Posted by Eddie Sylvano on November 18, 2002, at 11:11:56
In reply to Re: bipolar II and tegretol: bipolar depression, posted by Anna Laura on November 18, 2002, at 9:44:38
> Could you describe your positive experience with Tegretol more in depth ? (like how long have you been depressed before that, how long did it take to work, which kind of symptoms it took away and such...if you don't mind of course).
-----------------I began taking tegretol only recently, actually (about 3 months ago), having previously tried only antidepressants (efexor, serzone, paxil). I began having depressive problems a few years ago, and kept them relatively at bay with the ADs, but I could never get rid of an accompanying feeling of derealization and general confusion that accompanied it. I would feel like I was going to pass out, like my senses were blurred, delayed, and dreamlike. I couldn't concentrate on work.
Anyway, I'd been off ADs for about 6 months when these issues became too disruptive, so I begaun tegretol, 400mg daily. The only side effect I'd noticed initially was a bit of confusion, but that went away within a week. The effects were much more immediate than with ADs. Within a week, I was no longer feeling so bizzare, I could concentrate more easily, my ability to write rebounded (as well as read), and my general mood was much more even and functional. I didn't really go into usage in a depressive state, so I can't comment on it's reported antidepressant qualities, though relief from my uncomfortable mental fogginess certainly makes me happy. For me, it was mostly about relief from a state of distraction and unreality, so I'm not sure if it's comparable to BP disorder. Still, it's been the easiest drug I've been on, it works pretty quickly, and it doesn't really impart a noticeable change in the quality or feel of my thought.
poster:Eddie Sylvano
thread:128048
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021116/msgs/128123.html