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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by markwell on January 7, 2012, at 11:58:31
My last visit to the pdoc concluded with a script of gabapentin, for anxiety and agitation. So far it has done nothing and it seems to add to my depression. I haven't read anywhere where this is a side effect. I think I'm just so depressed that the normal depression wouldn't notice the subtle but I do. I'm continuing to take it but it is not helping. What about a small dose of abilify for agitation? I tried 5mgs once but I couldn't buckle my pants after a week and I panicked and went off it. I would gladly put up with a little weight gain for some relief. Thoughts?
Mark
Posted by theomastix on January 7, 2012, at 14:43:57
In reply to Gabapentin, posted by markwell on January 7, 2012, at 11:58:31
> My last visit to the pdoc concluded with a script of gabapentin, for anxiety and agitation. So far it has done nothing and it seems to add to my depression. I haven't read anywhere where this is a side effect. I think I'm just so depressed that the normal depression wouldn't notice the subtle but I do. I'm continuing to take it but it is not helping. What about a small dose of abilify for agitation? I tried 5mgs once but I couldn't buckle my pants after a week and I panicked and went off it. I would gladly put up with a little weight gain for some relief. Thoughts?
> MarkGabapentin might not be ideal for you. Every person is genetically a genome unto themselves, and respond differently to different medicines. What was your Dr.'s rationale in prescribing the Gabapentin?
I would ask your Dr. about Pregabalin ("Lyrica") if he/she is into unconventional anxiolytic treatments. Pregabalin is similar to Gabapentin, and it is considered by many to be its superior, and having less side effects.
Since you suffer from agitation, anxiety and depression, the pharmaceutical options for you are quite expansive.
Trazodone is a "serenic" antidepressant, but not to the liking of every one. Citalopram ("Celexa") is putatively another "serenic" antidepressant...
Topiramate ("Topamax") is a decent option for agitation.
Benzodiazepines are available, but the secret prerequisite is very strong behavioral self-control and moral self-mastery. Alprazolam ("Xanax") and Clonazepam ("Klonopin") have been proposed by some as BZD anxiolytics with antidepressant properties simultaneously...but if that road is traveled, self-discipline of the most rigorous sort is vital.
Antiadrenergics like alpha-blockers and beta-blockers are there for the severest agitation, but do nothing for depression.
Using atypical antipsychotics for mixed anxiety/agitation/depression is certainly possible, but know the science well and tread carefully in that realm. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, extrapyramidal symptoms, cardio-toxicity, etc. be well-read on...
Posted by Lou Pilder on January 7, 2012, at 14:47:26
In reply to Gabapentin, posted by markwell on January 7, 2012, at 11:58:31
> My last visit to the pdoc concluded with a script of gabapentin, for anxiety and agitation. So far it has done nothing and it seems to add to my depression. I haven't read anywhere where this is a side effect. I think I'm just so depressed that the normal depression wouldn't notice the subtle but I do. I'm continuing to take it but it is not helping. What about a small dose of abilify for agitation? I tried 5mgs once but I couldn't buckle my pants after a week and I panicked and went off it. I would gladly put up with a little weight gain for some relief. Thoughts?
> MarkMark,
If you could post answers to the following, then I could have the opportunity to respond further.
Choose the best answer:
!.Neurontin is a drug made for:
A. siezure disorder
B. MDD
C. BPD
D. cofee addiction2. Neurontin can cause:
A. A craving for chili
B. One to grow hair
C. suicide ideology
D. fear of cats3. The maker of Neurontin:
A. Is GSK
B. Has been convicted of fraud
C. Markets the drug for weight loss
D. none of the above4. Neurontin
A. Can be addictive as there could be a withdrawal syndrome.
B. Can cause thinking to do violent acts/suicide
C. Is not effective for BPD
D. All of the above
Lou
Posted by markwell on January 7, 2012, at 15:02:32
In reply to Lou's response-multchoy » markwell, posted by Lou Pilder on January 7, 2012, at 14:47:26
A c a a
Posted by Lou Pilder on January 7, 2012, at 20:37:26
In reply to Re: Lou's response-multchoy, posted by markwell on January 7, 2012, at 15:02:32
> A c a a
markwell,
Here is your score...
Thgere were two bad answers. The last two questions have wrong answers. The drug is manufactured by Pfizer. The correct answer to the other is {all of the above}.
Now if you could post answers to the following, I could have the opportunity to respond further.
True or False
1. Your doctor told you that Neurontin could cause anxiety.
2. Your doctor told you that Neurontin could be addictive
3. You doctor told you that the drug was safe and would not cause a withdrawal syndrome upon stopping.
4. Your doctor revealed to you any association with any drug manufacturer.
6. Your doctor told you, you better shop around.
7. Your doctor told you that you had an imbalance.
8. Your doctor told you that the drug could induce a mind-alterd state to compel you to want to kill yourself and/or others.
9. Your doctor told you of combining some drugs with Neurontin that could cause death.
10. Your doctor said there would be days like this.
Lou
Posted by Phidippus on January 7, 2012, at 21:42:48
In reply to Gabapentin, posted by markwell on January 7, 2012, at 11:58:31
Risperdal or Invega are much better for agitation and anxiety.
Gabapentin can cause depression.
Eric
Posted by Lou Pilder on January 8, 2012, at 11:37:42
In reply to Re: Gabapentin » markwell, posted by Phidippus on January 7, 2012, at 21:42:48
> Risperdal or Invega are much better for agitation and anxiety.
>
> Gabapentin can cause depression.
>
> EricThanks, I think that's good.
Lou
To see a report substantiating what Eric posted about:
A. Pull up Google
B. Type in:
[Neurontin linked to depression and suicide]
usually first...posted by anxiety guru
Posted by B2chica on January 13, 2012, at 8:08:37
In reply to Gabapentin, posted by markwell on January 7, 2012, at 11:58:31
hi.
i take gaba for anxiety.
i found it works well for mild anxiety but does nothing for high anxiety.
i have 300mg pills and dont take them everyday, ionlywhen needed and
1. i found that time i can take up to 2100mg a day to have it help.
2. if i dont take any the next day i have KILLER headaches so end up taking it.
3. i have noticed at times with the higher dosages that it can increase depression.hth
b2c.
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