![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 26. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 23, 2003, at 17:59:24
In reply to Bipolar success stories?, posted by Kira on April 23, 2003, at 9:26:07
> I have been diagnosed with rapid-cycling Bipolar and am very nervous about the potential side effects of medications. I am wondering if anyone would be willing to share their experiences with me regarding medications for treating Bipolar.
>
> I have read many stories from people who have had negative experiences on meds, yet have not read about anyone who has successfully been able to manage their disorder without side effects and/or a worsening of symptoms. I would like to believe that there *are* success stories out there, as it would make me less wary about treating my own condition with meds.
>
> Any information would be most appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration!
Posted by judy1 on April 24, 2003, at 0:05:28
In reply to Bipolar success stories? « Kira, posted by Dr. Bob on April 23, 2003, at 17:59:24
I hear success stories from my therapist and pdoc, but the majority of people on this forum logically post because they are unsuccessful. I also rapid cycle, and with my pdocs help only treat episodes because I can't handle all the side-effects of meds, and quite honestly although they may have controlled symptoms I was so drugged I couldn't really function. I try to keep my stressors down (that seems to greatly impact my episodes), keep to a regular sleep cycle and do take truehope supplements. do you have specific times of the year when things get bad? (for me May means mania)- and I'll step up my therapy visits to try and head it off. hope some of this helped-judy
Posted by fluffy on April 24, 2003, at 11:26:26
In reply to Re: Bipolar success stories? « Kira, posted by judy1 on April 24, 2003, at 0:05:47
Kira--
I will second that the people on this board are usually 1) new to their condition/ diagnosis and struggling to accepting it, and 2) new to medications that can at first cause side effects (that can fade over time). Because of this, posts can seem negative and sometimes desperate...but they are honest, coming from *real* people...not a psychiatrist. So in that sense, the information is valuable. But take it with a grain of salt (including my opinion!).
Don't let it keep you from seeking treatment for your condition, however. There are many medications that can help you cope with your symptoms and the havoc they wreak on your life-- MUCH, MUCH better!! Honestly!! I am trying to perfect my coctail right now, but I still feel better than I did when I was first diagnosed. (bipolar II--rapid cycling). I have been through a couple of mood stabilizer trials, and it seems that Lamictal is working well *for me*. You may require some trials to figure out what works and lessens your symptoms WITHOUT feeling like a zombie!! It is possible! It's a real pain to feel like a guinea pig, but be patient--there is relief!! Unfortunately, psychiatry is still a science of trial and error. They are working to make it better, though.
I highly recommend that you read "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison. It helped me to be realistic about my medication and swaying with "episodes". If you don't already know, Kay Jamison IS a success story. She was diagnosed bipolar I while studying to BE a psychiatrist (which she is now, successfully--and taking Lithium)If you have any questions or need to talk, don't hesitate to post to this thread...I'm following it. It's an issue I still feel close to, as I was only recently diagnosed and am still grappling with it (and meds). Don't let anyone discourage you from taking medication at this point since you haven't even *tried* any!!
Keep in touch and take care!
Katy
Posted by fluffy on April 24, 2003, at 16:14:42
In reply to Re: Bipolar success stories? « Kira, posted by fluffy on April 24, 2003, at 11:26:26
Just so you know--
There are lots of famous folks out there with bipolar disorder. This site is kinda cheesy, but check it out:
http://www.frii.com/~parrot/living.html
Posted by McPac on April 25, 2003, at 13:37:29
In reply to Bobby Brown, Axl Rose and Robin Williams..., posted by fluffy on April 24, 2003, at 16:14:42
Isn't Robin Williams ALWAYS in a constant state of mania, lol. Can't imagine him any other way.
