![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 61 to 85 of 948. Go back in thread:
Posted by Carter on March 8, 2002, at 8:29:58
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers-Zyprexa problems » JMO, posted by Ritch on March 7, 2002, at 13:48:40
> > I'd like to ask this question, and if you don't want to answer I COMPLETELY understand, but I live in Southeastern United States. What about you? Not that it really matters. I just thought that it may help to establish dialog. I think you can never have too many people to talk to about our experiences.
> >
> > mitch-
> >
> > i'm in the southeast as well and recently diagnosed. i have an app't next week for a review of meds. i could really use some help!
>
>
> Hi, I actually live in the Ozarks. But I have lived in Arkansas for many years (so that technically makes me a Southerner of sorts). I am not into posting email addresses and the like-but if you got any med questions or information you are certainly welcome to post and I would be glad to help if I can. Also, others might find the information useful.
>
> MitchHi,
This is Carter and I just wanted to say that I am still checking the site too. And like Mitch I am more than happy to help if I can.
~Carter
Posted by JMO on March 8, 2002, at 9:21:14
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers-Zyprexa problems, posted by Carter on March 8, 2002, at 8:29:58
> > > I'd like to ask this question, and if you don't want to answer I COMPLETELY understand, but I live in Southeastern United States. What about you? Not that it really matters. I just thought that it may help to establish dialog. I think you can never have too many people to talk to about our experiences.
> > >
> > > mitch-
> > >
> > > i'm in the southeast as well and recently diagnosed. i have an app't next week for a review of meds. i could really use some help!
> >
> >
> > Hi, I actually live in the Ozarks. But I have lived in Arkansas for many years (so that technically makes me a Southerner of sorts). I am not into posting email addresses and the like-but if you got any med questions or information you are certainly welcome to post and I would be glad to help if I can. Also, others might find the information useful.
> >
> > Mitch
>
> Hi,
>
> This is Carter and I just wanted to say that I am still checking the site too. And like Mitch I am more than happy to help if I can.
>
> ~Carter
thanks guys, i'm sure i'll have many questions after next week's app't. i'll be sure to keep you posted.
Posted by bluemariano on March 17, 2002, at 8:15:21
In reply to Cyclothymia & mood stabilizers, posted by andrewb on August 7, 1999, at 10:33:51
Hello, I experience exactly what you described and here I am on the internet hoping to discover what my diagnosis is. After a full course of all the heavy meds for manic-depression my doctor discontinued them. I assumed he didn't think I was manic-depressive any longer but actually he re-diagnosed me as cyclothymic. Now, when I have a hypomanic phase (and I do rapid cycling) I take 300 MG of lithium in the form of lithobid which is easier on my stomache and still take a small dose of prozac, 5 MG. Whichever disorder you or I have as a diagnosis, to flip from up to down so frequently is disconcerting. I had such a bad bout recently that I took a medical leave from work and haven't returned in 5 months...no stabilization. I also find that my hormonal cycles affect my cyclothymia. God Bless! Cynthia
Posted by Sarena on March 23, 2002, at 11:37:12
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia & mood stabilizers, posted by Sean on August 7, 1999, at 13:51:22
Hi, I'm new to this message board and am mildly unsure as to what it is all about. I stumbled upon it in the process of finding information on cyclothymia, which I suspect I have, but am unsure. I'm looking for some information in determining if I have cyclothymia or not, and how (and if) it can be treated without therepy or medication. I'm also looking for other individuals who could share their experiences with this with me. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by BarbaraCat on March 24, 2002, at 15:26:40
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers, posted by Sarena on March 23, 2002, at 11:37:12
Hi Sarena and Welcome to the Babblers! Perhaps a good place to start would be for you to describe your symptoms to this forum. You'd probably get quite a few responses from those who are cyclothymic comparing notes of symptoms. You could also do a search on the top of this page and type in cyclothy* (the asterisk is important to pick up all forms of cyclothymia, thymic, etc.), however, there's a tendency to wander off topic into other subjects so you may get alot more info than you want (but it's always enlightening).
You could also just to a plain old web search (i.e., www.google.com and type in cyclothymia). But again, try starting a new thread and pose the question. It could take a little while to get a response because new threads appear at the bottom of the list and are sometimes overlooked for a few days. You also might need to ask a few times. Don't be hurt, it just usually works that way when new and posting a new thread. - Barbara
Posted by Kimberly2 on March 27, 2002, at 22:46:06
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers-Zyprexa problems » Carter, posted by Mitch on December 17, 2001, at 9:54:47
Hi ~ this is my first visit to a searchboard of any kind -- but I was searching the internet for any information related to Zyprexa being used in conjunction with Concerta for ADHD -- and was directed here.
