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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by chloe on June 25, 2001, at 12:04:14
I am on Trileptal("cleaner" form of Tegretol) and when I got to 600 mgs(a very LOW dose) I got terrible itchy dry skin and a very sore scalp. I have had to stop taking daily showers, and abandon washing my hair but twice a week, since it hurts and it has turned to brittle straw. I am also extremely photosensitive, and get burned to a crisp in the sun, even with loads of sunscreen. I try to avoid the sun all together, but I have to tend to the garden.
I had to add Neurontin, because I couldn't go up enough on Trileptal to get benefit. The Neurontin has helped my mood, but my skin now feels more dry.
I have decided to taper down or off the Trileptal and try to use Neurontin as my primary mood stabilizer. But I am afraid Neurontin will not be strong enough to manage my irritation, anger outbursts (it works well for cycling, though). AND I am afraid that Neurontin too, is causing dry skin.
Does anyone use Neurontin for anger/frustration? Not just anxiety? AND does anyone experience the dry skin problems I have now with Trileptal?
Any info would help so much. I am so upset to have to discontinue ANOTHER med just because of side effects!
Thanks
C
Posted by Chris A. on June 25, 2001, at 12:37:21
In reply to Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin, posted by chloe on June 25, 2001, at 12:04:14
Cloe,
The anticonvulsants all give me noticeably dry itchy skin. I treat the symptoms with colloidial oatmeal baths, even soaking my scalp. Using Aveeno soap and lotions also help. At times if it gets really severe I use diphenhydramine cream (Benadryl anti-itch). I continue to take Lamictal because it's helped my mood most so far. Adding small amounts of Trileptal and Neurontin seemed to make the dryness and itching worse. My skin was great during my six months of ECT when I was taking no ACs, so I can honestly point to them as the culprit. In my research I read an article, probably on Medscape, on anticonvulsant sensitivity, which confirmed my suspicions.
It is a nuisance, but one that can be conquered. It doesn't help any that I live in an arrid climate. After discontinuing multiple meds because intolerable side effects I'm not rushing to get off of ones that are really helping.Hope this helps.
Chris A.
AND does anyone experience the dry skin problems I have now with Trileptal?
>
> Any info would help so much. I am so upset to have to discontinue ANOTHER med just because of side effects!
>
> Thanks
> C
Posted by Mitch on June 25, 2001, at 12:38:00
In reply to Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin, posted by chloe on June 25, 2001, at 12:04:14
Hi, Chloe
So Neurontin seems to worsen your dry skin? I have the opposite effect-it increases oil in my skin-weird.
Neurontin lessens aggressiveness/hostility just as much as Depakote did (for me anyway). I also take a VERY low dose SSRi as well (12.5mg of Zoloft every other day) and I haven't had a blow-up in a couple of months (beats daily ones!)So you never got the dry itchy skin while you were on the Tegretol before you switched to Trileptal??
Mitch
> I am on Trileptal("cleaner" form of Tegretol) and when I got to 600 mgs(a very LOW dose) I got terrible itchy dry skin and a very sore scalp. I have had to stop taking daily showers, and abandon washing my hair but twice a week, since it hurts and it has turned to brittle straw. I am also extremely photosensitive, and get burned to a crisp in the sun, even with loads of sunscreen. I try to avoid the sun all together, but I have to tend to the garden.
>
> I had to add Neurontin, because I couldn't go up enough on Trileptal to get benefit. The Neurontin has helped my mood, but my skin now feels more dry.
>
> I have decided to taper down or off the Trileptal and try to use Neurontin as my primary mood stabilizer. But I am afraid Neurontin will not be strong enough to manage my irritation, anger outbursts (it works well for cycling, though). AND I am afraid that Neurontin too, is causing dry skin.
>
> Does anyone use Neurontin for anger/frustration? Not just anxiety? AND does anyone experience the dry skin problems I have now with Trileptal?
>
> Any info would help so much. I am so upset to have to discontinue ANOTHER med just because of side effects!
>
> Thanks
> C
Posted by chloe on June 25, 2001, at 12:50:47
In reply to Re: Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin, posted by Chris A. on June 25, 2001, at 12:37:21
Thanks Chris,
It helps alot. I have been on multilple AC's for years, and have never experienced this terrible dry skin. So you have decided to live with it, I take it? I wish I were better at tolerating uncomfortable things...
