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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by rovers95 on August 23, 2019, at 9:54:27
Hi
I have been diagnosed with bipolar 2, and read that it is debatable how effective ADs are for the severe depression alongside and whether they worsen/cause cycling in the long run. Although I note some people feel they may be okay with a mood stabiliser alongside.
As well as a mood stabiliser I'm going to suggest an anti psychotic to treat the depression. I'm thinking low dose abilify, or vraylar (rexulti not available in the UK). Does anyone have experience for using these at a low dose to specifically treat depression whilst trying to avoid hypomania? The only thing that ever worked for me in this respect was riluzole.
However I'm concerned that these dopamine boosters may 'poop out'? Perhaps I can lengthen the time they are effective by dosing every 2/3 days? (I note they both have long half lives).
Posted by Christ_empowered on August 23, 2019, at 11:08:23
In reply to Abilify, vraylar, APs for bipolar 2 depression?, posted by rovers95 on August 23, 2019, at 9:54:27
i take a full dose of abilify. my psych is talking about a switch to vraylar. the difference seems to be that vraylar doesn't stimulate the D2 receptors as much, so it has more anti-manic properties, plus the D3 action -might- mean it helps speed up cognitive processes, if that's a problem for you.
im not gung ho about the switch, myself. Abilify has been good to me, and it seems that Vraylar has a higher EPS liability than Abilify...not my cup of tea.
this is just from what my psych told me, btw. 2nd, 3rd hand information. You should probably do more research and/or seek out actual experts before going in with ideas to a prescriber. :-)
Posted by rovers95 on August 23, 2019, at 16:42:01
In reply to Re: Abilify, vraylar, APs for bipolar 2 depression?, posted by Christ_empowered on August 23, 2019, at 11:08:23
> i take a full dose of abilify. my psych is talking about a switch to vraylar. the difference seems to be that vraylar doesn't stimulate the D2 receptors as much, so it has more anti-manic properties, plus the D3 action -might- mean it helps speed up cognitive processes, if that's a problem for you.
>
> im not gung ho about the switch, myself. Abilify has been good to me, and it seems that Vraylar has a higher EPS liability than Abilify...not my cup of tea.
>
> this is just from what my psych told me, btw. 2nd, 3rd hand information. You should probably do more research and/or seek out actual experts before going in with ideas to a prescriber. :-)Thanks for this response, is great. I think I need to get the mood stabiliser up and running first, then we'll see where we go from there.
If I'm not mistaken I think some APs have different effects at different doses. I was prescribed 300mg seroquel and it made me feel like crap, but I like it at 75mg as asleep aid.
This is the end of the thread.
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