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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jms600 on April 5, 2004, at 16:06:43
Hello,
Can anyone tell me if mood stabilizers make them feel more energised/alert?
Do they have any anti-depressant effect?
My P/doc is starting me on Epilim (Sodium Valproate) for anxiety.
Over the last 6 months or so I've been feeling really apathetic and lethargic and generally just lying about. Fortunately I'm now on Prozac which seems to be making me more active!
However I'm concerned that the Epilim is just going to make me apathetic again, so I don't know whether to try it or not.
Any suggestions?
Posted by joebob on April 6, 2004, at 10:53:13
In reply to Mood stabilizers, posted by jms600 on April 5, 2004, at 16:06:43
stabilzier with it
Posted by T_R_D on April 6, 2004, at 14:54:19
In reply to Mood stabilizers, posted by jms600 on April 5, 2004, at 16:06:43
> Hello,
>
> Can anyone tell me if mood stabilizers make them feel more energised/alert?Mine haven't--well, not as far as I can tell? The only thing they have done is kill my manias (which is what they were intended for--for me.)
> Do they have any anti-depressant effect?
Some may such as Lithium and Lamictal. They are, I believe the only two that have been tested for such purpose in the US...they are approved by the FDA drugs for bipolar/unipolar, hence the tests etc... The rest are anticonvulsants used "off-label." I am just starting Lamictal as I need whatever antidepressant lift I can get while still curbing my manias. I was on Tegretol but it did not have any noticeable AD effect (but worked find for the mania.)
> My P/doc is starting me on Epilim (Sodium Valproate) for anxiety.
Yes, it can be used. It is a fairly popular one.
> Over the last 6 months or so I've been feeling really apathetic and lethargic and generally just lying about. Fortunately I'm now on Prozac which seems to be making me more active!
That sounds positive! Perhaps the Prozac is working for you.
> However I'm concerned that the Epilim is just going to make me apathetic again, so I don't know whether to try it or not.
I don't think it should. I mean, there are all kinds of side effects with these drugs but from personal experience, I *feel* a lot different on anticonvulsants than antidepressants...especially in a side effect way. One thing is for sure...I seem to tolerate ACs way better than ADs! My side effects seem to be minimal and don't last nearly as long as all the ADs I've been on. In terms of stimulation, I am finding that the Lamictal is giving me a weird type of insomnia where I am tired but still can not sleep. I am also feeling generally more energized but I am also on Wellbutrin which gives me a lift so I can't tell if the Lamictal is doing the same or if it's the Wellbutrin. I am hoping that the insomnia is going to go away eventually but for now I am taking a benzo at night to sleep. I'm not sure if Valproate can cause any energizing affect. I think it's possible for any of these drugs to do a number of things, however. We're all different so what may happen for me may not happen for you.
> Any suggestions?Go for it! Give it a shot. You won't know until you try!
This is the end of the thread.
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