Posted by Ron Hill on August 16, 2009, at 14:19:11
In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by SLS on August 16, 2009, at 6:19:22
> Since 600mg of lithium has not produced a sustained improvement, I have decided to reduce my dosage down to 300mg and perhaps remain there for the long-term. I find that the higher dosages of lithium blunt my affect and rob me of my personality. I feel worse. These things were starting to appear at the 600mg. I should probably get a lithium blood level after I have been at 300mg for a week or two. I would hope that it be close to 0.3 mmol/L. This is the minimum level that some researchers feel that neuroprotection (bcl-2;BDNF) and neurogenesis (CREB) take place. In the long-term, I don't see how reversing the loss of brain tissue seen in mood disorders could hurt - except, perhaps, if it were to occur in Brodmann area 25 (ventral anterior cingulate cortex). Here, neurons are over-active in depression. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) serves to short-circuit this area, leading to reduced neurotransmission.
> - Scott
Hi Scott,Based on your Li trial, and because of the neuroprotective issues you mention above, I've been considering adding-on 300 mg of lithium. I haven't decided yet.
Although I have never read any research to support it, I have a purely speculative hunch that lithium might reduce rapid cycling tendencies. You've never read anything to support my hunch, have you?
Speaking of rapid cycling, my failed Parnate trial severed to greatly reduce the severity of my rapid cycling. During the three month Parnate trial, I did not rapid cycle. Instead, I was constantly depressed with debilitating levels of anergy and amotivation. Further, having switched back to Nardil about six weeks ago, my rapid cycling has been almost nonexistent. Time will tell if the improvement will last. If my rapid cycling remains diminished, then the four months of hell I experienced during my Parnate trial will all be worth it. The four months consisted of a three-week Nardil washout, a three month Parnate trial, and a one week Parnate washout prior to restarting Nardil.
Scott, given the great results Li gave you in the beginning of your trial, it must be all the more disappointing to feel the improvements fade away. P-disorders and erratic, unpredictable p-med responses should be categorized as War Crimes. Scott, Im sorry that you have been let down yet again. Keep swinging at the ball, my friend. Keep swinging at the ball.
-- Ron
dx: Bipolar II and mild OCPD
600 mg/day Trileptal
200 mg/day Lamictal
500 mg/day Keppra
90 mg/day Nardil
poster:Ron Hill
thread:904699
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090810/msgs/912426.html