Posted by maryhelen on July 21, 2003, at 15:24:43
I started taking Parnate a couple of years ago. Eventually went up to 90 mg. It worked okay for a while then seemed to 'poop' out'. Pdoc added lithium, could not take the side effects. Started augmenting with Lamitcal. When I reached 150 mg. I felt better than I have in my whole life. This wonderful feeling only lasted 2 weeks. Pdoc upped dose to 300 Mg, will be there next week, but have not had same response.
During my ongoing struggle with depression, I also went through menopause. I am 50 yrs. it is fairly early. Menopause in itself can be devasting for many people, but menopause and depression, well...... Although I knew I wasn't having a period, I figured that with all the meds I have taken, that was what the reason was. I seemed too young. Doctor confirmed with blood test that I am now post menopausal. In my Golden Years... ha. I wonder now, if going through menopause excacerbated the depression and so the difficulty getting results from meds.
The question I have about Parnate is, if I am still depressed, should I be continue with it.
Prior to taking Parnate I took Remeron. Didn't take long to gain 50 lbs. In 2 years of trying everything I knew how to lose weight, went to nutrionist, stuck firmly to good eating habits, walked every day 1 - 1/2 hours on the boardwalk. Haven't lost an ounze. Is it possible that the Parnate could be blocking the weight loss?I am also losing so much hair, I won't have any left soon. Checked with Pharamist said Parnate could cause alopecia(sp)and I do have a big bald patch on my head but it can't be seen, yet. He couldn't find hair loss as an ongoing side effect. I go on the Web and I am sidetracked with all the sites it gives you, I can never seem to zero in on what I need to know. I have noticed over the years some thinning, but nothing like it is lately.
Another thing with Parnate is, that my devasting migraines all but ceased, but I am also wondering if that could have been caused by going through the menopause, which I always thought may happen beause they began with the onset of my period at 13 yrs.
My understanding is that Lamitcal does not cause hair loss.
My pdoc is away for 3 weeks, I don't have an appt. until Aug. 14. My panic is, that I am returning to work last week in August after a 2 1/2 sick leave. I have taken it upon myself to go down 10 mg a week, now down to 70mg. and to keep taking the Lamitcal. I am terrified to to work while I am feeling depressed, like I am.
If anyone could answer any of the following questions, I would very much appreciate it.
1. Do you think going off Parnate is a bad decision?
2. Anyone ever hear of an eventual thinning of hair, over the years,with Parnate?
3. Does hair loss from meds grow back after stopping the meds?
3. Do you think Parnate could block weight loss?
4. I know Lamitcal is usually used as an augmentor. Anyone use it on its own? Can it really work after initial response was so excellent?
I know the hair loss worry sounds very vain, and wouldn't have cared if I went bald when I had that response to Lamitcal. I would rather feel like that and wear a wig. Everything else on my body has gone south, and I don't mean just for the winter. so I really don't want to have no hair as well.
Long post, too many questions about different things. Please be patient. I need help.
Thanks for any help in advance.
maryhelen
poster:maryhelen
thread:243970
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030718/msgs/243970.html