Posted by judy1 on April 25, 2003, at 18:33:27
In reply to Re: Bobby Brown, Axl Rose and Robin Williams..., posted by McPac on April 25, 2003, at 13:37:29
He definitely gives the impression of being in a very productive (as an entertainer) hypomanic state- mania usually implies psychosis. My pdoc once said there is a very small % of bipolar patients that don't experience depression, but I would think that's something he could easily hide (just by staying out of the public eye). I certainly have had wonderful hypomanic episodes when my pdocs other patients would see me and beg him to give them whatever I was on, but they didn't see me in a week when I was in a hospital. Wasn't there some kind of poll that asked if you could change having bipolar disorder, would you or not? take care, judy
Posted by cybercafe on April 26, 2003, at 4:24:47
In reply to Bobby Brown, Axl Rose and Robin Williams..., posted by fluffy on April 24, 2003, at 16:14:42
i think the story with axl rose is kind of dubious, he never stated that he was bipolar, i believe, just that doctors had him on lithium temporarily ... for what? who knows... drug withdrawal? unipolar depression? the safest drug to use at the time?
i believe jean claude van damme is also bipolar... bruce lee seemed rather crazy... i guess all successful people are a little hyper aggressive goal oriented
Posted by fluffy on April 26, 2003, at 12:15:31
In reply to Re: Bobby Brown, Axl Rose and Robin Williams..., posted by cybercafe on April 26, 2003, at 4:24:47
I think we're getting off the subject of Kira's very heartfelt questions. My fault.
I think Virginia Wolf was also a pretty classic bipolar--as well as Edna St. Vincent Millay...
A far cry from Bobby Brown.
Did anyone (American) see his interview with Diane Sawyer? (with Whitney Houston?) She asked, "Bobby--Why do you smoke so much pot?" He replied, "I'm bipolar...it evens me out." "What about Lithium?" she asks. "Lithium made me feel like a zombie."I was kinda shocked that he admitted it on national television. Even though it made bipolars seem like thugs, I appreciated his honesty.
So Kira, if you are still reading this, understand that there are lots of bipolar folks out there, and you can choose how to treat yourself (with the close counsel of a good psychiatrist). No one can MAKE you medicate. You have to swallow the pills everyday and decide if it is improving your situation! Are you out there Kira?
Posted by Krysti on April 28, 2003, at 10:49:40
In reply to Bipolar success stories? « Kira, posted by Dr. Bob on April 23, 2003, at 17:59:24
Hi Kira,
I was diagnosed with Bipolar a year ago. I am a rapid cycler also. I posted a similar message on this board when I was first diagnosed and I didn't get much positive feedback, actually I don't think I got any, which really scared me.
Well, I am happy to say, I have been stable since the beginning of January. The worst side effect I had was gaining 15 lbs on Depakote and feeling blah. That was the first mood stabilizer I went on. Then, I tried Gabitril which I ended up becoming depressed on. I added an SSRI, Lexapro, which put me into a mixed state. You need to be careful of using SSRI's for depression as they can induce rapid cycling. I stopped taking the Lexapro and switched from Gabitril to Trileptal. Trileptal worked the best for me, but I did end up becoming depressed again. I added a small dose of Celexa (10mg) and have been stable since.
For most people, it seems to get worse than better at first. I think that's due to a lot of things. Finding out you have it can be traumatic in itself. Then, to realize you're going to have to take medication for the rest of your life can be daunting to say the least. Then, the disappointment when a med doesn't work and you have to try something else. The good news is it does get better. And once you start feeling better, it is all worth it.
Remember also, medication affects everyone differently. What may work for someone else may not work for you and vice versa. Adjusting a dose of a particular med can also make all the difference.
The most important thing is to find a good pyschiatrist who is very knowledgeable with bipolar meds and who is very proactive in finding the right "med cocktail" for you. Also, I would suggest reading about all the meds used for bipolar yourself so you feel comfortable about what you are trying.
The most important medication for bipolars is a mood stabilizer. Lamictal and Trileptal are known to be good for rapid cyclers. Lamicatal also has an anti-depressant property. As far as side effects, the worst of them are pretty rare. The mild side effects like nausea, sleepiness, ect., usually go away within a couple of weeks or so.
