[Bubbins]

I don't have bipolar, but my psychiatrist prescribed me trileptal. I am diagnosed with major depression and possible anxiety. Is there any reason that my doctor would prescribe trileptal if I don't have bipolar?

My psychiatrist specifically told me that I don't have bipolar, and she has screened me before for it. I do have some symptoms of bipolar, but not enough to qualify for a diagnosis. Also, if it isn't bipolar, any idea what else the trileptal might be for?

[~Christina]

There are hundreds of meds that are used off label.. Its the same kinda deal as people being put on AP's when there is no psychosis..

If your uncomfortable taking the med speak up to your Pdoc and you and he/she can come up with a plan that is going to be the best for you

be your own best advocate

[Curious651]

It is understandable to be concerned. Perhaps I am being self centered or rude, but I am thinking if I was you I would be ecstatic that I did not have bi polar. I do not wish to be judge mental at all, but this has been a curse the last few days with the severe mood swings I been having. Bless and positive thoughts.

[Bubbins]

obviously I don't envy anyone with bipolar. Anyway thanks for your advice. I am mostly worried because it is not recommended to combine trileptal with some other drugs I am taking.

[BlackSheep79]

I don't believe that Bubbins was stating that they believe they have bipolar but is only trying to understand why they would be put on a medication used for bipolar. Curious651 I understand what you are going thru referring to this disease as a curse, I'm also struggling really bad at the moment. I hope both of you feel better.

[SharonSharonSharon]

[QUOTE=Bubbins;4042618]I don't have bipolar, but my psychiatrist prescribed me trileptal. I am diagnosed with major depression and possible anxiety. Is there any reason that my doctor would prescribe trileptal if I don't have bipolar?

I have been diagnosed with major depression and mild anxiety disorder and my doctor recently added Trileptal to my meds, which have not been working. We are having trouble finding the right medication, or combo of meds. She said that it is a mood stabilizer. It has been helping, but I have gained a lot of weight in a short period of time (15 lbs in six weeks) and want to get off of it. I have arthritis and even a slight weight gain wrecks havoc on my joints.

[tomorrowisanewday]

I had depression and anxiety for a decade before a diagnosis of bipolar was added.
I am currently on Trileptal along with 8 different medications.
Trileptal is a great drug, but it isn't for everyone.
It is incredibly similar to Teretol which is known for helping many many people.
Basically they took teretol's structure and added an Oxygen to the compound so Trileptal has significantly less side effects.
It's main use is as an AED, anti epileptic drug, but it shown to help with depression and bipolar.
I had serious reservations about starting trileptal but at a good dosage it has seemed to helped me.
Though I will say on a low dosage when I first started and every now and then once I've gone on on the dosage it has seemed to cause me severe night terrors. Taking a xanax or any benzo before sleep will amend that though.
Like they said if you have concerns talk to your doctor but at the same time you need to trust your doctor has your best interests at heart and if you don't feel that you can do that, you need to find a new doctor. The only reason I am alive is because of the amazing relationship I have with my doctor and I trust her to the maximum extent and despite my reservations on certain things she has never let me down or led me astray.

[Crazy Hitch]

Your pdoc has prescribed this med as they believe that it's best for you at this time.

I'm not surprised you seem somewhat curious.

One thing I've learnt is different countries have different meds that are approved for various symptoms and even within each country it can be different. For instance, I'm on Lamatrogine here in Australia but it's not approved for bp treatment but in other countries it is.

You have every right to ask your pdoc all about this med and why specifically it has been prescribed for you.

The name of the drug and it's original purpose doesn't matter. Mixing incompatible meds, does.

Tell your doc.

[gubernova]

It helps a ton with anxiety. Psychologists are trying to stay away from benzos. I was out of options with my anxiety and this drug was a life saver. The only caveat I have is that if you have side effects, in my case blurred vision, coming off of it is hell. Good luck because if you have no side effects it will calm you down tremendously. Psychiatric drugs these days have many off label uses.