Posted by Elle2021 on November 10, 2003, at 21:27:58
In reply to Re: Treating episodes instead of meds 24/7, posted by Kira on November 10, 2003, at 7:40:14
Hi Kira,
Pretty name by the way. I'm really sorry you can't see a pdoc right now; I have been through that and I know how bad things can get. Do you know when you will be able to see one? Is there any kind of a welfare system you can turn to? I too experience depressive episodes, although I wouldn't refer to mine as episodic. It's more like I have a low grade depression that is *always* there, however, on occasion (becomming more frequent) it drops even lower and becomes major depression. Like I said before, I always take my Paxil regularly. It is helping me, but my pdoc said in order to help my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder the dose will have to get up to at least 100 mg. Ahhh...the side effects of 100mg. does not appeal to me! Another poster mentioned that the time it takes the drugs to kick in might not be enough time to treat your episodes, thats something you will have to think about. In my experiences I have learned that for me, medications are trial and error...usually error, but I am learning what works and what doesn't, even if I am doing it the hard way...seems like that is the only way. God bless you!
Elle> I greatly appreciate your taking the time to respond to my post and for sharing your experiences with me!
>
> I experience depressive episodes 6+ times per year. The episodes last from 2 weeks to 2 months. I have been diagnosed with Rapid Cycling bipolar but I question my diagnosis because during the so-called "manic" phases I simply feel like *myself* - happy, outgoing, confident and adventurous with an abundance of mental and physical energy to accomplish my goals.
>
> I would ideally like to take meds only during the depressive episodes, but wasn't sure if this would be a possibility. (I have never taken any meds. I am currently unemployed and unable to see a pdoc)
poster:Elle2021
thread:277994
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031105/msgs/278368.html