would be a good starter so I don't have to look it up. PS. a thought I have been chewing on also today is going to 5mg valium 2x/day = 25mg librium for a lib washout. I currently take 20mg lib and will always want a low dose benzo. Any thoughts? Thanks. John
Posted by ed_uk on February 13, 2005, at 10:52:11
In reply to Re: Effexor: Marketing Ploy » ed_uk, posted by Nixon on February 13, 2005, at 10:24:15
Hi,
I would suggest that you start Trileptal at a dose of one 150mg tablet twice daily (every 12 hours, morning and evening). This is lower than the starting dose recommended for epilepsy (300mg twice daily).
I think you should start at a low dose for several reasons........
1) You have responded to a low dose of Depakote, a small dose of Trileptal may be sufficient.
2) You are still taking Depakote and want to minimise side effects.
3) You do not have epilepsy, the official dosing guidelines are for epilepsy.>going to 5mg valium 2x/day = 25mg librium for a lib washout.
I thought you were happy with Librium, why do you want to take Valium instead?
>Let's say I add trileptal and reduce Depakote to 125.
Do you take controlled release Depakote?
Ed.
Posted by Nixon on February 13, 2005, at 10:59:54
In reply to Re: Trileptal » Nixon, posted by ed_uk on February 13, 2005, at 10:52:11
Hey Ed,
I wrote down the Trileptal dosage to show let my doc know, it makes sense. I do take the ER version of Depakote. As for the librium, I like it and if I switch I will go back. I was thinking maybe the lib would be more effective with a brief( had in mind 4 to 8 weeks) washout. Maybe I should leave it alone. JN
Posted by linkadge on February 13, 2005, at 11:43:05
In reply to Re: Trileptal » ed_uk, posted by Nixon on February 13, 2005, at 10:59:54
The TCA's are probably the most ballenced uptake inhibitors we have.
I think Amitriptaline is the most ballenced.
Linkadge
Posted by ed_uk on February 13, 2005, at 11:48:40
In reply to Re: Trileptal » ed_uk, posted by Nixon on February 13, 2005, at 10:59:54
Hi,
>I wrote down the Trileptal dosage to show let my doc know, it makes sense.
The 150mg tablets are scored so you can cut them in half. If you get any side effects at 150mg twice daily you could reduce the dose for a few days and then increase when you're ready.
>I do take the ER version of Depakote.
If you want to reduce your Depakote to 125mg/day, you'll need to get the Depakote immediate release 125mg tablets. You're not supposed to cut the Depakote ER tablets in half.
You would need to take half a Depakote 125mg tablet in the morning and the other half in the evening.
>I was thinking maybe the lib would be more effective with a brief( had in mind 4 to 8 weeks) washout.
You mean taking Valium for a few weeks and then going back to Librium? I honestly don't think it would be helpful, it wouldn't reduce you're benzo tolerance, Val and Lib are so similar.
Have you ever taken carbamazepine (Tegretol)? What effect did it have? What dose did you take?
Ed.
Posted by Nixon on February 13, 2005, at 12:03:59
In reply to Re: Trileptal » Nixon, posted by ed_uk on February 13, 2005, at 11:48:40
Ed,
Thanks. I could not cut the depakote er 250 in half with a sledgehammer. lol. I mean that coating is thick. Cutting Trileptal in half makes sense. Tegretol is one of 2 AED i have not taken. Tegretol, chemically related to Barbituate and similar in mechanism as Dilantin? Your benzo advice is interesting. Do you have anymore information regarding chemical relations or mechanisms between valium and librium? Thanks JN
Posted by ed_uk on February 13, 2005, at 12:35:47
In reply to Re: Trileptal, posted by Nixon on February 13, 2005, at 12:03:59
Hi,
>I could not cut the depakote er 250 in half with a sledgehammer. lol. I mean that coating is thick.
Lol, Really? We don't have Depakote ER in the UK, we've got Epilim Chrono though which is similar.
>Tegretol, chemically related to Barbituate and similar in mechanism as Dilantin?
Tegretol has more in common with Trileptal than any other drug. Tegretol is not chemically related to the barbiturates, Dilantin on the other hand is structurally similar to phenobarbital. What was your experience with Dilantin? What dose did you take?
>Do you have anymore information regarding chemical relations or mechanisms between valium and librium?
I'm not really sure what you're looking for!
Chemical relations........
Here is a picture of the chlordiazepoxide molecule: (scroll down to the bottom of the page)
http://www.psychotropics.dk/usr_view_molecule.asp?ID=1405&historyline=&backurl=%2Fdefault%2Easp%3FSearchword%3Dchlordiazepoxide%26Searchtype%3DAll&backurlname=Search+Result&Catalogtype=AHere is a picture of diazepam:
http://www.psychotropics.dk/usr_view_molecule.asp?ID=1406&historyline=&backurl=%2Fdefault%2Easp%3FSearchword%3Ddiazepam%26Searchtype%3DAll&backurlname=Search+Result&Catalogtype=ADiazepam and chlordiazepoxide are thought to have the same mechanism of action. Diazepam and chlordiazepoxide are both metabolised to desmethyldiazepam, an active metabolite.
