Posted by JohnX2 on March 8, 2002, at 17:38:44
In reply to Re: Johnx2, others -- Nardil Question, etc. » JonW, posted by JohnX2 on March 8, 2002, at 17:08:36
Jonw,Oh, I don't have any problems with
social phobia (at least I don't have a diagnosis).I've pondered for years what the source of
my "agitation" is. I'm convinced its just
some form of hypomania. Also struggled with
an ADD diagnosis, but seemed to rule that out.
But it is common for bipolar. If Im a little euphoric,
then its obvious. But its possible to be hypomanic
but not euphoric, this is "dysphoric hypomania".These are some symptoms:
- I have A LOT of difficulty sitting still.
- Also I have a really bad memory.
I have difficulty reading books (like to read
short magazine articles). Get bored easily.
- Am really good at math and science (electrical engineer),
but use a calculator to multiply high single
digit numbers.
-Have to leave my cubicle at work
every 20 minutes to "walk around" and chat with
people.
-Driving my car and listenig to loud music calms
me down immensely.
-caffeine junky
-can be extremely confrontational
-very self critical (while also confrontational
and dont put up with other peoples crud).
- get bored easily
- stimulants do NOT calm me down, they drive me
hypomanic.
- when I'm agitated, feeling "anxious", I'm not
psychologically worrying about anything, its purely
physical energy. (more an indicator of dysphoric
hypomania).
- The anti-anxiety medicine Klonopin calms be
down (1st medicine to stabilize my mood). I've
seen a few bipolars run into this by accident.
Taking AD's, given Klonopin for anxiety/agitation, and then
magically the mood stabilizes. Why? Because
Klonopin is also an anti-convulsant/mood stabilizer
like Depakote/Neurontin, etc. So sometimes I see
bipolars treated as unipolar depression unknowingly
using a medicine like Klonopin as a mood stabilizer.
I did this for many months before getting a good
bipolar diagnosis.Anyways, I take these medicines below, but it's really not
completely relavent to your situation. Everyone here dx'd as
bipolarII has a different recipe. You just need to find what
you are comfortable with (hopefully a good doctor
calls the shots with you).Topamax 400 mg
Serzone 300 mg
Lamictal 150 mg
Klonopin 1 mgI'd prefer to just be on mood stabilizers.
Mainly only Lamictal, but the Serzone and Topamax
help with some headaches. The Klonopin I am trying
to quit. I've taken Zoloft and it made me manic.
It made my mood a little flat after that. Wellbutrin
was better but it also made me manic. Wellbutrin
was the best for motivation, energy, drive.Of the medicines I take, Lamictal and Klonopin
are popular. Serzone and Topamax are more fringe.
Your results may vary, yada.good luck with your medicines.
John
>
> Hi JonW,
>
> Nardil is a very well respected medicine for social phobia/atypical depression.
> Many people believe the MAO inhibitors are an effective 1st line treatment
> for these symptoms (although many people do well on other classes of
> medicines too). There are other MAO inhibitors used, mainly
> Parnate and Selegiline, but Nardil is sometimes more pupular for social
> phobia becuase it is may be a bit better for anxiety.
>
> For atypical depression occasionally the SSRIs dont works out
> and people do feel a bit of emotional blunting, so maybe the Nardil isn't a bad option.
> The main downside is the dietary restriction. I haven't taken
> Nardil, but others on the board have and I have seen positive
> comments.
>
> As far as the ADD goes, I don't know about the ability to
> combine stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall with an MAO
> inhibitor, check with your doctor for medicine interactions.
> Do you take stimulants for ADD? (Sometimes ADD/anxiety symptoms in Bipolar II
> are confused with hypomania in my pdoctors opinion)
>
> Depakote is a good 1st line mood stabizer for bipolar II and
> Neurontin is popular add on for anxiety. I have taken
> Neurontin to help stabilize my mood and deal with anxiety
> issues. Some other people use Lamictal (me), or Lithium, or
> Tegetrol as mood stabilizers, but they are all fine choices
> for individual cases.
>
> I have taken Zyprexa to help me with anxiety and sleep and
> it really helped a lot.
>
> I think getting a good diagnosis and having a good rapport
> with a trusted doctor is most important. Sounds
> like you are on a good track. Hopefully you can get
> some more feedback on Nardil, I have heard it can be very good
> for social phobia/atypical depression. Your results
> may vary, as always.
>
> Best Wishes,
> John
>
> > My diagnosis would be something like Bipolar II + Atypical Depression (same as BP2?) + Bad Social Phobia + ADD. All of these are subject to change of course... I'm currently taking Depakote + Neurontin + Zoloft + Zyprexa. I've gotten the impression that you have similar symptoms as mine. If so, what is your current treatment? Sometimes anectodal research is like oxygen, you know?
> >
> > Several doctors whom I respect have suggested that I go on Nardil. Zoloft has taken the life out of me and doesn't seem to be helping with SP. Does Nardil have this same side-effect? I'd love to hear of different people's experiences on Nardil and other MAOIs? Anyone's advice is much appreciated.
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> > Jon
poster:JohnX2
thread:97093
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020307/msgs/97104.html