Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 19301

Shown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?

Posted by PattyG on January 20, 2000, at 20:59:59

If someone has Major Depression and Dysthymia, would it make sense to take a mood elevator along with an antidepressant? AND....for that matter, what is the difference between a mood elevator and a mood stabilizer?

 

Re: Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?

Posted by Janice on January 20, 2000, at 21:39:56

In reply to Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?, posted by PattyG on January 20, 2000, at 20:59:59

PattyG,

What is a mood elevator? Do you mean another antidepressant? Janice

 

Re: Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?

Posted by Elizabeth on January 20, 2000, at 22:08:31

In reply to Re: Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?, posted by Janice on January 20, 2000, at 21:39:56

> What is a mood elevator? Do you mean another antidepressant?

"Mood elevator" is an old term for antidepressants, yes. Patty, what were you thinking of?

 

Re: Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?

Posted by PattyG on January 24, 2000, at 17:23:23

In reply to Re: Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?, posted by Elizabeth on January 20, 2000, at 22:08:31

I posted a response to this several days ago.....lost in cyber space, ya reckon'? I'm thinking of *something* that will help with the overall depression and lack of energy/motivation. Because of what folks said here, he's taking Effexor at night and has dropped the Wellbutrin totally. Isn't there anything new or something to add to the AD that will give him some energy and....I don't know....the ability to find *enjoyment* in life. So little *joy* in life.......makes me so sad for him. Has been on Effexor for about 4 years so effects could be waning. Help?

 

Re: Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?

Posted by Noa on January 24, 2000, at 17:45:04

In reply to Re: Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?, posted by PattyG on January 24, 2000, at 17:23:23

Patty,

I have been taking effexor xr a long time, and had to augment it with various things. Each time I developed another major depressive episode, or felt like my mood was flattening out, we added something else. These include: thyroid hormone (t3 and t4) after determining I was slightly hypothyroid; methylphenidate (ritalin) which gave me some energy and alertness; serzone, which added more AD effect and helps with sleep; and lastly (but not leastly), lithium, which is supposed to add AD effect and help to prevent cycling (into major depressive episodes). I am feeling significantly better with the lithium.

 

Re: Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?

Posted by PattyG on January 24, 2000, at 18:11:40

In reply to Re: Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?, posted by Noa on January 24, 2000, at 17:45:04

Thanks so much for responding. Okay, so how difficult was it to get your doc to presribe Ritalin? Not sure this one will. Also, Serzone has properties to aid with anxiety (he ain't anxious) and it helped you sleep - he has NO problem with that. (Kids used to make fun of him as he couldn't stay up with them, etc.) Main complain is lethargy. Maybe Lithium would be good, but still, can't see that giving "energy." Any thoughts on that? Glad to hear your description of "major depressive episode" - to flatten out (mood) - he is like that. Isn't a matter of taking to his bed and not being able to bathe, shave, etc. Just more of the same old, same old...........know what I mean? I just don't understand such reluctance to presribe an amphetemine! BIG deal!

 

Re: Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?

Posted by Noa on January 24, 2000, at 18:29:26

In reply to Re: Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?, posted by PattyG on January 24, 2000, at 18:11:40

Actually, my pdoc introduced the idea, when it was clear I needed something to augment my AD.

I can't tell if you understood what I meant by major depressive episode. My chronic depression, the dysthymia, feels like a flat, same old same old, not much motivation, etc. Then on top of that, I have cycles of major depressive episodes which make me feel really bad, unable to get out of bed, crying, hating myself, seeing no possiblity of future, etc.

BTW, have we already discussed a sleep disorder? I also have obstructive sleep apnea, which made me feel very sleepy all the time. I would spend whole weekends asleep or half asleep. With cpap treatment (a breathing device) I have a lot more energy, even tho I am still struggling with the depression.

 

Re: Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?

Posted by PattyG on January 24, 2000, at 21:05:19

In reply to Re: Mood Elevator as adjunct to Antidepressant?, posted by Noa on January 24, 2000, at 18:29:26

Well, then *good* for your psydoc! I just don't know what the "magic words" are that will prompt some docs to prescribe what they consider to be "uppers." Is that a mindset for some? Anyway, yes, I think I understood what you were referring to regarding major depressive episodes. I'm just wondering if, as with many things, they can be different for each person. Some are more severe and obvious than other - they may also lack certain similarities, but they would still be considered as an "episode." Again, thanks much for your input.


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