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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jzp on July 7, 2000, at 19:00:47
I saw a new psychiatrist today, and the new plan of
attack for my bipolar II is Neurontin and Serzone.I've found a lot of info on Serzone on Babble (you guys
are such a great resource!), but considerably less on
Neurontin. I was on Depakote (combined w/ various SSRIs
or Wellbutrin)in the past, and gained about 60 lbs. in
the first 3 months or so that I was on it. It helped
keep me even, but it also made me very drowsy and sedated.So what I am wondering is how Neurontin compares to Depakote.
I know that they are both anti-convulsants, but what
differences should I expect? How similar are they?
At this point, I absolutely cannot gain any more weight.Thanks for any input,
Jannette
Posted by SLS on July 8, 2000, at 10:03:34
In reply to Neurontin vs. Depakote?, posted by jzp on July 7, 2000, at 19:00:47
> So what I am wondering is how Neurontin compares to Depakote.
> I know that they are both anti-convulsants, but what
> differences should I expect? How similar are they?
> At this point, I absolutely cannot gain any more weight.
>
> Thanks for any input,
>
> Jannette
Dear Jannette,I have not seen anyone complain about excessive weight-gain when using Neurontin. I have been on it twice, and did not notice any. I did gain weight on Depakote, but not nearly as much as I see some other people describe. I don't think weight-gain with Neurontin should be a deciding factor for you.
I read something recently proposing that Neurontin may play a role similar to Depakote, especially when combined with other mood stabilizers. Depending on who you talk to, Neurontin is not as effective as Depakote or some of the other mood stabilizers when used alone for treating bipolar disorder. However, I think it definitely has a place in the treatment of a variety of psychiatric illnesses. What's nice about Neurontin is that it is not toxic, even at high dosages, and does not affect the liver in the same way as does Depakote. I think Neurontin is definitely worth trying.
You may want to put Lamictal on your list of mood stabilizers. It can also act like an antidepressant.
Was Depakote at all helpful to you? In what ways?
Good luck.
- Scott
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