Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 58593

Shown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Help, my therapist is out of town

Posted by Wendy B on April 3, 2001, at 21:55:36

Hi folks,
I am a little on edge here, my therapist/pdoc (a nurse practitioner who specializes in psychiatry) and I figured out yesterday that I probably am Bipolar II, seems like a hypomanic phase. At the session she saw me bounce way up for the first time, after I had been coming to her for weeks in a major depressive state, crying each time over my lost relationship (with another bipolar II, another story for the other babble).

I came into the session not being able to stop talking, and said, look, I think I'm starting on an upswing, maybe I'm not just depressed, maybe I'm bipolar. And she later in the session told me that she had spoken to the psychiatrist she used to work for, and told him about my case, and mentioned to him that she thought I was bipolar, too.

The problem is that she's going out of town for three weeks, and I need some guidance from you all. She put me on more Neurontin (I was taking one 600 mg at bedtime to help me not wake up at 4:00 am), now she's upped that to 1200 mg at bedtime. Plus now she's told me to take one 600 mg during the day to calm me down. Does this sound ok?

Other meds are Wellbutrin, 200 mg in the morning, 100 mg 12 hours later, for depression. It has been ok, I have stopped obsessing about food, and lost 17 pounds over the past month. I take vitamins and everything, but I just don't seem to be all that hungry any more. I also take Xanax very infrequently, for panic and anxiety. The therapist says the Wellbutrin helps with anxiety, so that's why I take one at night.

With the therapist leaving for Turkey tomorrow, I'm worried about losing it, and not having anybody around who I can talk to. That's why I'm writing. Yesterday after the session I felt really bad, so guilty, so freaked out, I couldn't stand it. I felt like this at moments during the day today, but not quite as bad.

Another question about meds: should I really be taking an antidepressant? I thought it induced hypomanic states in certain bipolar II cases. What would it be like for me to reduce the Wellbutrin? Do any of you play with dosages, depending on whether you are up-cycling or if you're very low?

Further, I'm making myself crazy over the diagnosis. We talked in the session about my father who was a drunk, and she says he probably was bipolar too, alcoholism being co-morbid with so many mood disorders. His whole family was affected by drinking. He and my mother split up when I was one yr old, and he has lived a wandering life, re-marrying in every place where he settled down, I have half-brothers and sisters I don't even know. He and my mother never spoke again after their split, and I never knew him, only heard the stories. My mother's family is filled with actors, theater-types, musicians, crazy, loud italians. The dx makes sense with these two genetic influences.

But what does the dx mean about all my past actions, relationships, burnt bridges, friendships gone sour, etc? Does it mean that I have to see everything through the 'lens' of the diagnosis? I am feeling so incredibly guilty about my behavior in the past. Have any of you felt this way when you really figured out what the symptoms mean and have gotten what you believe to be the 'true' diagnosis? Or felt like it explains everything? Or only up to a certain point? But where is that line?

My ex-boyfriend, who sees the same therapist for meds only (on tons of Neurontin every day, no antidepressant), says this woman seems to 'specialize' in bipolar disorder. He says she must give everyone she treats the same diagnosis. He's only slightly kidding. He thinks the 'diagnosis' as such is meaningless and that I shouldn't blame myself for past problems in life. The biggest one recently: I lost my job last September, through progressive disciplinary action and then firing... So kind of a tumultuous past 6 months, to add to the mix. Sorry if this seems rambling, I don't really have much control at the moment. By the way, my therapist has someone on call, but she doesn't know my case personally. What if I end up having to go to the hospital? Please, anyone have any responses to the medication issues, or stories to tell about their dx, how it affected their perceptions of the past, etc?

