Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 527198

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Re: Too little Lithium vs. just enough? experience

Posted by Squiggles on July 14, 2005, at 14:37:08

In reply to Re: Too little Lithium vs. just enough? experience » Squiggles, posted by barbaracat on July 14, 2005, at 13:53:52

> > What doesn't kill you makes you stranger :-)

Not mine - loved the Edgar Alan Poe one though;
when I first had a depressive episode, I
said that I did not believe it was possible
for a human to experience such a fall into
a dark abyss without the use of psychedelic
drugs :-)
>
> **Love it!! Always suspected there was something more to that sentiment.
>
> What is this study by Dr. Schou? and brain cleansing? (Sounds a tad Orwellian, but I know you mean something else)

It's not a study -- it is something he says
in one of his Guide books for the public
available at Amazon.com; I have also seen
lithium holiday suggestions for chronic
lithium users;


> >
> BTW, I have not had a blood test in over 2 years but have kept my dosage at 600mg. My blood levels were consistently under by a good deal but I was getting 'good enough' therapeutic results without having to suffer through the side effects of a higher dose.
>

Well, that's good and it is also very encouraging
as I like my doctor and hate to have cynical
fears about my treatment. If 600mg was good
for you maybe it would be for me; it's hard to
believe though that the recent "generic" brand
I took was that much lower.

Here is a very good site on lithium toxicity:


"Virtual Hospital" Lithium Toxicity - Seminars
http://search.netscape.com/ns/boomframe.jsp?query=%22Virtual+Hospital%22+%22Schou%22+%22lithium%22&page=1&offset=1&result_url=redir%3Fsrc%3Dwebsearch%26requestId%3De619ba857d0125fd%26clickedItemRank%3D2%26userQuery%3D%2522Virtual%2BHospital%2522%2B%2522Schou%2522%2B%2522lithium%2522%26clickedItemURN%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.vh.org%252Fadult%252Fprovider%252Fpsychiatry%252FCPS%252F32.html%26invocationType%3D-%26fromPage%3DNSBoom%26amp%3BampTest%3D1&remove_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vh.org%2Fadult%2Fprovider%2Fpsychiatry%2FCPS%2F32.html

also take a look at at the IGSLI group. Dr.
Schou is the pioneer of lithium as you probably
know:

IGSLI
http://search.netscape.com/ns/boomframe.jsp?query=%22Schou%22+%22lithium%22+%22brain%22+%22blood%22&page=2&offset=0&result_url=redir%3Fsrc%3Dwebsearch%26requestId%3Df6451ee80d04641a%26clickedItemRank%3D20%26userQuery%3D%2522Schou%2522%2B%2522lithium%2522%2B%2522brain%2522%2B%2522blood%2522%26clickedItemURN%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.igsli.org%252Fgeneral.html%26invocationType%3Dnext%26fromPage%3DNSCPNextPrev%26amp%3BampTest%3D1&remove_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.igsli.org%2Fgeneral.html

and look at the "Intoxication" articles.

Squiggles

 

Re: Tiny URL » Squiggles

Posted by Maximus on July 14, 2005, at 15:23:14

In reply to Re: Too little Lithium vs. just enough? experience, posted by Squiggles on July 14, 2005, at 14:37:08

Squigg,

Take a look at here and say goodbye to the extra long urls ;-)

""http://tinyurl.heh.pl/tinyurl.php""

 

Re: Tiny URL

Posted by Squiggles on July 14, 2005, at 18:38:37

In reply to Re: Tiny URL » Squiggles, posted by Maximus on July 14, 2005, at 15:23:14

I am sorry for being sloppy; I will
try removing the frames next time.
Unfortunately, your neat transformer
does not seem to work with my software.


Squiggles

 

Re: quoth the raven, or something » barbaracat

Posted by ramsea on July 15, 2005, at 1:07:57

In reply to Re: Too little Lithium vs. just enough? experience » ramsea, posted by barbaracat on July 14, 2005, at 13:26:55

Barbara,
Sorry to hear about the depressive state you're in. You sure do understand Mixed mania conditions however---which makes me feel guilty, a little, because it is always nice not to be the only one. But I still don't wish it on you---or me, for that matter. It's strange how some folks pay good money to experience these tasters of hell. We get it free--and no luck for it.

