Posted by blueboy on June 13, 2008, at 9:22:36
In reply to Re: NEWBIE--My story (long, but please read!), posted by linkadge on June 6, 2008, at 13:37:51
> For instance, there is a possability I would fit into a BP diagnosis. Antidepressants poop out and I go through periods of feeling just fine (I wouldn't call it hypomania though). Nevertheless, why on earth would I want to take a mood stabilizer when 9 days out of 10 it is the depression that is most burdonsome.
>I was told that Lamictal would be superior for BP depression than a straight AD, such as an SSRI.
I can't speak to your symptoms, etc. For me, the AD's did not work. Or, more accurately, other than Nardil, the effects were profoundly . . . well, bad. I didn't get less depressed and I did get horrid side effects.
The guy I saw seemed pretty much on top of things. His number one recommendation for me (BP II with depression and plenty of other "axes" like OCD) was Lamictal and possibly Mirapex, due to the strong anti-depressant action in BP patients. If those failed, he listed all the usual BP suspects (Depakote, lithium) as the primary drugs of choice.
> Somtimes AD's make people feel better than well for a period of time. Nardil is especially known for this. It doesn't last, but I wouldn't take it as a symptom of bipolar.
I'm not so sure about that. I feel that, in my case, the Nardil brought on hypomania. And in retrospect, although I was quite happy, it was destructive.
>
> Antidepressants can do funny things.
>
>Ain't that the truth :)
poster:blueboy
thread:833193
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080606/msgs/834441.html