Posted by Ritch on July 27, 2002, at 11:55:55
In reply to Re: Depakote andLamictal actions- Ritch and Geezer, posted by cybercafe on July 27, 2002, at 11:23:20
> > That is the dilemma with most of the anticonvulsant antimanic agents-they make you generally calm, but tired and flat. I have got
>
> hmm... have you tried lamotrigine? ... i heard it is supposed to be more antidepressant and less sedative like... though i havn't heard it being as good as gabapentin for anxiety
>
> >comorbid ADHD symptoms and higher doses of Depakote or Neurontin just "blank" me out cognitively. It is similar to taking a benzodiazepine at work and having to solve a complex problem. You need to be able to hold several things in your consciousness and to
>
> i'm curious as to whether you find gabapentin or depakote to be as bad as benzodiazepines in causing that stupor we all know and love
>
>
Cyber,I haven't tried lamotrigine. The main reason is because I already have gotten skin reactions from other meds, and I already take allergy shots to prevent hives from dust and molds. Not only that, but if I got an even slight amount of itchiness or rash from it I would freak out and stop it (and it may have nothing to do with the drug). Also, I have heard stories about hypomania being induced by lamotrigine, and I definitely *need* a strong antimanic agent. That was why I went off gabapentin and back on depakote. Neurontin just wasn't controlling my temper and springtime hypomania, but just 250mg of depakote works like a charm---for that problem anyhow. I suppose I could add lamictal to my depakote, but that makes the rash thing more likely. Probably the best idea would be to add some lithium, but I can't tolerate the GI upset, and it causes *worse* cognitive problems than the depakote! Not to mention depressing thyroid function.. and I only have half a thyroid left. And my pdoc is afraid of T3/T4 augmentation.. and my TSH is about 1.4 anyways. I really wonder though if I could get my TSH down to about 1.0 if my cognitive symptoms would get better? Hmmm.
As far as cognitive sfx vis a vis Depakote, Neurontin, and benzos. Benzos are definitely the worst-oh yes! I can take just .25mg of Klonopin at work and I am just blitzed. Hey, I will tell you what: I'll list the meds that caused the most cognitive dysfunction with #1 being the worst:
1)Gabitril
2)Ativan + other higher dose benzos.
3)Remeron
4)Serzone (twice daily dosing)
5)Doxepin
6)Trazodone (just nighttime dosing)
7)Low-dose antipsychotics (any of them)
8)Lithium
9)Depakote
10) Gabapentin
poster:Ritch
thread:113330
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020725/msgs/113929.html