My pdoc said last week that there are always going to be breakthrough episodes, the key is to become superaware of what is happening and taking steps for real damage control. He said this because I have been feeling so good--and you know the rest...Pity isn't it, that feeling good has to contain a warning for the likes of us.

Though it isn't as frequent for me as hypo/mania/mixed with psychotic features at times, I have been there with serious lethargic depression too, Barbara. I think it is easier for family and friends to bear,because we're sort of lumpish and quiet and they know where to find us (bed, sofa.) And yes, easier to bear in comparison with St. Vitus's dance but still----untreated, it seems to make the "next" mania more severe. Hope your dragging mood lifts soon for you.

 

Re: quoth the raven, or something » ramsea

Posted by barbaracat on July 15, 2005, at 11:35:02

In reply to Re: quoth the raven, or something » barbaracat, posted by ramsea on July 15, 2005, at 1:07:57

Thanks, Ramsea. Your post made me laugh! Aren't brains funny things? The webcasts I was listening to given by speakers on bipolar research all mentioned that bipolar disorder is considered the most fascinating condition in medicine. No other pathology spans the whole gamut of symptom extremes in such excruciating intensity and no other illness is able to contain two separate symptom polar opposites at the same time. Lucky fascinating us.

I'm going to start back on my regimen of L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine because this state of blahs has a definite dopamine depletion feeling. I'd been taking Ritalin and Concerta for a short while and I know those meds can deplete dopamine, and serotonin raises inversely to dopamine. So I'll try to bolster it without meds that deplete it see where things go. These blahs and manias? I say 'Nevermore!'. - Barbara

 

Raving ravens :-) » ramsea

Posted by Squiggles on July 15, 2005, at 11:35:07

In reply to Re: quoth the raven, or something » barbaracat, posted by ramsea on July 15, 2005, at 1:07:57

:-)

Just want to clarify that in the twenty
years or so that I have been taking lithium
and my supplementals, I have never had a
breakthrough episode. So, in my case at least
listening to my doctor and taking my drugs
on a regular schedule has paid off, with
the exception of a little tinkering which
my doctor has frowned on but has not been
restrictive. I have a wise doctor.

This recent catastrophe, was due to the
corrupted supply of lithium. It was evident
almost from the first pill -- I felt no
side effects and assumeed that this was due
to the superiourity of the "generic" drug.

Five months later, the mania and depression
proved that this was not the case. Moreover, my dr.'s call to the pharmacist to get the old version and the recovery from that intervention was sufficient to bring me back to normality.

So, this is just to clarify the in my case
at least, breakthroughs have not just been accidental failures, but directly caused to a physical problem with the meds in this case.
There *are* breakthroughs, and causes are usually
and mostly due to not taking your drugs, among other causes.

Take your drugz and listen to your doctor.

Squiggles

 

Re: Raving ravens :-) » Squiggles

Posted by barbaracat on July 15, 2005, at 11:57:14

In reply to Raving ravens :-) » ramsea, posted by Squiggles on July 15, 2005, at 11:35:07

Squiggles,
Coupla questions. When you say you've never had a breakthrough episode, could you clarify? No depression? No anxiety? Beyond the normal grunge, that is. Are you taking anything else?

Did you note what company made the bogus generic lithium brand? We keep hearing how generics are 'just as good' but I have noticed difference in quality and effect from a few generics, but so far, not lithium. Jeez, what a crummy thing to do, but at least it proves that what we're experiencing from these meds is not a placebo effect.

I have not been the same since restarting after my 10 day break from lithium. Could be other factors such as raising the Cymbalta a slight amount, but this dragging muddy feeling is - a drag. I know exercising, taking a walk, would help but my overriding sentiment is 'screw it, I don't want to and I'll just have to keep doing it'. So I don't. If someone were dangling the winning lottery ticket in front of me on a stick, I might rouse myself, but no one is, so screw it. And I'm usually the one beating the 'exercise is good for you' drum.