Ed.
Posted by Nixon on February 13, 2005, at 16:46:57
In reply to Re: Trileptal » Nixon, posted by ed_uk on February 13, 2005, at 12:35:47
Thanks Ed,
Yep the depakote er tablet is hard to describe. It is heavy and almost solid. It's as if the oval shaped tablet has bee solidified like a stone. Yes, i took Dilantin for about 4 weeks. I was on the Dreyfus method trial. Anyway, it does have some calming properties but it effects EVERYTHING. Serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, cortisol, and many others. I read the book A Remarkable Medicine Has Been Overlooked By Dreyfus. I would take it if there was nothing else but it just is not a reliable mood stabilizer. It washes remeron out of your system in half the time, it pushes a benzo out while it increases itself. It can be usefull but the feeling is just not consistent, I wish it was. An ssri also makes it move. I get the picture regarding valium. I guess I will just stay with lib. I really wish Dilantin was as remarkable for me as it was for Dreyfus. The best way to sum it up is that it effects everything a little but if you need a drug for a certain condition it will interact unreliably with Phenytoin.JN
Posted by Nixon on February 14, 2005, at 18:12:00
In reply to Re: Trileptal » ed_uk, posted by Nixon on February 13, 2005, at 16:46:57
Hey Ed,
I went the my PDoc today and after exchanging ideas came to the conclusion to wait a few weeks before starting Trileptal. Since it has been only around 3 weeks since I resumed Prozac I thought the best indicator would be to wait a few more weeks to see if Prozac re-kicks, I did get a script for valium though, 5mgx2pday. I'll pick it up tommorow after work. Unsure yet as to whether i will switch from librium to it or not for a wash. Nice to have though to add to my potential reserve. What's your regimen? JN
Posted by Nixon on February 14, 2005, at 18:17:06
In reply to Re: Trileptal » Nixon, posted by ed_uk on February 13, 2005, at 12:35:47
I posted to myself. What a genius.
Posted by ed_uk on February 15, 2005, at 8:32:08
In reply to Re: Trileptal » Nixon, posted by Nixon on February 14, 2005, at 18:12:00
Hi JN,
>Since it has been only around 3 weeks since I resumed Prozac I thought the best indicator would be to wait a few more weeks to see if Prozac re-kicks.
Good idea! I didn't know you'd just restarted the Prozac. It's generally best not to make too many changes to your medication all at once because you can easily end up having no idea which meds are helping, which are not and which are causing side effects!
>I did get a script for valium though, 5mgx2pday
10mg/day of Valium is often said to be approximately equivalent to 30mg/day Librium. This is only a guide though, the only way to see how it'll affect you is to try it.
>What's your regimen?
I just take 140mg/day lofepramine at the moment.
Keep posting :-)
Ed.
Posted by Nixon on February 15, 2005, at 9:40:05
In reply to Re: Trileptal » Nixon, posted by ed_uk on February 15, 2005, at 8:32:08
Hey Ed,
Nice to hear from you and thanks again for the advice. By the way, what the hell is lofepramine and what does it do? If it is an MAOI I will be completely lost. You guys amaze me with the MAOI knowledge. Keep smiling. John
Posted by ed_uk on February 15, 2005, at 10:00:57
In reply to Re: Trileptal » ed_uk, posted by Nixon on February 15, 2005, at 9:40:05
Hi John,
>By the way, what the hell is lofepramine and what does it do?
Lofepramine (Gamanil) is a tricyclic antidepressant. It's a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor which has a very similar effect to desipramine but it's much less toxic in overdose. Desipramine isn't avialable in the UK, lofepramine isn't available in the US!
>John
Good name :-) My middle name.
Ed.
Posted by Nixon on February 15, 2005, at 10:23:04
In reply to Re: Gamanil » Nixon, posted by ed_uk on February 15, 2005, at 10:00:57
Hey Ed,
Or should I say EJ? Just kidding. Gamanil- a Tricylic-wow I learn something new everyday. Hope it's working well for you. By the way, do you have any ideas for preserving the shelf life of meds other than just keeping them in the bottles. I ask because I have many full bottles with refills that I lock away just in case. It sounds silly but is there a way to extend the shelf life? Also when you compare the UK to the US regarding new drugs would you consider the UK ahead of the curve? Our FDA is really tough. Too tough now, thanks to Vioxx and Celybrx etc.. Thanks. John
Posted by ed_uk on February 15, 2005, at 10:48:02
In reply to Re: Gamanil » ed_uk, posted by Nixon on February 15, 2005, at 10:23:04
Hi John,
>Or should I say EJ?
You can if you like!
>By the way, do you have any ideas for preserving the shelf life of meds other than just keeping them in the bottles. I ask because I have many full bottles with refills that I lock away just in case. It sounds silly but is there a way to extend the shelf life?
To increase the shelf-life:
1) Keep them in a dry place ie. not a humid place like the bathroom.