Thanks in advance so much,

Wendy

 

Re: Help, my therapist is out of town » Wendy B

Posted by phillybob on April 3, 2001, at 22:28:08

In reply to Help, my therapist is out of town, posted by Wendy B on April 3, 2001, at 21:55:36

> She put me on more Neurontin (I was taking one 600 mg at bedtime to help me not wake up at 4:00 am), now she's upped that to 1200 mg at bedtime. Plus now she's told me to take one 600 mg during the day to calm me down. Does this sound ok?

I have no experience with this drug so you should use the search feature here and/or elsewhere. From what I recall my pdoc saying, one can take very high doses of neurontin. Others here'll know for sure. You might just want to do a new post that says, "Neurontin dosage HELP."

> Another question about meds: should I really be taking an antidepressant? I thought it induced hypomanic states in certain bipolar II cases. What would it be like for me to reduce the Wellbutrin? Do any of you play with dosages, depending on whether you are up-cycling or if you're very low?

I personally never "play with dosages" ... just kidding. But, I don't think my playing has ever resulted in better efficacy. Right now, I am trying Lamictal (used as a mood stabilizer) as monotherapy (though just added a stimulant, Adderall for ADD-type effects, but don't know if that will continue yet ... was kind of feeling better before ... I'm very med-sensitive). I did have a great run (2 months) with Topamax (another drug used as a mood stabilizer) as monotherapy but needed to discontinue due to gum recession ... ouch!)

Here's a couple of links to interesting info on treating depression which might really be bi-polar.

(1) 1) Edward S. Hume's "Bipolar Disorder, the hidden epidemic": http://www.pshrink.com/wisdom/bipolar_disorder.html [this is most interesting reading which states: "Many patients who have depression have unrecognized bipolar disorder. Many people with bipolar disorder respond only partially or not at to antidepressants." Then goes on to offer anecdotal words on the various mood stabilizers."]

(2) This is an old thread here on "line of fire" approaches to treatment which I like: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000209/msgs/20873.html

> But what does the dx mean about all my past actions, relationships, burnt bridges, friendships gone sour, etc? Does it mean that I have to see everything through the 'lens' of the diagnosis? I am feeling so incredibly guilty about my behavior in the past. Have any of you felt this way when you really figured out what the symptoms mean and have gotten what you believe to be the 'true' diagnosis? Or felt like it explains everything? Or only up to a certain point? But where is that line?

Well, Wendy, I'm sorry because I understand. I'm havin' a lot of these "guilt" feelings right now as I try to get my meds right. I read something interesting on About.com's ADD site about the stages people go through with their diagnosis and guilt was a big one. I actually don't think I felt so bad, though, until I read that and looked back at my past (and present) in that light. That's what, I guess, support groups are for. I might need one.

I know it's easy to say "don't fret about the past cause the future is long" but seriously, I know for myself that a new world is there for me to enter ... it was there with the Topamax but the toughest part now is gettin' up to therapeutic doses of the Lamictal to see if that'll have a similar effect.

Good Luck, Wendalabee!

 

Re: Help, my therapist is out of town

Posted by avoet on April 3, 2001, at 23:45:15

In reply to Re: Help, my therapist is out of town » Wendy B, posted by phillybob on April 3, 2001, at 22:28:08

i am so sorry you are having such a hard time. i do not want to give you any advice on your meds but i can tell you that i check this board everyday and if you need to talk just post something for me and i will respond as quickly as possible. please hang in there and use this board while you therapist is out of town. three weeks will go by fast and she will be back. i am bipolar II and it is not a fun disease to have. i was misdianosed for a long time but now i can get the right treatment. i struggle with the guilt too. i feel bad for all the times i yelled at my fiance. i have put him through hell. try not to feel guily cause it might bring on depression. try not to fret over past relationships because things happen the way they are supposed to anyway. you do not have to look through life with dx lens you just have to see how it affects your life and how you can get better. anyway, give me a holler if you need anything and i will write you back okay! hang in there, it will be okay.

avoet

 

Re: Help, my therapist is out of town

Posted by SalArmy4me on April 4, 2001, at 2:58:35

In reply to Help, my therapist is out of town, posted by Wendy B on April 3, 2001, at 21:55:36

