Posted by Terry on March 11, 1999, at 18:38:51
In reply to Re: Depression & Narcolepsy, posted by Julzzz on March 11, 1999, at 17:20:30
Julzzz -- that's the pits about drugs taking so long to get on the market in Australia. some U.S. drug companies are doing trials in Europe to get drugs approved there first, then it's easier to get them approved in the U.S. So it must be difficult here as well, but it sure doesn't take five years to get something on the market! I know what you mean about getting diagnosed and then having a major "Aha!" and everything starting to make sense. I was diagnosed as bipolar II after my son was born several years ago. I had always suspected depression, but started getting manic after he was born. I now take Depakote, which is an anticonvulsant (generic names are valproate or valproic acid) that is used to treat mania/hypomania with bipolar disorder. (Thank God I have hypomania and not full-blown mania.) I also take low-dose Serzone for depression and clonidine (Catapres, actually an antihypertensive, but it works) for sleep. I'm controlled most of the time but still have mood swings, although not as bad as before medication. I actually tried Ritalin (low dose) for what my psych thought might be ADHD (difficulty concentrating, can't remember names, etc.) and it put me over the edge. I was only taking 5 mg a day. I can't imagine having to take it all the time. I guess if you really have ADHD it's a godsend, but it sounds like it's no fun for you with narcolepsy. I wish you all the best and please feel free to write anytime. My e-mail address is TWaldron@mindspring.com. Take care!
> > Terry, Drugs that are on the market in the US & UK do not usually get into Aust. for 5 or more years because Aust. Govt. has very strict drug guidelines & nearly always require the 5 or so years of their own testing - very strict (& paranoid). The only drug to ever get thru' fast is Viagra - 3 months - only because of the Net. I will give it a go! But I'm not sure about importing - ? drug laws. While the Narcolepsy was diagnosed in 92, I did not have any diagnosis & treatment of depression until 6 months after this. When my Psych. & I looked back there is evidence of Nar. from birth & Dep. since @ 13yo. I think the episode of Dep. after diagnosis has been my worst - it was mostly in response to now knowing something had been wrong all along & I wasn't suffering from 'Imaginitis'. I will add that I have 'struggled' all my life & still have 2 trade certificates & a bachelor's degree in health science - I'm a determined person!! I have never heard of Depakote? Nice talking to you. Julzzz
poster:Terry
thread:3453
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990301/msgs/3620.html