Posted by Elizabeth on July 7, 1999, at 23:32:17
In reply to Re: manic-depression--meds?, posted by jamie on July 5, 1999, at 18:59:36
Hi. I hope you haven't ruled out anticonvulsants altogether; just because Topamax gave you side effects doesn't mean others will. Some other ones that are used are Depakote (valproate), Tegretol (carbamazepine), Lamictal (lamotrigine), Neurontin (gabapentin), and sometimes Gabitril (tiagabine). The best evidence is for Depakote and Tegretol. They have varied side effect profiles, and again, you can't predict your response to one of them based on your response to another.
Some other things that are sometimes used:
- calcium channel blockers: nimodipine, verapamil, amlodipine, etc. These are mainly used for high blood pressure, but they work on manic depression as well. Depression may be a side effect.
- atypical antipsychotics: Zyprexa (olanzapine), Seroquel (quetiapine), Risperdal (risperidone). Can be pretty sedating.
- benzodiazepines: mainly clonazepam. These are not terribly effective but can help with slowing down your thoughts a bit. Watch out for "paradoxical" disinhibition, especially if you have mixed (manic + depressed) symptoms.
- omega-3 fatty acids; i.e., fish oil. Available in your local health food store. Very trendy.
poster:Elizabeth
thread:8304
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990628/msgs/8411.html