Posted by Dr. Bob on February 18, 2004, at 23:53:25
In reply to Re: my thoughts as a bipolar, posted by jdgjdg on February 18, 2004, at 0:25:18
> > judy - i agree with you entirely. i do wish my pdoc had prescribed a stabilizer for me first and foremost, yet I know he was being cautious re: the amount and type of meds out of logical concern. so i praise him for that. boy, tremors -- i have Bad tremors from Depakote at times. I don't know if they're reversible or not. and the cognitive side effects - awful.
> >
> > i esp. identify with the question, "why would anyone Want to have such a horrible disease?" anyone who's taken these meds knows they're no fun. oh, and those suicide attempts - rather rough on family. ;)
> >
> > but there's a romantic view of mental illness these days. the "crazy" are the "creative". and i don't think some people realize that one can't get dressed in the morning much less paint a masterpiece during most of these "episodes".
> >
> > is that along the lines of your thoughts?
> >
> > i read something about all mood disorders being a part of the same spectrum. that's an interesting take. and if that's the case, unless someone is suicidal or psychotic, i imagine a pdoc is best off prescribing the least intrusive med first. so, thinking further, mine was probably acting in the best way possible.
> >
> > please know i completely understood your question, wasn't "challenging it at all", just thinking it through.
> >
> > take care and hope you and your children are doing well.
> >
> > - kk
>
>
> Hello...I'm new to this and found this thread by searching "bipolar". I was recently diagnosed with bipolar after what seems like a life time of denial. My doctor mentioned Lithium in addition to Wellbutrin. I am currently taking Lexapro for OCD as well. I know the Lexapro did not cause the bipolar because I can trace symptoms back many, many years. I actually had a pretty good stint of almost 2 years mania free. This has unfortunately come to an end. Anyway...what I was getting at. I'm nervous about taking such a heavy duty drug such as lithium. I could barely tolerate Zoloft and my doctor switched me to Lexapro which gives me no problems. Unfortunately, the Lex does nothing for the depression or manic episodes. Thank goodness it helps the OCD. Can anyone think of topics and concerns I should present to my psychiatrist? I will also be seeing a therapist twice weekly. I am blessed to have a great Psychiatrist who actually listens to me. I think he will be receptive to any of my concerns. I just know nothing about the drugs to treat bipolar. Thanks...jdgjdg
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poster:Dr. Bob
thread:315454
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040218/msgs/315454.html