Posted by ChrisK on December 7, 2000, at 16:54:51
In reply to bipolar disorder, alcoholism, and drug treatment?, posted by Kingfish on December 7, 2000, at 7:25:17
I am not bipolar but major depression and alcoholic. I take one of the TCA's (Nortripltyline) and Zyprexa for the depression and obssesions problems but I also take Naltrexone for the alcohol problems. Naltrexone does a good job of eliminating the cravings for alcohol. Although I still drink sometimes, it is out of old habits rather than cravings.
I never responded to AA and wouldn't necessarily condemn it nor reccomend it based on my experience. Naltrexone is a good start. It has had some off-label use as an augmentor for depression meds.
Do a search here at the top of the page for Naltrexone. There have been a few threads here in the last year regaurding it.
Also, make sure that you have a good relationship with you r pdoc before getting deep into your drinking problems. Some will just turn you away because you can't self-medicate with alcohol while trying to work with depression meds. Mine knows that I still have issues but is willing to work with me anyway. I'm not at the level of drinking I was a year ago and I think that the Naltrexone has helped in that area.
Hope this helps,
Chris
> I've been so impressed with folks' willingness to be open on this board with subjects such as overdosing. I wondered if anyone here has dealt with alcoholism, as well as bipolar disorder, and if so, if any specific drug(s) has helped? I take Topamax and Celexa. I am feeling better, but still have some problems with heavy drinking. I find it frustrating that I can't talk about it openly with my psych - he suggested AA the one time I mentioned it. I will not go to AA, so that's not even a consideration. I believe the alcoholism is a chemical problem as well, an indication of an addictive personality in general.
>
> Thanks! I am so glad I found this board!
poster:ChrisK
thread:50118
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001130/msgs/50156.html