Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 9730

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Re: Seroquel - nope » katia

Posted by BarbaraCat on July 12, 2004, at 15:50:27

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on July 12, 2004, at 14:02:10

You can get Rescue Remedy at any healthfood store. It's good for people and animals. It's indicated for shock and trauma, but good for any kind of stress. Nothing dramatic, just smooths things out energetically. I know some hard-core cynics who normally scoff at flower essences who use Rescue Remedy.

As far as the listen, sit and hold, you can do it while playing. The main thing is to straddle him and grab the scruff of the neck. It's a primal thing that dominant animals do to maintain their superiority. Listen! simply serves as the Pavlovian response cue (but don't overuse it, just once or twice loudly and firmly, even affectionately while playing).

Dogs need that pack mentality and even an alpha male (which your's sounds like) will willingly submit to a more dominant animal. Obeying gives their little doggie brains something to do. Allowing you to sit and hold without struggling is the goal here, but he may test you the first few times and try to get the upper hand. But that's all part of the game and he's actually expecting you to be firm - not mean, just firm. He'll love and respect you for it. It also helps them feel more secure (this all goes for dogs - cats could give a rip). It can all be incorporated in the spirit of love and fun and the guidance he really wants.

 

Redirect: dog training

Posted by Dr. Bob on July 12, 2004, at 16:47:40

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on July 12, 2004, at 14:02:10

> I might try that Rescue Rememdy.
> where do you get it?
>
> I may try that "listen" technique...

I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding dog training to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040706/msgs/365414.html

Thanks,

Bob

 

Re: Seroquel , Risperdal, and Abilify

Posted by TJO on July 13, 2004, at 9:59:03

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on July 12, 2004, at 15:50:27

> >
> Hi There,

I want to share some of my experiences because I saw that a while back someone was trying to switch from Risperdal to Seroquel and possibly Abilify. I did that exact same thing and have been on Seroquel since last February, on Abilify for about a year, and off of Risperdal completely for about 2 1/2 months (the doctor tapered me off of the Risperdal).

My meds are 1200 Neurontin, 150 Wellbutrin, 700 mg Seroquel, and 30 mg Abilify. I have minimal side effects-just a little dry mouth occasionally. I was very sleepy at the lower dosages of Seroquel, but the sleepiness went away as I went up in dosage.

i can sympathize with the weight problem-I gained about 20 lbs on Risperdal and I am still trying to lose the last 10 lbs of it. I didn't feel like myself at the higher weight.

As far as pets are concerned I have a cat whch I love dearly as long as she is not eating my college Psych homework which she did once.

Are you still considering a med change? If so I'd be glad to answer your questions.

Tammy

 

Re: Seroquel - nope

Posted by rocketstar911 on July 14, 2004, at 8:42:56

In reply to Seroquel - nope, posted by barbaracat on July 10, 2004, at 23:09:33

my boyfriend was depressed and couldn't get a job so we brought him to the mobile outreach place. They gave him this seroquel and no information on the drug. So I told him not to take it untill we found out what it was(I had been through the mistake of being stuck in a mental ward and given 20mg of haldol because I had insomnia) So of course I was weary about him taking something when there was no info. Anyway he took it and laid in bed all day crying and not being able to get out of bed. It was very bad. Now he doesn't deny he has a problem but will not go to any doctors. It kind of seems like they talked to him for ten minutes and gave him something unesseceary and harsh. Like couldn't they give him something less crappy like prozac?

 

Re: Seroquel - nope » rocketstar911

Posted by BarbaraCat on July 14, 2004, at 13:01:11

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope, posted by rocketstar911 on July 14, 2004, at 8:42:56

That's terrible. Perhaps they felt that he was showing signs of schizophrenia and delusions, which is the only reason I can imagine any urgent care/crisis unit would prescribe seroquel. If he was having psychosis along with his depression, it would make sense, but not if he was 'just depressed' (although I know how horrible just depressed can be). What I'm finding out is that some of us get worse when certain neurotransmitters are affected by these drugs. I, and others, on this board were affected by Seroquel the same way as your boyfriend. I laid around crying for 4 days hoping it would get better. Others seem to sail right on through it and do fine. We're all so different.

