Posted by Wildman on July 15, 2004, at 9:46:11
I'm new here and have enjoyed reading the posts. I've gained tremendous insight into BP from what I've read here, so many of you write about your condition in a way that I can really relate to.
My pdoc has given me a tentative DX of mild BP2, and it really threw me the first time I heard it. Like many people, I didn't know squat about BP/BP2 and the thought that I might be suffering from it really scared me at first. But, the more I've learned, the less fear I have about it. I think I might even qualify for dual diagnosis, as I've been self medicating with beer and pot daily for the last 20 years. Alcohol and weed haven't gotten me in to trouble with family and career, but I believe the way that I have used them has definitately held me back from achieving my own personal goals (those goals are pretty high and may be unreasonable, an issue that I intend to explore in therapy).
Anyway, I've been seeing my pdoc for about 8 months now, and I've been taking Lexapro 10mg/day and Seroquel 25mg/day (evening) and now that I have completely stopped drinking and smoking pot I think the meds are helping more than they did previously.
Since I've been taking the Seroquel each night now for the past three weeks, I've had to increase my nightly dosage to 50mg. In addition, when I've experienced hypomanic times (yesterday), I've taken it upon myself to PRN with 12.5mg Seroquel which I find to help. (My benzos were taken away when I got too liberal in PRN-ing with those, this was a GOOD THING).
I find that when I get up, my sedation level is not what it used to be, which is good, since it really used to knock me out. But I am finding that I am waking up with a mild sinus headache and a stuffy nose every day.
Has anyone else experienced those side effects with Seroquel? I have had sinus surgery a few years back to due some polyps (no fun, it hurt horribly) and have been doing great ever since. Even when I do experience seasonal allergies, my Flonase has opened me right back up. I find that its not working as well anymore.
I'm not sure if this is related to the recent NIGHTLY usage of Seroquel, or what (my wife used to chide me about Seroquel as a sleep "crutch", but when she spoke to my pdoc about it, she understands the role that it plays in keeping me well).
Since the Seroquel has worked well to regulate my moods (I am so much less volatile and more easy-going than I have been in years) I don't wish to change anything, but this sinus business is getting annoying.
Anybody out there experience this? Maybe I should see my Ear, Nose, and Throat doc to see if I have new polyps (I dread the thought of that)....
Wildman
poster:Wildman
thread:366442
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040714/msgs/366442.html