Posted by judy1 on September 15, 2002, at 19:03:47
In reply to Need advice: meds for bipolar rapid cycling, posted by lorelai on September 14, 2002, at 22:25:12
Sorry, Lorelai, unfortunately depakote is the most effective anti-manic agent for rapid cyclers, also zyprexa (but that packs on the pounds). The first thing I noticed was the ADs you were on- they are definitely contraindicated in BP 1. So, hopefully, since you stopped them the cycling will slow. Klonopin is probably better than ativan for you- it's also a benzo but is often used as an adjunct mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder. neurontin is useless, lamictal is good for depression but not mania, and like the other poster said topomax has cognitive side effects. how trusting are you with your pdoc? I ask, because after 2 years with mine, I've been able to take depakote on a prn basis- when he starts seeing a manic swing he insists i take it. at first i blew him off, but i would have the psychotic episodes that landed me in the hospital and all the financial difficulties you mentioned. now i work with a therapist and shrink and we monitor (even my husband and son!) my moods so we're able to catch an episode early. i need to stress this will only work if you have an excellent partnership with your shrink, and really understand the danger a manic episode presents. so for now, i just take klonopin (i have panic and ptsd) and see my shrink and therapist once a week. best of luck- judy
poster:judy1
thread:119887
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020914/msgs/119952.html