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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 Mair on October 16, 2001, at 22:05:38
I'm unipolar. I've been on a myriad of ADs and combinations thereof. The one constant over the last several years is Wellbutrin which has worked up to a point. I've been searching for some time for a viable augmentation agent. My pdoc has suggested that I consider a mood stabiliser like lamictal or neurontin? Is one easier to take than the other? Is one potentially a better augmentation drug with WB than the other. I've checked the archives but most of the stuff seems to talk about these drugs for the treatment of social anxiety or BP. Any thoughts?
Mair
Posted by JohnX on October 16, 2001, at 23:44:34
In reply to lamictal vs neurontin?, posted by Mair on October 16, 2001, at 22:05:38
> I'm unipolar. I've been on a myriad of ADs and combinations thereof. The one constant over the last several years is Wellbutrin which has worked up to a point. I've been searching for some time for a viable augmentation agent. My pdoc has suggested that I consider a mood stabiliser like lamictal or neurontin? Is one easier to take than the other? Is one potentially a better augmentation drug with WB than the other. I've checked the archives but most of the stuff seems to talk about these drugs for the treatment of social anxiety or BP. Any thoughts?
>
> MairPros/Cons:
Lamictal:
- statistically better antidepressant
- more likely to be neutral or stimulating with
respect to energy.
- good for tinnitus from Wellbutrin
- potential for a rash.
- Need to titrate the dose very slowly over
1-2 months to hit a therapeutic does
- Once a day dosing after a few weeks.Neurontin:
- Probably better for anxiety
- Potential for foggy thinking/tired.
- Can bump the dose rapidly.
- Statistically not as good an antidepressant.
More a mood stabilizer.
- 2-3 times a day dosing.I've taken both and liked them.
I use lamictal to treat my bp 2.
I used Neurontin for about 1 month
to treat Klonopin withdrawal symptoms.Everyone's experience may very, but I
hope I covered the bases in terms of
trends fairly well.-john
Posted by Cindylou on October 17, 2001, at 13:51:22
In reply to lamictal vs neurontin?, posted by Mair on October 16, 2001, at 22:05:38
Hi Mair,
I am also unipolar, and have also tried many ADs and many combos. Wellbutrin was one drug I did seem to tolerate pretty well, but didn't really help the depression much.Anyway, I have just started Lamictal. I started at a very low dose -- 12.5 mg. a day. So far, I have noticed no side effects but some increased energy. At first, I took it with Provigil (a stimulant of sorts) and had horrible anxiety followed by depression, so stopped the Provigil -- now I am feeling pretty good. This is HUGE, since I usually have horrible side effects from every med out there, even at low doses. Very encouraging. I am also going to add a small amount of Zoloft on my pdoc's recommendation due to my bad bouts of PMS.
If you decide on the Lamictal, you may want to cut down on your Wellbutrin dose, just in case the combo is too agitating.
good luck! And keep me posted on what you decide to do ...
cindy> I'm unipolar. I've been on a myriad of ADs and combinations thereof. The one constant over the last several years is Wellbutrin which has worked up to a point. I've been searching for some time for a viable augmentation agent. My pdoc has suggested that I consider a mood stabiliser like lamictal or neurontin? Is one easier to take than the other? Is one potentially a better augmentation drug with WB than the other. I've checked the archives but most of the stuff seems to talk about these drugs for the treatment of social anxiety or BP. Any thoughts?
>
> Mair
Posted by kregpark@yahoo.com on October 20, 2001, at 16:01:26
In reply to Re: lamictal vs neurontin? » Mair, posted by JohnX on October 16, 2001, at 23:44:34
Thanks JohnX! Interesting.
BTW, I also liked gabapentin for tapering down on Klonopin. Very effective for me.
I used to wonder about lamictal based on side effect profile.
Now seeing these posts I am gaining some interest.
(Also I want to query anyone who has used aricept).Anyway, thanks for the good info.
kregpark@yahoo.com
http://www.socialfear.com/>
> Pros/Cons:
>
> Lamictal:
> - statistically better antidepressant
> - more likely to be neutral or stimulating with
> respect to energy.
> - good for tinnitus from Wellbutrin
> - potential for a rash.
> - Need to titrate the dose very slowly over
> 1-2 months to hit a therapeutic does
> - Once a day dosing after a few weeks.
>
> Neurontin:
> - Probably better for anxiety
> - Potential for foggy thinking/tired.
> - Can bump the dose rapidly.
> - Statistically not as good an antidepressant.
> More a mood stabilizer.
> - 2-3 times a day dosing.
>
> I've taken both and liked them.
> I use lamictal to treat my bp 2.
> I used Neurontin for about 1 month
> to treat Klonopin withdrawal symptoms.
>
> Everyone's experience may very, but I
> hope I covered the bases in terms of
> trends fairly well.
>
> -john
Posted by michael on October 24, 2001, at 17:11:49
In reply to lamictal vs neurontin?, posted by Mair on October 16, 2001, at 22:05:38
Hi -
Your description sounds very much like mine w/respect to the wellbutrin - partial response, but still a ways to go... For me it's fatigue/lack of energy, lack of motivation, and sometimes lack of concentration/focus.
I'm also considering lamictal - please keep us posted on your experience. I'll do likewise if I end up giving it a try.
One other thought, anyone have any comments/observations on these two meds relative to Lithium? Good luck. michael
> I'm unipolar. I've been on a myriad of ADs and combinations thereof. The one constant over the last several years is Wellbutrin which has worked up to a point. I've been searching for some time for a viable augmentation agent. My pdoc has suggested that I consider a mood stabiliser like lamictal or neurontin? Is one easier to take than the other? Is one potentially a better augmentation drug with WB than the other. I've checked the archives but most of the stuff seems to talk about these drugs for the treatment of social anxiety or BP. Any thoughts?
>
> Mair
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