Posted by loosmrbls on May 31, 2001, at 10:43:14
In reply to Bipolar depression??? - 'Lost for words...', posted by Jjoe on May 30, 2001, at 8:54:50
The mania episode is interesting, because it sounds like you were taking cannabis at the time. Although cannabis doesn't normally cause "manic" symptoms, it can on occasion. It can also cause depression and lack of motivation, and for chronic users who even STOP COMPLETELY, it can take months or years to recover. So, this is a wild card -- how much it is playing a role I don't know. You certainly sound significantly depressed by your symptoms. The lack of response is sad, but not uncommon (just read this forum!!!). The lack of going into mania does NOT rule out any bipolar disorder. Depression is much more common in bipolar disorder than mania for many people, and AD's only sometimes cause a switch in manic people.
My guess is, the valium probably releived a lot of agitation/anxiety often related with depression, and the amphetamines probably relieved some vegetative symptoms of depression. If you are bipolar, and I think it is at least probable, I would start with a mood stabilizer other than lithium (never worked for me either, in fact i think it was de-stabilizing) such as depakote, or some newer ones like topamax and lamictal. Neurontin seems to work only when combined with other mood stabilizers..To answer your questions:
a) If you have bipolar disorder, being off meds will likely result in a relapse sooner later -- either mixed, depressed, or manic.
b) Many AD's can be effective. Serzone, Wellbutrin, Effexor, and especiaally Remeron work by novel mechanisms and many have low risk to induce mania.
c) Depakote seems to be the first try, but if it doesn't work or has bad side effects Topamax, Lamictal, and Neurontin also can be used alone or in combinations.
d) No.
poster:loosmrbls
thread:64720
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010530/msgs/64883.html