Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 13781

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new to effexor and pumped up about it

Posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 15:19:48

In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by Kam on January 2, 2003, at 23:27:01

hello everyone!
my doc just gave me some samples of effexor to try and i have heard positive feedback from most people about it. I am currently on lexapro- i am supposed to lower the dose and add effexor slowly. Has anyone else been thru a similar situation? I would like to hear from people what the most prominent side effects are and what to expect. My main problems with lexapro now are my tiredness, lack of concentration and eating like mad. Will effexor help any of these?
thanks!
anne

 

takes forever to pee!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by bluestar on March 26, 2003, at 16:20:06

In reply to new to effexor and pumped up about it, posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 15:19:48

I sit there and sit there and I know I have to pee and my friggin bladder is full but I can't pee. then I get up and walk around and try again and still I cant until finally...relief. I'm trying to be funny about this. It's not painful it's just annoying and I think it's an effexor thing. I've never experienced this before.

 

Re: ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation?

Posted by lovemybabies on March 26, 2003, at 17:23:09

In reply to Re: ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation? » lovemybabies, posted by Paco on March 25, 2003, at 9:11:25

I absolutely agree, Paco. Even if the withdrawal is Hell for two weeks or more, this drug has changed my life in a huge way and is well worth it. I wish I'd asked for help sooner.

 

Re: new to effexor and pumped up about it

Posted by lovemybabies on March 26, 2003, at 17:32:04

In reply to new to effexor and pumped up about it, posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 15:19:48

Hi, Annlanka,

I can't speak for everyone and certainly(as you can read) there are those who dislike this drug. For me, it helped tremendously with my fatigue. I'm on 150mg/day. I don't feel manic like some have experienced. I feel like a cloud of anxiety and depression has been lifted; like I can see things from a really clear perspective. It's wonderful to feel this positive, level-headed and rested. I lost about 7 pounds in the first two weeks, just because it killed my appetite. No nausea or vomiting, just no desire to eat. It quickly came back, however, once my body adjusted. The most annoying side-effect was uncontrollable, tiny muscle-twitching, mostly when I'd go to sleep. It's gone now and I have no unpleasant side-effects at all. The best advice I can give is to hang in there the first two weeks. You'll most-likely feel like you're walking around in somebody else's body--that's the best way I can describe it. If you can roll with it, and tell yourself it means the drug is working...it's kind of fun in a weird sort of way. :) Good luck and let us know how you do.

Jen

 

Re: takes forever to pee!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by lovemybabies on March 26, 2003, at 17:33:23

In reply to takes forever to pee!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by bluestar on March 26, 2003, at 16:20:06

Hi, How long have you been on Effexor? I had the same problem once or twice during the first two weeks. It went away. I have to drink lots of water because I think Effexor is a little dehydrating. I'm still constipated after two months. Drag. But worth the benefits.

 

Re: new to effexor and pumped up about it » annlanka

Posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 17:34:08

In reply to new to effexor and pumped up about it, posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 15:19:48

hi anne,
I've been on EffexorXR, and am currently taking it. When I first started it-my appetite decreased a lot and I lost about 10 Lbs. It passed, but EffexorXR is the only AD I have never gained a tremendous amount of weight on. Effexor tends to make people 'not tired' at first.
I have to tell you, though, that all the posters here have different reactions to different medications. Some good, and some not so good. I hope everyone who can relate to your post will reply to you.
This is just my experience.
May I ask what your diagnosis is? Is your doc going to keep you on Lexapro while you start Effexor? I ask because I am doing some reearch and getting ideas about adding Lexapro to my meds. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about Effexor, if I can help.
All the best,
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hello everyone!
my doc just gave me some samples of effexor to try and i have heard positive feedback from most people about it. I am currently on lexapro- i am supposed to lower the dose and add effexor slowly. Has anyone else been thru a similar situation? I would like to hear from people what the most prominent side effects are and what to expect. My main problems with lexapro now are my tiredness, lack of concentration and eating like mad. Will effexor help any of these?
thanks!
anne

 

Please keep us posted annlanka :-) (nm)

Posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 18:07:07

In reply to new to effexor and pumped up about it, posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 15:19:48

 

Re: takes forever to pee!!!!!!!!!!! » bluestar

Posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 26, 2003, at 18:09:49

In reply to takes forever to pee!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by bluestar on March 26, 2003, at 16:20:06

I had that problem with Gabitril, even at only 4mg per day. It was much more extreme though... and very painful. It sometimes took days for me to finally be able to go. I was so desperate though that I kept taking it, and almost died in the hospital the day the dose was raised to 8mg.

