Posted by HappyGirl on December 26, 2003, at 13:23:50
In reply to Can Depression be made worse by AD's in bipolars?, posted by Mr. Scott on December 25, 2003, at 22:04:40
Hi Scott:
In answer to your few questions below;
>>> As bipolars go...Is it generally the manic/hypomanic side of things that gets worse or de-stabilized by taking antidepressants? Or is it posible they actually 'worsen' depression by taking them.<<<
In Bipolar, you should/can not take mono-therapy, 'Anti-Depressant' only. It has to be done always with mood-stabilizer, such as Lithium, Depakote and any other reputable M.S.>>> I feel like sometimes they work to euthymia, other times they bring on hypomania, and sometimes they make depression worse, perhaps by not doing anything except creating side effects.<<<
Anti-Depressants brings up mania, in your case, 'hypomania' if your Bp is II spectum. Some of folks saying that an SSRI is NOT good for Bipolar, because SSRI such as Zoloft is notorious to bring up mania, even causing 'rapid cycler.' So, be cautious!>>> I have a hard time accepting that I can jump completely from an SSRI to Lamictal seemlessly and not experience a black depression. <<<
Your concern/worry on this is very understandable. However, Lamical has both properties, one for depression and the other for mood-stabilizer. Especially, Lamical is quite reputable as one of best ADs among Bp community. However, in my personal opinion, Lamical is not as strong as SSRI that is primarily designed for depression. On the otherhand, Lamical is originally designed for 'epilepsy,' ... but there is still a good proof/evidence to work VERY WELL on Bp depression.
>>>Currently i take Trileptal (900mg daily), Tranxene (7.5mg daily), and Lexapro (1mg daily). <<<
Trileptal, M.S. is a newer version of Tegretol, (came around 2001-2002?,' and a fairly common use as for M.S. Also, anti-dep. Lexapro is, in my knowledge, a good AD. Just the dosage, you need to test, because lower dosage doesn't do any good on your depression, if your is fairly severe.
One more med. Tranxene is anti-anxiety that also might be good for 'sleep well' throughout night. But, I have no good clue on this med.>>>I doc wants me to add Lamictal and eventually simplify.<<<
Your pdoc. may paln to add 'Lamical,' if your depression does not lift by taking only one AD, Lexapro, because Bp II is mostly 'major depression' with hypomania and dysphoric(rage/anger mix.). Then, it needs stronger AD's effect, for that you may need two different form of AD approach to combat the depressive side of your Bp.
H.G.
poster:HappyGirl
thread:293032
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031225/msgs/293528.html