Posted by SLS on December 6, 2000, at 6:37:52
In reply to Re: To all bipolar sufferers, posted by Lorie on December 5, 2000, at 22:45:50
> Hi All:
>
> I was diagnosed bipolar about 9 years ago...I've had 4 psychotic manic episodes in that time but 2 of them in the last two years. The first of those two I took stellazine and it would not get me back so I was given zyprexa and it worked miracles. I stopped taking it because I really didn't want to be dependent on anything besides lithium which I've come to accept and take religiously. Everything was fine until my father passed away about 6 months ago and I was back up again - not wanting to feel the pain. I took zyprexa again and it did work at getting me more grounded. Again after I felt more stable I stopped taking the zyprexa and was okay for about 3 months and just now started noticing symptoms of "going up" again so I'm back on it. I'm just wondering if I'm going to end up always on it. I appreciate it's super glue qualities for my psyche but the drowsiness is a drag - I can over sleep for hours.
>
> This is my first time posting and thanks to all who have shared.
>
> Lorie
Hi Lorie.I guess you must fully evaluate the benefits versus liabilities of taking Zyprexa indefinitely versus not taking it. Manic episodes tend to become more severe and more frequent with each successive episode, so prevention is critical. One option would be to add another mood stabilizer to the lithium. For me, Depakote acts as a potent antimanic when a mixed-state mania is provoked by medication. Lamictal has also shown itself to be a competent mood stabilizer, and is usually without significant side effects. It is not sedating. With Lamictal, it is important to start with a low dosage and increase it gradually over the course of four weeks. This helps to prevent a potentially serious allergic-type reaction and rash. After that, it can be manipulated as needed. It's a pretty clean drug. Using lithium plus another mood stabilizer might be worth a try.
By the way, you should be congratulated for recognizing the onset of mania and taking remedial actions to prevent it. Not everyone has this ability. I haven't in the past.
Congratulations on your first post! Well done.
Sincerely,
Scott
poster:SLS
thread:36911
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001130/msgs/50036.html