Posted by SLS on June 5, 2000, at 14:19:02
In reply to Re: Parnate or Nardil for Bipolar Disorder ?, posted by Chris A. on June 4, 2000, at 16:23:14
> Scott,
> I have a friend with BP I who does very well on a Parnate/Lithium combo. Neither one cut it for me. At the momment I can't remember the specifics.
>
> Best,
>
> Chris A.
Chris - Thanks for the information. I really appreciate it. I think your reply has helped me come close to making a decision. I will probably choose Parnate. The last time I was on Parnate, I was also taking desipramine and experienced a partial response. I had some lithium sitting in my junk-drawer, and was considering adding it for a week or so to see what it would do. I know how often it makes a good adjunct to Parnate. It's just that I hate the way it makes me feel. I feel flat, less motivated, and less creative. It squashes my ego and fierceness - my gusto for attacking life and seizing the day. I can't believe I was stupid enough not to try it. This time, I don't plan to exclude it from my list. I will probably put it up higher having read of your friend's success.I hope you find success for yourself - soon.
I added a post along the ECT thread before seeing this one. I was hoping you hadn't tried an MAO inhibitor yet, as this would have been a wonderful stone to turn over. Sorry. Combining an MAOI with a tricyclic often works.
Do you intend to restart Lamictal after ECT? Seeing as how you experienced a partial response to it, I would think it a good idea. It may help to create a base from which to add antidepressants. Had you combined it with anything?
I have been taking 300mg since September, as it is one of the few drugs that gives me any type of long-term relief, as small as it may be. I recently thought to add Neurontin. It has helped a bit, but not nearly as much as I had hoped. After starting it, I ran across an article written by the NIMH describing their recent success with this combination. It might be something for you to consider. You may have more success with it than me, as the case they featured was a bipolar patient whose depression was recurrent rather than unremitting. His response was nearly complete. It seems that you will need something to prevent mania anyway if you want to go back to exploring antidepressants.
I appreciate your reply more than you could know. I sometimes feel as if I rub people the wrong way. I guess I must. I don't get many replies when I ask questions.
Take care.
Love,
Scott
poster:SLS
thread:35985
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000603/msgs/36150.html