 

Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question......

Posted by jtc on March 26, 2003, at 18:21:14

In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question...... » Napaba, posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 13:19:38

> Hi Kristen,
I was just reading the following post and I wondered what is bipolar disorder? I have generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder and depression also. I am currently tapering off Effexor XR but I am going to continue Klonopin. I don't know much about bipolar. Thanks for the post on mania. It was very informative.
Thanks, jtc


Hi Napaba,
> Thanks so much for the reply. I am going to do a search on it. I like that you read that it is the safest-I will have to check that out. I also didn't know it doesn't work on serotonin? wow
> I got some reading to do. lol
> My brother is on it and it seems to work with his Zoloft, and we have the same blood, etc. I am definately going to talk to my pdoc Friday about going on it and stopping the Effexor. I have posted about the fact that the manufacturers of Effexor have stated to doctors to use caution when prescribing Effexor to BP's and if I am still a little bipolar or BP II-then it really isn't a med I should be on. (I have just come to this realization a few days ago)
> I'm also on Klonopin and I am aware of the addictive properties benzos have too-so I try to just stay at 2mg a day. My friend takes 4mg and my brother sometimes takes 8mg a day-way too much for me.
> Anyway, don't mind ya asking at all, in my own words here and from what I have learned, mania is a mental state (mood) that is characterized by extreme "highs" like overspending, grandiose feelings, sexual promiscuity, extremely happy or up, but in the DSMIV-it states that it can be dangerous and obviously affect one's functionality in daily living, holding down a job, relationships, and the list goes on.
> I don't think it is as much as anxiety as it is just over-happiness if that makes sense, a person, when manic, feels on top of the world, nothing and no one bothers them, etc. I think that when someone has mania, if they seem anxious to others they may not realize they are because they are so "up" and just in an extremely different and very happy mood. I could go into Psych terms but I can explain it better when I think about what I have read, learned, and experienced.
> Hope this helped.
> :-)
> kristen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> > I liked the Welbutrin because it didn't have any side effects. From what I've read it seemed to be the safest. It does not effect Serrotonin (sp)it works on another chemical in the brain. I'm not a Dr. this is something I read.
> >
> > I couldn't remember to take it twice a day. This could be why it didn't work well for me, when I did take it I felt good. I still had some depression and anxiety. But no one is happy all the time. I was able to function and didn't feel drugged and tired. I'm actually considering asking my Dr. if I can switch to Wellbutrin and make a true effort to take it each morning and evening. Because if I remember correctly I didn't have this much anxiety on Wellbutrin or before I started taking Effexor. I also have Zannax. I try not to take it often, but I do use it when the anxiety is more then I can handle or if I'm having trouble sleeping. I really like the Zannex, but I know it's addictive and I don't want to be dependent on it.
>
>
> If you don't mind sharing what is Mania? Is it anxiety? The up feeling?
>
>

 

Re: ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation? » lovemybabies

Posted by Paco on March 26, 2003, at 20:26:53

In reply to Re: ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation?, posted by lovemybabies on March 26, 2003, at 17:23:09

Right on, lovemybabies! It was my bad experiences with Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft that kept me from trying another medication for years. I waited until I was desperate to try another medication, and I'm quite satisfied with EXR. I'm already functioning again - back at work, back in school, back at the gym... I LIKE it!

===============================================

> I absolutely agree, Paco. Even if the withdrawal is Hell for two weeks or more, this drug has changed my life in a huge way and is well worth it. I wish I'd asked for help sooner.

