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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Kari on September 2, 2002, at 13:26:01
I know that taking these meds don't involve side effects as problematic as APs, but in any case... are some considered safer than others (Klonopin excluded)?
Also, does combining such a med with an SSRI increase the risks of developing side effects?
Thanks.
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 3, 2002, at 3:08:54
In reply to What's the safest mood stabilizer/ anticonvulsant?, posted by Kari on September 2, 2002, at 13:26:01
For what reason, i.e., a mood stabilizer for bipolar treatment, or some other dx? I've heard that neurontin is very free of side effects - it may not be the best one for your needs, but it is relatively benign and is now being considered as an adjunct to lithium for treatment of bipolar disorder. I was initially precribed it for fibromyalgia pain. I haven't noticed any reduction to that effect, but have been pleasantly surprised at its calming effect. I'm also bipolar-II, and feel that it helps smooth things out. I don't believe that anyone is thinking of it as a first line treatment for bipolar, but more of an adjunct. I also take lithium and keep my levels below what's considered therapeutic because of the potential kidney damage. Lithium has helped alot, but it scares me. So, taking a small dosage of lithium and a large dose of neurontin seems to be a good compromise, but it's still not perfect. I'm still searching.
As far as combining with an SSRI, I'm not aware of any problematic effects combining SSRI's with any of the stabilisers (valproate, carbamazole, tegretol, lamictal, lithium, topamax).
> I know that taking these meds don't involve side effects as problematic as APs, but in any case... are some considered safer than others (Klonopin excluded)?
> Also, does combining such a med with an SSRI increase the risks of developing side effects?
> Thanks.
Posted by Kari on September 3, 2002, at 15:12:03
In reply to Re: What's the safest mood stabilizer/ anticonvulsant? » Kari, posted by BarbaraCat on September 3, 2002, at 3:08:54
Thank you for your response.
Regarding meds, I hope you find the balance which is just right for you.
Posted by Peter S. on September 3, 2002, at 16:50:27
In reply to What's the safest mood stabilizer/ anticonvulsant?, posted by Kari on September 2, 2002, at 13:26:01
I have found Lamictal combined with Neurontin to be more effective than anything else I've taken. It's still not perfect but it does work (not as consistantly as I'd like.
> I know that taking these meds don't involve side effects as problematic as APs, but in any case... are some considered safer than others (Klonopin excluded)?
> Also, does combining such a med with an SSRI increase the risks of developing side effects?
> Thanks.
Posted by Kari on September 5, 2002, at 12:38:06
In reply to Re: What's the safest mood stabilizer/ anticonvulsant?, posted by Peter S. on September 3, 2002, at 16:50:27
This is the end of the thread.
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