Posted by ST on November 11, 2002, at 5:29:49
Hi,
I'm bi polar 2 with mostly depressive states and a few very hypomanic episodes. Depakote has been my only mood stabilizer since I was diagnosed with BP in 1994. Wellbutrin was added a few years later and that helped a small bit with my depression. Then, after still not seeing much of a lift in my depression, my doctor put me on an SSRI in addition to the Depakote and Wellbutrin combo. I've tried Prozac, Serzone, Celexa and Effexor. Right now, I'm back on Serzone in combo with Wellbutrin and Depakote. Still no significant lift in the depression.
My new doctor feels that Lithium would be a better mood stabilizer for me. He says that Depakote is a good mood stabilizer for BPs who need a lid on their mania. Since I am much more on the depressed side and not prone to mania, he feels Lithium would be best for me. Supposedly Lithium also acts slightly as an antidepressant and that it may do the trick.
Do any of you know anything about this? Is Lithium a better mood stabilizer for BPs who are more depressed than manic? I'm worried about thyroid and liver complications as well as weight gain. Celexa made me gain over 30 pounds, and I just now have gotten back to my normaql weight. I would be willing to try Litium if it were not for the weight gain stories I hear as well as the possible damage to my organs. My BP1 sister has been on Lithium for over 20 years and I've seen her thyroid function deteriorate, her liver become compromised and an extra 20 pounds added to her frame. She shakes and has a glazed look in her eyes. (She is extremely sick though, and probably is on a high dose)
Insight, anyone? I'm at wit's end. I just see no more reason to get out of bed anymore if this is truly as good as it gets. I function. I work, exercise, maintain a relationship, pursue a career. But I'm depressed, sad, not hopeful about my future. It's got to get better than this.....RIGHT?
Thank you!
Sarah
poster:ST
thread:127224
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021108/msgs/127224.html