 

Re: Please keep us posted annlanka :-)

Posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 20:27:44

In reply to Please keep us posted annlanka :-) (nm), posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 18:07:07

hi everyone-
Ok, kristen, this is my deal. I have been formally diagnosed with depression for about a year now but have suffered from intense mood swings since i was a teenager. I am 24 now and just this summer i started to get very lethargic and apathetic, also very paranoid, like people were looking down on me and thinking negative thoughts about me. I used to have really good self esteem, i played sports, good student, but for the past year this has slowly been ripped from under me and i have lost all my drives and am now living at home with my fam for awhile. Started out on lexapro 10 mg. Worked the first week, then cascaded and never came back up. went to 20 mg and have been even more exhausted since then. A saw a new doc today and she prescribed me effexor (a starters pack) and lowered lexapro down to 10 mg. She told me that when people take too much of a drug it can make them tired. She said i may want to stay on lexapro while on effexor or just totally go on effexor. I am going to slowly increase my dosage of effexor over the next 4 weeks so i will let you know how that goes.
What is your diagnoses? How do you think lexapro could help you? I know when lexapro was working for me, i felt great! but it lasted like 1-2 weeks, so i dont know if it was "all in my head " so to speak (no pun intended) or actually the med working itself.
I will keep you posted on how i feel, and hopefully you can get a sense of whether this could help you too.
take care
anne

 

Re: ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation? » Paco

Posted by Jack Smith on March 26, 2003, at 20:32:08

In reply to Re: ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation? » lovemybabies, posted by Paco on March 26, 2003, at 20:26:53

How long have you been on it? What dosage? I am just starting. Three days at 37.5, tommorrow I am going to 75 b/c I have not had any sides. Also taking Wellbutrin.

JACK

 

Re: Please keep us posted annlanka :-) » annlanka

Posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 20:45:13

In reply to Re: Please keep us posted annlanka :-), posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 20:27:44

Hi there:-)
EffexorXR has always worked for me, but this time around, I'm really not sure. The depression has lifted, but when I have down days like today, I just keep on keepin on. Something happned recently that got me a little down today.
I, too, am living with my family at the moment and I haven't for a long time. I am grateful that I have a place to live, however, sometimes I get depressed about 3 adults living in the same house-but more so I feel like a loser because I don't own my own house. I fight everyday to think positive and sustain my hope.
I am a senior in college and hope to start a career so I can own a house someday and be financiually independent, which I am pretty much right now but........
Anyway, I hope the Effexor works for you, give it time, and work with your doc. I personally like Effexor XR especially, because XR treats GAD and I feel like I'm covered so to speak.
I was diagnosed with major depression in 1995 after a break up with nmy fiance and some problems wiht my dad and brother that were affecting me bad. I was diagnosed in 1997 with rapid cycling, and with BP II in Nov 1999.
I think I have a mild case of all 3-I cycle more than anything though.
I'm not sure what Lexapro could do for me unless I try it. I see my doc Friday and am going to ask her.
Keep me posted on how you are feeling. I can relate to you-especially the part about used to have really good self esteem, I played sports, good student, but for the past 10 years this has slowly been ripped from under me and I have lost all my drives too it seems.
All the best, Kristen :-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hi everyone-
Ok, kristen, this is my deal. I have been formally diagnosed with depression for about a year now but have suffered from intense mood swings since i was a teenager. I am 24 now and just this summer i started to get very lethargic and apathetic, also very paranoid, like people were looking down on me and thinking negative thoughts about me. I used to have really good self esteem, i played sports, good student, but for the past year this has slowly been ripped from under me and i have lost all my drives and am now living at home with my fam for awhile. Started out on lexapro 10 mg. Worked the first week, then cascaded and never came back up. went to 20 mg and have been even more exhausted since then. A saw a new doc today and she prescribed me effexor (a starters pack) and lowered lexapro down to 10 mg. She told me that when people take too much of a drug it can make them tired. She said i may want to stay on lexapro while on effexor or just totally go on effexor. I am going to slowly increase my dosage of effexor over the next 4 weeks so i will let you know how that goes.
What is your diagnoses? How do you think lexapro could help you? I know when lexapro was working for me, i felt great! but it lasted like 1-2 weeks, so i dont know if it was "all in my head " so to speak (no pun intended) or actually the med working itself.
I will keep you posted on how i feel, and hopefully you can get a sense of whether this could help you too.
take care
anne

 

Re: new to effexor and pumped up about it

Posted by Paco on March 26, 2003, at 20:48:46

In reply to new to effexor and pumped up about it, posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 15:19:48

Hello, Anne!

There's a whole laundry-list of possible side effects, and I doubt that it's possible to predict which ones for an individual to expect. It's obvious from reading the older posts here that some people have worse side effects than others, and some have different side sffects than others - a good example is that some people have experienced weight loss, and others weight gain!

