Posted by nmk on June 6, 2003, at 10:56:52
In reply to Re: Should BP II's nix the AD's? - Depends » nmk, posted by Barbara Cat on June 5, 2003, at 1:03:24
> Nicole,
> You probably won't get this before seeing your pdoc but you might want to see what he/she thinks about lithium for you. You sound alot like what I used to go through. The depression/anxiety combo is the worst. Mixed states is absolute hell. I can't begin to tell you how lithium has helped me. I was so reluctant to take it even though my pdoc had suggested it periodically, mainly as an augmentor for my ADs that weren't working. Also the stigma - 'lithium, eeeyu, that means really crazy!' It's given me my life back. I know you're concerned about the weight thing but when ya feel good, ya exercise more, so it's a wash. If this next adjustment of current meds isn't doing it, you might try lithium for a trial period just to see. I'm hearing more and more about how if you have a bipolar disorder, you can add on all you want, but lithium is the bedrock.
>
> >
> > >
>Barbara,
Talked to my pdoc yesterday (before I read your post) and we decided to tinker with the AD's first and if I continue to cylce, we will raise the dose of Trileptal. I am currently at 1200mg but he stated that I could go up as high as 2800 mg. The thought of that freaks me out. The third line of defense will be to switch to a new mood stabilizer, in which I will discuss Lithium and Lamictal since I have also read so many positive experiences with both meds. I have no problem with Lithium.....at this point, I will do whatever works.
Can I ask you a few questions??? What is your dose of Lithium? Do you take an AD to augment? Since you started Lithium, have you cycled at all or have things been pretty stable? Other than the weight gain, any negative s/e's for you?
Thanks for all of your help and support Barbara, I really do appreciate it.
Nicole
poster:nmk
thread:229544
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030604/msgs/231896.html