I know it is scary, but hang in there, it does get better. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me and I will answer as best I can.
Take care,
Krysti
> > I have been diagnosed with rapid-cycling Bipolar and am very nervous about the potential side effects of medications. I am wondering if anyone would be willing to share their experiences with me regarding medications for treating Bipolar.
> >
> > I have read many stories from people who have had negative experiences on meds, yet have not read about anyone who has successfully been able to manage their disorder without side effects and/or a worsening of symptoms. I would like to believe that there *are* success stories out there, as it would make me less wary about treating my own condition with meds.
> >
> > Any information would be most appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration!
>
Posted by fluffy on April 28, 2003, at 16:33:54
In reply to Re: Bipolar success stories? « Kira, posted by fluffy on April 24, 2003, at 11:26:26
You gave me such good advice when I was first diagnosed. I'll always remember that! Glad to hear you are doing well. I've had a few weeks of stability (compared to none before I tried Lamictal--just a blah, icky depression). Just hoping it sticks. I switched doctors and I'm going to a mood disorders clinic which is GREAT! Take care miss Krysti! p.s. any word from Mr. Cushing?
Back to Kira--
Are you reading? Just give us a sign. I hope you're alright.
Katy
Posted by Krysti on April 28, 2003, at 19:15:24
In reply to good to see you again Krysti!!, posted by fluffy on April 28, 2003, at 16:33:54
Hi Katy!
Good to hear from you and happy to hear you are doing much better. I've heard great things about Lamictal, especially for the depression side. If Trileptal hadn't worked for me, I was going to try it next. That's great that you were able to get into a mood disorder clinic also! I would have if I had found one near me. It has been great to feel like myself again. I went through some icky depression times also. I hope they are behind me as well. If not, at least I know what I am dealing with and will be better prepared to get on the right track again.
I hope Kira has decided to take the medication route. We all know how scary it can be when you have to take that step. And it is true that sometimes the boards can be even more depressing because most of the people are looking for the same answers as you. On the other hand, it is also nice to hear other people are going through the same things. I'm glad I came back and found this post. I hope Kira read it. Kira - if you're reading this, let me know. I can direct you to another board also that is a bipolar board and has a lot of members who have been on the board a long time and are doing really well.
I haven't heard from Mr Cushing in a long time. Last I knew, he had a girlfriend and was doing pretty well. I should try to find his email address if I still have it and see how he is doing. Unfortunately, I haven't been on that much lately (as you know). I've been busy working on some other issues. For one, I'm going to see a therapist for EMDR. It's a newer type of therapy that I'm hoping will help me develop better relationships. I'm also getting Cranio Sacral done which is a type of, sort of, but not really, massage therapy. It's hard to explain. But, after living with anxiety for six years, I'm finding that my body just doesn't want to relax anymore! So, it is supposed to help teach it to again. Should be interesting :) Now that my moods are more even keel, figured I'd go all out and try to get more healthy all around!
It's good to know I gave you good advice. It's nice to have places like these to try to help each other :)
So, what else is up with you?
Krysti
Posted by fluffy on April 30, 2003, at 16:36:05
In reply to Re: good to see you again Krysti!! » fluffy, posted by Krysti on April 28, 2003, at 19:15:24
Hi again Krysti--
This has turned into a correspondence thread. Hope nobody minds terribly.
Let's see...
So far, so good with the Lamictal. Since I'm bipolar II, it seems to be the only drug I'm needing right now. I've had trouble with sleeping, anxiety and hypomania at first with this stuff, but I seem to be getting more consistent with time. I hope it's all I need, for simplicity's sake. At least I know I can have a workhorse for my coctail.If I look at myself now and think how I felt in the midst of the most devistating depression I've ever had...I'd think, WOW! I managed to keep my job, I've been teaching art appreciation on the side as an adjunct professor, and I now have a GREAT boyfriend who has been EXTREMELY understanding of my swings and medication trials. Strangely enough, his mom is bipolar I, so he knows ALL about it. I'm starting to be interested in my own artwork again, and I'm not distracted with EVERYTHING else when I'm working. (working when manic is not very productive, even though you FEEL productive.) Now I'm seeing how I have concentration again, and I'm not sleeping on the couch in front of the TV. All in all, I'm feeling happy and normal. Isn't it nice?