I am hoping that one AC, just neurontin will be better than better than two. But, I may end up having to stay on both. Going "off" meds is not my specialty! I often have to abandon the idea when my levels start to fall. I turn into a labile anger machine!
Thanks so much for the reply. I am off to get some aveeno soap!
Chloe> Cloe,
>
> The anticonvulsants all give me noticeably dry itchy skin. I treat the symptoms with colloidial oatmeal baths, even soaking my scalp. Using Aveeno soap and lotions also help. At times if it gets really severe I use diphenhydramine cream (Benadryl anti-itch). I continue to take Lamictal because it's helped my mood most so far. Adding small amounts of Trileptal and Neurontin seemed to make the dryness and itching worse. My skin was great during my six months of ECT when I was taking no ACs, so I can honestly point to them as the culprit. In my research I read an article, probably on Medscape, on anticonvulsant sensitivity, which confirmed my suspicions.
> It is a nuisance, but one that can be conquered. It doesn't help any that I live in an arrid climate. After discontinuing multiple meds because intolerable side effects I'm not rushing to get off of ones that are really helping.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Chris A.
Posted by chloe on June 25, 2001, at 13:02:59
In reply to Re: Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin » chloe, posted by Mitch on June 25, 2001, at 12:38:00
Hi Mitch,
I am glad to hear that Neurontin has helped with your outbursts. I am only on 400 mgs right now, so I have a ways to go up, if I need to. I wish it gave me oily skin. It would be the perfect adjunct to Trileptal! How about the sun? Are you extra sensitive to it, too?Interestingly, no, I never had a problem with my skin on Tegretol. Just horrible GI stuff. I lived on Mylanta and saltines for a couple years. BUT, I was thinking, maybe the XR form of Tegretol would be good for me if the Neurontin experiment fails (Where is my pdoc in all of this? Do I have to think of everything?). It's coating would help it not get dissolved in my stomach...My wheels are turning now. Tegretal was a much better stabilizer for me anyway. I wish I had thought of this before the Trileptal switch.
ANYWAY, I am just praying the Neurontin and Celexa (which doesn't help me much with outburst...) keep my lid on. How much Neurontin do you take, if you don't mind me asking?
Many thanks,
Chloe> Hi, Chloe
>
> So Neurontin seems to worsen your dry skin? I have the opposite effect-it increases oil in my skin-weird.
>
> Neurontin lessens aggressiveness/hostility just as much as Depakote did (for me anyway). I also take a VERY low dose SSRi as well (12.5mg of Zoloft every other day) and I haven't had a blow-up in a couple of months (beats daily ones!)
>
> So you never got the dry itchy skin while you were on the Tegretol before you switched to Trileptal??
>
> Mitch
>
Posted by Chris A. on June 25, 2001, at 13:08:13
In reply to Re: Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin, posted by chloe on June 25, 2001, at 12:50:47
Don't forget the oatmeal packets - they help the most.
Chris
Posted by Mitch on June 26, 2001, at 11:39:27
In reply to Re: Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin » Mitch, posted by chloe on June 25, 2001, at 13:02:59
Chloe,
I take 400mg/day as well. More does help, but I have found that I get depersonalization at higher doses (as with other Ac's). Never had much problem with sun sensitivity (even when on tricylics-phenothiazines a LONG time ago). You got *my* wheels turning about the Tegretol XR! I never tried Tegretol, just had a nasty response to the Trileptal. Who knows?
thanks for the input,
Mitch> Hi Mitch,
> I am glad to hear that Neurontin has helped with your outbursts. I am only on 400 mgs right now, so I have a ways to go up, if I need to. I wish it gave me oily skin. It would be the perfect adjunct to Trileptal! How about the sun? Are you extra sensitive to it, too?
>
> Interestingly, no, I never had a problem with my skin on Tegretol. Just horrible GI stuff. I lived on Mylanta and saltines for a couple years. BUT, I was thinking, maybe the XR form of Tegretol would be good for me if the Neurontin experiment fails (Where is my pdoc in all of this? Do I have to think of everything?). It's coating would help it not get dissolved in my stomach...My wheels are turning now. Tegretal was a much better stabilizer for me anyway. I wish I had thought of this before the Trileptal switch.
>
> ANYWAY, I am just praying the Neurontin and Celexa (which doesn't help me much with outburst...) keep my lid on. How much Neurontin do you take, if you don't mind me asking?