What brought me out of it was taking a few capsules of Benedryl, which you can get over the counter. It makes one very sleepy, but it lowers the level of histamines, which Seroquel increases. For me, I'm very sensitive to anything that increases histimines, makes me very depressed and anxious. I suspect this is why I reacted so strongly to Seroquel. This is only a conjecture, but a few nights of Benedryl were helpful and it seems to support this guess.

Perhaps prozac is not the best med for your boyfriend. If he's suffering from bipolar disorder any of the SSRI's, like prozac, could make him alot worse. That's why getting in-depth diagnosis is so important. I hope your boyfriend can come to realize that he just got a bum deal and not all doctors are so irresponsible. I hope you or he can let them know the damage they did to your friend's trust and potentially to his mental health.

In the meantime, fish oil might help him and you alot. I take it in liquid form (otherwise you're swallowing a handful of capsules). I get Carlson's Best Fish Oil from www.iherb.com which has the best prices I've found. It's not an immediate cure but it is a nutrient for the brain and will help heal things. Take care. - Barbara

> my boyfriend was depressed and couldn't get a job so we brought him to the mobile outreach place. They gave him this seroquel and no information on the drug. So I told him not to take it untill we found out what it was(I had been through the mistake of being stuck in a mental ward and given 20mg of haldol because I had insomnia) So of course I was weary about him taking something when there was no info. Anyway he took it and laid in bed all day crying and not being able to get out of bed. It was very bad. Now he doesn't deny he has a problem but will not go to any doctors. It kind of seems like they talked to him for ten minutes and gave him something unesseceary and harsh. Like couldn't they give him something less crappy like prozac?

 

Re: Seroquel - nope » rocketstar911

Posted by katia on July 14, 2004, at 13:02:48

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope, posted by rocketstar911 on July 14, 2004, at 8:42:56

Hi,
Sorry to hear about your boyfriend's experience altogether and w/ Seroquel.

What it sounds like to me, is that he is depressed and Seroquel made him sedated and then he felt more of the depression. You're right in that it's not an antidepressant. How much did he take?
Sounds like he probably does need to talk more extensively with a professional about it and possibly going on antidepressants or a mood stabilizer combo.
I use Seroquel for sleep at around 25mg.
Katia

 

Re: Seroquel - nope

Posted by katia on July 14, 2004, at 13:07:29

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope » rocketstar911, posted by BarbaraCat on July 14, 2004, at 13:01:11

That's interesting that seroquel increases the levels of histamine. And it's interesting that the increase can have opposite effects for people. I can say that Seroquel is sedating for me and if I'm depressed, I do feel a bit more depressed, but it doesn't make me depressed. But then it helps me to sleep GREAT. When I was up/hypo and just taking Seroquel, i felt great. It didn't make me feel down.
I wonder if the histamine increase can have opposite effects in one person whether they are depressed or manic??
Katia

 

Re: Seroquel - nope » katia

Posted by BarbaraCat on July 14, 2004, at 15:13:50

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope, posted by katia on July 14, 2004, at 13:07:29

> I wonder if the histamine increase can have opposite effects in one person whether they are depressed or manic??

**Good question. There are conditions called 'histadelia' (too much histimine) and 'histanemia' (too little) which are coming to light in mood disorders, apparently due to an inability to property metabolize the amino acid histadine. Histamine levels affect everyone, but not as dramatically as in someone with a metabolic defect. Histamine is a neurotransmitter, just not as well known as the other three. The question would be to measure these levels during an up/down phase in bipolars.

There are also different histamine receptors that affect things a little differently. The sleepy quality in trazodone, for instance, is supposedly due to histamine release. I was on traz for years and it put me to sleep. Even though I had the morning woozies from it, I never had the bad depression symtpoms like I got from Seroquel. So I guess it depends on which histamine receptor is getting hit. But don't take this as Gospel, Katia. It's mainly my own theory, helped by Scientist, about what might have caused such dramatic symptoms in me and another babbler. I merely put 2 and 2 together from what I know about histamine causing depression and the monographs that state that Seroquel strongly hits histamine receptors.