I'm so tired right now that I can't think straight. But I believe that you should change your outlook on medications in order to realize that Neurontin IS an ANTIDEPRESSANT and should be thought of as one--and I'll prove why when I'm awake. :)

 

Re: Help, my therapist is out of town

Posted by ChrisK on April 4, 2001, at 5:34:17

In reply to Help, my therapist is out of town, posted by Wendy B on April 3, 2001, at 21:55:36

I said something similar in a thread above somewhere but I don't understand why people get so concerned when their dx is addressed or changed. All I want to do is take care of the symptoms - call the disease whatever you want to. I've never asked my pdoc what my dx is and really don't care becuase it is just trying to shove symptoms together in one category. I suppose you need a specific dx for insurance reasons but when it comes to my treatment I want to address the symptoms.

Do yourself a favor and concentrate on the symptoms rather than the dx.

 

Re: Help, my therapist is out of town » phillybob

Posted by Wendy B on April 4, 2001, at 11:10:09

In reply to Re: Help, my therapist is out of town » Wendy B, posted by phillybob on April 3, 2001, at 22:28:08

Thank you Bob (or Philly, or whatever), your response made me cry tears of bitter joy. I thank you for your understanding and your candor, and I REALLY needed someone to say: 'I feel that way too...'

> > She put me on more Neurontin (I was taking one 600 mg at bedtime to help me not wake up at 4:00 am), now she's upped that to 1200 mg at bedtime. Plus now she's told me to take one 600 mg during the day to calm me down. Does this sound ok?
>
> I have no experience with this drug so you should use the search feature here and/or elsewhere. From what I recall my pdoc saying, one can take very high doses of neurontin. Others here'll know for sure. You might just want to do a new post that says, "Neurontin dosage HELP."

Since the boyfriend has been on it, I am familiar with neurontin, but I'm worried my high will get squeezed - I'm feeling pretty creative and have lots to say on every topic and boring everyone silly...
>
> > Another question about meds: should I really be taking an antidepressant? I thought it induced hypomanic states in certain bipolar II cases. What would it be like for me to reduce the Wellbutrin? Do any of you play with dosages, depending on whether you are up-cycling or if you're very low?
>
> I personally never "play with dosages" ... just kidding. But, I don't think my playing has ever resulted in better efficacy. Right now, I am trying Lamictal (used as a mood stabilizer) as monotherapy (though just added a stimulant, Adderall for ADD-type effects, but don't know if that will continue yet ... was kind of feeling better before ... I'm very med-sensitive). I did have a great run (2 months) with Topamax (another drug used as a mood stabilizer) as monotherapy but needed to discontinue due to gum recession ... ouch!)

What's that?? I can ask for Topamax when my therapist comes back, if you or others think it would be helpful.

Thank you for the web sites - I will read them with interest.

> > But what does the dx mean about all my past actions, relationships, burnt bridges, friendships gone sour, etc? Does it mean that I have to see everything through the 'lens' of the diagnosis? I am feeling so incredibly guilty about my behavior in the past. Have any of you felt this way when you really figured out what the symptoms mean and have gotten what you believe to be the 'true' diagnosis? Or felt like it explains everything? Or only up to a certain point? But where is that line?
>
> Well, Wendy, I'm sorry because I understand. I'm havin' a lot of these "guilt" feelings right now as I try to get my meds right. I read something interesting on About.com's ADD site about the stages people go through with their diagnosis and guilt was a big one.

Wow, so it's 'normal' (!!??). I was feeling it soooo acutely, and was in such a heavy, remorseful mood. I couldn't take it, so much self-blame, so much regret.

>I actually don't think I felt so bad, though, until I read that and looked back at my past (and present) in that light. That's what, I guess, support groups are for. I might need one.

Yeah, it sounds like a good idea. I've been in psychotherapy for almost 9 years, but just by myself.


