Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 904699

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Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS

Posted by ricker on October 16, 2009, at 11:35:09

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by SLS on October 16, 2009, at 8:27:01

> Although I am not at all happy about having the need to take Abilify, I have decided to restart it.


Hi Scott,

Sorry to hear about your decline in mood. I'm in the same boat with Zyprexa but have no other choices at the moment.
I keep telling myself it is a fair trade-off (weight gain) for the mood enhancement. I also try and remain optimistic in that our options will broaden with the discovery of newer, user friendly drugs coming down the pipeline?

This time of year (Thanksgiving/Christmas/winter blues) seems to challenge my ability to remain optimistic, but I keep telling myself it's temporary! Hang in there my friend, you will overcome your temporary setback. If you need the Abilify then so be it, nothing to be down about.

All the best,
Rick

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS

Posted by floatingbridge on October 16, 2009, at 18:59:52

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by SLS on October 16, 2009, at 8:27:01

Scott, I'm sorry to hear about your deterioration of mood and having to start abilify. Do you think a lower dose might be therapeutic and give you some of the benefits that seem negated at the higher dose (like weight gain). (My two cents worth.)

My best wishes for your renewed health and mood,

warmly,

fb

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium.

Posted by uncouth on October 16, 2009, at 19:27:56

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS, posted by floatingbridge on October 16, 2009, at 18:59:52

scott have you tried zyprexa? i seem to be fairly similar to you in background and meds tried, and zyprexa has been significantly different than geodon and abilify for me. zyprexa at 5mg made abilify 10mg and geodon 120mg look like a sugar pill.

yeah, there's weight gain, but i don't think that's a reason to suffer!

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS

Posted by Phillipa on October 16, 2009, at 19:42:13

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by SLS on October 16, 2009, at 8:27:01

Scott not to anger or upset you but you know I've been here since your cymbalta trial. I've noticed a pattern the last year at least. That is when you start to think about work again you seem to deteriorate. And same time of year. And the weather's been absolutely horrible. Love Phillipa and do hope the abilify begins to work quickly for you

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » uncouth

Posted by SLS on October 18, 2009, at 6:30:45

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by uncouth on October 16, 2009, at 19:27:56

> scott have you tried zyprexa? i seem to be fairly similar to you in background and meds tried, and zyprexa has been significantly different than geodon and abilify for me. zyprexa at 5mg made abilify 10mg and geodon 120mg look like a sugar pill.
>
> yeah, there's weight gain, but i don't think that's a reason to suffer!

I tried Zyprexa once. I think I started at 10mg. I experienced a brief improvement in the first week, and then watched it disappear. Raising the dosage did not help. However, I have not combined Zyprexa with the same drugs I am currently taking, so I guess it must remain as an alternative.

Thanks, Uncouth.


- Scott

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » ColoradoSnowflake

Posted by SLS on October 18, 2009, at 6:31:34

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS, posted by ColoradoSnowflake on October 16, 2009, at 10:25:39

> Hi Scott:
>
> I'm sorry you'll have to go back on the Abilify, but I commend you for doing whatever you need to in order to feel better.
>
> I hope it will put you back where you were a few months ago; i.e. feeling pretty darned good!
>
> I've missed your valuable input on things!
>
> Good luck!
>
> Gayle


Thanks, Gayle.

:-)


- Scott

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » floatingbridge

Posted by SLS on October 18, 2009, at 6:36:46

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS, posted by floatingbridge on October 16, 2009, at 18:59:52

> Scott, I'm sorry to hear about your deterioration of mood and having to start abilify. Do you think a lower dose might be therapeutic and give you some of the benefits that seem negated at the higher dose (like weight gain). (My two cents worth.)

A very valuable 2¢.

:-)

I'm going to begin taking Abilify at the higher dosage. Once I establish a good response at that dosage, I can try reducing it from there.


> My best wishes for your renewed health and mood,
>
> warmly,

Thanks. Your sentiments are much appreciated.


- Scott

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium.