What's interesting is that you and I have such different reactions to lithium. I love it and you were zombiefied. You do OK on Seroquel and I hated it. Strange. I have an appointment next week with an MD who specializes in these more exotic areas of physical and mood disorders. I'm really jazzed and hope to God something comes to light. Of course I'll let you know how it goes. - Barbara

 

Re: Seroquel - nope » BarbaraCat

Posted by katia on July 14, 2004, at 15:44:41

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on July 14, 2004, at 15:13:50

Please do let me know. Good luck with that visit.
How's your mood overall now?

Mine is so damn hit or miss, I wonder what all these meds are doing anyway? I'm still cycling and irritability "bad nerves", on edge. AND I'm on meds. I wonder about all this. I'm sick of it.
Off to do some shopping therapy.
take good care,
Katia

 

Re: Seroquel - nope » katia

Posted by BarbaraCat on July 14, 2004, at 16:31:01

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on July 14, 2004, at 15:44:41

Hi Katia,
I'm feeling very good. Better than I have in years, in fact (especially after that fiasco with Seroquel). Lithium, St. John's Wort, thyroid and fish oil are my mainstays. I also notice a huge difference when I'm not drinking. It just takes a few snootfuls and the next day I feel like crap. You think I'd learn.

Sorry you're feeling bum. It's so frustrating with this med merry-go-round. How long have you been on Paxil? The reason I ask is I wonder if you're going through the good old SSRI poop out?

 

Re: Seroquel - nope » BarbaraCat

Posted by katia on July 14, 2004, at 20:42:11

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on July 14, 2004, at 16:31:01

> Hi Katia,
> I'm feeling very good. Better than I have in years, in fact (especially after that fiasco with Seroquel). Lithium, St. John's Wort, thyroid and fish oil are my mainstays. I also notice a huge difference when I'm not drinking. It just takes a few snootfuls and the next day I feel like crap. You think I'd learn.
>
> Sorry you're feeling bum. It's so frustrating with this med merry-go-round. How long have you been on Paxil? The reason I ask is I wonder if you're going through the good old SSRI poop out?


Hi Barb,
Yes, I'm alternating between jaggedity intolerance agro confusion and lethargic sadness as though there is something terribly wrong, a sense of dread. The drinking thing would make a difference i know. I've been going at it too much since the house buying and all the stress. I don't get drunk or drink excessively on one sitting, b/t 1-3. But it's consistent enough that I know that's playing a part. The other thing is it gets into a cycle of needing it to feel better and then feel worse.....

I started the Paxil about ten weeks ago. I'm only at 12.5mg. I don't know if anything is doing anything. But it has to be doing something. It gets all confusing about what's what and what is doing what. Maybe nothing at all?
GOOD for you for staying away from the swamp juice.
K.

 

Re: hey! im new here » rondavue66

Posted by kmdc on July 21, 2004, at 6:12:38

In reply to Re: hey! im new here, posted by rondavue66 on March 12, 2004, at 9:07:02

> hi, my son is 13y/o old and was resently diagnosed with ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder and cyclothymic. They put him on adderall for adhd and seroquel for sleeping. mainly it's for the cyclothymia.

======

Hi this is an interesting post. I was just diagnosed with Cyclothymia with an "ADHD ruleout". The doc basically said you cant have both. I posted a message on this here: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040716/msgs/368512.html

However, it seems that your son has been diagnosed with both of the above and more. Did the doc say anything about counting a particular symptom only towards one disorder?

 

Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers

Posted by Blue Mirror on August 28, 2004, at 23:24:31

In reply to Re: Cyclothymia & mood stabilizers, posted by Andrew on August 8, 1999, at 11:15:37

I have experienced cyclical swings--from quite severe depression to periods (shorter) of elation/creativity/high sexual intensity--for many years. I have never tried lithium as I have found Effexor at 75 mg. a day to have pretty much balanced out the swings. I can't say it "fixes me" entirely, but both extremes are muffled to the extent that I don't lose control or perspective. Good luck.

 

Re: Seroquel - nope

Posted by fluffy on September 26, 2004, at 17:57:16

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on July 14, 2004, at 20:42:11

Hi everyone,

I wanted to re-connect with this thread, as it has proven to be my main support group. Barb-cat and I had an aside on the social board. Katia--are you still following? How are you doing? I was thinking about all of you this morning.