I just hope it sticks for a little while. I need to have a good run of it. My self esteem has been so low.
Maybe we should chat on psycho-social babble sometime.
Hope you stay well for a long time, Krysti! I'm cheering for you!
Katy
Posted by lori777 on March 4, 2004, at 18:27:44
In reply to Bipolar success stories? « Kira, posted by Dr. Bob on April 23, 2003, at 17:59:24
I have finnally after 1 years found a medicine combination that works for me. I also am bipolar with rapid cycling and pschitso effective tendincies. The difference with me was finding a doctor that was willing to take the time and relly listen to me. I am taking Depakote and Lithium. I am being weined off of Depakote and then I will be taking Topamax. They are also giving me Seoquel during the transition. The Seriquel is a low dose off 100 mg and it helps me sleep better and sounder through the night. I have been stable. I have a familly and I work in the Mental Health Minisstry at my church. But I have gained a lot of weight on the meds and developed other health problems. On Seriquol I have a lot more energy during the day ,I have been able to go to the gym and I am not as hungry all the time. I have already lost 10 pounds. I am prayerful this will keep going as it is.
> > I have been diagnosed with rapid-cycling Bipolar and am very nervous about the potential side effects of medications. I am wondering if anyone would be willing to share their experiences with me regarding medications for treating Bipolar.
> >
> > I have read many stories from people who have had negative experiences on meds, yet have not read about anyone who has successfully been able to manage their disorder without side effects and/or a worsening of symptoms. I would like to believe that there *are* success stories out there, as it would make me less wary about treating my own condition with meds.
> >
> > Any information would be most appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration!
>
Posted by bark2323 on March 7, 2004, at 14:28:37
In reply to Bipolar success stories? « Kira, posted by Dr. Bob on April 23, 2003, at 17:59:24
Although it MIGHT have stopped working recently, trileptal was excellent for me for a long time. Didnt need antidepressants anymore (which Im sure youve read can worsen things in the long run, and is true for me), wasnt dulling, didnt gain weight, actually helped motivation, only side effect was initial nausea.
Zyprexa has been a godsend for me many times in both sides of the illness. Would stay on it, but it does have its share of side effects, weight gain being common (although wasnt a big deal for me), and some sleepiness for some people. Also, my doc would rather use it sparingly.
There are others that have helped me or that were easy to tolerate, but those are the 2 that come to mind. There are a lot of possibilities out there, and once you find something effective but the side effects are to much, there are a million ways of dealing with this, the obvious one being careful dosing.
As far as non-medicinal stuff goes, I think getting the right amount of sleep is the most important thing, and being involved with things like work, friends, school, or anything else that keeps you from focusing to much on yourself (not that self reflection is a bad thing, but if it becomes too much it can be a vicious cycle; at least Ive found that to be true). Dont spread yourself to thin though. And as other people have said, people are much more likely to post negatively about meds, so dont let those posts scare you or let yourself get into a mind frame of expecting a ton of side effects or failures, as this can be a self-fullfilling prophecy.
matt
Posted by fluffy on March 7, 2004, at 17:06:21
In reply to Re: Bipolar success stories?, posted by bark2323 on March 7, 2004, at 14:28:37
Bark--
That was a very thoughtful post. I've been thinking a lot about this matter lately. Incidentally, the thread was from about a year ago. But I've had my share of trials with drugs and such in that year. I tried almost all the mood stabilizers. I also really liked Trileptal, but I started to have that very rare side effect of losing sodium, which can't be corrected, and can end up being deadly!! I don't want to complain too much about all of the drug failures, and there have been quite a few. This board helped me keep my sanity during that time, though I wish there had been more positive threads like this one. I just didn't have the positive energy at the time to expend.
