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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Weenie on October 9, 2004, at 12:41:27
Hi, I'm new here... newly diagnosed w/ bipolar. 30 yr old female, always been very chatty and outgoing, a good side to my personality, until someone pisses me off, even slightly, and I fly off the handle for no apparent reason, not good (especially when it interferes w/ my career, my love life, friendships, etc.) Then i have days when I just want to sleep and just not deal with anything or anyone and I'm just down in the dumps or I'll just cry for no reason, and then I'm back to my vivacous self again. I put on a good front for people and come off as a very well-adjusted, carefree, confident person, but inside I'm struggling, and then when people really get to know me, it becomes overwhelming to me and especially to them... because everything seems to become so "dramatic." I was taking 2000 mg / day of depakote but i went from 130 lbs to 140 in like a few months so that had to stop pronto. Now I was put on topamax, 300 mg/ day and was just started on wellbutrin xl 150 mg / day and Geodon 40 mg / day. I am most concerened about weight gain, becasue that, I know, will bring me into depression, so i want to stick to meds that don't add weight. Is Geodon known to add weight? And is it ok to take at night to also help with sleep, or is taking one of the topamax at night better? Aside from that, I want to achieve a balance. I want be brought down a notch and relax so I don't go into manic episodes, but I don't want to be all mopey either. I want to escape my depression and still hold that energy and passion for life without crossing the line into mania. In order to achieve this emotional balance, can you tell me the recommended dosage for these meds, for my specific condition? How much do you think I would need to help me? How severe do you think my bipolar is? Doc is just not very clear. I mean come on, previous doc was giving me 2000 mg of depaokote and now this guy is nice, just not very communicative, hence I am here asking you guys for your help and support. Feedback to my above questions and any other info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
Posted by kotsunega on October 9, 2004, at 19:45:39
In reply to Dr Bob / Group: Newly Bipolar; need support /info, posted by Weenie on October 9, 2004, at 12:41:27
Welcome to bipolarity! I was diagnosed ten years ago; BP-1. Pdoc tried me on Geodon because of the Zyprexa weight gain and I went totally manic. The only thing I've found so far that makes me "normal" is Zyprexa. Lithium didn't work for me and Tegretal was bad for my liver. I never tried Depakote, so I don't know much about it. I tend to be on the delusionally manic side of being bipolar. Still, we're all different in the way we react to meds and it is a frequent long journey to find what works best. Best wishes!
k.
Posted by D minor on October 9, 2004, at 22:04:50
In reply to Re: Dr Bob / Group: Newly Bipolar; need support /info, posted by kotsunega on October 9, 2004, at 19:45:39
Don't worry about weight gain while you're on Topamax. Its practically guaranteed to make you loose weight ( I lost 25lbs).
I was also dxed with bipolor recently. I'm too and wondering how to adjust to this. Just wanted to say that you're not alone
dm
Posted by stressed on October 10, 2004, at 19:27:11
In reply to Re: Dr Bob / Group: Newly Bipolar; need support /info, posted by D minor on October 9, 2004, at 22:04:50
Ok, I am reading your messages because my daughter is taking Topomax for binge eating disorder. I have always been high strung, and depressed also. I fly off the handle easily and do things that I regret. ( Like quiting my job because I was ticked off) That has happened several times, and didn't think anything about it until reading on this site. How do you diagnose Bipolar? I take Welburtrin and seem to be ok. Years ago I took Prozac, then Zoloft and now Welbutrin. I have PMS, only it's ALL THE TIME. I asked my daughters Therapist, and he said it's hard to diagnose. Good luck, we are here for you always! Welcome -L
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