Posted by andsoitgoes on October 18, 2007, at 21:55:08
In reply to Re: Difficulty in Diagnosis? Bipolar II??, posted by JayBTV2 on October 18, 2007, at 10:41:48
Thanks for all the help, it really seems like it is the next thing to try. I don't know if the Zyprexa is doing anything other than reducing my energy. Mind you, 5mg is still pretty low, but I think I'm going to stick with it for a bit at least.
My biggest issue is the "hypomania" and the fact that I really perceive very minor symptoms of the energy that bipolar 2 is surrounded with. But that's also why I'm thinking going to see a pdoc is a good idea, I just don't go back to see my family doctor until next week, so I've got a ways to go.
I'm feeling discouraged again as well, what if this isn't the answer, what if I'm back to the drawing board?
Or, what scares me just as much, is combining drugs and finding a "cocktail" that works. The cost is not an issue, however the difficulty I have telling if something works IS. Hell, I can't tell if Tylenol works a lot of the time, because whatever thought I had before slips from my mind, even if it was a bad headache.
Phelps site has really shown that it very well COULD be BPII, but how do I know? Is a pdoc any better to reat me than a GP who is willing to look at these options?
> I guess like everything else everyone reacts differently. I haven't had any side effects w/ it really. Weight neutral, no sexual issues, no dry mouth (or excess salivation)...perhaps the only thing is odd dreams but those have subsided a bit.
>
> I started it once before and jumped up to 100mg really quick (I was stupid) and got really red all over (Not a rash but looked like the blood was rushing to my skin). Luckily after a few months my pdoc let me try it again (following directions this time) and it's been working pretty effectively.
>
> As for titration I also take depakote (250mg) so I had to go even slower than 25mg a week. Depakote can almost double the half life of Lamictal so they give you a different starter kit. 25mg every other day at first, then 25mg a day, then an additional 25mg every week to 10days thereafter. I'm finally up to 200mg (Where I'll stay) and am feeling pretty good. I'm still not as motivated as I'd like to be but I don't get down on myself as I used to....
>
> -Jay
poster:andsoitgoes
thread:789780
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071009/msgs/790035.html