>
> Many thanks,
> Chloe
>
> > Hi, Chloe
> >
> > So Neurontin seems to worsen your dry skin? I have the opposite effect-it increases oil in my skin-weird.
> >
> > Neurontin lessens aggressiveness/hostility just as much as Depakote did (for me anyway). I also take a VERY low dose SSRi as well (12.5mg of Zoloft every other day) and I haven't had a blow-up in a couple of months (beats daily ones!)
> >
> > So you never got the dry itchy skin while you were on the Tegretol before you switched to Trileptal??
> >
> > Mitch
> >
Posted by chloe on June 26, 2001, at 17:13:33
In reply to Re: Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin » chloe, posted by Mitch on June 26, 2001, at 11:39:27
>
You got *my* wheels turning about the Tegretol XR! I never tried Tegretol, just had a nasty response to the Trileptal. Who knows?
>> Mitch
> Tegretol was an excellent drug for containing my anger outburst, and controlling the cycling. Much better than Trileptal. And I only needed a small amount to get a response (it's strong stuff!). FYI, I am finding as I lower my dose of Trileptal, I am feeling calmer, more tired and I am sleeping better! Could Trileptal be that activating? Tegretol was not activating at all after getting used to it. I slept like a baby every night.
Perhaps I can lower my dose of Trileptal without going into a rage due to the Neurontin (I am glad you only take a small amount and get some benefit too. I was afraid I had to be on thousands of milligrams, which I know I couldn't tolerate!). So far so good. I am just so sleepy during the day...I am sure I will adjust to lack of Trileptal. I just hope I dont' have to go up on my 1 and 1/2 mgs of Celexa. That seems like just enough for mood enhancement.
Now if the dumb dry skin would go away!!!
thanks for listening.
chloe
Posted by chloe on June 26, 2001, at 17:27:59
In reply to Re: Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin, posted by Chris A. on June 25, 2001, at 12:37:21
Chris,
I just reread your post. You have been through alot and I thank you for sharing. I did go into the archive and read a wonderful post from "dove." She stated that everytime she increases her dose of Neurontin she gets a itchy rashy skin reaction that resolses itself within ten days. I found this interesting, I just hope it's true for me! My dry/rashy stuff doesn't seems to be resolving. Have you noticed any increased skin problems when you raise the dose?Also, I went to the store for aveen soap. I found one for acne and one for "combination" skin. Is there a soap for dry? Or do I go with the combo? You also mentioned you use the oatmeal baths on your scalp. Do you wash you hair afterwards? I think that would negate the purpose...
I just wish aveeno make a shampoo. I looked and looked. There just don't seem to be shampoos for dry scalp and hair that aren't dandruff shampoos which I find very harsh. What do you use for shampoo?
I hope this isn't too many questions. I am just desperately seeking ways to cope with my "new" body type. I have about an hour extra time in the morning because I am not doing the shower routine. But, God, my hair looks so flat and dull. But not oily!!!LOL
Many thanks
Chloe> Cloe,
>
> The anticonvulsants all give me noticeably dry itchy skin. I treat the symptoms with colloidial oatmeal baths, even soaking my scalp. Using Aveeno soap and lotions also help. At times if it gets really severe I use diphenhydramine cream (Benadryl anti-itch). I continue to take Lamictal because it's helped my mood most so far. Adding small amounts of Trileptal and Neurontin seemed to make the dryness and itching worse. My skin was great during my six months of ECT when I was taking no ACs, so I can honestly point to them as the culprit. In my research I read an article, probably on Medscape, on anticonvulsant sensitivity, which confirmed my suspicions.
> It is a nuisance, but one that can be conquered. It doesn't help any that I live in an arrid climate. After discontinuing multiple meds because intolerable side effects I'm not rushing to get off of ones that are really helping.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Chris A.
>
> AND does anyone experience the dry skin problems I have now with Trileptal?
> >
> > Any info would help so much. I am so upset to have to discontinue ANOTHER med just because of side effects!
> >
> > Thanks
> > C
Posted by Chris A. on June 26, 2001, at 22:40:23
In reply to Re: Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin » Chris A., posted by chloe on June 26, 2001, at 17:27:59
> My dry/rashy stuff doesn't seems to be resolving. Have you noticed any increased skin problems when you raise the dose?