So . . . . my 11 year old son was just prescribed Zyprexa to assist with behaviors associated with ADHD. He is in 5th grade, has an IQ of 156 -- but often exhibits the behaviors of a child much younger than his age. In addition, he has ADHD. For quite awhile I resisted using medication to treat him, but was convinced that a trial of medication was worth a try. It was successful.
Anyway -- I'm rambling (I do that when I'm nervous!) -- the reason I came to search on Zyprexa was because the information sheet that came with the prescription described it as an "antipsychotic" medication, used most commonly for schizophrenia -- but my child has not been diagnosed with these illnesses -- so I'm confused.
Has anyone ever heard of Zyprexa being used for purposes of ADHD??? Or have you or anyone you've known used it??
I would greatly appreciate any responses!!
Thanks~
Kimberly2
Posted by fiona on March 28, 2002, at 15:54:54
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers, posted by Sarena on March 23, 2002, at 11:37:12
> Hi, I'm new to this message board and am mildly unsure as to what it is all about. I stumbled upon it in the process of finding information on cyclothymia, which I suspect I have, but am unsure. I'm looking for some information in determining if I have cyclothymia or not, and how (and if) it can be treated without therepy or medication. I'm also looking for other individuals who could share their experiences with this with me. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Serena,
I have recently been diagnosed with cyclothymia, and I can tell you I'm as confused as the rest! I have found that this message board has been a Godsend, just to know that I am not by myself out there! If you would like to know about my symptoms etc I'd be more than happy to tell you, as I know how difficult things can be and if I can help in any way I will try. I would suggest you talk to your doctor about this too, mine has been very helpful, but I know that they are not all like that.
Fiona
Posted by Sarena on March 28, 2002, at 20:04:56
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers, posted by fiona on March 28, 2002, at 15:54:54
> > Hi, I'm new to this message board and am mildly unsure as to what it is all about. I stumbled upon it in the process of finding information on cyclothymia, which I suspect I have, but am unsure. I'm looking for some information in determining if I have cyclothymia or not, and how (and if) it can be treated without therepy or medication. I'm also looking for other individuals who could share their experiences with this with me. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Hi Serena,
> I have recently been diagnosed with cyclothymia, and I can tell you I'm as confused as the rest! I have found that this message board has been a Godsend, just to know that I am not by myself out there! If you would like to know about my symptoms etc I'd be more than happy to tell you, as I know how difficult things can be and if I can help in any way I will try. I would suggest you talk to your doctor about this too, mine has been very helpful, but I know that they are not all like that.
> Fiona
Yes, I'd be glad to hear about your symptoms and the like. I haven't seen any doctors or really discussed this with anyone, so that would be most helpful. If you would like to e-mail me instead of posting, my address is QyeenSugarX@aol.com. Thanks...-Sarena
Posted by GeoffW on April 15, 2002, at 8:54:18
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers, posted by Sarena on March 23, 2002, at 11:37:12
> Hi, I'm new to this message board and am mildly unsure as to what it is all about. I stumbled ...it can be treated without therepy or medication. I'm also looking for other individuals who could share their experiences with this with me. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Hi My name is Geoff, I'm early 40s and live in the UK. I have what I think is cyclothymia, and have had it since my teens. The only treatment I am given at the moment is 20mg of fluoxetine (generic name for our old friend Prozac). This helps alot with mood stabilising and energy levels but I don't consider it makes me "normal". I've had about 1 and a half years' counselling which helps to deal with the ups and downs and the apparent external causes of mood shifts, but am not fully convinced that this is a purely cognitive as opposed to an organic condition. I manage to hold down a job most of the time, and have a family too, but I'm pretty difficult to live with when not on medication(!)
The hardest part is coping not just with the mood swings, but with my continually changing attitudes to everything - what or whoever seemed brilliant one day is boring or unattractive the next
A good book on the mood disorders is "A Mood Apart" by Peter Whybrow, an academic and one of the few professionals that actually seems to recognise this condition. The consensus seems to be that a combination of therapy & medication is the best approach. I haven't tried any of the "alternative" approaches, but have read alot of the self-help literature on depression. Little of this appears to be relevant to rapid mood cycling though. Hope this helps. Would be happy to hear more about your own experiences.
