Posted by ClearSkies on January 10, 2007, at 19:40:25
In reply to Re: Bipolar II - it really sucks, posted by polarbear206 on January 10, 2007, at 18:06:22
I'm currently tapering off of Lamictal as it has not shown any benefits for my hypomanic episodes. I'm full-blown right now. Breezed through euphoria sometime yesterday and I'm back to shuddering and not being able to hold a thought for more than a few moments... which is why I'm posting, I guess.
My hypomania is so shortlived, and so infrequent, that I really question whether a mood stabilizer is the right treatment for me. Goodness knows, this med isn't doing anything for my current frenzy. My anxiety is way up as the Lamictal is going down, that much is apparent.
So, I'm thinking, Depakote or Lithium are on the horizon. Though considering my infrequent periods of hypomania, I think I'd do ok with sticking with my current AD - Cymbalta, 60mg - and a low dose of a benzo if I need it to get through the next skip through crazy-land. My pdoc has been informed that I consider her dismissive of my opinions. I print out loads of anecdotal evidence and she handed the last batch back at me. "No studies, no double-blind, no references, these mean nothing." Charming woman. Then I pointed out that my experiences are anecdotal, by definition. And that if she didn't respond to my anecdotal symptoms, that I'd find a pdoc who would.
It's been contentious. I'm thrashing against a doctor who wants to ADD rather than SUBTRACT. When I reported my problems with Lamictal - that it isn;t working for me - her response was to recommend an additional AD to help. I started bawling my eyes out, right there, I swear. (I usually leave my pdoc's office in tears, come to think of it.)
So, where was I?
Yes, BP II sucks. Some people don't accept that it's a bonafide dx. Some people think you should work this stuff through for yourself and get off all the meds.
I think that I need a fairy godmother who will wave her magic wand over my head, and pronounce me Fixed.
Ain't that a nice thought?Forgive me for rambling,
ClearSkies
poster:ClearSkies
thread:720616
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070107/msgs/721185.html