I'm sorry to hear that. Rashes were more of a problem when I raised the dose of Lamictal too fast. I'm not sure what the normal response is to other ACs.
>
> Also, I went to the store for aveeno soap. I found one for acne and one for "combination" skin. Is there a soap for dry?Yes, there is one specifically for dry skin, a moisturizing bar that contains oatmeal.
>You also mentioned you use the oatmeal baths on your scalp. Do you wash you hair afterwards? I think that would negate the purpose.Yes, I wash my hair with a mild shampoo afterwards and it doesn't seem to negate the anti-itch effect of the oatmeal bath. Perhaps it's all in my head - or on my head :-)
>
> I just wish aveeno make a shampoo. I looked and looked. There just don't seem to be shampoos for dry scalp and hair that aren't dandruff shampoos which I find very harsh. What do you use for shampoo?Dandruff shampos just seemed to make it worse for me too, and I do better sticking to something mild. I'm using Redken Climatress for normal to dry hair, but don't think it matters much. I buy shampoo for my scalp and use it sparingly. It would be nice if Aveeno made a shampoo.
>
> I hope this isn't too many questions. I am just desperately seeking ways to cope with my "new" body type. I have about an hour extra time in the morning because I am not doing the shower routine. But, God, my hair looks so flat and dull. But not oily!!!LOLI almost always wash mine in the sink every morning because it never behaves if I don't and bugs me all day.
It is a pain. The itching has been so bad a couple times of that I couldn't sleep, so have taken oatmeal baths in the middle of the night.
Just thinking about it makes me itch! When working as a nurse I thought that oatmeal baths were for old people. I've changed my mind, that is unless I'm getting old. I've thought about taking stock out in the company that makes Aveeno.
Other ACs fog my cognition too much and don't give me the antidepressant effect that Lamictal does, so I'm doing everything I can to stay on it. Sometimes it takes some creativity. So far I haven't drowned in the bath tub.
Hang in there and I hope you find some relief soon.
Blessings,
Chris A.
P.S. I have also used hydrocortisone on my mild rashes sometimes. Of course if a rash progresses or is accompanied by a fever or sore throat it needs to be checked by a doc. I always keep my pDoc informed.
Posted by Mitch on June 27, 2001, at 0:07:44
In reply to Re: Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin » Mitch, posted by chloe on June 26, 2001, at 17:13:33
>
> >
> You got *my* wheels turning about the Tegretol XR! I never tried Tegretol, just had a nasty response to the Trileptal. Who knows?
> >
>
> > Mitch
>
> > Tegretol was an excellent drug for containing my anger outburst, and controlling the cycling. Much better than Trileptal. And I only needed a small amount to get a response (it's strong stuff!). FYI, I am finding as I lower my dose of Trileptal, I am feeling calmer, more tired and I am sleeping better! Could Trileptal be that activating? Tegretol was not activating at all after getting used to it. I slept like a baby every night.
>
> Perhaps I can lower my dose of Trileptal without going into a rage due to the Neurontin (I am glad you only take a small amount and get some benefit too. I was afraid I had to be on thousands of milligrams, which I know I couldn't tolerate!). So far so good. I am just so sleepy during the day...I am sure I will adjust to lack of Trileptal. I just hope I dont' have to go up on my 1 and 1/2 mgs of Celexa. That seems like just enough for mood enhancement.
>
> Now if the dumb dry skin would go away!!!
>
> thanks for listening.
> chloeChloe,
Just how much was the *small* dose of Tegretol were you taking?
Just curious,Mitch
Posted by chloe on June 27, 2001, at 18:14:23
In reply to Re: Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin » chloe, posted by Mitch on June 27, 2001, at 0:07:44
> Just how much was the *small* dose of Tegretol were you taking?
> Just curious,
>
Hi Mitch,
I was taking 300 mgs with good relief from cycling and anger/frustration outburst.A higher dose would cloud my brain too much, I think. It is non-activating, so one can be quite slowed down by this med. But after a few weeks I adjusted well to it, and had no problems except the GI of course.