It's true that when we're in these places, the brain doesn't track well and normal rules do not apply. - Barbara

>
> Just want to clarify that in the twenty
> years or so that I have been taking lithium
> and my supplementals, I have never had a
> breakthrough episode. So, in my case at least
> listening to my doctor and taking my drugs
> on a regular schedule has paid off, with
> the exception of a little tinkering which
> my doctor has frowned on but has not been
> restrictive. I have a wise doctor.
>
> This recent catastrophe, was due to the
> corrupted supply of lithium. It was evident
> almost from the first pill -- I felt no
> side effects and assumeed that this was due
> to the superiourity of the "generic" drug.
>
> Five months later, the mania and depression
> proved that this was not the case. Moreover, my dr.'s call to the pharmacist to get the old version and the recovery from that intervention was sufficient to bring me back to normality.
>
> So, this is just to clarify the in my case
> at least, breakthroughs have not just been accidental failures, but directly caused to a physical problem with the meds in this case.
> There *are* breakthroughs, and causes are usually
> and mostly due to not taking your drugs, among other causes.
>
> Take your drugz and listen to your doctor.
>
> Squiggles

 

Raving ravens :-)

Posted by Squiggles on July 15, 2005, at 12:06:49

In reply to Re: Raving ravens :-) » Squiggles, posted by barbaracat on July 15, 2005, at 11:57:14

> Squiggles,
> Coupla questions. When you say you've never had a breakthrough episode, could you clarify?

No depression, no mania.


> Did you note what company made the bogus generic lithium brand?

Yes, and I have notified them.


We keep hearing how generics are 'just as good' but I have noticed difference in quality and effect from a few generics, but so far, not lithium.

I don't believe that all generics are necessarily
bad. In a production line "quality control" may
fail in pharmaceuticals, just as in any other
manufacturing company. Alternatively, it could
be a bad batch, or an imported bad batch, or
an old depleted batch. I really don't know but
I would hesitate to generalize to all drugs from
this. It could just as easily happen withe anothe
non-generic brand.

Valeant (my usual provider) warned me that switching from one brand to another or generic
may not be bioequivalent. They were right.

> I have not been the same since restarting after my 10 day break from lithium. Could be other factors such as raising the Cymbalta a slight amount, but this dragging muddy feeling is - a drag. I know exercising, taking a walk, would help but my overriding sentiment is 'screw it, I don't want to and I'll just have to keep doing it'. So I don't. If someone were dangling the winning lottery ticket in front of me on a stick, I might rouse myself, but no one is, so screw it. And I'm usually the one beating the 'exercise is good for you' drum.

It took me 30 days to start feeling normal and
I am still stabilizing. Dose and time are important -- perhaps your dr. could help you with
that.

>
> It's true that when we're in these places, the brain doesn't track well and normal rules do not apply.

I hope you get better soon; I don't know why
lithium has always been so good with me - it's
just a good match and I sympathize if not all
can be so lucky. I have a friend who has gone
through about 20 drugs before getting right.

Squiggles

 

Re: To Squiggles

Posted by Maximus on July 15, 2005, at 12:57:53

In reply to Re: Raving ravens :-) » Squiggles, posted by barbaracat on July 15, 2005, at 11:57:14

> Squiggles,
> Coupla questions. When you say you've never >had a breakthrough episode, could you clarify? >No depression? No anxiety? Beyond the normal >grunge, that is. Are you taking anything else?

Sorry but i repeat the same questions ;-) You have had no depression? No anxiety? No insomnia? No fatigue? No libido loss. Just the Lithium and voilą?

That would be very exceptional, indeed.

 

Raving ravens :-)

Posted by Squiggles on July 15, 2005, at 13:00:45

In reply to Re: To Squiggles, posted by Maximus on July 15, 2005, at 12:57:53

Yup, exceptional indeed (for lithium
related effect only).

Squiggles

Search

IGSLI

for a good research group
on lithium topics.

 

Re: Raving ravens :-) » Squiggles

Posted by barbaracat on July 16, 2005, at 13:32:33

In reply to Raving ravens :-), posted by Squiggles on July 15, 2005, at 12:06:49

Squiggles,
I might have given the wrong impression. It's not lithium that causing this slump. I've been on lithium for almost 3 years and it's been the best thing for me.

As far as the dragging, I think I've just been coming down with a bug because I've got a fever and other symptoms. But it also feels like a slight depression. Unlike you, I still get depressions, but they're manageable. I still get anxiety but considering some very anxiety provoking life situtations (husband out of work for 4 years, us living on my disability), it's manageable.

Just wanted to set the record straight. Lithium rules! - Barbara

 

Re: Lithium antidepressant augmentation?