Effexor isn't for everyone (I like it a lot), but that can be said about any anti-depressant. You just have to keep trying and find out what works for you.

One thing I'll add is that many of the side effects often go away after 2-4 weeks. Most of the ones I had went away after 4 days, and they were minor to begin with.

Good luck!

====================================================

> hello everyone!
> my doc just gave me some samples of effexor to try and i have heard positive feedback from most people about it. I am currently on lexapro- i am supposed to lower the dose and add effexor slowly. Has anyone else been thru a similar situation? I would like to hear from people what the most prominent side effects are and what to expect. My main problems with lexapro now are my tiredness, lack of concentration and eating like mad. Will effexor help any of these?
> thanks!
> anne

 

Re: ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation? » Jack Smith

Posted by Paco on March 26, 2003, at 21:01:15

In reply to Re: ease going on vs. ease going off - a correlation? » Paco, posted by Jack Smith on March 26, 2003, at 20:32:08

I've only been on it for only 2 & 1/2 weeks. I started at 75mg/day, and after few and brief side effects I moved up to 150mg/day after one week. I didn't notice a difference (sides or otherwise) when I increased the dosage. I started feeling better after just a couple of days. My doc says it will still be a couple more weeks before I feel the full beneficial effects. Sides have been no problem.

By the way, my doc says that Wellbutrin is often used to treat the male sexual side effects of Effexor (particularly delayed or lack of ejaculation), so it looks like you're covered there!

Good luck!

===================================================

> How long have you been on it? What dosage? I am just starting. Three days at 37.5, tommorrow I am going to 75 b/c I have not had any sides. Also taking Wellbutrin.
>
> JACK

 

Re: Please keep us posted annlanka :-)

Posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 21:16:49

In reply to Re: Please keep us posted annlanka :-) » annlanka, posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 20:45:13

hi Kristen-
Iknow how you feel about living with your parents. It is so relieving in a way but also you feel like such a loser. I lived in chicago for 6 years ( went to undergrad and 2 yrs grad schoool there) and then just last month the depression caused me to move back to a really small town and live with my parents. It is quite a change, esp considering i have no friends here so i either hang out by myslf or with my parents.. fun :)
Your experience with your fiance reminds me of a horrible period of depression i suffered after breaking up with a long term boyfriend - it was the first time i had really neem dpressed. I couldnt function and have never really been the same since.
I am sorry to here about the other illnesses you suffer from. That must be really rough. I hope you are doing allright. Have youever felt back to normal or have happy days? I hope the lexapro can do something for you. You dont deserve to feel bad or have these things happen to you.
Jus twondering .. what sports did you play? I played basketball.

Take care
anne

 

thanks for the insight paco! fingers are crossed! (nm)

Posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 21:19:17

In reply to Re: new to effexor and pumped up about it, posted by Paco on March 26, 2003, at 20:48:46

 

Re: Effexor XR Morning or Night? » Krissy P

Posted by jessi on March 26, 2003, at 21:23:32

In reply to Re: Effexor XR Morning or Night? » jessi, posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 23:02:35

I took the effexor at night last night (with food), and seemed to help with the upset stomach. I still didn't sleep very well, and woke up with a HORRIBLE headache. I felt exhausted all day long, and this yawning thing is just weird! I also BURP alot!! I feel like I'm in the movie "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" where he and his grandpa are burping, to get themselves down and away from the big fan. :-) I've also seen postings about weight gain, but also loss of appetite. I haven't had any appetite at all. I just don't feel like eating, even though I know I should, nothing sounds appealing to me. PLEASE TELL ME THESE SIDE EFFECTS WILL GO AWAY!

 

Re: Effexor XR Morning or Night? » jessi

Posted by PuraVida on March 26, 2003, at 21:34:15

In reply to Re: Effexor XR Morning or Night? » Krissy P, posted by jessi on March 26, 2003, at 21:23:32

I've been on Effexor XR for about a month now, and up to 150 mg from 75 for about 10 days. I had a pretty bad headache when I went up to 150 (mybe a side effect, maybe not) and some upset tum the first few weeks. I seem to have more control over my appetite/eating. I'm beginning to pull out of the funk, since I upped to 150. And, the side effects do go away. It did make me tired a bit at first, but taking it at night didn't work. Since I've gone back to taking it in the day all is good. Good luck -

PV

 