In the end, Depakote seems to be helping me a great deal. At least it takes care of about 75% of my symptoms. And that's pretty good, since I could barely function for almost a year straight due to ultra-rapid cycling and depression. I'm at 750mg right now, and I may titrate up further if needed. No side effects for now, really. It's been 2 months of stability.
I guess it took a year and 4 drug trials to find this stable spot. It was very difficult, but I'm glad to be alive and (mostly) well. I have about 5-6 icky depressed days a month, 4 hypomanic days and the rest NORMAL.
I agree that dwelling on yourself is the most difficult thing to free yourself of if you've first been diagnosed bipolar or if you are depressed. The doctors want you to be aware of your symptoms so you can tell them if you need help, or if you're heading for another major episode. But obsessing over your symptoms and your diagnosis just exacerbates the feelings of helplessness and worthlessness, etc. It's a difficult line to walk.
It takes time, practice, meditation, and support of good friends.Anyway--just thought I'd share my two cents, and see what others are thinking.
Katy
Bipolar II
(taking Depakote ER 750mg, 15mg Restoril for sleep, 2.5g fish oil)
Posted by bark2323 on March 8, 2004, at 12:47:11
In reply to Re: Bipolar success stories?, posted by fluffy on March 7, 2004, at 17:06:21
Hehe, obviously Im still figuring out how to post on this thing. Ive wondered about posts (I have been reading this on and off for a lot longer) whose dates seem to jump all over the place, and now I am proud to be a part of that! (even if the post was pretty much useless) Its funny that the same day I posted asking for some help convincing myself I really am bipolar (down near the bottom of this list), I can still jump to some other thread and give advice. So I have a question for you. My doc recently took me off trileptal (hence my MIGHT statement) since he thinks Ive been getting hypomanic more and more. I was just wondering what benefits you have found from using fish oil? Also, any comments on depakote would be helpful. Ive tried it before, but it made me anxious when I started and possibly 'blunted me' a bit, so I never gave it a fair trial. Have you noticed either of these side effects, and if so, where they transient?
Thanks,
matt
Posted by vasdef on March 8, 2004, at 12:47:22
In reply to Bipolar success stories? « Kira, posted by Dr. Bob on April 23, 2003, at 17:59:24
> > I have been diagnosed with rapid-cycling Bipolar and am very nervous about the potential side effects of medications. I am wondering if anyone would be willing to share their experiences with me regarding medications for treating Bipolar.
> >
> > I have read many stories from people who have had negative experiences on meds, yet have not read about anyone who has successfully been able to manage their disorder without side effects and/or a worsening of symptoms. I would like to believe that there *are* success stories out there, as it would make me less wary about treating my own condition with meds.
> >
> > Any information would be most appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration!I have been bipolar 2 since I was 15. Wasn't diagnosed until I was 20. Started meds when I was 27. I will be 40 this year. I was lucky in the respect that the first combo of prescriptions given to me are the same ones I take today. I didn't have to go through med after med to find the right ones. I took 900 mg lithium and 20 mg Prozac a day for about 12 years, last year my med amounts were changed to 80 mg Prozac, lithium stayed the same. (Due to a difficult depression after losing my job) Other than that, I have only been manic 2 or 3 times, and the last was when I was 20. I seem to get the lows more.
Of course now, there are a few variables thrown in, and I probably won't know the effects until a later date. I recently started taking Provigil for Narcolepsy, and Strattera for A.D.D. (which I was just recently diagnosed with) So, hopefully all these meds will play nice together and not give me any problems.
>
Posted by platinumbride on March 9, 2004, at 8:05:32
In reply to Re: Bipolar success stories?, posted by bark2323 on March 7, 2004, at 14:28:37
Matt,
I do hope that the trileptal hasnt' stopped working for you......
How did you know that you didn't need an antidepressant anymore?