Posted by Squiggles on July 16, 2005, at 13:55:33

In reply to Re: Raving ravens :-) » Squiggles, posted by barbaracat on July 16, 2005, at 13:32:33

Sorry if i misinterpreted your
message; i am still stabilizing
and my conncentration is getting
better day by day but takes a while.

The depression and anxiety you describe
sound relatively mild to full blow
m/d, and maybe other factors you mention
are relevant - but i am always vigilant
about the dose of the drugs -- they
too play a very significant role
in mood.

Lithium rules in the right range.

Squiggles

 

Re: Lithium antidepressant augmentation? » Squiggles

Posted by barbaracat on July 16, 2005, at 14:14:31

In reply to Re: Lithium antidepressant augmentation?, posted by Squiggles on July 16, 2005, at 13:55:33

Oh crap. I've been considering increasing my dose for a while and your post is my confirmation to go for it. I'm way below the therapeutic window and have resisted increasing because it really is a pork-o-genic drug and it really has been good enough - but maybe not optimal. I never got to the point of getting over the uncomfortable side effects of higher doses and I have hypothyroidism and I worry about it.

But if getting more with the program and taking an amount that is actually therapeutic - well, maybe it will kick it into the next level. So I'm gonna take an extra pinch slowly and see how it goes.

Thanks for the website - very interesting and heartening how beneficial lithium is for so many conditions.

You mentioned that you were on two other meds - I believe Synthroid (I am too along with Cytomel) and Rivsterol(?) - what is that? - Barbara

> Sorry if i misinterpreted your
> message; i am still stabilizing
> and my conncentration is getting
> better day by day but takes a while.
>
> The depression and anxiety you describe
> sound relatively mild to full blow
> m/d, and maybe other factors you mention
> are relevant - but i am always vigilant
> about the dose of the drugs -- they
> too play a very significant role
> in mood.
>
> Lithium rules in the right range.
>
> Squiggles

 

Re: Lithium antidepressant augmentation?

Posted by Squiggles on July 16, 2005, at 14:20:25

In reply to Re: Lithium antidepressant augmentation? » Squiggles, posted by barbaracat on July 16, 2005, at 14:14:31

I take Synthroid and Rivotril (and occasionally
Xanax); the Synthroid is necessary to offset
the lithium's effect on the thyroid function --
hypothyroidism is typical. Your dr. should
check your thyroid, and see if you need more.
The lithium dose depends on reaching the right
blood serum level, as well as your reaction to
that.

The other drugs -- well, i'm not sure but
i think they are for remnant anxiety or
adjuncts to the neurological effect of
the lithium.

Squiggles

 

Re: Lithium antidepressant augmentation? » Squiggles

Posted by barbaracat on July 16, 2005, at 14:41:08

In reply to Re: Lithium antidepressant augmentation?, posted by Squiggles on July 16, 2005, at 14:20:25

Oh, I certainly needed more thyroid. I have to keep my TSH levels very very low in the hyper range just to feel normal. I've always been hypothyroid and with Lithium it's aggravated. I watch my thyroid like a hawk because it is so crucial to everything. Luckily, my GP doc agrees that I need more thyroid than my tests indicate. I also periodically test my sex hormones as well and take bioidentical hormones for menopause.

This past January I ended up in the psych ward because of extreme meltdown. Afterwards, had my hormones tested and all were subnormal. Getting those levels fixed was critical in getting back to being a functional human being.

While I was in the hospital, I was taken off lithium and put on Depakote and Seroquel. It was awful. Not only was I a shuffling drooling zombie but my hair was falling out in chunks. None of that stuff for me, thank you, I'll stick with lithium. If it ain't broke don' fix it

I went off the depakote and back on lithium and went flamingly manic until it settled in. What a glorious trip - a true BP-I classic psychotic mania I haven't experienced in years since starting lithium. Impressive. My husband is a saint but I think he's also rather fascinated by it all. It's certainly not a boring condition.


> I take Synthroid and Rivotril (and occasionally
> Xanax); the Synthroid is necessary to offset
> the lithium's effect on the thyroid function --
> hypothyroidism is typical. Your dr. should
> check your thyroid, and see if you need more.
> The lithium dose depends on reaching the right
> blood serum level, as well as your reaction to
> that.
>
> The other drugs -- well, i'm not sure but
> i think they are for remnant anxiety or
> adjuncts to the neurological effect of
> the lithium.
>
> Squiggles

 

Bye for now

Posted by Squiggles on July 16, 2005, at 14:53:39

In reply to Re: Lithium antidepressant augmentation? » Squiggles, posted by barbaracat on July 16, 2005, at 14:41:08

I'm taking a break from the numerous
sites I participate in now. I look
forward to some normal activities
coming up. So, don't be offended
if I am not active on the boards.

