Posted by Ritch on September 3, 2002, at 9:19:02
In reply to Medication experiences for hypomania/bi-polar II, posted by audrey on September 2, 2002, at 21:48:31
> Hi,
>
> I've recently been diagnosed with bi-polar II, and am in the middle of a hypomanic episode. I'll spare you the gory details...
>
> Anyway, I was wondering if anyone would please share with me their experiences taking mood-stabilizers. The only meds I know about are lithium and depakote. I would like to hear the pros and cons people have endured taking those meds as well as any information about other meds that are used to treat hypomania.
>
> Any input would be incredibly appreciated.
>
> Thank you,
> Audrey
Hi Audrey,I have been dx'ed BP-II for over 20 years. I was on lithium first. It worked reasonably well, it was just tough to tolerate due to GI distress it caused-but good for depression and mild psychotic symptoms. I am on Depakote now, which doesn't bother my stomach, but it has a tendency to cause more tiredness and weight gain than lithium (but is the most potent antimanic I have tried). Tried Neurontin for a couple of years-seemed to work better for anxiety than hypomania, good as an adjunct for mixed-state agitation and social anxiety associated with bipolar depression. I have tried some others.. Tegretol, Trileptal, Topamax, Gabitril, but due to side effects didn't have much experience with them to comment on their efficacy.
hope this helps,
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:118611
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020829/msgs/118649.html