Posted by JohnL on January 12, 2003, at 8:17:36
In reply to Amateur Shrinks and experienced Patients needed!, posted by Mr.Scott on January 11, 2003, at 20:34:05
I am indeed an amateur. But I am a highly experienced patient. :-) You name it, I've probably tried it.
It's just an opinion, but I would suggest forgetting about traditional BP treatments such as Tegretol, Lithium, Neurontin, Lamictal, etc. Instead, go with 20mgProzac and 5mg to 10mg of Zyprexa. The two together are much stronger than either alone in wiping out the depression. And this combo oftens provides significant improvement in just one week. Zyprexa acts as a mood stabilizer and is even FDA approved for mania.
In the game of psychiatry, choosing the right meds is often like throwing darts blindfolded. So I tend to go with things that appear to have the highest potential for being successful for the largest amount of people. Zyprexa plus Prozac fits that description.
Again, it is just my opinion. But I have been on Lamictal, Lithium, Tegretol, etc etc. And I've been on all the ADs. I know what each feels like. Of them all, the combo of Zyprexa plus Prozac is far superior to anything else.
There is plenty of scientific research as well as anecdotal evidence to support these opinions.
> Please help me evaluate my situation so when I see my doctor on Monday who insists on emphasizing psychotherapy and offers the well known to be ineffectual neurontin for my bipolar 2 disorder I have some ammo.
>
> I am taking 2.5mg of Lexapro which painfully stiffens my muscles up. I also take 3.75mg of tranxene daily and 1500mg of EPA (fish oil). For the last few days I felt really good and revved up. I drank a good amount of coffee and was exercising like a champ. Going to classes and working and feeling anxious to but also about raising my hand in class. Was I normal or hypo? How would I know? Over the weekend I have crashed. My mood is irritable, negative, mildly dysphoric and I'm VERY tired. The muscle pain is now really a bother to me and I can't seem to push myself to do much even though I am forcing myself to go see a movie tonight anyways.
>
> Is this a cycle or can it be explained as normal? And if you think it's a cycle what do I need to do to get my shrink to realize these hypomanic blips may be preventing me from ever getting stabilized across the board. He doesn't see them or think much of them when I mention them. Other times I've been revved and feeling good I've made some poor decisions usually involving substances of abuse.
>
> I read a book on childhood bipolar disorder that in looking back I certainly could squeeze myself into. Once again it says AVOID ANTIDEPRESSANTS, and particularly if your not on Lithium, Depakote, or Trileptal/tegretol.
>
> Should I try Lamictal since I am primarily depressed?
>
> Once again folks..any input is appreciated..
>
> Scott
poster:JohnL
thread:135419
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030106/msgs/135497.html