Thank you everyone who has helped
with my recovery.

Squiggles

 

Re: Bye for now » Squiggles

Posted by SLS on July 16, 2005, at 15:52:47

In reply to Bye for now, posted by Squiggles on July 16, 2005, at 14:53:39

Take good care, Squiggles.


- Scott

 

Re: Bye for now » Squiggles

Posted by barbaracat on July 16, 2005, at 16:50:02

In reply to Bye for now, posted by Squiggles on July 16, 2005, at 14:53:39

Hope your life continues to unfold in joy and contentment. Come back for a visit every now and then. - Barbara

 

Re: Raving ravens :-) » barbaracat

Posted by Sabino on July 18, 2005, at 7:59:09

In reply to Re: Raving ravens :-) » Squiggles, posted by barbaracat on July 16, 2005, at 13:32:33

>>Unlike you, I still get depressions, but they're manageable. I still get anxiety but considering some very anxiety provoking life situtations (husband out of work for 4 years, us living on my disability), it's manageable.
<< - Barbara

Wow, now that's some serious stress. Having recently taken a couple of months off, and receiving only temporary disability, I can relate.

I recently closed on a house too (now there's a stressor), and just got internet service back again.

I recently quit Remeron and Effexor too. They were cognitive butt-kickers. Have gone back to a crumb of Paxil in the evening, with chipping away at Lithium during the day. I'm keeping my head above water.

Guess I was lucky, and did not get any horrible Effexor withdrawal, even after 2 months at mostly 150 mgs (a couple of weeks were at 225).

About the returning to work. Still don't know if I can make a go of that. I'm in IT, and we're changing over to a completely new system. I seem far less able to grasp new info than I used to.

I'm giving it a shot, but it's an iffy proposition.

If this isn't too personal, is the disability you receive permanent, or temporary? If I can no longer do my job, I may have to go that route myself.

You sound pretty good these days, in spite of your slump.

Cheers

 

Re: Raving SSI and other Ravens:-) » Sabino

Posted by barbaracat on July 18, 2005, at 16:08:21

In reply to Re: Raving ravens :-) » barbaracat, posted by Sabino on July 18, 2005, at 7:59:09

> >>I still get anxiety but considering some very anxiety provoking life situtations (husband out of work for 4 years, us living on my disability), it's manageable.
> << - Barbara
>
> Wow, now that's some serious stress. Having recently taken a couple of months off, and receiving only temporary disability, I can relate.

**When I first got real sick with fibromyalgia and had to quit work, my husband's company folded and he hasn't had a steady job since. I used to lay there in complete terror, with plenty of time to think and no energy to distract, catastrophizing what would become of us. It caused massive huge fights between us as well because I KNOW he could be trying a whole lot harder to earn his keep. It's the biggest most contentious issue between us in an otherwise good marriage. As it is in most marriages.

I'd say the stress caused by money is the root of all evils. It brings up every fear, every hot button, every insecurity. But I've learned so much in these 4 years about realizing when there's nothing I can do and remembering that somehow the bills get paid. We're not yet out on the streets and I can honestly say that our 10 cats have kept us from chucking it quite a few times. It's a radical training in trust that there is a power, force, presence that will support us if we learn to allow it.

> I recently closed on a house too (now there's a stressor), and just got internet service back again.

**Congrats!! Having your own home feels like such a comfort - it did for me. You're not at the mercy of a landlord and it feels so much more stable. Plus, the tax writeoffs can be significant.
>
> I recently quit Remeron and Effexor too. They were cognitive butt-kickers. Have gone back to a crumb of Paxil in the evening, with chipping away at Lithium during the day. I'm keeping my head above water.

**I recently tried Concerta because I've been suspecting for some time that I have comorbid ADD with the bipolar. I really did not like the feeling - more depressed. I think what I take to be ADD is actually just the distraction and stress that comes from good old stress. Besides, the last thing I want to do is add another med.

