Posted by galkeepinon on October 26, 2003, at 1:28:03
In reply to Questioning BPII Diagnosis and Treatment, posted by AnneL on October 26, 2003, at 1:20:33
Hi, I still blame Effexor for being 'labeled' as BP II the 'softer' version. That med helped with my depression, BUT I got so manic at times that I had to lower the dosage. I finally discontinued it.
I can just speak from my experience:
Lamictal has helped my moods tremendously. I never got the 'rash'.
I lost a lot of hair and gained 30 in a MONTH while on Depakote. I don't currently nor will I ever take that med again.
As far as being concerned with being on an unopposed SNRI~Mirtazapine has no direct reuptake inhibition of norepinephrine, serotonin, or dopamine and it doesn't produce as many gastrointestinal disturbances as do the SSRIs.
Maybe check into the NaSSA's.
*Only you can decide what's best for you, but I'm sure you'll get other posters' responses:-)
Hang in there and best of luck!> Hi P-Babblers,
>
> After 3 years on Effexor and Klonapin after a depressive episode, I find myself with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder of the "softer" variation, my guess would be II. I have been given 4 options:
> 1. Stay on my currents meds and see what happens, or
> 2. Try Valproic acid (sp) and taper off klonapin; or
> 3. Try Lamictal.
> Because I do not feel depressed and the hypomanic phase seems to have passed (it lasted for about 5 weeks and was very pleasant with the exception of only sleeping 4 hours a night and spending money), it just does not seem too urgent or pressing to start on another medication that may cause a potentially fatal rash (Lamictal) or make my hair fall out and increase weight (Val acid).
> Can anyone offer me some rationale as to why it might be a good idea to try a mood stabilizer and do I need to be concerned with being on an unopposed SNRI? Thanks AnneL
poster:galkeepinon
thread:273518
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031025/msgs/273529.html