Posted by gardenergirl on August 26, 2004, at 22:57:43
In reply to Gabitril ??'s, posted by snapper on August 26, 2004, at 22:03:27
Hi Snapper,
I'm sorry this has been more difficult than your previous experience. I hope you get to a point where you either don't need to consider the ECT again, or you are able to go ahead with it.I recently started Gabitril for insomnia, which is also an off-label use. My pdoc started me on 2 mg hs and said to go up to 4 mg if no effect. I think I may have an effect with my early awakening on 4 mg, but the jury is still out.
What strikes me about your post is a couple of things. First, using Gabitril for anxiety is also off-label, so it may not be as proven and as efficacious for anxiety as other more proven meds. But it is a fairly benign med...low side effect profile, very few drug interactions, etc. So I can see why your doc wanted to try it.
The literature I have read suggests that you may have started out with a pretty high dose. Even for anti-convulsant adjunctive treatment, they recommend you start at 4 mg and titrate up weekly until you reach the maxium of (I think) 56 mg spread over two doses. One of the SE's reported is nervousness, so perhaps you had an agitation reaction on the higher starting dose. Incidentally, my only noted SE so far is heartburn even if taking with food and milk. Impaired memory and specifically, word finding problems are associated with Gabitril. So rest assured (at least as best you can) that this is a med SE and not a more serious symptom.
One thing I have noticed in the last few days is that I am less inhibited at sharing my irritation. I am doing it however, not by being in a rage or anger, but rather I'm swearing a bit more publicly than I usually do (I'm a lady after all...;)....) and I'm demonstrating "feisy" behavior, or what Racer might call "malicious glee." For example, I intentionally teased my dissertation chair the other day and pushed his buttons and enjoyed it. It was lighthearted in spirit, but definitely felt kind of bold for me. Perhaps at a higher dose I might have a similar reaction to you? There's nothing in my documentation of this med, however, that explains this. I was blaming it on being punchy from being so sleep deprived. But maybe there is something about the Gabitril.
I have atypical depression as well. I am on Nardil, which the recent dose increase likely is responsible for the insomnia. I do sometimes feel a malaise that is hard to explain. T do think it's related to my depression. And also, being aytpical, when I do laugh at or smile with someone they seem confused. You're depressed? You don't look like it...How annoying is that? Aren't I allowed to have some flexibility in my emotions? I guess not if you have not- atypical depression.
Anyway, enough rambling. Took my Gab over an hour ago, so I should head to bed. Hope some of this helps.
Warmly,
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:382727
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040825/msgs/382758.html