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The combo that works for me

Posted by banga on April 1, 2005, at 9:16:10

I have posted separately about my current formula, but thoght I'd post the list--as it works! for me and I remember how much I appreciate when someone finally gives good news...

I take (this is the order I added them):
* Lamictal 200mg
* desipramine 75 mg
* Abilify 2.5 mg
* Adderall 30
* Luvox 50mg

Do note that many of these medications potentiate (raise the blood levels) of each other so the blood levels are probably higher than if taken alone.
I officially have a dx of Major Depression and GAD, although Bipolar conditions run in my family so it may be actually arguably be a hidden BPII....
History, for those interested:
** Lamictal: helped feel stable already at 50mg, 100mg...less anxiety, depression barely softened ; but then anxiety increased badly, i tried 200mg but it was not doing the trick at all.
** Desipramine: came next. Helped immensely with energy, I assume eventually with depression too. but before a month was through I added
** Abilify 2.5 mg to combat the paralyzing anxiety I experience. It seemed to immediately help with depresson actually, helped anxiety marginally at that time.
** Adderall: had been contemplated before as a diagnosis of ADHD inattentive type was considered--have cognitive difficulties, difficulty organizing my life, etc..I never was able to complete a full assessment. But I noted that with Adderall, my vision sharpened! immensely, my typing became more accurate, I was more motivated and energetic.
** Luvox was added because I still had difficulty with anxiety. Though it had become milder, I am such an avoidant, procrastinating being that the influence of my life of the anxiety made getting important elements in my life done. I added 50 mg, considerably less than is usually therapeutic,given that Luvox, desipramine and Abliify raise each other's blood levels.
The combo began to work!! However, I was not happy taking so many meds, I decided to lessen or even discontinue Abilify. Three days into a taper I experienced excruciating anxiety. When I restarted Abilify, the anxiety abated mostly.

Though it felt stable it took about another 14 days on this combo to have it (maybe the LUvox? primarily) all kick in.
I feel happy, as if I now do not need to constantly battle the downward pull into depression; much more energy, and only very mild anxiety.
I keep wanting to drop one of the drugs. Lamictal I actually had dropped 100mg, intended to drop it. But then I read it may help with my one distressing residual symptom--derealization, a feeling of being disconnected from the world--so I upped it back to 200mg. Arguably, it may have been partly responsible for that last move into true feelings of stability.
So I want to drop one, but then think: which one? i now believe each contributes. I do not have side effects, no weight gain (in fact I think I have lost weight), no intensification of brain fog (a symptom that has not abated regardless of what I do with meds), save for sometimes my sleep is not a deep sleep. So I had better stay with what finally works!!

The only other symptom I worry about--sort of odd aggressive impulse--not anger or rage, just when someone annoys me I have an urge to slap or kick them. But this symptom started way eariler, last year, when I was taking Lexapro. For obvious reasons I am reluctant to add yet another med to try and address this...hoping it too may fade soon...
Sorry for the long post, but I thought it may help someone.

Good luck to all! I can only say hang in there, keep trying. From a person who was in deep despair with a death wish, who did find relief after a long struggle, it truly is worth it. Let's hope it all doesnt poop out on me.


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poster:banga thread:478451
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