Posted by barbaracat on December 11, 2004, at 1:28:46
In reply to Lithium + ADs?, posted by prodgirl on December 7, 2004, at 2:02:14
I can relate so well. Lithium has taken the edge off what were becoming constant mixed states depressions - baddddd news. But wasn't enough on it's own. Here is my history:
Added Lamictal. Worked well for 6 months then began pooping.
Added nortriptyline. My mom died and I went through a deep depression and anxiety. This tricyclic brought me out of it in about 3 weeks. I loved it and have nothing but good reports - except for the intoleratble mouth dryness it caused. I had to stop because of this which is really too bad because of all the SSRI's and the rest, this med was the best. I believe the dry mouth eventually would have lessened but it was too much for me. Even so, I would go with a tricyclic or MAOI anyday over an SSRI, especially with bipolar disorder.
Increased lamictal - eventually got up to 90mg which is high. Developed 'the rash' and was very sick. Lamictal has helped many on this board. I wouldn't go near it with a 10-foot pole. Plus it caused weird agitation with each new increase. Didn't like it. Stopped lamictal.
Was on no AD for 3 months and then started feeling depressed again. Scared from the lamictal experience I decided to try natural. I've been taking HBC Protocols Pharmaceutical grade St. John's Wort with good results for about 4 months. My husband has also benefitted from it. It does not work on the same principles as SSRIs and so the danger of switching to hypomania has not been an issue. Brands are very important and I've been happy with HBC Protocols. It takes about 4 weeks to kick in. Expect your pdoc to discourage you to this suggestion due to lack of enough clinical trials, and blah blah. I went ahead on my own and have been satisfied.
Fish Oil - I definitely notice when I get lazy and don't take it. I take Carlson's Finest 1 Tablespoon liquid a day.
I'm not in the therapeutic lithium range at all at only 600mg but it seems to be helping along with the rest. I believe that the meds potentiate each other and so I don't require as much.
If I can stir my butt, getting good sweaty exercise is by far the best AD going. It never fails. If I can prod my bones outside for 1 week and keep the momentum going, my mood improves about 300% and life seems worth living again. But it is soooo hard to get started. I'm usually too fatigued or frenetic, but it's worth it if you can manage even a few minutes here and there. Good luck and keep me posted. - Barbara
> Li has taken the edge off the negative side of my highs as BP. I have always suffered from severe depression, and now, Li is not taking the edge off this at all. I've been taking Trazodone, but really feel I need another AD.
>
> Going to see my pdoc on Thursday and need some help. I am already taking 1500mg of Li, and don't think she'll change that despite the low swings (I'm barely in theraputic range despite the high doseage). I just have no idea what ADs to talk to her about, and I know I must have something else to get me through the winter.
>
> Any suggestions?
> thanks!
poster:barbaracat
thread:425540
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041206/msgs/427630.html