> I know it's easy to say "don't fret about the past cause the future is long" but seriously, I know for myself that a new world is there for me to enter ...

I guess it's a matter of faith and forgiveness - I'm so volatile at the moment, I can't imagine feeling better, the world has become so unstable for me right now. I'm so easily moved to tears and melancholy. Listening to Emmylou's 'Red Dirt Girl' and Sheryl Crow's latest album over and over, just brooding and internalizing everything...

>it was there with the Topamax but the toughest part now is gettin' up to therapeutic doses of the Lamictal to see if that'll have a similar effect.

I hope you get that dosage right, very much. Please let me (us) know what it does for you. What does it feel like now? What are you hoping to feel like when it kicks in? Your note was such a help to me - hard to explain - just got me out of my head enough to think I'm not really alone.

> Good Luck, Wendalabee!

(One final aside: That's so uncanny, everybody calls me Wendela, how could you have known?)

Thank you again, hope to talk more,

Wendy

 

Re: Help, my therapist is out of town » avoet

Posted by Wendy B on April 4, 2001, at 11:26:29

In reply to Re: Help, my therapist is out of town, posted by avoet on April 3, 2001, at 23:45:15

Avoet:

Bless you for your note. What does your name signify? It's very beautiful. Anyway, I have your response and phillybob's to turn to in my hour of need. Just your saying it will be okay make a lot of difference. I wanted to know if the guilt is something others have had to deal with.

What is your meds regimen for your bipolar dx? Tell me more about your situation - perhaps on the other board... (?)

It's hard not to focus on the negative right now. I can't yet pull myself out of it. I know three weeks isn't a long time, but I am feeling abandoned, I guess. Like: how could she leave knowing I was feeling like this? Infantile, I know, but I DID feel it.

I WILL give you a holler when I feel like this (look out! a steady stream may be coming), thank you so much for offering...

Wendy B

> i am so sorry you are having such a hard time. i do not want to give you any advice on your meds but i can tell you that i check this board everyday and if you need to talk just post something for me and i will respond as quickly as possible. please hang in there and use this board while you therapist is out of town. three weeks will go by fast and she will be back. i am bipolar II and it is not a fun disease to have. i was misdianosed for a long time but now i can get the right treatment. i struggle with the guilt too. i feel bad for all the times i yelled at my fiance. i have put him through hell. try not to feel guily cause it might bring on depression. try not to fret over past relationships because things happen the way they are supposed to anyway. you do not have to look through life with dx lens you just have to see how it affects your life and how you can get better. anyway, give me a holler if you need anything and i will write you back okay! hang in there, it will be okay.
>
> avoet

 

Re: Help, my therapist is out of town » SalArmy4me

Posted by Wendy B on April 4, 2001, at 11:30:29

In reply to Re: Help, my therapist is out of town, posted by SalArmy4me on April 4, 2001, at 2:58:35

> I'm so tired right now that I can't think straight. But I believe that you should change your outlook on medications in order to realize that Neurontin IS an ANTIDEPRESSANT and should be thought of as one--and I'll prove why when I'm awake. :)


Okay Sal -- looking forward to it!

It's not that I don't like taking meds - I was on Zoloft and Xanax for years... I just have never taken neurontin before, and was slightly afraid of being numbed-out on it... Perhaps you can tell me what you know about it. Thanks,

Wendy B

 

Re: Help, my therapist is out of town » ChrisK

Posted by Wendy B on April 4, 2001, at 11:37:07

In reply to Re: Help, my therapist is out of town, posted by ChrisK on April 4, 2001, at 5:34:17

> I said something similar in a thread above somewhere but I don't understand why people get so concerned when their dx is addressed or changed. All I want to do is take care of the symptoms - call the disease whatever you want to. I've never asked my pdoc what my dx is and really don't care becuase it is just trying to shove symptoms together in one category. I suppose you need a specific dx for insurance reasons but when it comes to my treatment I want to address the symptoms.
>
> Do yourself a favor and concentrate on the symptoms rather than the dx.

