Posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on January 11, 2009, at 18:25:10
In reply to Recurrent Bipolar2 depression, posted by Golf4 on January 11, 2009, at 7:32:19
> can anyone share any(positive) experience concerning the treatment and mainly the preventing of the depr.episodes as it is well known being the main problem for the Rapid Cycle Bipolar2's
Well, I am in a bit of an 'experiment' right now, and I can't say anything concrete. Mind you, I've been working at treating this thing for over a decade. My depression is quite a bad side to my bp2, and I use meds that are usually considered a 'no-no' in bipolar. I absolutely have to take an antidepressant, in fact I am going through such a rough time, I have to take two. I am on Prozac, and (was just prescribed) a small amount of EffexorXR. To control dysphoric mania, I take Risperdal 1mg, Topamax 200mg, clonazepam 1mg, and just added Zyprexa, 2.5mg. There is a reason to it all. I've responded positively to all of these meds in the past, and my antidepressant needs a 'tiny' norepinephrine kick, but not too much to cause mania. The mood stabalizers and antipsychotics keep me nice and even too. I know it sounds like a lot, but I have had a major treatment-resistent case, and have only started improving in the past 4 years or so out of 10.
I keep a daily journal, and can go back and trace every single med to every 'feeling' I had (or didn't). Clonazepam is also a very good mood stabalizer, and lasts and works for a long time. I work in a stressful but rewarding job, make a decent living, and do consistently see improvements over time. Yes, like this past week, there are the odd steps backwards, but I can get over and beyond. Anything else you'd like to know, just please ask! Best wishes...Jay
poster:Jay_Bravest_Face
thread:873309
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/873403.html