What I am going to do is go back down from 15mg to 8mg Cymbalta and INCREASE my lithium from 600 to 750mg. I believe more and more that lithium at just the right dose (I still maintain the 'therapeutic dose' is way too high) will turbocharge most ADs and keep things smooth but not duh! If Paxil works well for you, then keeping it at a real small dose and experimenting with your lithium should give you great results. I've heard of this being a very successful combo many times. I happen to really like Cymbalta, but only at very small doses. It gets weird the higher I go.
>
> Guess I was lucky, and did not get any horrible Effexor withdrawal, even after 2 months at mostly 150 mgs (a couple of weeks were at 225).

***I've heard that lithium will help some of those nasty withdrawals. Plus, you got on Paxil pretty quickly so it's not like you're without. It you haven't tried L-Taurine, it's a good adjunct, smooths electrical membranes.
>
> About the returning to work. Still don't know if I can make a go of that. I'm in IT, and we're changing over to a completely new system. I seem far less able to grasp new info than I used to.

**Yes, I was in IT also. I didn't mind programming (VB6) but would inevitably get promoted to a higherpaying but deadly for me project lead position. I liked the freedom and creativity of programming but the anal retentiveness and time management skills and multitasking of manageing projects I could give a rip about were the last thing I should have been doing. I could cope with it for a while but when my physical health and energy went when I developed fibro, my brain just frizzled. I could not go back to that corporate world full time if my soul depended on it. But it sure would be nice to find something else that makes money.
>
>
> If this isn't too personal, is the disability you receive permanent, or temporary? If I can no longer do my job, I may have to go that route myself.

*No, not at all personal and glad to be of assistance. It sounds like you've already been on short term, 12-weeks full pay disability at and now you're back at work expected to be all cured. If you can't and aren't, and if you qualify for long-term disability, you're in luck. It generally lasts 2 years at 60%. This is through your company's disablity insurance and has nothing to do with Federal Social Security Disability, which you also would apply for and which would be happening concurrently. The montly premium is based on your lifetime earnings, what you've put into it (FICA taken out of your paycheck) and basically entitles you to receive SSI benefits early. Generally, you have to reimburse your long-term disability company with your SSI premiums, but when long term runs out, you still have SSI disability.

SSI takes about 2 years from the point of application and involves gettting records from health providers, supervisors saying you haven't been producing, and anything that will convince a judge that you can no longer work full time at that kind of job or any job beyond your capabilities. It's pretty daunting, so...

GET A GOOD DISABILITY LAWYER!!!! Start the search now and make an appoinment. They work on contingency and can collect no more than $5,000. Since benefits are retroactive, by the time you're finally awarded benefits, that $5,000 will be a drop in the bucket and will be best investment you ever made. Trust me on this. SSI makes the process excruciating to weed out slackers and Disability Lawyers earn every red cent. Basically, you see their doctors who say there's nothing wrong with you, you get turned down twice and then you appear before a judge who reviews the synopsis of your case your good lawyer has prepared. If you get stuck and can't find anyone, let me know.

I'm on SSI disability, waiting to go through my reevaluation (1-2 years after benefits are granted) to determine permanent disability, for which there are great perks including educational retraining.

My main disability was fibromyalgia with secondary bipolar disorder. It was the bipolar that clinched it for me. I was concerned that my records might get out and make reemployment difficult ('she's a nutcase!') but the details are not in the public record. Bipolar disorder is considered a very serious disability in SSI so if that's your disorder, then milk it, buddy. Start amassing reams of paperwork from doctors, get your friends and family to agree to write backup supporting evidence. Very Very IMportant: Even if you have a 'serious mental disorder', if you're considered stable due to meds, you're considered fit for work. The fact that you've been having some real problems stabilizing on meds, frequent changes, relapses is VERY VERY GOOD. Play this feature up and drill it into your pdocs head as well as your lawyers. Between now and the time you're approved, you don't want to be convincing the powers that be how zippy and swell you're doing with your new meds. You want your lawyer to represent you as disabled and this is most effectively done if he/she sees you as such.

There's a lot of footwork that you have to do and if you're even mildly considering it, get started with finding a good attorney now and get the process rolling. You'll also get very good advice on what employers can and can't do during this period and how you should cover your fanny in the meantime.