Posted by polarbear206 on April 15, 2002, at 10:01:38
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers » Sarena, posted by GeoffW on April 15, 2002, at 8:54:18
> > Hi, I'm new to this message board and am mildly unsure as to what it is all about. I stumbled ...it can be treated without therepy or medication. I'm also looking for other individuals who could share their experiences with this with me. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Hi My name is Geoff, I'm early 40s and live in the UK. I have what I think is cyclothymia, and have had it since my teens. The only treatment I am given at the moment is 20mg of fluoxetine (generic name for our old friend Prozac). This helps alot with mood stabilising and energy levels but I don't consider it makes me "normal". I've had about 1 and a half years' counselling which helps to deal with the ups and downs and the apparent external causes of mood shifts, but am not fully convinced that this is a purely cognitive as opposed to an organic condition. I manage to hold down a job most of the time, and have a family too, but I'm pretty difficult to live with when not on medication(!)
> The hardest part is coping not just with the mood swings, but with my continually changing attitudes to everything - what or whoever seemed brilliant one day is boring or unattractive the next
> A good book on the mood disorders is "A Mood Apart" by Peter Whybrow, an academic and one of the few professionals that actually seems to recognise this condition. The consensus seems to be that a combination of therapy & medication is the best approach. I haven't tried any of the "alternative" approaches, but have read alot of the self-help literature on depression. Little of this appears to be relevant to rapid mood cycling though. Hope this helps. Would be happy to hear more about your own experiences.
Geoff,
Hi! I also suffer from a mild form of bipolar disorder. You need to explore mood stablizers to find some balance in your life. Antidepressants used alone or in high doses can EXACERBATE your mood cycle. A good book to read is "Why your depression isn't getting better" By Michael R. Bartos MD. It's about the epidemic of undiagnosed bipolar spectrum disorders. I have been like this since my son was born 13 years ago. I also had some mild depression as a teen. I tried Lithium and Depakote in the past and didn't work out. I'm on Lamictal now and it's working very well!! There are very well educated people on this board who can give you good advice. I'm positive that you will find the right cocktail of meds to find peace and balance with your life!! I'm also 41 and a psychiatric nurse of all things. I feel very passionate about proper diagnosis and treatment. Educate yourself about your illness as much as possible. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Laura.
Posted by Katrina on April 15, 2002, at 11:27:39
In reply to cyclothemia (I messed up above posts) Geoff, posted by polarbear206 on April 15, 2002, at 10:01:38
Geoff,
I can totally relate. I just posted (Katrina) about my lamictal and trileptal trial. AD's seem to make this situation worse. Your post is one I absolutely understand. They tell me mood stabilizers. Lithium didn't help and depakote made me fall asleep at the wheel. Your trial may vary.
Posted by Katrina on April 15, 2002, at 11:31:16
In reply to Re: cyclothemia (I messed up above posts) Geoff, posted by Katrina on April 15, 2002, at 11:27:39
How much lamictal?
Posted by Carter on April 15, 2002, at 11:47:39
In reply to Re: cyclothemia (I messed up above posts) Geoff, posted by Katrina on April 15, 2002, at 11:27:39
Hi Geoff,
I also have cyclothymia. I have been medicated on Wellbutrin (AD) since June 2000 and Depakote (mood stabilizer) since May 2001. Both of these have been working for me. I did, however, just talk my doc into bringing down my wellbutrin dosage. I was maxed out per day, but we cut it in half and I'm ok. You asked about this not being only cognitive, but organic. Yes! It is a chemical imbalance...something you can't help. The catch is everyday events aggrivate the condition so much. If you're only on prozac, I'd talk to your doc about changing your medication. Personally I get really irritable, and I mean everything irritates me. But the depakote has been working for me, and I am on a relatively low dosage. That's something that has been very important to me...trying to deal as well as possible without meds. Though I know I'll be on a mood stabilizer for the rest of my life...I'd like to keep down the dosage.
I have read so many of the books out there on depression and how to deal with it. What I found was that reading those books were contributing to my depression. When I can find info. on cyclothymia I read it. But as for all of the self-help books...I just got burned out on them. So now I surround myself with things I like, and things I find relaxing. Like soothing music, water in the background is great...and I have found that I function better without overhead lighting...I use lamps. I know it sounds weird. Although I can't manage to dedicate myself to a regular exercise routine, excercise helps tremendously! I have also found this on-line community to be a big help and Laura is right, there are a lot of very educated people who are very knowledgable about this subject. This is a great site! And incdentally, thanks to all of you out there that contribute...I know I appreciate it!
