Posted by missinglynx on December 10, 2000, at 5:06:45
In reply to Re: bipolar disorder, alcoholism, and drug treatment? » Kingfish, posted by ChrisK on December 7, 2000, at 16:54:51
> 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!Hey there Chris I know you don't know me. Nobody here does (Its the Internet after all). Great to hear you "licked' the heavy Drinking...Now that something to lift your self esteem.. you always hear its nearly impossible (thats a strong will) I was wondering about the combination of Zyprexa and NOrtryptaline. I'm just starting the Zyprexa myself. How did it come about that you "came" up with that group together. Its rare people use Zyprexa. MDs are caught up in stereotyping patients. They always reach for the pad and write Zoloft... Sorry to pry. I just am violently allergic to Zoloft, Remeron, and Serzone so Im "running out of op[tions" as my MD would say. Hey I think thats unfair. (not his comment the situation) I exercise heavy so theres no reason I should react that way to the usual How did the Nortrytaline effect you? Isnt that combo profoundly sedating or are you thriving on the 2? thanks for listening
poster:missinglynx
thread:50118
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001130/msgs/50315.html