Posted by Nickengland on April 16, 2005, at 12:57:08
In reply to Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin Advice » Nickengland, posted by Ritch on April 16, 2005, at 11:21:37
> Hi, I think it is a good idea to try. When I go through seasonal bipolar depressions, sometimes I will restart Neurontin (with my Depakote) at a low dose for a few days and it really helps with the anxious depressive mix of symptoms. My pdoc generally wants to avoid it however, because it *does* tend to trigger some mild hypomania with me. But, I've never gotten dysphoric symptoms associated with that, and it's been a benign event overall. What it seems to work on the best during BP depression for me is the angst/despair/gloom-doom feelings. It especially seems to work well with Depakote. I tried it with Trileptal before and it worked rather well too, but T. made me too nauseous. I'm one of those folks that can't tolerate Trileptal unfortunately. I hope this helps some.--MitchHi there Mitch,
Many thanks for the reply. I can see our symmtoms maybe somewhat similar with regards to bipolar seasonal depressions. I get hit with the seasons too.
Also, especially the anxious depressive mix of symtoms you mention - that is the one thing I really hate with a passion....Ive had that 5 times in the past 5 years. I have had that really intense lasting about 4-6weeks at a time, that really gets the suicidal thoughts going.
Im quite stable now though and have been on mood stabilisers since last september. This is my first time with the added back up of mood stabilisers to prevent the next epsisode...which if that did happen it would be in about 4-6 months time.
Im sure some symtoms will return...but I like what you say about how the gabapentin helps. I think and hopefully i'll get the psychiatrist to agree, that i can have this as a back up medication for when things may turn bad, rather than use it 365 days a year...
That was very helpful information Mitch, restored some much needed confidence in the use of drugs! : )
Kind regards
Nick
Ps Are you on anything else besides the Depakote and Neurontin?
poster:Nickengland
thread:484731
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050413/msgs/485065.html