Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1018798

Shown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Major Depressive Episode + Mania

Posted by Bryn B. on May 28, 2012, at 17:28:23

Hi All-

I recently posted that my Lexapro was working fine for awhile (20 mg) and recently pooped out. I went from being depressed to having a major depressive episode recently. I spent the last 4 days/nights in bed--slept the entire time. Yesterday, I popped 900 mg of Neurontin (I don't take it daily), which strangely gets me "up" when I'm experiencing an episode. However, it put me into a full blown manic, stoned-feeling episode that lasted from yesterday into the evening. I full out freaked, felt totally out of control and was irritable and hysterical.

I live in Manhattan and don't have insurance, and I'm not currently seeing a pdoc. I was ready to take myself to the psych er, but didn't go. I didn't sleep last night, and I don't feel manic today, but I'm still super cranky and irritable and extremely depressed. I'm at a loss. I hate to "treat" myslef, but I have a full bottle of Topamax, and was thinking about starting at 25mgtonight to stabilize myself. I'm at a loss. I'm so depressed, but I have to work Weds and Thurs this week. If I continue at this rate, I won't be able to make it in on those days. Thoughts?

 

Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania » Bryn B.

Posted by Bryn B. on May 28, 2012, at 18:56:21

In reply to Major Depressive Episode + Mania, posted by Bryn B. on May 28, 2012, at 17:28:23

Also, I don't typically experence mania (or hypomania), and I NEVER get it from ssri's or tca's, etc., just with Neurontin and certain other meds (like Prednisone and painkillers). Thanks...

 

Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania » Bryn B.

Posted by sleepygirl2 on May 28, 2012, at 20:10:53

In reply to Major Depressive Episode + Mania, posted by Bryn B. on May 28, 2012, at 17:28:23

I don't know bryn, but it sounds awful :-(
It's the insurance thing? That's keeping you away from the psych ER?
Do you have a former Pdoc you can call?


 

Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania

Posted by Bryn B. on May 28, 2012, at 20:18:25

In reply to Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania » Bryn B., posted by sleepygirl2 on May 28, 2012, at 20:10:53

> I don't know bryn, but it sounds awful :-(
> It's the insurance thing? That's keeping you away from the psych ER?
> Do you have a former Pdoc you can call?
>
>
>
Thanks Sleepy,

I won't go to the ER mainly bc my experience with it in the past wasn't pleasant, but also bc I'm pretty sure you need your Pdoc to get you released when you are ready to go (otherwise in NY they hold you for awhile--I can't remember how long--even when you go voluntarily). My Pdoc is very expensive (as they all are here) and I still owe him a few hundred dollars (ugh), so I feel kind of uncomfortable calling him--I need to pay him first.

Fortunately, the mania is now gone, but I'm still super depressed and irritable.

 

Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania » Bryn B.

Posted by sleepygirl2 on May 28, 2012, at 21:43:15

In reply to Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania, posted by Bryn B. on May 28, 2012, at 20:18:25

I think that if you are admitted on a "voluntary" status, you can write a "72 hour letter" at any time, and then you either get released within 72 hours or they take you to court.
The docs have to determine if they accept you as a "voluntary" patient, but if you're not an imminent danger I think it would go that way. Is this your experience too?
How did it go before?
I don't know what they do if you don't have insurance, but it could be another motivation not to keep you long.

What has helped you in the past?

 

Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania

Posted by Bryn B. on May 28, 2012, at 22:25:41

In reply to Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania » Bryn B., posted by sleepygirl2 on May 28, 2012, at 21:43:15

That does make sense--I'm pretty sure that's how it goes with the hospital.

I honestly can't remember what's been beneficial in the past--it's been awhile since it's been this bad. Usually it takes time and adding in another med. I've just been through so many meds already, and I can't remember what the best add-on is. I'm thinking Wellbutrin (at a low dose) could be helpful.

Unfortunately, it just takes time, but I don't have that luxury right now.

 

Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania » Bryn B.

Posted by sleepygirl2 on May 28, 2012, at 22:35:30

In reply to Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania, posted by Bryn B. on May 28, 2012, at 22:25:41

I hope the med saavy will chime in. However, I keep reading that a lot of folks find wellbutrin activating, that it ramps up anxiety.
Good luck, I hope it eases soon. I hope you find a way to access a Pdoc.
Take care

 

Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania

Posted by Phillipa on May 29, 2012, at 10:25:22

In reply to Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania » Bryn B., posted by sleepygirl2 on May 28, 2012, at 22:35:30

Wellbutrin increased anxiety that I ended up in a hospital one week later. Taken off. But the week in the hospital was horrible. Now to get hospitalized actively suicidal, homicidal, or severe manic, psychotic think are only reasons to get admitted. Would get an assessment I think though? Phillipa

 

Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania

Posted by creepy on June 7, 2012, at 14:58:51

In reply to Major Depressive Episode + Mania, posted by Bryn B. on May 28, 2012, at 17:28:23

Sounds like a mixed episode. If you have any AAP's on hand, those
Wonder if a smaller amout of neurontin would help?
Topamax can be destabilizing, especially below 100mg. If you reacted well to it in the past maybe its ok? Im no pdoc though.
I found topamax was good at calming mixed stuff and hypomanic symptoms. Not so good on depression.

 

Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania

Posted by Bryn B. on June 7, 2012, at 16:58:56

In reply to Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania, posted by creepy on June 7, 2012, at 14:58:51

the good thing is, the mania/irritability stopped almost as quickly as it started. i haven't touched neurontin since. i started seeing a pdoc again--he was surprised that i reacted like that to neurontin. i am now trying deplin w/ the lexapro (i tested positive for the MTHFR gene a long time ago) so i'm really hoping it'll take care of the crappy, depressed as usual state i've been in.

 

Re: Major Depressive Episode + Mania » Bryn B.

Posted by phidippus on June 7, 2012, at 20:24:45

In reply to Major Depressive Episode + Mania, posted by Bryn B. on May 28, 2012, at 17:28:23

Maybe you need to check into a hospital (big bill that you can put off paying forever). Topomax is a weak mood stabilizer, but maybe worth a shot. You need about 300 mg to stabilize.

Eric


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