~Carter
Posted by JMO on April 15, 2002, at 12:17:22
In reply to Re: cyclothemia (I messed up above posts) Geoff, posted by Carter on April 15, 2002, at 11:47:39
> Hi Geoff,
>
> I also have cyclothymia. I have been medicated on Wellbutrin (AD) since June 2000 and Depakote (mood stabilizer) since May 2001. Both of these have been working for me. I did, however, just talk my doc into bringing down my wellbutrin dosage. I was maxed out per day, but we cut it in half and I'm ok. You asked about this not being only cognitive, but organic. Yes! It is a chemical imbalance...something you can't help. The catch is everyday events aggrivate the condition so much. If you're only on prozac, I'd talk to your doc about changing your medication. Personally I get really irritable, and I mean everything irritates me. But the depakote has been working for me, and I am on a relatively low dosage. That's something that has been very important to me...trying to deal as well as possible without meds. Though I know I'll be on a mood stabilizer for the rest of my life...I'd like to keep down the dosage.
>
> I have read so many of the books out there on depression and how to deal with it. What I found was that reading those books were contributing to my depression. When I can find info. on cyclothymia I read it. But as for all of the self-help books...I just got burned out on them. So now I surround myself with things I like, and things I find relaxing. Like soothing music, water in the background is great...and I have found that I function better without overhead lighting...I use lamps. I know it sounds weird. Although I can't manage to dedicate myself to a regular exercise routine, excercise helps tremendously! I have also found this on-line community to be a big help and Laura is right, there are a lot of very educated people who are very knowledgable about this subject. This is a great site! And incdentally, thanks to all of you out there that contribute...I know I appreciate it!
>
> ~CarterIt is so great to hear of others who are experiencing similar "odd" things as me. I, too, am highly irritated by overhead lighting and prefer to use lamps. My coworkers think I'm a bat because of the low lighting in my office. BTW, they are not aware of my prognosis, it simply isn't their business and does not interfere with my work enough for them to notice. I'm currently on Serzone (300 mg) and would like to explore mood stabilizers with my doc. The serzone helped so much in the beginning but seems to have leveled off and the depression is no longer at bay. Would a mood stabilizer help? Thanks again for all the feedback.
Posted by GeoffW on April 15, 2002, at 12:40:18
In reply to Re: cyclothemia (I messed up above posts) Geoff, posted by Katrina on April 15, 2002, at 11:27:39
Hi Katrina, thanks for that. There seem to be a good few well-informed people on this board; I have not tried any of these mood stabilizers although I have suggested the idea to doctors etc.
Posted by GeoffW on April 15, 2002, at 12:41:26
In reply to cyclothemia (I messed up above posts) Geoff, posted by polarbear206 on April 15, 2002, at 10:01:38
> > Hi My name is Geoff, I'm early 40s and live in the UK. I have what I think is cyclothymia, and have had it since my teens. The only treatment I am given at the moment is 20mg of fluoxetine (generic name for our old friend Prozac). ... Hope this helps. Would be happy to hear more about your own experiences.
>
>
> Geoff,
> Hi! I also suffer from a mild form of bipolar disorder. You need to explore mood stablizers to find some balance in your life. Antidepressants used alone or in high doses can EXACERBATE your mood cycle. A good book to read is "Why your depression isn't getting better" By Michael R. Bartos MD. It's about the epidemic of undiagnosed bipolar spectrum disorders. I have been like this since my son was born 13 years ago. I also had some mild depression as a teen. I tried Lithium and Depakote in the past and didn't work out. I'm on Lamictal now and it's working very well!! There are very well educated people on this board who can give you good advice. I'm positive that you will find the right cocktail of meds to find peace and balance with your life!! I'm also 41 and a psychiatric nurse of all things. I feel very passionate about proper diagnosis and treatment. Educate yourself about your illness as much as possible. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Laura.Thanks for all those helpful comments. I do try and educate myself although it's hard to keep it going without some support, and when you assume the doctors know better than you do...