Well my short-lived experience with abilify was nothing short of a nightmare. Just goes to show that those clinical trials can look downright seductive, but everyones' mileage varies! I had an awful spin-out... First I felt great--I had more energy and spark than I'd felt in years. then I started having awful panic attacks and jagged ups and downs in my moods. When I went off, I ended up in a pile of depression for a couple of weeks.

I tried going back to taking Risperdal, hoping it would get me back to where I was before...at least apathetic is better than suicidal depression, right? Well it didn't help me sleep anymore, and it seemed to stop working altogether.

Now I'm still on that teensy pinch of Risperdal, and taking 12.5 mg of Seroquel. Seroquel is helping me sleep so far. The first day was hell. But it got into my system fast, and boy do I sleep! I'm hoping that if we continue to go up on it, I'll continue to improve. I'm rapid cycling right now, and it's hell. I have 3 good days and 3 bad days a week. I really hope to not fall into my Fall depression this year.

everyone please keep your fingers crossed for me. I'm going through a tough time right now. And I'm scared because i'm at the end of conventional treatment options. I want so desperately to stop rapid cycling!

Update me on y'all's progress...
take care,
katy

 

Re: Seroquel - nope » fluffy

Posted by Barbaracat on September 26, 2004, at 20:00:32

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope, posted by fluffy on September 26, 2004, at 17:57:16

Sorry the Abilify didn't work out, Katy. It's a bummer when you get your hopes up, thinking that maybe this one will make a difference. But when it makes you feel worse, arghh... Listen, here's a simple suggestion but maybe worth trying. Seems to be that the reason Seroquel is such a powerful sleeper is due to it's anti-histimine properties, really targets those histimine receptors. So a trial would be to try some generic benedryl caps - dihydro blah blah, don't remember the full name. Works very well as a sleeper (50-100mg) and some people find their depression responds to such an anti-histamine. If you're taking Seroquel mainly for it's sleepy quality then maybe benedryl will work and you won't be messing with your dopamine? A thought.

How am I? I'm doing so-so, mainly because my physical symptoms from fibromyalgia, or whatever the hell this thing is, are active. I feel tired, bunged up, toxic, and my day/night cycles are weird. Got some labs back and my cortisol is doing strange things, as in my adrenals are making enough cortisol just fine, but the target organ's receptors aren't receiving it. So all my hormones are real real low. I don't know what this means and my Dr., dear fellow, seems like a dunce to me, although he comes highly recommended from reputable sources. Lousy bedside manner is all, I hope. So I dunno what it might mean. But when my energy is too low to drag my butt out for some exercise, my mood disintegrates. So there you have it. I feel like crap.

With all the very serious junk we live breathe and eat, it's surprising anyone is moderately healthy or sane. I don't think I know a single person in that boat (except maybe the Dalai Lama - but can't say I really know him).

So hang in there, girlfriend. We're all going through this for some dang reason. - BCat

 

Re: Seroquel - nope

Posted by katia on September 28, 2004, at 2:03:00

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope » fluffy, posted by Barbaracat on September 26, 2004, at 20:00:32

HI Fluffsters and BarbCat!
Good to hear from the two of you. Today as I was making my bed (yes ,making my bed!), I thought, umm I bet I hear from the psychobabbler gals today. And lo and behold here you are.

No, Katy, I wasn't in the loop on the social aside. I imagine you weren't in the loop either about the loss of Barb's cat, Merlin and my dog, Rock in July. We were corresponding tons on the grief board for awhile sharing very similar experiences.

I'm sorry to hear about your rapid cycling. You know, I've never rapid cycled so much as when I was on a med that didn't work for me. I really know what that term means just from my experience last year of being on ADs solo. So maybe once you get that med out of your system, you'll be better. Seroquel is still with me. I'm down to 1/4 of 25mg now. I was up to 25mg a night and even 75mg when I was off all meds but the said.
I've been trying to ween myself off. I'm doing better I think. I'm still on the same 450mg Trileptal and 12.5 Paxil and fish oil. Let me know your progress on Sero. Are you still on depakote?

Barb cat, good to hear from you. And sorry you're not feeling well. I'm feeling good partly because I took two weeks off of work, quit drinking during that time (took a break), started writing (hopefully a book) about Rock and the tradegy of the Pit Bull breed. You know one thing that makes my mood swing? No outlet for creativity! It's great when it starts flowing. I also bought a piano! Living beyond my means...