Chris:
All very sensible advice for someone who might not be freaking out the way I have been for the past few days. (I know it is nothing like what other people who participate on this board might have gone through in their horrible times, cutting, suicidal thoughts/attempts). But it's all too real for me right now.

I see diagnoses as pigeon-hole too, and intellectually I understand: treat the symptoms. So why is this affecting me so much? Just a rhetorical question, I'm not expecting you to answer that...

Thanks for your note, too,

Wendy B

 

Re: Help, my therapist is out of town » Wendy B

Posted by ChrisK on April 4, 2001, at 15:51:46

In reply to Re: Help, my therapist is out of town » ChrisK, posted by Wendy B on April 4, 2001, at 11:37:07

Everyone addresses their disease in a personal manner. That is the only way we can. All I am trying to transfer to you is that it isn't necessarily healthy to think that your treatment has to change if you are dx'd as BPD instead of BPII.

It took me many years to find the med that lifted some of my meloncoly. Another year or so to lift the suicidal thoughts (and Attempts) with another med. It was only this year that another med helped to lift the apathy and anhedonia.

They were all a long time coming to me but eventually they worked well together.

Please try to understand that all of the meds we talk about on this board act differently on the symptoms of our disease. There is always a chance that the right med may be around the right corner regardless of the dx. The two best things to happen in treating my depression have been an anti-psychotic used for schizoid disorder and another med used for Parkinson's. My dx sure wouldn't warrant these meds but they helped me immensly.

All I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't let your doctor or yourself pidgeon hole a treatment based on a DSM dx.

 

Re: Help, my therapist is out of town

Posted by KarenK on April 5, 2001, at 8:37:09

In reply to Re: Help, my therapist is out of town » ChrisK, posted by Wendy B on April 4, 2001, at 11:37:07

> Chris:
> All very sensible advice for someone who might not be freaking out the way I have been for the past few days. (I know it is nothing like what other people who participate on this board might have gone through in their horrible times, cutting, suicidal thoughts/attempts). But it's all too real for me right now.
>
> I see diagnoses as pigeon-hole too, and intellectually I understand: treat the symptoms. So why is this affecting me so much? Just a rhetorical question, I'm not expecting you to answer that...
>
> Thanks for your note, too,
>
> Wendy B

Dear Wendy,
I know why you're freaking out. BP has a lot of bad stereotypes. My son was diagnosed a few years ago and we both freaked out at first but as you live with it you'll see you're the same person you were before the pdoc attached that label to you and you're not more delicate or flammable because you have that label attached. It does take some getting used to, the stigma that is. But now you can get the proper help and once you can properly internalize it all you can appreciate the help and the meds. It can be a kick in the head.

KarenK

 

Re: Help, my therapist is out of town » Wendy B

Posted by phillybob on April 5, 2001, at 13:13:21

In reply to Re: Help, my therapist is out of town » phillybob, posted by Wendy B on April 4, 2001, at 11:10:09

> Thank you Bob (or Philly, or whatever), your response made me cry tears of bitter joy. I thank you for your understanding and your candor, and I REALLY needed someone to say: 'I feel that way too...'

Me, too, Wend! I appreciate your response to my response ... gave me the same melancholic happiness (funny, how we can all relate to that dichotomous marriage).

>I am familiar with neurontin, but I'm worried my high will get squeezed - I'm feeling pretty creative and have lots to say on every topic and boring everyone silly...

Again, you should definitely use the search feauture here to find out other's experiences with Neurontin. You can tag on with a post of your own to one of those discussion threads or start a new one. The highs are nice, though, when they aren't damaging. [Anyway, if your boyfriend's creativity had not suffered on this med, that might give you some indication.]

> What's that?? I can ask for Topamax when my therapist comes back, if you or others think it would be helpful.