I've never heard of Lamictal until now, that is presumably a brand name and it may be sold under a different one here in the UK so I'll have to find out. I'll also get hold of that book. Thanks again, GeoffW
Posted by BarbaraCat on April 15, 2002, at 14:48:40
In reply to cyclothemia (I messed up above posts) Geoff, posted by polarbear206 on April 15, 2002, at 10:01:38
Laura,
I read you post with interest and agree that mood stabilisers seem to be the missing key in a large proportion of us non-responders. After 20 years of various antidepressants pooping out, with subsequent increases spinning me off into severe panic reactions, I recently had lithium added to my Remeron and other med mix. It's helped tremendously. I've followed the bread crumbs back to the trail and it looks like I definitely qualify for Bipolar II. Every red flag is there and I only wish I knew it then and had those 15-20 years of my life back again. My pdoc agrees, although why it had to be me to make that call remains one of the more frustrating mysteries of this process.My questions to you are: how have you found lamactil to be different from lithium? Are you still taking an AD along with lamactil? Have you had experienced weight gain? Also, thanks for the book tip. I've put in an order from Amazon. - Barbara
Posted by polarbear206 on April 15, 2002, at 15:41:56
In reply to Polarbear-How much Lamictal are your on?, posted by Katrina on April 15, 2002, at 11:31:16
> How much lamictal?
I take 100mg of imipramine and 25mg of Lamictal at night and 25mg in the morning.
Posted by polarbear206 on April 15, 2002, at 16:00:35
In reply to Re: cyclothemia (I messed up above posts) Geoff, posted by JMO on April 15, 2002, at 12:17:22
> > Hi Geoff,
> >
> > I also have cyclothymia. I have been medicated on Wellbutrin (AD) since June 2000 and Depakote (mood stabilizer) since May 2001. Both of these have been working for me. I did, however, just talk my doc into bringing down my wellbutrin dosage. I was maxed out per day, but we cut it in half and I'm ok. You asked about this not being only cognitive, but organic. Yes! It is a chemical imbalance...something you can't help. The catch is everyday events aggrivate the condition so much. If you're only on prozac, I'd talk to your doc about changing your medication. Personally I get really irritable, and I mean everything irritates me. But the depakote has been working for me, and I am on a relatively low dosage. That's something that has been very important to me...trying to deal as well as possible without meds. Though I know I'll be on a mood stabilizer for the rest of my life...I'd like to keep down the dosage.
> >
> > I have read so many of the books out there on depression and how to deal with it. What I found was that reading those books were contributing to my depression. When I can find info. on cyclothymia I read it. But as for all of the self-help books...I just got burned out on them. So now I surround myself with things I like, and things I find relaxing. Like soothing music, water in the background is great...and I have found that I function better without overhead lighting...I use lamps. I know it sounds weird. Although I can't manage to dedicate myself to a regular exercise routine, excercise helps tremendously! I have also found this on-line community to be a big help and Laura is right, there are a lot of very educated people who are very knowledgable about this subject. This is a great site! And incdentally, thanks to all of you out there that contribute...I know I appreciate it!
> >
> > ~Carter
>
> It is so great to hear of others who are experiencing similar "odd" things as me. I, too, am highly irritated by overhead lighting and prefer to use lamps. My coworkers think I'm a bat because of the low lighting in my office. BTW, they are not aware of my prognosis, it simply isn't their business and does not interfere with my work enough for them to notice. I'm currently on Serzone (300 mg) and would like to explore mood stabilizers with my doc. The serzone helped so much in the beginning but seems to have leveled off and the depression is no longer at bay. Would a mood stabilizer help? Thanks again for all the feedback.JMO,
A red flag is going up in your line about the Serzone helping in the beginning then leveled off. This is one of the hallmark signs of a possible underlying mood disorder. The same thing happened with me. This is also discussed in the book I suggested in the above post.Laura
Posted by Sarena on April 15, 2002, at 16:33:06
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers » Sarena, posted by GeoffW on April 15, 2002, at 8:54:18
> > Hi, I'm new to this message board and am mildly unsure as to what it is all about. I stumbled ...it can be treated without therepy or medication. I'm also looking for other individuals who could share their experiences with this with me. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Hi My name is Geoff, I'm early 40s and live in the UK. I have what I think is cyclothymia, and have had it since my teens. The only treatment I am given at the moment is 20mg of fluoxetine (generic name for our old friend Prozac). This helps alot with mood stabilising and energy levels but I don't consider it makes me "normal". I've had about 1 and a half years' counselling which helps to deal with the ups and downs and the apparent external causes of mood shifts, but am not fully convinced that this is a purely cognitive as opposed to an organic condition. I manage to hold down a job most of the time, and have a family too, but I'm pretty difficult to live with when not on medication(!)