How's the new house hunt going? I think I went slightly hypo the other week? maybe. I was planning on flying to Asheville, NC and buy a plot of land from the equity I've already made. I thought about you and thought you should move there too! You'd probably miss the west coast though. How're you doing with Merlin?

take care you two-
Katia

 

Re: Seroquel - maybe!

Posted by fluffy on September 29, 2004, at 12:03:25

In reply to Re: Seroquel - nope, posted by katia on September 28, 2004, at 2:03:00

Hi you guys..great to hear from you.

Barb-cat--poo poo about the fibro stuff. As if being bipolar isn't enough, huh? I hope you're feeling better today.

Katia--you sound well. Curious why you're cutting down so much on the seroquel? Do you just not want to take too many drugs?

Well I'm hanging in there with the Seroquel. It's been a week now, and I haven't suffered any major side effects besides the sleepiness, which I needed. I've been sleeping a solid 7-8 hours every night. I just moved up to 25mg last night, and I've been a tad woozy this morning. But I know I'll adjust to it. I'm not just using it as a sleep aid. ('sides--I HATE how Benadryl makes me feel--it's much worse!) I know I need some extra help in the mood stabilization department. Risperdal seemed to work for that, but made me feel apathetic. So hopefully, the seroquel will work, but work better w/o that unpleasant effect. The atypical AP's are all so different in terms of how they effect people. I've been a lot more stable this week over last. So there's hope after all. Once we get it up to a decent dose, we'll slip the ol' Risperdal out of the picture and see how I do.

I'm still taking Depakote at 750mg, but it just doesn't cut it alone. I still rapid cycle on it, only it's less intrusive than before Depakote. (I was ultra-ultra rapid cycling before!)

 

Re: Seroquel - maybe!

Posted by katia on September 29, 2004, at 12:58:06

In reply to Re: Seroquel - maybe!, posted by fluffy on September 29, 2004, at 12:03:25

>> Katia--you sound well. Curious why you're cutting down so much on the seroquel? Do you just not want to take too many drugs?

Hey Katy,
Yes, that's probably it. I just don't want to be taking all these pills unnecessarily. I was also sleeping like a rock for 10 hours and probably need to cut back. Now I'm sleeping about 7-8. i think 9 is perfect for me. It was also during my two week vacation I took (stayed around the house) didn't drink anything and didn't have much stimulation in my life so I calmed down some. Now that I'm back at work and all the wooo wooo stimulation, I feel a bit more wired. It's probably b/c I'm PMSing too. So I'm at 1/4-1/3 tab of 25mg.
I was also feeling slightly cognitively slow and i bump into things all the time. so I"m just experimenting.
When I was on Depakote at 750mg I feel like I was worse off than when I was on lower doses. That's just my sensitive system though. I almost rapid cycled when on too many meds moreso than it was bare minimum.

It's funny how you started on Trileptal and it didn't work b/c of the s/e and vice versa for me with Depakote. Lithium did to me what it did to you - slow drooling zombie-ville.

Seroquel has been great for me over the past year. I noticed it made me feel slightly depressed in the mornings of taking it. But so many variables...I think that adjusted. I have never found anything that knocks me out like Ser. Good it's working for you.
Katia

 

Hi Katy and Katia » katia

Posted by Barbaracat on October 1, 2004, at 20:29:37

In reply to Re: Seroquel - maybe!, posted by katia on September 29, 2004, at 12:58:06

Hi Katy, Hi Katia!
These up and downs. I like the ups better. Who doesn't? Things can feel so icky at times, this crummy feeling that makes everything seem so hard. I don't want to take any more meds. I'm on SJW, lithium, and thyroid mainly for the mood stuff and I guess I'm willing to put up with the nasty stuff because it eventually goes away.

Katia, you mention looking for land in Asheville, NC? That's a lovely area. I grew up on the East Coast and spent some time in the Carolina's. If I ever move again, it will be to another country, especially considering the next 4 years. I've been devoting all my free time working real hard on the election campaign. Guess we can't get into politics here, but I think you can imagine who I'm stumping for. Hint: not a four letter word.

