Posted by Mitch on September 5, 2001, at 0:28:43
In reply to Re: how does depakote make you feel? » Mitch, posted by sar on September 4, 2001, at 18:38:26
> dear mitch,
>
> why neurontin instead of depakote? i've been diagnosed as BP II "mixed states," but i was drunk in front of both those docs--hence the excitability, etc. is neurontin like starting a small gun before a big one? prozac and klonopin have kept me alive (literally) but i definitely need something more.
>
> thanks again
> sarSar,
The main reason I think that Neurontin ought to be considered first in *some* cases is the mellower side effect profile, and more importantly the more complicated or ambiguous the diagnosis is I think you are more likely to get a better response with it. Obviously, if you are having a "classic" full-blown manic episode with psychotic features, the heavy artillery will get brought out and it will do its job, more or less. But barring that, and especially when your dx keeps changing with doctors and even while with the same doctor-then I think it has a better chance. Also, Dx doesn't tend to be ambiguous or change a lot when symptoms are really severe. I liken it to seeing a mechanic about your car-if the wheels are missing it doesn't take a genius to figure out that you need new wheels. It is the little squeaks, doesn't start sometimes, gets hot for no reason, then it's ok, etc. etc. you see what I mean?
poster:Mitch
thread:77263
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010902/msgs/77773.html