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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Noa on December 23, 1999, at 0:11:02
I don't know if people want to hear my updates, but it helps me to post them.
Now in the middle of week 3, and 2 days at increased dosage (went from 900 to 1200: two pills in am, two in pm). My mood is holding steady, perhaps a bit more personable at work, but motivation still lagging. However, the thinking is back. I have started having ideas about stuff at work. The trick is to not jump into anything I am not ready to follow through on. Motivation and initiative to get things done is still a problem. I have been wasting a lot of time, although less glaringly wasteful activities, and more "makework", like getting caught up in looking up work-related resources on the web and printing out pages, etc.
The only possible reaction to the increased lithium that I notice is that after I take my evening dose of serzone, I become a zombie much faster than before. I went to bed at 8:30 tonight, could NOT keep my eyes open. Of course, I was up at 11:45 (to use bathroom) and felt too agitated to go back to sleep. The bathroom trips are still very frequent, but haven't noticed an increase with the increased dose. It is annoying, especially at night because it is disruptive to my sleep.
Posted by mat on December 23, 1999, at 14:36:05
In reply to Lithium Update, posted by Noa on December 23, 1999, at 0:11:02
I'm currently on Moclobomide (900mg) for Social Phobia. I've been on it nearly 2 months now. My doc said the next step would be to add Lithium to the mix. I assumed Lithium was a sedative, but my doc corrected me. He said that Lithium worked in ways that were as yet unknown. He said that although it had been pretty much given up on (here in the UK) as a med in its own right, it has been found successful when used in conjuction with other meds.
Does this seem ok to you. I mean would you say (with your experience) that the above is correct.
mat
Posted by Noa on December 23, 1999, at 18:30:48
In reply to Re: Lithium Update, posted by mat on December 23, 1999, at 14:36:05
Yes, it is used in combination with other meds all the time. It enhances the effects of other meds. In my case, the hope is that it will enhance the antidepressants (it is also, apparently, known to have antidepressant effects of its own) as well as stabilize my cycling of major depressive episodes.
My doc says he prescribes lithium for bipolar disorder, but has been combining it with depakote or other meds, in order to avoid approaching toxicity. By itself, the effective level of lithium is very close to the toxic level. Tricky business. But when used in combo, lower levels are sufficient to produce desired mood stabilization.
Are you considering the lithium? After 2 months on moclobomide, are you not experiencing sufficient relief from your anxiety? I cannot yet say whether I recommend going on lithium to augment a medication, because it has only been 3 weeks for me, and the jury is still out.
Posted by Deb R on December 23, 1999, at 21:08:03
In reply to Lithium Update, posted by Noa on December 23, 1999, at 0:11:02
> I don't know if people want to hear my updates, but it helps me to post them.
Hey Noa,
Even though I can't help with advice re: lithium, or most other drugs (altho I am learning a lot about zyprexa/olanzapine) I have been following your experiences with interest and wishing you well...have a wonderful Christmas, keep posting as it helps lots of people I am sure.Deb.
Posted by Noa on December 23, 1999, at 22:43:52
In reply to Re: Lithium Update, posted by Deb R on December 23, 1999, at 21:08:03
Thanks, Deb. I appreciate it.
Just counted out all my pills for my trip, combined them into two vials. Kinda anxious I miscounted and won't have enough, but too tired to recount.
Have a SMOOTH Holiday, everyone.
Posted by S. Suggs on December 24, 1999, at 7:00:11
In reply to Lithium Update, posted by Noa on December 23, 1999, at 0:11:02
Noa, Count those pills my friend. I've got one (1) left after today. Guess where I'm heading, before heading out of town. I admire your ability to stick with the lithium trial, I feel you will continue to find it beneficial. It does not typically "poop out" like other ad's. Also, (which I am sure you and your dr are aware of, keep in mind the narrow threshold in working with lithium). Have a Blessed Christmas!
S. Suggs
Posted by Noa on December 24, 1999, at 11:16:16
In reply to Re: Lithium Update, posted by S. Suggs on December 24, 1999, at 7:00:11
Thanks, S Suggs. I am now arrived at my destination!!Hooray. I am not usually an anxious traveler, but this time I was, surprise, surprise. It has been 1.5 years since I have been back to visit my folks. I planned other trips but canceled them at the last minute due to depression. So I am thrilled that I made it. I am now checking out my Dad's computer, which I am my siblings bought for my parents last January 1 for their 50th (bless 'em) anniversary.
This is the end of the thread.
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