Posted by wendy b. on April 18, 2002, at 14:32:48
In reply to Rapid cycling help needed!!, posted by HMK on April 17, 2002, at 13:20:07
Dear Heather,
I'm so sorry you have been having such a hard time! Keep posting to this Board, it's a big help to just be able to unload. Have you posted on PsychSocial Babble-land yet? Trying to remember if I've seen your name...
I have BPII, and have had rapid cycling too, but not to the distraction you are having. I am on Neurontin 3000 to 3600 daily, plus Wellbutrin, 350 mg daily. Xanax to help with anxiety when I need it.
Regarding meds, I agree with Ritch (Mitch), I suspect the Effexor is making you go up and down... Many, many people cannot tolerate the drug well, just look at the number of people who've discussed it on this board, and who've found it difficult to take. Getting off is hell (I did it about a year ago), but it is possible to titrate down veeerrrrry slowly. Luckily tapering down isn't hard with Effexor, you can just mix the little beady-things in the capsule into morning orange juice and swallow it that way. So you can really control how slowly you taper down. But anyway, I'd suggest it to your pdoc and see what s/he says. There are a lot of other antidepressants out there that you could try...
Also, what do you think about taking some time off from work? Do you have any sick leave due to you? Until you figure out the meds, anyway? I think it would help, if it's a possibility... although I know many places of employment do not offer it in their benefits packages, & some don't even have such packages at all. (\sigh/)
But being away from the stresses and hassles of your job, for a while, is very helpful, I know because I did that, too.hope you get well soon, & a big hug,
Wendy> I'm bipolar taking Effexor XR 75 mg., Geodon 60 mg. twice a day, and Neurontin 400 mg. three times a day. Lately I've been having the worst problems with rapid cycling- 2 days high, 1/2 day normal, then 2 days low.
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> What have people found in their experience to be the best medication for rapid cycling? I'm thinking Depakote- hate the weight gain but I'm absolutely desperate this time. I'm so tired of the suicidal depressed sleeping all the time then no sleep hyper crazed feelings. Almost had to go to the ER last Friday because I was so suicidal.
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> Am waiting to hear back from my psychiatrist who lives out of town. Would love some imput from people who have experienced this themselves.
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> Best wishes,
> Heather
poster:wendy b.
thread:103338
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020416/msgs/103437.html