Posted by Chloe on June 29, 2002, at 15:34:12
In reply to Re: Cycling-depakote/Li prn???? » Chloe, posted by jay on June 29, 2002, at 1:38:27
> Hi Chloe:
>
> I am sorry to hear you are having such a rough time, and especially when you have a 'moment' when all heck breaks loose.Thanks for responding. The cycles just seem to be taking over lately...But i can't remember a time in my life without them, on meds or off. But, during these episodes, I can never remember feeling "well" and functional. But then when I get back on my feet again, I can't believe I have times of such pain, dissociation and psychosis.
> I have heard of docs both up'ing Depakote and Lithium, as your doses do seem a bit low (Esp the Depakote). I wouldn't advise doing it on your own, though, as you know with all of the meds you are on, you may have to have your blood levels of the medications taken. Plus, you also want to get on a 'theraputic' (helpful) level of medications.Yes, I should be intouch with the pdoc about this. But during difficult times she can be particularly hard to reach...Over Mother's day I had a really bad episode, and I paged her many times, and she didn't get back to me for 48 hours. And her pager is for emergencies (which it was...)! Thank heavens I was able to stay safe. I guess I need to arrange some kind of plan during emergencies with her...
> Also, did you say 1.4 mg's of Celexa? How do you get that dose? Just curious...and also has your doctor ever tried another antidepressant besides Celexa?Yes, 1.4 mgs in liquid form. SSRI's work for me at very tiny doses. Otherwise I am SO anxious and agitated and feel rushed all the time, like I literally have to run everywhere. More than 1.4 mgs I am too edgy and speedy, any less, and I tend to obsess a little more. I think the AD effect has long pooped out. That happened with prozac and zoloft. I tried and failed with Serzone, Wellbutrin...AD's in general seem to agitate me and make me cycle more. So a little is best. But I do think I am always feeling pretty blue and blah. I work at not getting caught up in negative thinking patterns...Which helps but doesn't take that chronic "ache" away.
> Hope and prayers are with you...please take good care of yourself.
Thanks Jay, I appreciate the sentiment. I am sorry I am not familar with your history, but do you have trouble with cycling and the ol' rollercoaster of moods? Do have any meds you find useful?
Chloe> Jay
>
>
> > Generally speaking I feel OK to a little depressed most of the time. Then every three weeks, I start feeling so great and ambitious. And I don't think it's linked to periods, as I am taking the BCP continuously which has stop my periods (and pms).
> >
> > This go around, I was going to go back to school, start another career, cancel therapy sessions, go on an extended vacation, get involved with local organizations, etc. Then when I realize I can't do it all, I get into this agitated fury where I am screaming frofanities and hate words to the people I love and need. Also, during these agitated times, that last about 36-48 hours, I am highly suicidal, raging and beyond reason(and I often don't remember much of these episodes, or I have terrible remorse). AND I can't take AP's because I have TD from taking mellaril for years and years.
> >
> > Does anyone have any thoughts on taking extra Depakote or lithium just during these times? Or is the fact that I am cycling at all a sign that I am not on enough mood stabilizer? I am quite petite, and get hit very hard with side effects, so my pdoc has me on many meds at low doses to avoid painful side effects. However, during the times I am not foaming and screaming, I am quite reasonable and rational.
> >
> > FYI, I take
> > 250 mgs depakote
> > 225 mgs Li ER
> > 600 mgs Neurontin
> > 10 mgs diazapam
> > 1.4 mgs Celexa
> > 25 mgs Doxepin (for lithium induced scalp pain)
> >
> > Thanks
> > Chloe
poster:Chloe
thread:110954
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020628/msgs/111039.html