I have read about the possibility of an AD worsening things (theory,not gospel ;-) ), so I have played around with the thought of going off wellbutrin if the newly prescribed trileptal seems to help with depression.
I'm not sure if ads ever really have done anything for me....I think the other things you mentioned - situational things, have always been what has made things better...Best of luck and thanks for a post with such perspective.
Diane
Although it MIGHT have stopped working recently, trileptal was excellent for me for a long time. Didnt need antidepressants anymore (which Im sure youve read can worsen things in the long run, and is true for me), wasnt dulling, didnt gain weight, actually helped motivation, only side effect was initial nausea.
Posted by KimberlyDi on March 9, 2004, at 15:30:18
In reply to Bipolar success stories? « Kira, posted by Dr. Bob on April 23, 2003, at 17:59:24
I'm not sure if my story will be any help. I've been on and off AD's for about 10 years now, always believing that I had a problem with depression only. After finding Psycho-Babble and reading about all types of other disorders and experiences, I realized that depression was a symptom of my disorder. After finding that I actually fit somewhere inbetween ADHD Inattentive and Rapid Cycling (Cyclo?something), I suggested to my PDoc that we try a mood stabilizer. I'm on Tegretol (the generic) and it has made such a difference. I'm no longer flying up and down emotionally several times in just one morning. I don't panic and I don't lose my temper. I'm not overwhelmed with anger or fear, only to wonder what set me off a few hours later. My marriage with my husband has improved dramatically. Getting on the mood stabilizer has been a blessing.
I was extremely drowsy the first week that I started taking it. After that, the only side effect is nausea if I don't take my dosage with food. I haven't had to up my dosage yet either.
Major drawback is that I have to have blood drawn to check my liver/kidney's and the levels of generic Tegretol in my blood stream.
Good luck!!!
KDi in TX
Posted by KimberlyDi on March 10, 2004, at 11:33:08
In reply to Re: Bipolar success stories? Kira, posted by KimberlyDi on March 9, 2004, at 15:30:18
I must have been slightly manic yesterday when I was on Psycho-Babble. I felt so happy about my progress in treatment. Crashed emotionally yesterday evening and have been down all this morning. Dang, the price you pay for being happy.
<sigh>KDi
Posted by fluffy on March 11, 2004, at 12:05:35
In reply to Re: Bipolar success stories?, posted by bark2323 on March 8, 2004, at 12:47:11
So I have a question for you. My doc recently took me off trileptal (hence my MIGHT statement) since he thinks Ive been getting hypomanic more and more.
***Has there been a discussion about raising your Trileptal levels? Or does it not seem to be cutting the mustard (in terms of mania control)
I was just wondering what benefits you have found from using fish oil?
***Hmm. Not sure yet. I've been taking it for 6 months now at 1-2 grams. I THINK it helps with irritability, but it's hard to say for sure. From what I hear, it may take like 6 months to a year to fully kick in. The dosing is also moot, but most studies show 2 grams to be the most beneficial. All in all, it is subtle for me so far. But my nails and skin are real purdy. It's inexpensive if you buy in bulk and don't get reeled in to the expensive health-food store brands.
Also, any comments on depakote would be helpful. Ive tried it before, but it made me anxious when I started and possibly 'blunted me' a bit, so I never gave it a fair trial. Have you noticed either of these side effects, and if so, where they transient?
***Unfortunately, I CAN'T tolerate ANY other first-line mood stabilizers. So in the end, we've stuck with Depakote. It made me feel really sleepy and depressed for the first 5 days (I was already very depressed, though). But the sleepiness and "drugged" feeling made me feel really bad. Within 5 days, the ultradian cycling had stopped, and I've settled into a more subtle cycle of about a week long. Other than sleepiness, I've had no side effects that have lasted. I noticed that when I bump the dose up, it's a lot easier to tolerate than when I first got the drug in my system. I barely notice. It's been 2 months now, and it hasn't kicked my butt, and I feel better. I guess I notice a "dull" feeling, but it's not terrible, and it beats cycling like crazy.
best of luck,
Katy
Posted by jack9999 on March 11, 2004, at 19:04:15
In reply to Re: Bipolar success stories?, posted by fluffy on March 11, 2004, at 12:05:35
fish oil can be GREAT stuff for mood and mania - but, you have to take high doses (some recomend 9grams) and it is much better to get the quality stuff - not the crap you get at Giant or Food Lion.