2) Keep the bottles in the dark.
3) Don't open the bottles until you need to take the med.
It's funny how your meds come in bottles, almost all of our meds come in 'blister packs' these days. Meds last longer when they're stored in blister packs because each tablet/capsule is protected from light and moisture until you need to take it.
Do you have blister packs like this....
http://acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_pages/0015-0312-3122-0026.html>Also when you compare the UK to the US regarding new drugs would you consider the UK ahead of the curve?
I think the FDA and the MHRA are about the same in terms of 'toughness'. Sometimes you get meds first (eg. Cymbalta) and other times we get them first (eg. Lyrica).
Ed.
Posted by Nixon on February 15, 2005, at 12:36:57
In reply to Re: Gamanil » Nixon, posted by ed_uk on February 15, 2005, at 10:48:02
Hey Ed,
Good advice. I am halfway there due to the fact that I have a solid black leather case that I keep meds in. I have not opened bottles recently so that is a plus. Those blister packs are nice. The only med I take that comes close is the Remeron Soltab that is a weird setup. It has a "tear corner" but it is impossible to open by hand without crushing the tablet. I always need scissors. Also the "soltab" is difficult to split but I will say one thing, it dissolves quickly and actually tastes like candy. John
Posted by Phillipa on February 15, 2005, at 16:39:26
In reply to Re: Gamanil » ed_uk, posted by Nixon on February 15, 2005, at 12:36:57
Hi Ed! My Father's name was John. His parents came from England. Is this an English name? I never thought about it before. Also when did you start taking lofepramine? Do we have a comparable AD {desipramine?}. Does it have side effects? Wondering since I don't seem to notice any lessening of the boredom and lack of motivation on the zoloft and remeron. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by ed_uk on February 16, 2005, at 7:47:41
In reply to Re: Gamanil » ed_uk, posted by Nixon on February 15, 2005, at 12:36:57
Hi!
>Those blister packs are nice.
Prozac comes in blisters here, as do almost all other ADs.
>The only med I take that comes close is the Remeron Soltab.
It's called Zispin Soltab here. I think they are orange flavour, are yours?
Have you started the Valium?
Ed.
Posted by ed_uk on February 16, 2005, at 7:54:33
In reply to Re: Gamanil, posted by Phillipa on February 15, 2005, at 16:39:26
Hi Phillipa!
>My Father's name was John. His parents came from England. Is this an English name?
I suppose it is, both my uncles are called John.
>when did you start taking lofepramine? Do we have a comparable AD {desipramine?}.
I've been on it for about 2 years. Desipramine is very similar in most ways.
>Does it have side effects?
Some people find it causes insomnia, not for me though. Here is a link......
http://emc.medicines.org.uk/emc/industry/default.asp?page=displaydoc.asp&documentid=1147Ed xxxx
Posted by Nixon on February 16, 2005, at 16:27:59
In reply to Re: Zispin mmm » Nixon, posted by ed_uk on February 16, 2005, at 7:47:41
Hi Ed,
I am sorry for criticizing the poster before. It was insensitive and I should not have been judgemental.
The Remeron has a unique taste FYI I noticed mirtazipine soltab tastes less appealing than remeron soltab itself. Mine do not taste like orange though, it is kind of indescribable. Good Luck. JN
Posted by ed_uk on February 18, 2005, at 11:45:00
In reply to Re: Zispin mmm » ed_uk, posted by Nixon on February 16, 2005, at 16:27:59
Hi John,
>I am sorry for criticizing the poster before. It was insensitive and I should not have been judgemental.
I'm confused, what did you say?
Are you taking the Valium this evening? Do you still want to try Trileptal?
Ed.
Posted by Nixon on February 18, 2005, at 18:06:11
In reply to Re: ??? » Nixon, posted by ed_uk on February 18, 2005, at 11:45:00
Hey Ed,
I was talking about a poster a few days ago, happy paints or something like that. I was complaining noone responded to my prozac weekly post and someone (happy paints) was talking about magic. Anyway. I did not realize you knew her and I also felt guilty. That's what I meant. Tommorow morning apprx. 8am I will take 5mg valium. My last librium dose was 10mg at 2pm this afternoon. We'll see what happens. Good to hear from you. JN
Posted by Phillipa on February 18, 2005, at 21:43:29
In reply to Re: ??? » ed_uk, posted by Nixon on February 18, 2005, at 18:06:11
Her name is Pretty_paints. She's having a hard time right now. Just thought I would answer for Ed, since he lives in the UK. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Nixon on February 19, 2005, at 5:16:16
In reply to Re: ??? » Nixon, posted by Phillipa on February 18, 2005, at 21:43:29
Hi,
Thanks for answering. As I said, I felt bad about being judgemental. JN
Posted by ed_uk on February 19, 2005, at 12:35:25
In reply to Re: ??? » ed_uk, posted by Nixon on February 18, 2005, at 18:06:11
Hi!
Dont worry about it:-)
Hope the Valium is good, keep us updated!
Ed.
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