Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: neurontin for cyclothymia

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Obsessive


i am a 28yr old woman diagnosed with OCD & Social Phobia. I am currently taking 50mg of Paxil per day which is helping immensly with the OCD. Two days ago my psychiatrist diagnosed me with cyclothymia (mood disorder related to Bipolar) and he prescribed 300mg of Neurontin per day with a gradual increase, so far i have only found info. relating to pain and seizure control, has anyone ever taken this for a mood disorder or can any of the dr.s offer any info. in relation to this? Any info. is appreciated. Thank you.

=
Thanks for your question. A survey of clinical literature over the last
15 years on the possible use of gabapentin (Neurontin) on cyclothymia did
NOT reveal any publications in major clinical journals. However, another
anti-epileptic medication, valproate (Depakote), has been reported as
successful in improving the symptoms of this psychiatric condition. Below
are some of these articles:


The effect of valproate on bipolar spectrum temperamental disorders.
J Clin Psychiatry 1993 Aug;54(8):300-4 (ISSN: 0160-6689)
Deltito JA
Anxiety and Mood Disorders Program, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, White Plains 10605.

Low-dose valproate: a new treatment for cyclothymia, mild rapid cycling disorders, and
premenstrual syndrome.
J Clin Psychiatry 1993 Jun;54(6):229-34 (ISSN: 0160-6689)
Jacobsen FM
Transcultural Mental Health Institute, Washington, DC 20036-6043.


I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.
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