> The hardest part is coping not just with the mood swings, but with my continually changing attitudes to everything - what or whoever seemed brilliant one day is boring or unattractive the next
> A good book on the mood disorders is "A Mood Apart" by Peter Whybrow, an academic and one of the few professionals that actually seems to recognise this condition. The consensus seems to be that a combination of therapy & medication is the best approach. I haven't tried any of the "alternative" approaches, but have read alot of the self-help literature on depression. Little of this appears to be relevant to rapid mood cycling though. Hope this helps. Would be happy to hear more about your own experiences.Well, I'm only 16 and have experiencing alternating depression/high energy levels for about three years. Some time periods are a lot better than others. Only in the last couple of months, when the mood swings became more frequent and intense, have I began to investigate. The only thing I've come up with is cyclothymia-which is only an educated guess, I haven't been professionally diagnoised. So I guess I started using this page for information and some support-I feel rather alone on this subject and am uncomfortable talking about it to others. Recommended books and ways of dealing with this would be greatly appreciated if anyone had some. Thanks
~Sarena
Posted by Mondeo on April 16, 2002, at 8:55:25
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers, posted by Raizelle on March 3, 2002, at 3:19:42
Hey,practically there are some more modern approaches to the issue bothering you and I am referring to Lamictal which seems to be a better med.than Depakote,dueto its specific AD quality,missing from the other known Mood Stabilizers ; I suggest you to discuss it with your doc.,moreover that he has indeed a correct opinion about extra AD's administration(trying to avoid hypomania,rapid cycling etc.)
good luck
Mondeo> Hey, I have recently been diagnosed as having bipolar II, though I kinda disagree and think I just have cyclothymia. My psychiatrist put me on 750 mg of depakote and said that it was real small dosage, I just started taking it and was curious about other people's experience with it.My psychiatrist wont put me on an anti-depressant for now cuz shes scared of me going manic. Personally, I think that when I'm manic I'm not that manic and I do great things, even if i don't manage to do them for real long periods of time...but that's because I start going down again. Is there anyway to keep highs without having lows? I think this forum is a great idea and don't know if anyone still reads this. I know this post is a little long winded...so I hope you all forgive me. Thanx.;)
Posted by polarbear206 on April 16, 2002, at 9:19:44
In reply to Mild Bipolar - mood stabilisers » polarbear206, posted by BarbaraCat on April 15, 2002, at 14:48:40
> Laura,
> I read you post with interest and agree that mood stabilisers seem to be the missing key in a large proportion of us non-responders. After 20 years of various antidepressants pooping out, with subsequent increases spinning me off into severe panic reactions, I recently had lithium added to my Remeron and other med mix. It's helped tremendously. I've followed the bread crumbs back to the trail and it looks like I definitely qualify for Bipolar II. Every red flag is there and I only wish I knew it then and had those 15-20 years of my life back again. My pdoc agrees, although why it had to be me to make that call remains one of the more frustrating mysteries of this process.
>
> My questions to you are: how have you found lamactil to be different from lithium? Are you still taking an AD along with lamactil? Have you had experienced weight gain? Also, thanks for the book tip. I've put in an order from Amazon. - Barbara
Barbara,
I'm glad the Lithium is working for you!! I know what you mean by wishing you had all those years back! My bipolar is very mild and I've been
able to get by all these years with just antidepressants. Every year prior to the time change, I spiral down into a depression. It's starts out with hypersomnia, confusion and concentration problems, then escaltes to extreme anxiety. This year I added some Paxil too my Imipramine for the anxiety until I got to see my pdoc. I tried to up the Imipramine, but the higher dose just exacerbated my anxiety. I can't take high doses of any antidepressant due to it will induce hypoamnia, agitation and restlessness. I did try Lithium about 5 years ago. I must say that I probably didn't give it a fair trial because I was on Paxil at the time. My depression responds much better to the tricyclics. I also tried Depakote while on the Paxil and I was very sleepy. I have no side effects from the Lamictal. I got a diffuse rash on my arms and legs in the beginning, but that has resolved. Since starting the Lamictal, I've been able to wein off the Paxil and cut back the imipramine to 75mg. I'm staying at this for a while. I want to see how I get through the PMS this month. I think that alot of my PMS was exacerbated from the bipolar and not being on a mood stabilzer. The Lamictal also acts as a antidepressant/mood stabilizer, so you get the benifit of both from 1 pill. I only gained about 5 pounds on the Lithium. The Depakote causes more weight gain. So do the SSRI's verses the Imipramine. No weight gain from the Lamictal. I'm very active, exercise and eating healthy are a big part of my lifestyle. Of all the antidepressants I've been on , I've been able to loose and maintain my weight on the Imipramine. It's alot of hard work because I have to work twice as hard due to being on medication. It will get eaisier since I'm able to lower my dose. I'm sure you know that after you hit 35 or so the weight is much harder to get off!! My pdoc suspected I was bipolar many years ago, but I was scared to death of the Lithium. Back then there were only few choices of antimanic drugs available. All I know is that I'm feeling better than I've felt for a long time!