I have to say that it's difficult to live on, a fraction of what you're used to, and if you can keep your job but be provided accomodation under the ADA that would be a good thing. But who wants to be accomodated and known as 'bipolar' in the workplace? Better to just get a less demanding, less stressful job. Evenso, SSI disablity is a great comfort knowing it's in process should you need it when the time comes. - Barbara
>
**Still in a slump but if I can force myself to get outside it gives more energy. All I have to do is recall the abysmal nightmare of my life not too long ago (before lithium) and I'm able to appreciate this little dismal blip as being lightyears better. - Barbara

>
>
>
>

 

Re: Raving SSI and Li update » barbaracat

Posted by Sabino on July 22, 2005, at 7:08:19

In reply to Re: Raving SSI and other Ravens:-) » Sabino, posted by barbaracat on July 18, 2005, at 16:08:21

Thanks Barbara. That was a great and informative post, and if I feel the need to go that route, well, I've printed it out for future reference.

Lithim update:

I'm still taking a puny dose of Paxil (probably like 2.5 mgs), and I chip at Li during the day, for a total of 200 mgs or so.

Li is a funny med. It acts sort of like a benzo, in that I'm way less socially tense when taking it, and it also seems to help my ADD like symptoms. And then... if I take too much Li, it is cognitively dulling, so for me, it's a matter of finding the right amount, and since I have a real fast metabolism, the chipping at it works better than taking a standard dose, and letting it do its thing for 6 hours. That never works for me. I burn through it too fast. A little bit every hour or so works better for me (not on the hour, or any sort of exact science, just when I feel like I'm getting a bit squirrely, I just take a bit more).

Anyway, it IS odd they way it sort of rallys my mental processes, and pulls in a bunch of disparate threads, and allows me to focus better: hence, kind of helps with the ADD symptoms.

It ain't a perfect solution, but it's definitely improved over a few weeks ago, when I was still on Effexor and Remeron. And by the way, when I took a couple of months off, and was on Eff and Rem, I gained a whopping 15 lbs. I'd never been fat in my life before that. I've since lost half of that back since quitting.

One more odd note on Li; when driving, one normally pays attention to the big picture, and not much to the peripheral stuff to the sides. I now find that I focus a lot on individual things that I'm passing a good deal. It's a little odd.

 

Re: Raving SSI and Li update » Sabino

Posted by ed_uk on July 22, 2005, at 13:34:10

In reply to Re: Raving SSI and Li update » barbaracat, posted by Sabino on July 22, 2005, at 7:08:19

>A little bit every hour or so works better for me...

Perhaps you could try a controlled release lithium?

~Ed

 

Re: Raving SSI and Li update

Posted by Sabino on July 22, 2005, at 19:18:04

In reply to Re: Raving SSI and Li update » Sabino, posted by ed_uk on July 22, 2005, at 13:34:10

>>A little bit every hour or so works better for me...<<

>>>> Perhaps you could try a controlled release lithium?<<<<

Already doing that Ed. I just burn right through the stuff.

I've fairly well pleased with what Lithium is doing for me though, in spite of the frequent dosing. It really seems pretty multi-purpose. Like I said in the previous post, it acts as an anti-anxiety agent, has some AD like effects for me, and is sort of beneficial for ADD.

I'm not feeling on top of the world, but I'm feeling waaaay better than I was a few months ago.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

Re: Raving SSI and Li update » Sabino

Posted by ed_uk on July 23, 2005, at 17:50:17

In reply to Re: Raving SSI and Li update, posted by Sabino on July 22, 2005, at 19:18:04

Hello,

>Already doing that Ed. I just burn right through the stuff.

What brand are you on? It sounds very inconvenient to take it so often! Could you try a different brand?

~Ed

 

Re: Raving SSI and Li update » ed_uk

Posted by Sabino on July 23, 2005, at 18:53:14

In reply to Re: Raving SSI and Li update » Sabino, posted by ed_uk on July 23, 2005, at 17:50:17


>> What brand are you on? It sounds very inconvenient to take it so often! Could you try a different brand? << ~Ed

I have generic Lithium Carbonate ER (extended release) 300 mg tabs, that I cut in two and then chip away at.

It's really not just with Lithium or its extended release formula. I use up any med I take very quickly, which is probably why I never really had any success with ADs. I mean, it sucks to take an AD, go up, and then crash all in the space of 5 or 6 hours. Such is my metabolism though. The good part is that until I combined Effexor with Remeron, I never really gained weight, despite eating like a teenager.


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