[Cassie8]

I started with Depression at the age of 19 and am now 55 years old. After much different diagnosis my Consultant told me that I have Bi-polar Affective Disorder about 5 years ago. I have been on many different kinds of Medication over the years and have learnt how to cope with it better. Although with me its more of the deep depressions that I have found hard to cope with.

My Daughter is getting married this year and I really want to lose weight so that I can really feel good about myself. As you probably know that some of the medications put on weight and that is what I am struggling with at present. I am on Sodium Valproate 500 mg twice a day, Neurontin (Gabapentin) 300 mg twice a day and Effexor XR 150 mg twice a day. About a month ago with agreement with my Psychiatrist I have been reducing my Valproate and now am on 1 a day. My problem is that I am not sleeping very well and have had to take sleeping tablets and at times I feel very “edgy” and tense. Do you know if anyone else has or had this problem and if so, how did they cope with it? Also, I have been tearful at times. I must say my Psychiatrist was not keen for me to reduce but I pleaded with him.

I would be very grateful for any replies and help.

[deepthinker]

Hi there Cassie,

Unfortunately I can relate to your story. I was on medication for a year and was not told how to wean myself from them. All my doctor (at the time) told me was to come off them slowly. That's all. So I thought 3 days of half a tablet was enough. Shock to my system, it wasn't. I found myself going through cold turkey just like a drug addict. I thought i was going to die. So i went through the worst weaning you could go through I believe when coming off medication.

I had the tears, the cramps, vomiting - you name it, I think i had it. I'm an insomniac so sleeping is always a problem for me. I don't take any medication now for anything. I believe everything that you are feeling is just quite normal. These meds help stabilize your feelings and now because your coming off them, it is quite normal that your feelings and emotions are a little on edge. If it continues or gets worse over a few weeks, perhaps you should consult your doctor/psychiatrist and see what he has to say.

All I can say is, just hang in there. From what I've heard, most people have a hard time coming off medication. I send you heaps of positive vibes your way in hoping you will feel better soon.
Take care
*hugs*

It all depends on how we look at things, and not how they are in themselves. C.G Jung

[darkeyes]

I had gained weight when I was on Depakote (valproic acid), I now take Lamictal 200mg and still stay with low dose of Lithium (not as weight gain producing as Depakote). I was diagnosed as being Bipolar-II (mild) due to the way I reacted towards a family thing 3 years ago (trigger). I first was put on Depakote and Remeron, we eliminated the Remeron cause it was too "zombifying", so they put me on Celexa for the depression (suicidal) with the Depakote, after a year and falling asleep 3 times within that year I asked my new doc (I had just moved) to let me try Lithium, my brother has been on it for over 33 years with excellent results, and he did not gain weight from it, just over the years of being middle aged did that. The doc included the Lamictal because the depression wasn't completely out of the picture and Celexa and the other SSRI's no longer worked, soooooooooo I said let's give it a shot, the stuff has worked, I've been on it since Aug.2002 and things are going good, I have even managed to remain "functional" during the past few months that have been very hard, I lost my dad on 11/26/02 who I loved very very much. I am working on this main issue with continued "talk therapy" and staying with my meds, but I think "time" is what will be key in getting through this. Weight has always been my issue, I won't say the meds haven't contributed to it, but I have not been as avtive as I was before I had moved here almost 2 years ago. Not to sound like a Lithium & Lamictal salesperson, but both have worked miracles neither one has given me an increased appetite, but Depakote use to make me feel like eating constantly Oh, I left out that my doc had also tried me on Topamax cause I did not want to gain anymore weight, I had already had gained nearly 30 lbs. from the damn Depakote. There have been some people that lose weight from Topamax but unfortunately I wasn't one of the lucky people, so I said to the doc "let's forget that" and get some "serious" working meds. that's when he said let's try the Lamictal, I hesitated but after I had drove out to where I use to live and saw my former doc for a re-evaluation, she suggested the same med. Maybe if you haven't tried the meds. I mentioned you may want to ask your doc about them.
Just my 2 cents
Many good wishes to you
Take care,
"darkeyes"

PS Sorry this was so lengthy

[Cassie8]

Dear Deepthinker ,
Thank you so much for your reply. It is nice to know that someone out there understands. I get so confused with all these feelings and then wonder if I am doing the right thing. This week my daughter sent me a really awful e-mail and critized me for everything possible about her wedding. Just because I had some opinions about things too, After all, her Dad & I are paying for it. She has said some cruel things over the past year about my illness BP11 and yet she has been very good to visit me in hospital when I have had to go in.