Personally, I am MUCH more comfortable on the less activating drugs. Give me calm and slowed over energetic and anxious anyday! But that is just me :)
Hope this helps
chloe
Posted by chloe on June 27, 2001, at 18:23:59
In reply to Re: Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin » chloe, posted by Chris A. on June 26, 2001, at 22:40:23
Thanks for the helpful info. I am so impressed that you are able to manage the side effects with such imagination and fortitude. I tried Lamictal, and my skin felt like it was on fire. I didn't develop the dreded rash, but every time I went outside I would get a bright red reaction from the sun even with sunscreen. Even if I walked from the car to the mall in the middle of the day. It worried me too much that I would develp the true rash, since I was getting this actinic rash at 12.5 every other day!
I am so glad you have found a way to "live" on this drug that works for you. I did find some relief on my own today, however. I live by the ocean, and it was finally warm enough to go in the water with a wet suit. Wow, did that cold salty water feel good on my scalp! Numbing! But I highly recommend it!Many thanks and keep up the good fight!
Chloe> > My dry/rashy stuff doesn't seems to be resolving. Have you noticed any increased skin problems when you raise the dose?
>
> I'm sorry to hear that. Rashes were more of a problem when I raised the dose of Lamictal too fast. I'm not sure what the normal response is to other ACs.
> >
> > Also, I went to the store for aveeno soap. I found one for acne and one for "combination" skin. Is there a soap for dry?
>
> Yes, there is one specifically for dry skin, a moisturizing bar that contains oatmeal.
>
> >You also mentioned you use the oatmeal baths on your scalp. Do you wash you hair afterwards? I think that would negate the purpose.
>
> Yes, I wash my hair with a mild shampoo afterwards and it doesn't seem to negate the anti-itch effect of the oatmeal bath. Perhaps it's all in my head - or on my head :-)
> >
> > I just wish aveeno make a shampoo. I looked and looked. There just don't seem to be shampoos for dry scalp and hair that aren't dandruff shampoos which I find very harsh. What do you use for shampoo?
>
> Dandruff shampos just seemed to make it worse for me too, and I do better sticking to something mild. I'm using Redken Climatress for normal to dry hair, but don't think it matters much. I buy shampoo for my scalp and use it sparingly. It would be nice if Aveeno made a shampoo.
> >
> > I hope this isn't too many questions. I am just desperately seeking ways to cope with my "new" body type. I have about an hour extra time in the morning because I am not doing the shower routine. But, God, my hair looks so flat and dull. But not oily!!!LOL
>
> I almost always wash mine in the sink every morning because it never behaves if I don't and bugs me all day.
>
> It is a pain. The itching has been so bad a couple times of that I couldn't sleep, so have taken oatmeal baths in the middle of the night.
>
> Just thinking about it makes me itch! When working as a nurse I thought that oatmeal baths were for old people. I've changed my mind, that is unless I'm getting old. I've thought about taking stock out in the company that makes Aveeno.
>
> Other ACs fog my cognition too much and don't give me the antidepressant effect that Lamictal does, so I'm doing everything I can to stay on it. Sometimes it takes some creativity. So far I haven't drowned in the bath tub.
>
> Hang in there and I hope you find some relief soon.
>
> Blessings,
>
> Chris A.
>
> P.S. I have also used hydrocortisone on my mild rashes sometimes. Of course if a rash progresses or is accompanied by a fever or sore throat it needs to be checked by a doc. I always keep my pDoc informed.
Posted by Ron Hill on June 27, 2001, at 21:51:48
In reply to Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin, posted by chloe on June 25, 2001, at 12:04:14
> Any info would help so much. I am so upset to have to discontinue ANOTHER med just because of side effects!
Chloe,
I'm BP II and developed a rash on Lamictal and Depakote. I did not try any other AED's because I suspected I would get a rash from them also. Lithobid works for me as a MS. What happened when you tried lithium? Is your dx BP?
-- Ron
Posted by chloe on June 28, 2001, at 21:07:40
In reply to Re: Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin » chloe, posted by Ron Hill on June 27, 2001, at 21:51:48
Ron,
I am diagnosed BP II... I was on lithium for years a long time ago. I hated it, I shook like a tree and couldn't feel anything but blah. Not happy or sad. Don't remember a rash though!
I am glad it works well for you :)
Chloe
> Chloe,
>
> I'm BP II and developed a rash on Lamictal and Depakote. I did not try any other AED's because I suspected I would get a rash from them also. Lithobid works for me as a MS. What happened when you tried lithium? Is your dx BP?
>
> -- Ron
This is the end of the thread.
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