Re: Effexor XR Morning or Night? » PuraVida

Posted by jessi on March 26, 2003, at 21:59:14

In reply to Re: Effexor XR Morning or Night? » jessi, posted by PuraVida on March 26, 2003, at 21:34:15

THANKS. The doctor is only putting me on 75 mg. a day, but right now I'm still at 37.5 . I'm going to try it at night for another night or so, then if it isn't better, I'll try morning. TRIAL AND ERROR, I guess. I hope I can stand the side effects, right now, they are BAD... I'd rather be depressed than go through this all the time.
Thanks again for answering my questions. I'm so glad I found this site. I really don't have anyone to talk to about my depression/anxiety/ADHD problems. No one really understands, until they go through things like that themselves. My Poor Husband is just clueless!

> I've been on Effexor XR for about a month now, and up to 150 mg from 75 for about 10 days. I had a pretty bad headache when I went up to 150 (mybe a side effect, maybe not) and some upset tum the first few weeks. I seem to have more control over my appetite/eating. I'm beginning to pull out of the funk, since I upped to 150. And, the side effects do go away. It did make me tired a bit at first, but taking it at night didn't work. Since I've gone back to taking it in the day all is good. Good luck -
>
> PV

 

Re: Effexor XR Morning or Night? » jessi

Posted by PuraVida on March 26, 2003, at 22:34:44

In reply to Re: Effexor XR Morning or Night? » PuraVida, posted by jessi on March 26, 2003, at 21:59:14

Jessi -

You are so welcome. This site has helped me tons too. I did forget to mention that I started at 37.5, supposedly for a week, but since the depression was worse than the tiredness, I went to 75 on day 6.

The doc has had me on a mood stabilizer for bi-polar, but recently I think I'm ADD instead. I have quit the Topamax because THAT I was having a hard time tolerating, and haven't replaced it. We'll see how I go. Take care -

PV

 

Re: Please keep us posted annlanka :-) » annlanka

Posted by Krissy P on March 27, 2003, at 0:04:26

In reply to Re: Please keep us posted annlanka :-), posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 21:16:49

hi anne,
yes, I guess any break up would be hard for anyone-it just seemed to hit me bad-on top of the other things. How did you feel after your break-up? Did you go on meds shortly after? I gained a lot of weight pretty much because I had been so active all my life-then BAM stopped and devoted my time to my fiance.
May I ask what you went to school for? Grad School!! That is so awesome-what did you major in?
As for sports, I played Volleyball, ran Track, Tennis, Soccer, and danced. It really makes me so damn depressed because now and for about 12 years, I am living in a body that isn't mine. I miss those sports and all the activity. I miss the feeling of thin. I am not meant to be a heavy girl! When I was in high school, team sportsmnaship was required, but I had fun also, as I've gotten older, I have become lazy and have the attitude that -well, I don't have to do it, so I won't-same thing happened with me towards colllege. I'm almost done with that BA, because I have hung in there through all this stuff. lol I am going to try Lindora and see how much that is-to help me along. I have a lot of deep-seated issues that I know affect the weight so I have to work out those also.
Yep, I have felt happy days, usually when I am living on my own, no pressure from my mom, and when I'm busy, and of course, on the right meds.
I have found in all of this that Effexor, Seroquel, and Klonopin are the only thing that seem to help me. Celexa did at one time, but I have a problem with med compliance but I am getting better at that!
I want to make a point here. I was on meds before and my life was different. I was seeing a guy, etc. what I mean is that meds aren't going to solve my unhappiness, and I'm glad that I realize that. I wish I didn't have to be on meds, but I guess I do. I have had a hard time accepting that-a very hard time.
Anyway, sorry for a rather long post, did you like basketball? I never played that sport. I love to play sports though:-)
All the best, Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


> hi Kristen-
> Iknow how you feel about living with your parents. It is so relieving in a way but also you feel like such a loser. I lived in chicago for 6 years ( went to undergrad and 2 yrs grad schoool there) and then just last month the depression caused me to move back to a really small town and live with my parents. It is quite a change, esp considering i have no friends here so i either hang out by myslf or with my parents.. fun :)
> Your experience with your fiance reminds me of a horrible period of depression i suffered after breaking up with a long term boyfriend - it was the first time i had really neem dpressed. I couldnt function and have never really been the same since.
> I am sorry to here about the other illnesses you suffer from. That must be really rough. I hope you are doing allright. Have youever felt back to normal or have happy days? I hope the lexapro can do something for you. You dont deserve to feel bad or have these things happen to you.
> Jus twondering .. what sports did you play? I played basketball.
>
> Take care
> anne

