Posted by Mitch on August 6, 2001, at 11:24:41
In reply to Re: Wacky moods from sleep pattern changes? » Mitch, posted by paxvox on August 6, 2001, at 10:21:12
> Wow! So how long did it take to figure all that out? I must claim ignorance of BPD diagnostics (perhaps I qualify?).I always thought people I have known to be BP to have distinct "up" or "down" periods that were of some duration, I guess I never thought about the rapid cycling variety.
I have always had mood disturbances even as a child. I figured the cycling out when I was a teenager. I started having the seasonal major depressions and noticed "hyper" episodes interspersed through the year, so I just started making marks on the calendar-good days-bad days and the pattern emerged. I didn't get treatment for it until I had a depressive episode with "mixed features" (agitation+severe insomnia) when I was 20.
Perhaps that is the direction my Pdoc is leading me(?) but he has NEVER even suggested anything of that nature, just depression, OCD and perhaps a little GAD. WEllbutrin and Tranzene have been my meds for last 2+/- years. Sleep quality and quantity have never drastically improved. I am, however, going to rule out some general physical problems with my GP that may cause my frequent wakings (e.g. Benign Prostitis) that makes me feel like I need to pee, but never enough to clear me out so to speak). I seem to wake at the end of dream cycles before the next sleep stages begins (at least it's my understanding that REM sleep is the latter stage of the sleep cycle).
Well, that sounds like early morning awakenings to me for sure-very notorious for people with depression. You might consider getting a polysomnogram done (a sleep study). You possibly could have sleep apnea-are you real drowsy during the day? Did you start the Tranxene first to help sleep and then you were still drowsy during the day and then got the Wellbutrin added? Hmmm.
I occasionally have some "hyper" moods, but not like I want to go out and do anything really heavy, more like rapid thiking and leg tapping. This could be an affect of the Wellbutrin, however. I would just like to be able to go to sleep and sleep 7 or 8 hours straight (heck, I'd settle for 6!). IS that too much to expect w/o putting me on these off-label meds?
When I get a little high I don't do anything really drastic either, usually I just get to cutting up with people and acting silly-I will hear remarks like I wish I had some of what you're on! Stuff like that. When my highs are the most pronounced (spring), my sleep is actually quite solid, but relatively brief (say six hours). If it wasn't for the seasonal depression (esp. the dreaded mixed stuff) on top it I may not have sought any treatment.
I would strongly suggest a sleep study (with EEG) first to rule out sleep apnea, etc. before you tinker with any more meds.
Mitch
poster:Mitch
thread:73584
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010804/msgs/73780.html