I look at my little box and my picture of Merlin and feel like I went through a dimension into another reality and back again. I miss him very much, but time takes away the sharp pain and replaces it with a sweetness. Loss of a loved one is terrible, but what is there to do? It just is. You begin to think differently about it with each occurrence. I'm still reeling from my Mom's death nearly two years ago but I don't feel crazy around it any longer. The fear of the pain of loss has been the biggest issue in my life. Knowing this has been a great help.

Talk to you soon, maybe over in Social.
Love, Barbara

 

Re: Hi Katy and Katia » Barbaracat

Posted by katia on October 2, 2004, at 0:38:39

In reply to Hi Katy and Katia » katia, posted by Barbaracat on October 1, 2004, at 20:29:37

Hey You!

Yes, these ups and downs. And even tho' we have experience with them; each one feels like truth, the end of the world, nothing will change from this state of mind and I'm stuck forever! And then it changes. The waves of moods. I'm learning to ride.

> Hi Katy, Hi Katia!
> These up and downs. I like the ups better. Who doesn't? Things can feel so icky at times, this crummy feeling that makes everything seem so hard. I don't want to take any more meds. I'm on SJW, lithium, and thyroid mainly for the mood stuff and I guess I'm willing to put up with the nasty stuff because it eventually goes away.
>
>

I just took my Trileptal and Seroquel. I get a funny feeling in my lungs after taking Tri/sero. mix. like a relaxation mellowing. It's great.

Katia, you mention looking for land in Asheville, NC? That's a lovely area. I grew up on the East Coast and spent some time in the Carolina's.

**I did too! I grew up in Va. and lived a lot in NC as well. Moved out here in 95.

If I ever move again, it will be to another country, especially considering the next 4 years. I've been devoting all my free time working real hard on the election campaign. Guess we can't get into politics here, but I think you can imagine who I'm stumping for. Hint: not a four letter word.

** you and about 45% of americans (pending on the election results) want to move abroad. I chalk it up to a divide in consciousness. And I'm doing my part in supporting the non-four letter word candidate, but there's such a divide; it's not a matter of "convincing" someone. Convincing the four letter word supporters is like teaching physics to a child. You just can't break thru' the barrier that is called lack of consciousness sometimes. I think it's beyond logic. There is a real battle with old energy fighting to stay alive and new energy emerging. You know what I mean? Something major is going on beyond politics. And I think it can carry over to the world scene too. another debate on another board.

Back to meds..how is SJW working for you? Isn't that like a SSRI? I'm on a SSRI now - Paxil and for some reason (possibly Tri and Ser.) I"ve not gone too crazy. I went crazier on Effexor and WB. Odd eh? Most BPs do the opposite.

> I look at my little box and my picture of Merlin and feel like I went through a dimension into another reality and back again. I miss him very much, but time takes away the sharp pain and replaces it with a sweetness. Loss of a loved one is terrible, but what is there to do? It just is. You begin to think differently about it with each occurrence. I'm still reeling from my Mom's death nearly two years ago but I don't feel crazy around it any longer. The fear of the pain of loss has been the biggest issue in my life. Knowing this has been a great help.

**I still light candles EVERY DAY for that little Bull boy of mine. Big stuff is happening with my inspiration and Rock's story coming out on paper.

Good to hear from you. Are you still coming out for Thanksgiving?
Katia

 

Paxil use for Bipolar II question??

Posted by katia on October 13, 2004, at 15:21:18

In reply to Hi Katy and Katia » katia, posted by Barbaracat on October 1, 2004, at 20:29:37

I'm on Paxil (have been for five months) at a low 12.5mg. I'm also on about 12mg of Seroquel for sleep and 450mg of Trileptal. I've been dxed as BPII over a year ago.

I'm feeling quite confused, bump into things, have bad spatial judgment. I had a terrible serotonin syndrome (withdrawal) with Effexor and Zoloft. With effexor before I even tapered down to quit. I feel moody and irritable and anxious at times. Paxil or mood disorder?

I've read that being on long term AD use for BPs is not good. Is five months or longer considered long term? Not sure that the Paxil is doing anything good for me. I still have dips in moods. good days and bad. As if I'm not on any medication at all.