It's bad enough coming off medication without having all these stresses as well. It's ended up with me being at home to-day instead of working as I feel so depressed about the whole thing.

My councellor is suppposed to be phoning me at some point but I have not heard from her yet. I am sure she will.

Anyway, thanks for your support and hope that you are feeling good at present.

Hugsxx Janet

[Cassie8]

Thank you Darkeyes for replying to my letter. It has been very helpful. I am supposed to be seeing my Psychiatrist when I get around to making an appointment. The reason I am stalling it is that I have finally received all my records from the U.K. as I now live in Hong Kong. I am trying to compile a Profile of my life with Depression and the drugs that I have had over the years. It is so hard to remember everything. I feel that if I am in command of my life, I can agree or disagree with any further treatment. So I will be taking all of your information on board before I see my Psych.

Hope you are keeping well and I am sorry to hear about your Fathers Death - It is always hard and you missed them so much. Just think of it that at least they are at rest and peace now. Time is really the best healer, but you never will forget them. Anyway, Take care of yourself.
Love Cassie8 xx

[Willow]

Hi Cassie,

I just went off a very low dose of chlonazepam. The crazies lasted about 2 weeks and I'm feeling much better now. Just go off slowly and gently is all I have to say. Withdrawal from the lowest dose gave me big reactions.

I don't know anything about the meds you metioned. My doc has put me on imapramine as a replacement for the chlonazepam.

[MomSeesAll]

I happen to be on this site for suggestions for my daughter (also BP), but your letter struck a note with my own experience with withdrawal. I have a seizure disorder, and was taking Depakote for several months. My, did I gain the weight! It was terrible. I too, ate like food was endangered. Couldn't stop the hungries. My neuro finally agreed to try me on Topamax for the alleged weight loss side effect thing, but it turns out, it was Dope-a-Max. I slept ALL THE TIME. Needless to say, the weight stayed on due to the hibernation. Then came Trileptal, which was great for about 8 months, and then I got suddenly, EXTREME dizziness. Now is Lamictal, of which has been only 3 weeks on. Coming off the Trileptal suddenly and switching to the Lamictal has caused me terrible stomach cramps and intense nausea. I just keep waiting for it to get better. These are all the same meds that my daughter tries for BP, so I thought it may help you a little.

P.S. I am a FIRM believer in exercise and whole foods (no canned, processed or fast foods, only foods in as close to their natural state as possible). It helps with weight issues, and adds the bonus of helping your body to cope with the illness and become more efficient at that. Good luck, from my waistline to yours!

[darkeyes]

Everyone responds to meds. diferently, but I'd like to share with you my experience with the Lamictal has been great
I've been on it since August 2002, no problems with it, like many meds. it is one that should be titrated (start with minimum and gradually work up to optimum doasage). Depakote is a dieter's nightmare, plus is sedating. For Bipolar disorder Lithium has been the most effective and longest running than any of the anti-convulsants now being used, and it too is non sedating while being on it after the very start of using it, you can go about your regular business but do follow the instructions that either your doc or pharmacist will supply you with, just like any other meds. I take Lithium and Lamictal, the Lamictal has excellent anti depressant qualities.
Lamictal was prescribed to me when the SSRI's "pooped" out which can be common with anti-depressants in that group (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors).
I had the same response to Topamax, I like your your name for it, "dope-a-Max" that was funny, tee hee
Take care,
"darkeyes"

PS If there is anyway I can get you more info, let me know, I have a slew of books and website links I get onto.

[Cassie8]

Hi Darkeyes,
How are you? One question I have to ask you before I am sure about Lamictal, did you have any problems with the skin rash as a side effect? I have been doing my research on this and this skin rash they mention, scared me a bit. Can you tell me anything about this?

Thanks. Keep well,
Cassie8

[darkeyes]

That rash stuff first scared me too The doc and my former doc where I lived before eased my mind about the chances being slim, especially about the near fatal one, that is very rare and occurs more commonly in children.
No I did not experience any side effects, no rashing, nada !
The way is that the doc (which I am sure he will) starts you at low doses and gradually increases it till he has you at therapeutic level (referred to as titration). Now bear in mind what has worked for me like a charm, doesn't mean it will for another person and vise versa, but I got to a point I'd try anything, I was tired of being so depressed constantly, and miserable to be around.
I'd say give it a try but be sure it is being prescribed by your psychiatrist if this is for psychiatric purposes, GP's do not know how to work with this for psyc. disorders, this drug is also used (originally) for epilepsy. I hope you have as great outcome with Lamictal as I have, if you choose to take it.
Take care,
"darkeyes"

PS What's nice it doesn't cause weight gain