Posted by Emme on December 5, 2001, at 9:29:56
In reply to Re: Need help with meds/side effects! » JohnX2, posted by Chloe on December 4, 2001, at 17:30:53
Chloe,
I'm sorry things are not working out for you now with the Li. There's one more anticonvulsant that you may not have tried: gabitril. I tried it and it did help some with depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, I couldn't really tolerate it at a therapeutic dose. But if you're looking for another option, maybe as an add-on, ask your doctor about it. Good luck.
Emme
>
> > I assume you are diagnosed as bipolar per
> > taking Li?
>
> I am soft bp2 but main problem is major depresson, mood dyregulation, distorted thinking. Lately, I am mainly depressed, but pop up into very hopeful, "happy" moods, only to crash into a suicidal, paranoid type state again. Very frustrtating. I am like a rollercoaster, and it's really taking a toll on my life and relationships. Also, I am very med sensitive, side effect sensitive and treatment resistant.
>
> > Just a couple thoughts on possible routes.
> >
> > (a) Add another mood stabilizer.
> > Depakote may help it is the more common for
> > bipolar. Lamictal has a good anti-depressant
> > effect, but unfortunately it has the dermititis
> > issues, so maybe not the way to go.
>
> I am considering going back on a small dose of depakote, but my pdoc thinks that the "hair loss" side effect of dep will give me trouble now, since I still have this scalp pain.
> Lamictal was way too energizing/anxiety producing for me, and did cause some skin probs right off. Too risky. Though did have nice AD probs, even with in the first few doses for me.
>
> > (b) Try an anti-psychotic. Zyprexa is a pretty
> > quick acting med that is approved for bipolar
> > disorder. It has very good anti-anxiety properties
> > and sure will help alleviate any psychotic issues.
> > Won't goof up your scalp.
>
> This is such a good idea! The AP's have always been my salvation. But I can only take them in emergencies, since I have low grade, chronic tongue movements left over from long term use of the traditional AP's in my twenties. When I use the atypicals, within 24 hours, I get a pretty activated tongue and jaw, and it can interfere with my speech. It's also annoying as hell. But how I wish I could take seroquel everyday. It's very calming, stabilizing and gives me wonderful sleep. At times I think persistant TD would be worth it. But...when I feel more rational, I just can't continue with the AP's. It doesn't seeem right.
>
> > (c) A different AD. You seemed concerned that
> > dropping Li causes depression. What are your
> > feelings about the effectiveness of the celexa
> > you are on?
>
> Well, initially, Celexa was so activating and caused some mixed state kinda stuff, that it made me suicidal! But I have been slowing increasing the dose to two milligrams, and my depression was getting better. But wow, did I crash and burn after one day of feeling pretty "upbeat." So, the SSRI's are only good to a degree for me. I really need an AD with stabilizing properties or take the AD with a more potent stabilizer than neurontin...Or I need to take a ton more of neurontin, but it's SO drying to my scalp and hair. OUCH > God, I hate how I just complain...
>
>
> I really have such a tricky emotional picture. My pdoc just doesn't want to add anything at the moment. But, really what is there to add? I have tried most every stablizer, tegretol, topamax, trileptal, lamictal, all the atypicals, serzone, remeron, not much luck with TCA's, afraid of MAOI's. This is a challenge, huh?
> So, I thank you so much for replying. I wish so much I could just take the meds that help me, like Li or and AP and get on with things. But I seem to be damned if I take a med and damned, I mean really damned if I don't!
> I wonder if provigil would be an ok AD adjunct without causing too much instability...Any experience with that one?
> Thanks,
> Chloe
poster:Emme
thread:85770
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011202/msgs/86036.html