Posted by Ritch on May 1, 2003, at 13:38:52
In reply to bipolar, but misdiagnosed as unipolar?, posted by jralphc on May 1, 2003, at 11:52:00
> After years of unsuccessful AD treatment, and some terrifying recent experiences with what I can only describe as compulsive and self-destructive behavior, I am beginning to wonder: Is it possible that I have some sort of bipolar disorder, and my ADs (Wellbutrin, supplemented with Adderall XR 20 mg) is aggravating a manic phase. Sometimes I have times when I have energy, stay up all night, spend compulsively, and indulge in drugs and sex, to excess. In the past I've attributed this to compulsive behavior, but maybe it is mania?
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> Much of the rest of the time I am tired and lethargic, melancholy, irritable and unproductive.
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> I haven't mentioned this to my p doc. I really do not want to take lithium and gain weight--I need to lose weight, not gain it, and Wellbutrin is good from that standpoint.
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> Do any of you have experience with drug-induced mania? Are there options other than lithium? I am scared, because I fear that I am hurting myself and the people that I love and who love me.Nearly all antidepressants I have taken aggravate or induce manic symptoms for me (but I can get those symptoms without help though). Wellbutrin wouldn't make me euphoric, but I would be doing a dozen things at once at top speed (spending more, but not recklessly). Stimulants wouldn't make me euphoric either, but I couldn't tolerate them for very long (anxiety). SSRI's definitely make me VERY euphoric (esp. if I am already high). I act like I am smoking grass and have trouble stopping laughing. There are a lot of options other than lithium. There are a half-dozen anticonvulsants you could probably try. You can change the AD's you take (and/or dosages). You can add thyroid hormones, fishoil, there are a lot of options. It would be worth a closer look. You might consider getting an initial appt./interview with a pdoc that specializes in bipolar disorder and air your suspicions/concerns and see what they say.
poster:Ritch
thread:223635
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030429/msgs/223652.html