drug induced depression - Neuropathy Message Board

momofsix · 04-04-2004, 07:44 AM

I am suffering with chronic nerve pain and have been trying various anti-seizure meds to see if they can give me relief (ie Neurontin, tegretol, lamactil). I am also on oxycontin. So far, I have had no success, but the one thing I seem to have experienced with each anti-seizure med is extreme depression. I am now just at the starting dose of Lamactil (1 week now), and once again I have experienced a terrible slide into deep depression. I don't think it's the oxycontin, because in between trying the different anti-seizure meds I go for several weeks on oxycontin alone, and do not feel the same depression. Has anyone else experienced this with these meds? What do I do? Does this kind of thing straighten itself out with time as you become adjusted to the meds?

Ann123 · 04-04-2004, 09:25 AM

Yes, though I wouldn't call it a deep depression. I found myself crying at the drop of a hat though.

Are you taking drugs that lift seratonin while on antiseizure meds?
1mg Ativan at night to help you get into a deep sleep which raises seratonin and an SSRI during the day to keep those seratonin levels throughout the day such as Lexapro can help lift depresssion. I suggest Lexapro because it is one of the fastest acting on the market today. Unfortunately, all of these things take time to work and it is often a combination of drugs that is needed. That is the toughest part about it.

If the Lamictrl (sp) proves intolerable, perhaps Topamax is an option. It is a newer antiseizure. It has its own set of side effects though. It is commonly used now for migraine pain and is beginning to be used for trig. nerve pain and cluster headaches. It is also used for weight loss and mood disorders. Much of its use is "off label" though. Worth looking into.

Take care. Good luck to you.