It has helped my wife and I hope it can help anyone else out there willing to try (meds do horrible things to the body - there is almost always a natural approach - look into "Orthomolecular Psy").
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 12, 2004, at 2:35:13
In reply to Re: Bipolar success stories?, posted by jack9999 on March 11, 2004, at 19:04:15
> fish oil can be GREAT stuff for mood and mania...
I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding fish oil to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040225/msgs/323479.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by katia on March 24, 2004, at 13:46:57
In reply to Re: Bipolar success stories?, posted by fluffy on March 7, 2004, at 17:06:21
HI Katy,
How are you? I've recently started Trileptal - about five weeks now. I have tried to add wellbutrin - tried for 3 weeks and kinda went crazy on it. So I think I'm one of the BPs who cannot tolerate ADs. I've started to add Lam. to the mix for my ever so creeping up depression that seems to want to swallow me up soon. I'm fighting it.
Didn't you try this combo for awhile? If so, how it'd go for you? ON trielptal, I know you were one of those who had the kidney problem w/ it and had to go off. Did you experience slightly swollen fingers on it? I do. I wonder what that sign is about. What doses were you on w/ both? I'm only on 300mg of Tri. How's the Dep. going for you? What dose are you at?
Hope you're doing well. Haven't heard from you in awhile.
Katia
Posted by fluffy on March 25, 2004, at 11:05:55
In reply to Lam.//Trileptal » fluffy, posted by katia on March 24, 2004, at 13:46:57
Hi Katia--
I'm holding up ok on the Depakote 750mg for right now. I've been under a lot of stress lately (good kind) trying to get an art show underway and keep my (two) jobs going smoothly. I still cycle fairly predictably. Under stress, it gets more erratic...the highs get higher and the lows a bit lower. But all in all, I seem to be normal for at least 2/3 of a month. Funny how that is "successful" to me, when others don't quantify their moods.
I've recently met someone who is really special. We'll see where it goes. But for right now, he is wonderful, and pulls me out of my pathologizing... I was getting downright hard on myself about being bipolar. Thus far, he doesn't seem to mind my moodiness. He's suffered from depressions (some of them psychotic), so we're probably two crazy peas in a pod. But it helps that someone isn't treating me like their science project! (and I'm not that focused on my disorder that I forget I have good parts too).
I've had a lot of trouble sleeping without the benzo still, and I wonder what may come next for sleep. We may just keep titrating up on the Depakote until I can't take it anymore and see if it helps the sleep problems. As long as I take the Depakote and the benzo every night, I seem to have 4 normal days, 2 up, 4 normal days, 2 down. At least that's how it's been of late....moving targets, you know?
Now..to answer your questions RE: trileptal. What I actually had was sodium loss. It caused me to be very thirsty, tired, nauseous, dizzy, and it felt like the flu but worse. It probably didn't help my kidneys any either. But if you want to be extra cautious, just make sure you are not losing feeling (numbness) in your mouth area. That was the first sign for me. Your doctor may have asked you to get bloodwork done before starting. If he didn't, and you want to be cautious about the sodium problem, you could request a blood/sodium level. Trust me--you'd know if that was the problem though without a test. It's a pretty rare side effect.
When I got up to a decent level of Trileptal, though, it did seem to help my depression. I hope it helps you! Wellbutrin made me crazy, too! (what's all this about it being the least likely to trigger mania??) I guess we're all wired differently. I'm starting to not care about charts and research and studies anymore.
Take care Katia...keep in touch. Sorry for not doing the same. I'm glad you wrote. If you have any more questions, I'll follow this thread, ok?
Katy
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