Posted by katia on May 18, 2003, at 15:47:41
In reply to Re: Mood-stabilizers other than depakote or lithiu » audrey, posted by dddiane on May 18, 2003, at 8:32:57
> Audrey,
>
> We talked about a month ago, I think, about Topamax and how it wasn't quite giving us the stability we needed. I just saw your message today, so I am replying a little late here.
>
> I too had gained weight from meds, Depakote among others and this was addressed by Topamax. Also, Depakote was not the greatest drug for me, the two times I used it I began losing amazing amounts of hair after three months. A year ago I lost 50% of my long hair in a few months time. Sorry, fat, bald and dopy is just not acceptable to me.
>
> Anyway, I am now doing a very slow transition from Topamax to Lamictal. I may try using both meds together, or I may eventually drop the Topamax altogether. I don't know yet. I do find Topamax very nice and calming.
>
> If you do decide to go with Lamictal, go very slowly! I do have a good link I can send you for a conservative dosing schedule which can help elminate the possibility of allergic rash. I am finding it a frustratingly slow start, but I have run out of options with meds and I really want Lamictal to succeed.
>
> I think it will be a good choice for me because of my need for it's antidepressant qualities. I too found my "creative manias" vanish as I aged. Now I experience more mixed state crap, self-hatred, self-distructive, garbage. So I know what you mean.
>
> Best of luck, and keep me, and us, posted, whatever you decide to try.
>
> DianeHi Diane,
I am seeing a pdoc in three weeks (a new one). I am on my fourth AD to no luck. I've tried Celexa, Effexor, Zoloft, and now Serzone. What I am experiencing on Serzone is a lot of energized irritability. which is familiar to me. (w/o meds). I am beginning to think I may be BPII (dysphoric and mixed).
I am curious, how long have you been aware of your BPII? Did it take you awhile to figure out?
What you write above seems soooo familiar to me. "Now I experience more mixed state crap, self-hatred, self-distructive, garbage. So I know what you mean."
this yuck feeling of wanting to tear your skin off as well as others around you; mixed with depression. It's confusing! Either let me be JUST depressed (which I've been) or let me be EUPHORICALLY BP!!! which I've never been.
I'd be interested to hear about some of your history with dx(s) and meds.
thanks.
Katia
poster:katia
thread:226813
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030514/msgs/227443.html