Posted by Peter on March 19, 2002, at 17:26:43
Hello all:
Well, after another trial with a new medication cocktail prescribed by my pdoc, I'm still miserable. Since 1997, this guy has had me on various combinations of depakote, neurontin, a slew of SSRI's, Wellbutrin, Effexor, dopamine agonists, stimulants, klonopin, and more. He had diagnosed me with mild bipolar, some panic, social phobia, and possible ADD. I still continued to have problems-bad mood swings and times when I just couldn't go outside because I was depressed/anxious. When I opened my cabinet and saw hundreds of pill viles, it dawned on me that I needed another opinion from a second pdoc. This just isn't working, I thought. So, it was suggested that I have a consultation with NYC-based Donald F Klein, supposedly one of the best. He came to the conclusion that I am in fact bipolar, and that my anxiety/panic/depression stems from my BP. He said I should taper off all the meds I'm on now (Neurontin, adderall, and klonopin), and begin a simple combo of Lithium and Depakote. I always thought Lithium was only prescribed for people with intense BP I, with acute manias and suicidal depressions. I've never had acute mania-in fact, I don't ever recall having a manic episode, but he thinks I am BP. Does anyone know if Lithium can be used for milder BP disorder? If so, does anyone have any succes stories? I would love to once and for all be stabilized without constantly switching from one cocktail to the next for the rest of my life! Finally, I'm aware of the need for monitering and blood checks while on Lithium, but is it safe and effective at the right dose? Does it help depressive states characterized by apprehension, social phobia, and irritability? Thanks,
Peter
poster:Peter
thread:98867
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020318/msgs/98867.html