Posted by colin wallace on February 13, 2003, at 13:12:17
In reply to Re: Lamictal Update, posted by Ron Hill on February 13, 2003, at 12:09:37
Ron,
I have without doubt found the solution to my mood disorder with Lamictal.I don't set much store by the diagnosis put forward by the junior UK NHS psych. I finally got to see last year.I don't want to get into that here, but a bipolar spectrum diagnosis was 'possible' although recurrent major depression was also a firm favourite.To me personally, bipolar11 is plain
for all to see(I use a rigorous criterion here, as I don't believe in needlessly throwing bipolar labels around which some people tend jump on).Wildly erratic mood swings, bitter,deep,dysphoric and severe depressions,with amplified and worsened swings and hypomania(dysphoric)brought on by AD's...need I continue.Oh yeah, and relief at last with a sound mood stabilizer.I also fully agree with Dr Phelp's take on this subject.(his site confirmed my suspicions long ago-that's why I chose Lamictal.However.....
If I lived in a country that wasn't permanently carpeted in filthy grey cloud(?!), then I wouldn't even remotely consider adding an AD.But I don't, and get so badly affected by the weather that it sends me into an awful, sickening depression within weeks.Lamictal, though miraculous, ain't miraculous enough to conjure up sunshine!!At some point, I'll need an AD,not this summer,but I'll need to get one in place by next winter- I may as well get used to it, as I have no choice in the matter.Ps. I have no doctor-I treat myself, and that's why I'm doing exceptionally well *_-
Also, your take on the subject is always welcome, and I agree with all you say.Your ol' pal,
Col.
Last summer I thought you had found the solution to your brain chemistry issues with Lamictal. I was hoping that at least one of us was "fixed". What kinds of symptoms are causing you to feel the need to add an SSRI or TCA?
>
> What is your dx according to your current pdoc? It is a pdoc you are seeing, correct? What is your dx according to Colin? Is it possible that there is a bipolar II component in your dx? I ask this because I am of the firm belief that BP II patients should not take SSRI's nor TCA's without a moodstabilizer fully in place and even with a moodstabilizer I personally don't think SSRI's or TCA's have efficacy over the long run in BP II patients. Please check out Dr. James Phelps' web site and find the links that discuss his stance on this issue. Also, check out the links he provides on the subject. I think he is right-on with regard to this issue. Bottom line: Dr. Phelps is of the opinion that MAOI's are typically the best class of ADs for BP II patients. He also has a BP II questionnaire on his site. If you want, you can fill out the questionnaire and score the results. Here is the link to his web site:
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> http://www.psycheducation.com/
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> I don't know if you are BP II, but as I've told you before, I've always suspected that you have some BP II component in your dx. My opinion is based primarily on your reaction to SSRI's (without moodstabilizer) and that at times you have cycled into a dysphoric mood state. I could be all wet on this Colin. Take it for what it is; a friend offering his layman opinion in hopes of being able to help.
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> -- Ron
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poster:colin wallace
thread:138803
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030208/msgs/200115.html