Here's a good Topamax thread (I'm one of the principal players :). It's ingredient is topiramate: Topamax (topiramate) Experiences thread: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001231/msgs/50878.html

> I guess it's a matter of faith and forgiveness - I'm so volatile at the moment, I can't imagine feeling better, the world has become so unstable for me right now. I'm so easily moved to tears and melancholy. Listening to Emmylou's 'Red Dirt Girl' and Sheryl Crow's latest album over and over, just brooding and internalizing everything...

Yep, yep, yep, yep (Big Al from Happy Days, I believe ... maybe some symbolism in that rose-colored glasses of a series title?). Anyway, we all go through various waxing and wanings of our optimism, but, I think, these type of forums are helpful. And, so is a fine choice of music as you have chosen (though I do not own either one, have heard many fine things about them and have a bit of Emmylou along with forlorn Gillian Welch accompanying Ryan Adams on this Whiskeytown's former front man's wonderful "Heartbreaker" CD).

>I hope you get that dosage right, very much. Please let me (us) know what it does for you. What does it feel like now? What are you hoping to feel like when it kicks in?

Ummm ... I don't know and I don't know. I'm hopin' to have the engagement with life that I had experienced with Topamax, for sure. Right now, it's much of a waiting game (and not a most pleasant one). But, I am hopeful. :)

> > Good Luck, Wendalabee!
>
> (One final aside: That's so uncanny, everybody calls me Wendela, how could you have known?)

Well, Wendy, if one has ever dated a Wendy (or 2 for that matter) in one's life, one gets to such a usage. Just thought it'd friendly up our discourse.

Regards,
Bob (and sundry variations)

 

Re: Help, my therapist is out of town

Posted by Kathi on April 6, 2001, at 12:02:22

In reply to Help, my therapist is out of town, posted by Wendy B on April 3, 2001, at 21:55:36

> Hi folks,
> I am a little on edge here, my therapist/pdoc (a nurse practitioner who specializes in psychiatry) and I figured out yesterday that I probably am Bipolar II, seems like a hypomanic phase. At the session she saw me bounce way up for the first time, after I had been coming to her for weeks in a major depressive state, crying each time over my lost relationship (with another bipolar II, another story for the other babble).
>
> I came into the session not being able to stop talking, and said, look, I think I'm starting on an upswing, maybe I'm not just depressed, maybe I'm bipolar. And she later in the session told me that she had spoken to the psychiatrist she used to work for, and told him about my case, and mentioned to him that she thought I was bipolar, too.
>
> The problem is that she's going out of town for three weeks, and I need some guidance from you all. She put me on more Neurontin (I was taking one 600 mg at bedtime to help me not wake up at 4:00 am), now she's upped that to 1200 mg at bedtime. Plus now she's told me to take one 600 mg during the day to calm me down. Does this sound ok?
>
> Other meds are Wellbutrin, 200 mg in the morning, 100 mg 12 hours later, for depression. It has been ok, I have stopped obsessing about food, and lost 17 pounds over the past month. I take vitamins and everything, but I just don't seem to be all that hungry any more. I also take Xanax very infrequently, for panic and anxiety. The therapist says the Wellbutrin helps with anxiety, so that's why I take one at night.
>
> With the therapist leaving for Turkey tomorrow, I'm worried about losing it, and not having anybody around who I can talk to. That's why I'm writing. Yesterday after the session I felt really bad, so guilty, so freaked out, I couldn't stand it. I felt like this at moments during the day today, but not quite as bad.
>
> Another question about meds: should I really be taking an antidepressant? I thought it induced hypomanic states in certain bipolar II cases. What would it be like for me to reduce the Wellbutrin? Do any of you play with dosages, depending on whether you are up-cycling or if you're very low?
>
> Further, I'm making myself crazy over the diagnosis. We talked in the session about my father who was a drunk, and she says he probably was bipolar too, alcoholism being co-morbid with so many mood disorders. His whole family was affected by drinking. He and my mother split up when I was one yr old, and he has lived a wandering life, re-marrying in every place where he settled down, I have half-brothers and sisters I don't even know. He and my mother never spoke again after their split, and I never knew him, only heard the stories. My mother's family is filled with actors, theater-types, musicians, crazy, loud italians. The dx makes sense with these two genetic influences.
>
> But what does the dx mean about all my past actions, relationships, burnt bridges, friendships gone sour, etc? Does it mean that I have to see everything through the 'lens' of the diagnosis? I am feeling so incredibly guilty about my behavior in the past. Have any of you felt this way when you really figured out what the symptoms mean and have gotten what you believe to be the 'true' diagnosis? Or felt like it explains everything? Or only up to a certain point? But where is that line?
>
> My ex-boyfriend, who sees the same therapist for meds only (on tons of Neurontin every day, no antidepressant), says this woman seems to 'specialize' in bipolar disorder. He says she must give everyone she treats the same diagnosis. He's only slightly kidding. He thinks the 'diagnosis' as such is meaningless and that I shouldn't blame myself for past problems in life. The biggest one recently: I lost my job last September, through progressive disciplinary action and then firing... So kind of a tumultuous past 6 months, to add to the mix. Sorry if this seems rambling, I don't really have much control at the moment. By the way, my therapist has someone on call, but she doesn't know my case personally. What if I end up having to go to the hospital? Please, anyone have any responses to the medication issues, or stories to tell about their dx, how it affected their perceptions of the past, etc?
>
> Thanks in advance so much,
>
> Wendy

