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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jealibeanz on June 4, 2006, at 6:32:06
I've considered a bipolar diagnosis before, but always dismiss it once the depression goes away. I am far from the typical manic that people tend to think of. I'm a mild mannered person. The diagnosis would make sense though. I've been dealing with anxiety since childhood and the depressive episodes since high school. I'm 23 now.
Over the past month I've struggles with significant anxiety and depression. I had to start Xanax, which helps. The depression has been terrible at times. Recently, I've had days where it's let up and I feel normal. However, I can alternate between days or hour of feeling suicidal for no reason or completely healthy. In the last two weeks my sleep ranges from 2-12 hours a night, without feeling abnormal at the time. Sometimes I'm very energized, sometimes I feel like I need to sleep for days.
My depressions are recurrent, happening at least seasonally, but sometimes more often. My mother has said that I go in 3 year cycles (not sure I'd agree, but she's seen a cyclical pattern). I tend to just crash into a black hole out of nowhere when it sets in. I've always worried about when, not if, my major depression will come back. I'm always 100% certain that it will return, not just once, but regularly throughtout my life. I suppose this is a major sign which I've failed to clearly communicate to anyone.
I've tried several antidepressants. I can't say whether they truely helped that much. They were all discontinued due to side effects and the fact that they weren't significantly enhancing my life in any way.
I've gone through low energy periods of depression. My freshman year at college I slept the majority of the time, probably 12-16 hours at times. This went on from about September til March. I've also had periods of very bad insomnia.
My anxiety is usually very bad. Sometimes the social anxiety was so bad that I avoided going out with people to events or parties for nearly two years. It comes and goes. I also had constant general anxiety.
Could I have bipolar? I hate the idea! I'm fearful enough of AD's, which I was looking into. I hate the fact that they've done little for me except cause weight gain (Paxil, Busparm Wellbutrin, Effexor). Most mood stabilizers are even worse in this respect, right? I really don't think I'll just get better on my own, but am very untrustful of medications.
Posted by TJO on June 4, 2006, at 7:42:26
In reply to Could I be soft bipolar?, posted by jealibeanz on June 4, 2006, at 6:32:06
hi,
Um well I'm not a doctor but you sound bipolar to me ... and I have it. But there is a drug called Topamax that you might be able to use as a mood stabilizer that can cause weight loss :-). I'm having good luck with it so far :-).Tam
Posted by Nina78 on June 4, 2006, at 9:28:13
In reply to Could I be soft bipolar?, posted by jealibeanz on June 4, 2006, at 6:32:06
Hiya!
There are several different forms of bipolar, have a look at the discussion:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060530/msgs/651955.html
I was in doubt whether or not I was bipolar for a long time. It does help to get clarification from a psychiatrist. Medication is an option, but is not always necessary. Sometimes just knowing what causes your moods, and learning more about them can help you function better. Try starting a mood diary, that will give you more insight in your moodfluctuations, and what aggrevates it. A therapist might be able to help you understand your condition and your moods better, and help you become more stable w/o medication. In the "Alternative" board, you can aso find several discussions on non-chemical solution (e.g. vitamins or (chinese?)herbs. Some people do very well on thatGuess what I'm trying to say is don't start paniccing before you have a conclusive diagnosis and thoroughly looked at all your options...
Good luck!
Posted by jealibeanz on June 4, 2006, at 9:40:38
In reply to Re: Could I be soft bipolar?, posted by TJO on June 4, 2006, at 7:42:26
Were you diagnosed with depression before bipolar? Do you take an AD with the Topamax? In what way do you feel better? Are there any others they will not cause weight gain? I know some are notorious. Even the promise of those which cause small amounts or are neutral are not appealing to me, since I seem to be fairly reactive with the weight. What classes of drugs can be used as stabilizers?
Posted by TJO on June 4, 2006, at 10:12:12
In reply to Re: Could I be soft bipolar? » TJO, posted by jealibeanz on June 4, 2006, at 9:40:38
> Were you diagnosed with depression before bipolar?
No-Bipolar from the start.
Do you take an AD with the Topamax?
Yes-I take Wellbutrin and several other drugs.
In what way do you feel better?
I've stopped sleeping my life away (12-14 hours a day), have more energy, can think better, and have already lost just a couple of pounds even though the doctor said that there was no anti- weight effects until 200 mg and I'm on 50 mg.
Are there any others they will not cause weight gain?
Neurontin doesnt seem to either (I'm on that too)/weaning off of it.
I know some are notorious.
Yeah-(Zyprexa)
Even the promise of those which cause small amounts or are neutral are not appealing to me, since I seem to be fairly reactive with the weight. What classes of drugs can be used as stabilizers?
Hmm-some anti epiliptic drugs can be used off label for that ( Neurontin, Topamax), Lamictal is another and I think that is weight neutral too.
hope that was helpful-don't hesitate to ask more questions :-)
Tam
Posted by jealibeanz on June 4, 2006, at 11:05:26
In reply to Re: Could I be soft bipolar?, posted by TJO on June 4, 2006, at 10:12:12
How long have you been taking it? Did you experience any memory loss? That's another side effect I won't be able to tolerate. Does it make you nauseous? Fatigued?
Posted by Phillipa on June 4, 2006, at 12:03:44
In reply to Re: Could I be soft bipolar?, posted by jealibeanz on June 4, 2006, at 11:05:26
See the thread that was posted here. It's about the same questions I have. Love Phillipa
Posted by TJO on June 4, 2006, at 14:54:50
In reply to Re: Could I be soft bipolar?, posted by jealibeanz on June 4, 2006, at 11:05:26
> How long have you been taking it?
Topamax- 1 week , no memory loss, no nausea or fatigue.
Neurontin-about 5 years none of the above side effects either.
Did you experience any memory loss? That's another side effect I won't be able to tolerate. Does it make you nauseous? Fatigued?
Posted by jealibeanz on June 4, 2006, at 16:10:15
In reply to Re: Could I be soft bipolar? » jealibeanz, posted by Phillipa on June 4, 2006, at 12:03:44
Yes, I've viewed that entire thread. However, it didn't exactly answer my questions. People were just debating about the categorization of bipolar.
Posted by Phillipa on June 4, 2006, at 19:19:47
In reply to Re: Could I be soft bipolar? » Phillipa, posted by jealibeanz on June 4, 2006, at 16:10:15
I think I googled it once and it was explained quite well. Although I don't remember what it said. Love Phillipa
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