Posted by Barbara Cat on June 11, 2003, at 20:09:23
In reply to Which meds for mania and depression ?, posted by AWorriedMom on June 9, 2003, at 14:04:04
Hi Mom,
Do you think your daughter has mixed-states bipolar? It's a very agitated and despairing form, a mixture of mania (NOT the happy productive kind, but the raging, irritable, disordered mania) and black depression in collision at the same time. There still are swings between the two poles, but mixed states is it's own thing and very awful. I happen to have this nasty variant on the disease but can hopefully offer some suggestions on BP treatment in general.I'm on 600mg lithium. That amount seems to be enough, but lithium is crucial. I'm also taking lamictal which has helped with the depression and is also another mood stabilizer. Bipolars need all the mood-stabilizers they can get. SSRIs are NOT recommended for bipolars. This could be the key to your daughter's erratic response. I have been helped tremendously by a tricyclic, nortriptyline, after trying every SSRI, SNRI, etc. on the block. Fish oil is also helping me. I notice when I don't take it. I take a high quality liquid fish oil, 2 tablespoons a day. I'm also taking alot of vitamins and nutritional support, which is VERY IMPORTANT. Coenzyme Q and Alpha Lipoic Acid are helping. Good luck with your baby girl. All this is treatable with patience, a good pdoc, and prayer. -- BarbaraCat
poster:Barbara Cat
thread:232648
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030609/msgs/233293.html