>Hi Wendy - Finding the right meds AND right diagnosis can be very difficult at best. Some of us have more than one thing going on. I have depression with mild add and they THINK a mild bipolar 11. Many of the symptoms overlap. And yes when you find out what it is that you are diagnosed with it feels good to find out the Why's but there are other emotions that go along with it. What has happened in the past is in the past. This is a new page to begin with. Use all the info you can gather. Also a major culprit to consider for women is PMS/hypoglycemic which can mimic some of the same symptoms or make the existing depressions etc. worse. A wonderful book (only $5.99 at Boarders Bookstore) Unmasking PMS by Joseph Martorano MD, Maureen Morgan CSW, RN and William Fryer MD.It talks about relationships between PMS, depression, manic states, anxiety etc. It has been extremely informative. It seems like you might want to investegate some other options for a psychiatrist(along with the counselor you are seeing if you are comfortable with her, who is OPEN TO WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY and who really listens to your symptoms. I know it can be scary being in the state you are in (or were previously in).You are right about the effects of anti depressants and bi-polar. They can put you into a manic episode if not taken correctly ALONG with meds such as lithium, or depakote, etc for bipolar. Only a psychiatrist (who is well informed) can acurately monitor this(and then it can be trial and error). There are many sites out there that can give you acurate info on all of these diagnosis; testings to see if you MAY have a certain depression (which of course should be talked over with competent psychiatrist. I think it takes awhile to really get to know the correct symptonms of the patient. Education is the best tool. I'd love to hear back to see how you are doing! good luck to you!!Karen (Kathi)

 

Re: Help, my therapist is out of town » SalArmy4me

Posted by bissie66 on April 7, 2001, at 13:21:12

In reply to Re: Help, my therapist is out of town, posted by SalArmy4me on April 4, 2001, at 2:58:35

> I'm so tired right now that I can't think straight. But I believe that you should change your outlook on medications in order to realize that Neurontin IS an ANTIDEPRESSANT and should be thought of as one--and I'll prove why when I'm awake. :)

i would like to hear more about how Neurontin IS an a.d. i take neuronting (which works great) along with Celexa 30 mg. i want to go off the celexa eventually b.c. of the sexual side effects. so i would love to hear how neurontin works as an AD for you.


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