Posted by uncouth on October 18, 2009, at 16:56:34

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » uncouth, posted by SLS on October 18, 2009, at 6:30:45

just as an FYI, in the last 1.5 years i've been on emsam, effexor, abilify, geodon, nortriptyine, clomipramine, luvox, lithium, rilutek, lamotrigine, deplin, memantine, parnate, nardil....but my current cocktail over the past 4 weeks has lifted me out of the pit and substantially reduced my obsessive rumination and pain over the past. importantly, i'm getting a response without being pushed into a mixed state, which all SSRIs and SNRIs have done.

i'm not at 100% by any means, but 70% is much better than 10%

what is working for me:
agomelatine 25mg
zyprexa 5mg <--as stated in previous post, I believe this is key
bupropion 600mg (as aplenzin)
deplin 7.5mg
lithobid 600mg
sam-e 400mg
lunesta 2mg (tapering off)

i also take a variety of supplaments, including 2000mg of l-tryptophan at night.

i hope you feel better.
uncouth

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium.

Posted by uncouth on October 18, 2009, at 16:58:30

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by uncouth on October 18, 2009, at 16:56:34

also, i think there is some thinking about antipsychotics these days that they can be very different drugs at low doses compared to high doses. you may want to try zyprexa at 2.5 or 5mg if you try that drug again.

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS

Posted by Maxime on October 18, 2009, at 19:19:38

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » floatingbridge, posted by SLS on October 18, 2009, at 6:36:46

I hope you start to feel better soon with the Abilify on board.

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » Maxime

Posted by floatingbridge on October 18, 2009, at 20:31:43

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS, posted by Maxime on October 18, 2009, at 19:19:38

> I hope you start to feel better soon with the Abilify on board.

Yes. Ditto!

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium.

Posted by SLS on October 21, 2009, at 14:54:12

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » Maxime, posted by floatingbridge on October 18, 2009, at 20:31:43

Thank you all for your concern, suggestions, and support.

I am feeling better since restarting Abilify. After speaking with my doctor, he is letting me increase the dosage of lithium to 900mg. My blood level at 600mg was only 0.3 mEq/L. I am trying to maximize my chances of getting well on these drugs by making sure I am at therapeutic dosages.

I remain hopeful.


- Scott

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS

Posted by floatingbridge on October 21, 2009, at 15:08:16

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by SLS on October 21, 2009, at 14:54:12

Remaining hopeful with you. And glad you are feeling better.

fb

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium.

Posted by SLS on October 31, 2009, at 9:48:14

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » Maxime, posted by floatingbridge on October 18, 2009, at 20:31:43

Doing better at 900mg of lithium.

I'm afraid to hope...


- Scott

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS

Posted by floatingbridge on October 31, 2009, at 10:51:32

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by SLS on October 31, 2009, at 9:48:14

> Doing better at 900mg of lithium.
>
> I'm afraid to hope...
>
>
> - Scott

So I'm knocking on wood for you today. Thank you for the update.

fb

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » floatingbridge

Posted by SLS on October 31, 2009, at 12:36:42

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS, posted by floatingbridge on October 31, 2009, at 10:51:32

> > Doing better at 900mg of lithium.
> >
> > I'm afraid to hope...
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> So I'm knocking on wood for you today.


Thanks.

This is the best I have felt in quite awhile.


- Scott

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium.

Posted by ColoradoSnowflake on October 31, 2009, at 13:58:56

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by SLS on October 31, 2009, at 9:48:14

Scott, I'm really happy to hear that.

What a wild ride all this mental illness/medication business is!
If people only knew, we'd get some kind of major awards for our bravery, creativity ....and persistence. It sounds like that bucking bronco threw you, you regrouped, and now you're back on!

I hope this cocktail/ride lasts for a long time!!!

Good luck and
hugs,

Gayle

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » ColoradoSnowflake

Posted by Bob on October 31, 2009, at 21:42:23

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by ColoradoSnowflake on October 31, 2009, at 13:58:56

> Scott, I'm really happy to hear that.
>
> What a wild ride all this mental illness/medication business is!
> If people only knew, we'd get some kind of major awards for our bravery, creativity ....and persistence. It sounds like that bucking bronco threw you, you regrouped, and now you're back on!
>
> I hope this cocktail/ride lasts for a long time!!!
>
> Good luck and
> hugs,
>
> Gayle


Well said. Unfortunately, there are many unsavory things in life people must endure without any credit or reward.

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS

Posted by HyperFocus on October 31, 2009, at 22:24:14

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by SLS on October 31, 2009, at 9:48:14

You're in my thoughts.

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium.

Posted by SLS on November 4, 2009, at 7:02:23

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS, posted by HyperFocus on October 31, 2009, at 22:24:14

This is not funny anymore. I am not enjoying this.

