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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
GABITRIL
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
GABITRIL
by 13tiger, Nov 07, 2003 12:00AM
DEAR DR.
Thank you for answering. I am confused. The Physchiatrist told me Gabitril is NOT ADDICTIVE and can be stopped without tapering. Was I misinformed?
He did tell me it is an anti convulsant and many of his peers are using it for their anxiety patients with good results. His take is getting me off the ADDICTIVE ATIVAN without getting me dependant on another drug I would have to taper. I am hoping it is for short term use anyway and that the Prozac will take over and deminish the depression and anxiety.
One other question: I have been advised to up my 2 mgs doese *I am on 4mg now day 6)Liquid Prozac every 5 day's versus the 7 day's the Med. Advise person suggested. She did say either would be fine; but I would like to know if that is going up too fast or is it better to get it onboard and in the blood chemistry sooner for a quicker result.
Please answer a.s.a.p. in detail. I appreciate your imput.\
Pat
Thank you for answering. I am confused. The Physchiatrist told me Gabitril is NOT ADDICTIVE and can be stopped without tapering. Was I misinformed?
He did tell me it is an anti convulsant and many of his peers are using it for their anxiety patients with good results. His take is getting me off the ADDICTIVE ATIVAN without getting me dependant on another drug I would have to taper. I am hoping it is for short term use anyway and that the Prozac will take over and deminish the depression and anxiety.
One other question: I have been advised to up my 2 mgs doese *I am on 4mg now day 6)Liquid Prozac every 5 day's versus the 7 day's the Med. Advise person suggested. She did say either would be fine; but I would like to know if that is going up too fast or is it better to get it onboard and in the blood chemistry sooner for a quicker result.
Please answer a.s.a.p. in detail. I appreciate your imput.\
Pat
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Nov 13, 2003 12:00AM
, Nov 13, 2003 12:00AM
Its not addictive, but it is still advisable to taper just because it has a direct effect on neurons..that's what anticonvulsants do in the body. YOu can get a rebound effect, that is why you taper.
going up in dose sooner for prozac is a good idea...
going up in dose sooner for prozac is a good idea...
http://www.gabitril.com/patients/home/default.asp
It appears if the drug is used as a seizure medication, then yes, a gradual withdrawal is indicated or there might be a sudden increase in seizure activity.
But you are talking about an off-label use, so there really isn't anything in the website prescribing info on it.