Posted by KarenB on April 17, 2000, at 11:23:27
In reply to Any happy, stable rapid cyclers out there? , posted by Janice on April 16, 2000, at 22:25:15
Hey Janice,
Does a happy, stable FORMER rapid cycler qualify?
The only AD that ever worked for me was Amineptine, a "mood brightening psychostimulant." Nothing else worked - ever. And, I have tried many SSRIs (worthless- made me feel sleepy or crazy) and Tricyclics (fine, if you don't mind constipation 24/7).
Turns out, I'm ADD. Whadayaknow? I was diagnosed prior to two years ago as "Major Depressive Disorder," then by the last three docs as Bipolar with rapid cycling and mixed states. Problem is, they couldn't find a single AD that worked and mood stabilizers made me too ill to function.
Then, I discovered the babble board and couldn't help but notice that all the ADD people sounded exactly like me. So, I went to the ADD sites, took some tests, did some research, re-evaluated my life and am thoroughly convinced that I have been ADD as long as I can remember. My first symptoms were evident at age 5. But, I didn't have the hyperactivity, was not disruptive so was never diagnosed.
Anyway, all that to update you: I have been on Ritalin ONLY for more than a week and have felt good EVERY DAY. Doc wanted me to stay on the Nortriptyline but convinced of the new diagnoses, I ditched it against his orders, got all medication out of my system, putting up with a little insomnia along the way and started "clean" on the Ritalin.
It works. I am stunned. I feel good and completely unmedicated. Ohhhhh, I hope it lasts.
My symptoms without it? Depression, suicidal ideology (almost constant), no energy, sleepiness, frustration, irritability, quick temper, migraine headaches, restlessness, feeling "out of control," procrastination, anhedonia, total lack of interest in life.
My point? If you feel like you are trying everything and getting nowhere, consider that the diagnoses may be wrong and the meds muddying the waters. That was certainly the case with me.
Best wishes for you. I pray that you'll get to the truth.
Karen
poster:KarenB
thread:30276
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000411/msgs/30332.html