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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SLS on April 28, 2009, at 14:32:27
I am considering using a multimodal strategy to reduce glutamatergic (GLU) neurotransmission. I suspect that this will help increase limbic dopaminergic activity via disinhibition. I suffer from bipolar depression.
1. Lamictal (lamotrigine)
2. Namenda (memantine)
3. Topamax (topiramate)Each of there drugs are known to reduce glutamate neurotransmission via different pharmacological mechanisms.
I have been taking Lamictal for quite a few years now. I recently added Namenda to my treatment regime. So far, I think it might be helping. If, however, I reach a response plateau, I will then ask my doctor to add Topamax.
Currently:
Parnate 80mg
nortriptyline 150mg
Lamictal 200mg
Abilify 20mg
memantine 20mg
- Scott
Posted by uncouth on April 28, 2009, at 16:04:48
In reply to Anti-glutamatergic cocktail., posted by SLS on April 28, 2009, at 14:32:27
Scott why not try Riluzole again with your current combo? Seems much more reliable than Topamax which seems anti-glutamatic in only its tertiary effects.
Posted by Phillipa on April 28, 2009, at 17:12:34
In reply to Re: Anti-glutamatergic cocktail., posted by uncouth on April 28, 2009, at 16:04:48
Scott you're again responding to cocktail? Phillipa
Posted by johnj1 on April 28, 2009, at 20:52:10
In reply to Anti-glutamatergic cocktail., posted by SLS on April 28, 2009, at 14:32:27
Scott:
I recently tried NAC which I think is supposed to affect the glutamate system. I have OCD and it helpe me a lot even at small doses but I developed a headache with it and it wouldn't go away....sigh... Have you tired it?
regards
johnj
Posted by SLS on April 28, 2009, at 22:10:36
In reply to Re: Anti-glutamatergic cocktail., posted by uncouth on April 28, 2009, at 16:04:48
> Scott why not try Riluzole again with your current combo? Seems much more reliable than Topamax which seems anti-glutamatic in only its tertiary effects.
Thanks for reminding me about riluzole. I had forgotten that it was a glutamate release inhibitor. I just figured that Lamictal was enough as far as glutamate release inhibition was concerned.
I don't understand the pharmacodynamics of Topamax as well as you do. Through what mechanisms does it act as an antiglutamatergic drug?
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on April 28, 2009, at 22:11:43
In reply to Re: Anti-glutamatergic cocktail. » SLS, posted by johnj1 on April 28, 2009, at 20:52:10
> Scott:
>
> I recently tried NAC which I think is supposed to affect the glutamate system. I have OCD and it helpe me a lot even at small doses but I developed a headache with it and it wouldn't go away....sigh... Have you tired it?
>
One more thing to put on my list...:-)
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on April 28, 2009, at 22:15:29
In reply to Re: Anti-glutamatergic cocktail. » johnj1, posted by SLS on April 28, 2009, at 22:11:43
Scott seriously low dose of requip cured a friend of mine who used to post here. Attorney. Love Jan
Posted by SLS on April 30, 2009, at 7:19:05
In reply to Anti-glutamatergic cocktail., posted by SLS on April 28, 2009, at 14:32:27
Since beginning memantine, my depressive state has been very variable. There are times when I worsen significantly for an hour or two, then I recover. This can happen several times a day. Overall, I cannot yet recognize a trend towards improvement. Today is day 8 of memantine treatment.
- Scott
Posted by desolationrower on April 30, 2009, at 9:47:57
In reply to Re: Anti-glutamatergic cocktail., posted by SLS on April 30, 2009, at 7:19:05
i'd imagine it takes a bit of time, at least thats the course of cognitive function
-d/r
Posted by SLS on April 30, 2009, at 10:36:11
In reply to Re: Anti-glutamatergic cocktail., posted by desolationrower on April 30, 2009, at 9:47:57
Thanks d/r
> i'd imagine it takes a bit of time, at least thats the course of cognitive function
I didn't know that.
A friend of mine also commented that it took awhile for her to notice an improvement in her depression with memantine.
- Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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