 

Re: Effexor XR Morning or Night? » jessi

Posted by Krissy P on March 27, 2003, at 0:11:48

In reply to Re: Effexor XR Morning or Night? » Krissy P, posted by jessi on March 26, 2003, at 21:23:32

Hi :-)
Glad to hear that the upset stomach was helped by taking the Effexor at night. Good luck!
THE SIDE EFFECTS WILL GO AWAY! LOL I'm not shouting-just wanted to put it how you asked it. Your body is getting used to the Effexor and if you hang in, it SHOULD get better-but everyone's chemistry is different. I really, really hope that it works for you. The yawning thing seems to be universal. I remember yawning constantly-it was like weird-I'm not tired but why the heck am I yawning? lol Headaches were common with me too, but again this is just my experience.
When I first went back on Effexor about a month ago-MAN!! I had NO appetite, I was like cool, but after about 2 weeks, I got it back *shucks* lol
So please just hang in there, I hope this helped and please keep us posted:-)
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


> I took the effexor at night last night (with food), and seemed to help with the upset stomach. I still didn't sleep very well, and woke up with a HORRIBLE headache. I felt exhausted all day long, and this yawning thing is just weird! I also BURP alot!! I feel like I'm in the movie "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" where he and his grandpa are burping, to get themselves down and away from the big fan. :-) I've also seen postings about weight gain, but also loss of appetite. I haven't had any appetite at all. I just don't feel like eating, even though I know I should, nothing sounds appealing to me. PLEASE TELL ME THESE SIDE EFFECTS WILL GO AWAY!

 

Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question...... » jtc

Posted by Krissy P on March 27, 2003, at 1:31:15

In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question......, posted by jtc on March 26, 2003, at 18:21:14

HI this is from a google search to better help ya! :-)

Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) is a mood disorder, which means that the symptoms are disturbances or abnormalities of mood. Major depression is a more common illness, the symptoms of which are mainly those of 'low' mood. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of both serious mania and depression. The person's mood swings from excessively 'high' and irritable, to sad and hopeless, and then back again, with periods of normal mood in between. Different from normal mood states of happiness and sadness, symptoms of manic-depressive illness can be severe and life threatening. However, because many artists, musicians and writers have suffered from bipolar illness, the effect of the illness has sometimes been trivialised, and regarded in some way as beneficial for artistic creativity. In fact, for those afflicted with the illness, it is extremely distressing and disruptive.
Bipolar disorder is the third most common mood disorder after major depression and dysthymic disorder. It affects about 1% of adults during their lifetime. Symptoms typically begin during adolescence or early adulthood, and continue to recur throughout life. Men and women are equally likely to develop this disabling illness. The consequences of the illness can be devastating, and may include marital break-ups, unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse. Bipolar illness is often complicated by co-occurring alcohol or substance abuse. Without effective treatment, bipolar illness leads to suicide in nearly 20% of cases.
Effective treatments are available that greatly reduce the suffering caused by bipolar disorder, and can usually prevent its devastating complications. However, bipolar disorder is often not recognised by the patient, relatives, friends, or even physicians. People with bipolar disorder may suffer needlessly without proper treatment, for years or even decades. Also, many patients do not respond to at least one drug, and many show no response to several. This means that combination treatment is often the rule because a combination of different drugs with different methods of action can be more effective wiithout increasing the risk of side effects. Lithium is still the most used drug overall in mania, but mood stabilising anticonvulsants are also widely used.
Hope this helped:-)
Kristen
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> > Hi Kristen,
> I was just reading the following post and I wondered what is bipolar disorder? I have generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder and depression also. I am currently tapering off Effexor XR but I am going to continue Klonopin. I don't know much about bipolar. Thanks for the post on mania. It was very informative.
> Thanks, jtc

 

Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question...... » Krissy P

Posted by PuraVida on March 27, 2003, at 1:58:46

In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal is Serious-A question...... » jtc, posted by Krissy P on March 27, 2003, at 1:31:15

Kristen- Don't know where you got the BP description from, but do if there is a similar description for Adult ADD? I wonder if the two (and maybe GAD) are all intermingled/confused/etc, sometimes...

Thanks!
PV


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