Just wondering what the opinion/consensus is out there on PB board about AD use for BPs (used in conjunction with a mood stablizer of course)? Is the Paxil causing these symptoms that mimic my mood disorder? Hoping to hear back from multiple people.
Thanks-
Katia

 

Re: Paxil use for Bipolar II question?? » katia

Posted by theo on October 13, 2004, at 18:04:59

In reply to Paxil use for Bipolar II question??, posted by katia on October 13, 2004, at 15:21:18

> I'm on Paxil (have been for five months) at a low 12.5mg. I'm also on about 12mg of Seroquel for sleep and 450mg of Trileptal. I've been dxed as BPII over a year ago.
>
> I'm feeling quite confused, bump into things, have bad spatial judgment. I had a terrible serotonin syndrome (withdrawal) with Effexor and Zoloft. With effexor before I even tapered down to quit. I feel moody and irritable and anxious at times. Paxil or mood disorder?
>
> I've read that being on long term AD use for BPs is not good. Is five months or longer considered long term? Not sure that the Paxil is doing anything good for me. I still have dips in moods. good days and bad. As if I'm not on any medication at all.
>
> Just wondering what the opinion/consensus is out there on PB board about AD use for BPs (used in conjunction with a mood stablizer of course)? Is the Paxil causing these symptoms that mimic my mood disorder? Hoping to hear back from multiple people.
> Thanks-
> Katia

At such a low dose of Paxil, I would question the Seroquel or the Trileptal doses as a possibility.

 

Re: Paxil use for Bipolar II question?? » theo

Posted by katia on October 13, 2004, at 18:43:50

In reply to Re: Paxil use for Bipolar II question?? » katia, posted by theo on October 13, 2004, at 18:04:59

> At such a low dose of Paxil, I would question the Seroquel or the Trileptal doses as a possibility.


Trileptal and Seroquel are at LOW doses too. This maybe feels like that Seroton. syndrome? Some people are sensitive to SSRIs.

 

Re: Paxil use for Bipolar II question?? » katia

Posted by theo on October 14, 2004, at 7:20:22

In reply to Re: Paxil use for Bipolar II question?? » theo, posted by katia on October 13, 2004, at 18:43:50

> > At such a low dose of Paxil, I would question the Seroquel or the Trileptal doses as a possibility.
>
>
> Trileptal and Seroquel are at LOW doses too. This maybe feels like that Seroton. syndrome? Some people are sensitive to SSRIs.
>

I have never tried Seroquel or Trileptal, but have tried several mood stabilizers and they caused me to bump into things and feel a little off balance. Paxil never did that to me.

 

Re: Paxil use for Bipolar II question?? » katia

Posted by Ritch on October 14, 2004, at 10:18:52

In reply to Paxil use for Bipolar II question??, posted by katia on October 13, 2004, at 15:21:18

> I'm on Paxil (have been for five months) at a low 12.5mg. I'm also on about 12mg of Seroquel for sleep and 450mg of Trileptal. I've been dxed as BPII over a year ago.
>
> I'm feeling quite confused, bump into things, have bad spatial judgment. I had a terrible serotonin syndrome (withdrawal) with Effexor and Zoloft. With effexor before I even tapered down to quit. I feel moody and irritable and anxious at times. Paxil or mood disorder?
>
> I've read that being on long term AD use for BPs is not good. Is five months or longer considered long term? Not sure that the Paxil is doing anything good for me. I still have dips in moods. good days and bad. As if I'm not on any medication at all.
>
> Just wondering what the opinion/consensus is out there on PB board about AD use for BPs (used in conjunction with a mood stablizer of course)? Is the Paxil causing these symptoms that mimic my mood disorder? Hoping to hear back from multiple people.
> Thanks-
> Katia

Any of your three meds could be causing confusion and cognitive problems. If you're taking the Seroquel for sleep-- see if the "confusion" and "spatial judgement" gets a lot better in the evenings before you go take the Seroquel. I was taking 25mg of Seroquel for sleep a few years ago and I was pretty much a zombie until 12 hrs post-dosing, and then wouldn't feel fairly clear headed until the last few hours before bedtime. Seroquel has a short half-life. Trileptal can cause cognitive fuzziness, too, but I found it settled my temper down really well. Paxil (SSRI) causing irritability and moodiness? It has in my experience. I've got to limit serotonergics to the tiniest dose that they provide some anxiety *relief* without causing agitation and cycling. You might ask your pdoc about some liquid Paxil and try tapering down slowly and see if things improve....


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