Posted by AMenz on August 18, 2001, at 22:55:29
In reply to Bipolar meds/anxiety-follow up from anxious mom, posted by cb on August 14, 2001, at 18:07:03
I'm on lithium and a very low dosage of SSRI because I get into mixed mania with SSRI
For years before I was on parnate which gave me tachichardia and other symptoms but lifted depression withou producing mania.
However, supposedly bipolar once they stabilize on lithium will feel less depressed. Adding antidepressants is like adding fuel to the fire.
The child needs some time to reach mood stability. I think frequent changes in medication are themselves contributing to mood instability and should be avoided unless the side effects are intolerable and create need for change.
I think most psychiatrists do not follow the accepted algorith for bipolar disorder and wind up starting with things like neurontin, lamictal, instead of the lithium or depakote base for treatment.
Support etc if he is depressed but no in danger (i.e., suicidal) might get him through until lithium effects mood stability.
Stabilizing his circadian routine, sleep at same time, meals at same times, exercise at same time, has also a powerful effect in promoting mood stabilization, and is now recommended I believe, by Mass General Hospital which has an excellent bipolar program.
Verbal therapy can only help deal with the symptoms specially for a young person first encountering this frightening experience.
The good news is that after the first episodes in teens, bipolars tend to stabilize for up to 5 years.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Good luck. I'm an agnostic but have gotten to the point where I pray regularly to whoever or whatever is out there. I'll include you.
> My bipolar son has been very anxious and depressed. Dr has taken him off synthroid, neurontin, and klonopin. He is currently on lithobid (1200 mg) and zyprexa (10 mg) and Wellbutrin (400 mg). Previously he was on zoloft, paxil and celexa while taking depakote. His doctor is considering putting him back on an SSRI and upping his lithium. SSRIs have always made him manic before (while on the Depakote). Does anyone have experience with the SSRIs and lithium. I think someone who answered me before mentioned taking prozac and a mood stabilizer after having gotten manic from the SSRI? I would really appreciate input. We are a little nervous about the SSRI since the SSRI manias were aggressive and violent. Unfortunately, they seem to have been the only thing that has helped the depression. Thank you, thank you, thank you - anxious mom
poster:AMenz
thread:75085
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010814/msgs/75548.html