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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jerseygal111 on January 8, 2012, at 10:58:58
Well, it's been a little over 5 weeks on Viibryd and it hasn't done anything for me. I see my pdoc on Tuesday and I have a feeling he's going to say it's time to give up on it. He mentioned the possibility of me trying lamictal as he thought that maybe I have signs of bipolar. I can go through days when I have both depression and anxiety (not at the same time) or days when I have anxiety only and days when I have depression only. Are those possible symptoms of being bipolar? Would that be considered cycling?
Posted by Phidippus on January 8, 2012, at 13:54:57
In reply to Viibryd, Lamictal, and Bipolar, posted by jerseygal111 on January 8, 2012, at 10:58:58
>I can go through days when I have both depression >and anxiety (not at the same time) or days when I >have anxiety only and days when I have depression >only
A lot of time with bipolar disorder, mania can present as a whole bunch of anxiety. Then you can cycle and become just depressed. Other days you might have both depression an anxiety in what would be called a mixed state.
I'm thinking the Lmictal would bbe a good idea.
Eric
Posted by Phillipa on January 8, 2012, at 18:03:22
In reply to Re: Viibryd, Lamictal, and Bipolar » jerseygal111, posted by Phidippus on January 8, 2012, at 13:54:57
I think it depends on the extend of the anxiety and depression. Does it interfer with functioning? Phillipa
Posted by jerseygal111 on January 9, 2012, at 10:17:45
In reply to Re: Viibryd, Lamictal, and Bipolar, posted by Phillipa on January 8, 2012, at 18:03:22
Yes, the depression and anxiety definitely interfere with functioning. I'm not doing many of the things that I used to enjoy doing like seeing friends, going shopping, etc. I spend much more time in bed than I should but it seems to be the only place I find comfort. I guess it's all the typical symtoms.
Posted by Raisinb on January 9, 2012, at 20:32:19
In reply to Viibryd, Lamictal, and Bipolar, posted by jerseygal111 on January 8, 2012, at 10:58:58
I have been reading and asking my pdoc questions about this issue nonstop, as I recently got a BP2 diagnosis. As far as I can tell the diagnosis is in the midst of continuous revision and expansion. Only for the last 20 years or so has bipolar without full blown mania been an entity. My pdoc seems to have little coherent to say on the boundaries of the term bipolar. A good book on the subject is Mania: A History of Bipolar Disorder by David Healy.
But to answer your question more helpfully, yes, what you are experiencing could be considered bipolar in the current trend. Lamictal might help. I found it to be relatively side effect free, but titrate slowly to minimize the chance of a rash.
Posted by porkpiehat on January 12, 2012, at 13:23:07
In reply to Re: Viibryd, Lamictal, and Bipolar, posted by Raisinb on January 9, 2012, at 20:32:19
even if you're just barely bipolar, I think Lamictal is very helpful with some parts of depression and anxiety that SSRI's never helped with. My doc said it is helpful with PTSD if that's where your depression/anxiety stems from.
My only real side effect after 7 years has been some raciness and cognitive confusion, especially at higher doses.
Hope this helps
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