I feel improved for a few days to a week after every dose increase of lithium, only to watch that improvement disappear. This pattern is really no different than what I experience with antidepressants. My brain seems to outwit the drugs that are meant to improve its function. The brain thinks it is the normal, healthy state to be depressed. Yeah - real smart. It does a good job of maintaining a dysfunctional homeostasis.

My doctor has had me raise the dosage of lithium to 1200mg. I am not hopeful that the results of doing this will be any different from previous dosage increases.

I think I need to be ready to live like this for several years until a novel treatment comes along. I will stay on a lower dosage of lithium long-term for whatever neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties it may have.


- Scott

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium.

Posted by uncouth on November 4, 2009, at 8:45:09

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by SLS on November 4, 2009, at 7:02:23

I know people like you (and me) are pretty finely attuned to mood changes and can usually tell the difference between something REALLY working and just thinking its workign (placebo) but your pattern of slight improvement followed by decline seems like a placebo effect, so maybe lithium isn't working at all?

I can't recall your polypharmacy but as long as you can stand the weight issues, it might be worth trying zyprexa again. I can't undercommunicate what a differential response I felt with zyprexa compared to abilify (in the end the weight gain killed me and i'm trying abilify again, but I credit zyprexa with getting me out of the hole).

And have you tried agomelatine? Many of us are seeing great results with it. I'm on 50mg, and I feel so refreshed in the mornings.

Given that your on MAOI, have you tried augmenting with DL-phenylalanine, or PEA?

Agreed that your system seems to be "Stuck" in an equilibrium. THe problem might be that your current slew of meds is simply making that equilibrium more sticky.

I have to say that having been on MAOIs for a year, and parnate for six months, the results I'm getting on high dose (600mg) bupropion, combined with agomelatine, low dose lithium, deplin, and atypical antipsychotic are far superior. My dx is bp2 and parnate, like SS/NRIs, simply put me in a state of 'mind-spinning', ruminative depression. My current mix does not do that nearly as much. I have been free of suicidal ideation for two months, knock on wood.

If your'e still feeling bad despite being on a complex regimin, sometimes its better to start a-new. I for one have never found lamotrigine to be particularly helpful. I tried it as monotherapy and as augmenter. Made me pretty blahhh as both.

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium.

Posted by SLS on November 4, 2009, at 9:22:41

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by uncouth on November 4, 2009, at 8:45:09

Thanks, Uncouth.

You've given me things to think about. I wish I knew what the right move was. I am currently looking into pursuing employment. I am afraid to discontinue the antidepressants at this time. They do help enough to keep me out of the abyss.

Currently:

Parnate 80mg
nortriptyline 150mg
Lamictal 200mg
Abilify 20mg
lithium 1200mg


- Scott

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS

Posted by Phillipa on November 4, 2009, at 18:55:19

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by SLS on November 4, 2009, at 9:22:41

Seriously Scott and this isn't meant to be mean I think I posted it once before but at this time of year you consider going to work and then meds seem to fail. Like me could it be a very scarey thing to think of working again and the responsibility of going to a job? Have you ever considered online work? Love Phillipa

 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium.

Posted by SLS on November 8, 2009, at 7:07:56

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium., posted by SLS on November 4, 2009, at 9:22:41

A pleasant surprise: I have had two days in a row of feeling significantly improved. It is a true antidepressant effect rather than a limited increase in energy. I have been taking 900mg of lithium steadily since last week. I guess you never know what can happen if you invest the time to fully explore a treatment.

Currently:

Parnate 80mg
nortriptyline 150mg
Lamictal 200mg
Abilify 10mg
lithium 900mg

It is probably too early to yell "Woohoo!". I have a hell of a case of optimism, though.

We'll see.


- Scott


 

Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » Phillipa

Posted by SLS on November 8, 2009, at 7:16:51

In reply to Re: Going back to old-school - lithium. » SLS, posted by Phillipa on November 4, 2009, at 18:55:19

> Seriously Scott and this isn't meant to be mean I think I posted it once before but at this time of year you consider going to work and then meds seem to fail.

I don't recall experiencing anything like that. In a way, I wish I could exercise that kind of control over my state of illness by manipulating my environment - both internal and external. No such luck.

Thanks for the concern.


- Scott


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