The peace and tranquility just feels "right". Having this illness and working in mental health has been a blessing in many ways. It feels good to reach out and help others.
LAURA
Posted by polarbear206 on April 16, 2002, at 10:40:35
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers, posted by Mondeo on April 16, 2002, at 8:55:25
> Hey,practically there are some more modern approaches to the issue bothering you and I am referring to Lamictal which seems to be a better med.than Depakote,dueto its specific AD quality,missing from the other known Mood Stabilizers ; I suggest you to discuss it with your doc.,moreover that he has indeed a correct opinion about extra AD's administration(trying to avoid hypomania,rapid cycling etc.)
> good luck
> Mondeo
>
> > Hey, I have recently been diagnosed as having bipolar II, though I kinda disagree and think I just have cyclothymia. My psychiatrist put me on 750 mg of depakote and said that it was real small dosage, I just started taking it and was curious about other people's experience with it.My psychiatrist wont put me on an anti-depressant for now cuz shes scared of me going manic. Personally, I think that when I'm manic I'm not that manic and I do great things, even if i don't manage to do them for real long periods of time...but that's because I start going down again. Is there anyway to keep highs without having lows? I think this forum is a great idea and don't know if anyone still reads this. I know this post is a little long winded...so I hope you all forgive me. Thanx.;)Mondeo,
The upswing of this illness can just be periods of energy and getting alot accomplished. You don't have to present a textbook case of hypomania to be diagnosed as bipolar 2. In my case, my bipolar is depression dominated and my highs are just increased energy and a hyperthymic personality comes out. Many people don't realize that there is a very broad spectrum to bipolar dosorders. The various levels of bipolar illness other than true manic depression were thought to be rare and even, according to the current edition of DSM. However, research over the past two decades and in recent years, indicates it is considerably higher and perhaps may account for half of all clinical depressions. I find this very interesting!
Laura.
Posted by BarbaraCat on April 17, 2002, at 0:02:26
In reply to Re: Mild Bipolar - mood stabilisers » BarbaraCat, posted by polarbear206 on April 16, 2002, at 9:19:44
Laura,
Sounds like we have alot in common with our symptoms. Thanks for your answer. I think I'm going to ask my pdoc about trying lamactil next time. He added Topamax to the lithium to help with the weight gain but it's created some of the inner tension and restlessness that I'm wanting to be rid of. If lamactil doesn't cause weight gain, then I've heard enough good things about it, aside from the pesky rash thing, that it sounds worth giving a try. Best of luck to you. - Barbara
Posted by Psydoc on April 18, 2002, at 5:02:39
In reply to Re: Mild Bipolar - mood stabilisers » polarbear206, posted by BarbaraCat on April 17, 2002, at 0:02:26
Lamictal is turning out to be an excellent treatrment for people with Cyclothymia or Bipolar-II. While the rash is potentially a serious problem, I have treated over 300 patients with Lamictal, and while a few have developed a rash, over half of those who did, were able to continue on Lamictal after an adjustment in the dose and the speed with which the dose was being increased.
Best regards . . .
Ivan Goldberg
psydoc@psycom.net
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%> Laura,
> Sounds like we have alot in common with our symptoms. Thanks for your answer. I think I'm going to ask my pdoc about trying lamactil next time. He added Topamax to the lithium to help with the weight gain but it's created some of the inner tension and restlessness that I'm wanting to be rid of. If lamactil doesn't cause weight gain, then I've heard enough good things about it, aside from the pesky rash thing, that it sounds worth giving a try. Best of luck to you. - Barbara
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