Posted by Cam W. on February 19, 2000, at 22:56:11
In reply to Re: Lamictal for BipolarII/Mixed Type Depressio, posted by Jesse on February 19, 2000, at 22:36:28
> Cam W.
> Thanks for you're response. Any support is extremely helpful right now. I'm 25 and have a long (10year), frustrating history filled with misdiagnoses etc. Anyway I'm finally coming to terms with the fact that I have Bipolar II. But it is at the expense of major impairments in professional and social functioning which I am experiencing currently. I'm very impatient and need to be stabilized fast- Hypomanic, dysphoric periods then I crash. My MD is away for a few days and I'm getting worse. Ok my question -For bipolar II, What can stabilize me faster than lamictal.My M.D. and I agreed on Lamictal because of the low side effect profile.He recommended Zyprexa as well but I held off because of fear of weight gain (I obsessively exercise an was a serious runner-the only thing that saves me when I gets so hyper and agitated) Anyway right now I am getting worse and scared and willing to set aside any worries/obsessions about side effects so I can get better and function and be stable. Another issue with mood stabilizes- I am an aspiring actor and was afraid it would effect my creativity. But now I am not good and don't give a shit I just want my life back in control. WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMET TO GET A BIPOLAR II PATIENT STABLE IN A HURRY-DEPAKOTE? SHOULD I START ZYPREXA? Neurontin? I need help?
Jesse - Your doctor has made a good call. The Zyprexa is only going to be used short-term, minimizing the risk of weight gain. It will most likely only be used until the Lamictal is raised to an effective dose. Also, keep up the exercise and eat a healthier diet (fill up on salads) to reduce the risk of weight gain. Zyprexa has some antidepressant activity and also very pronounced anti-manic effects and may help control some of those ruminating thoughts. Give it a shot. Benefits will probably outweight risks in this case. Keep your doctor (and us) posted to you progress. Good luck - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:22367
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000209/msgs/22606.html