Posted by ttime on March 16, 2005, at 20:17:56
In reply to Re: Need help with Diagnosis... ttime, posted by cache-monkey on March 15, 2005, at 23:23:12
> << I have about 80% overlap of the symptoms that you describe, and my pdoc thinks i'm a mild BPII. >>
>
> Ditto on that for me.
>
> I'm still looking for a med combo, as the mild BPII is a recent revelation. I've started on Lithium plus Klonopin for anxiety (plus possibly Depakote). I don't like the Klonopin and will ask my pdoc to switch to Valium. (Based partially on Phillipa's recommendation -- thanks!) I'm going to try to get low-dose selegiline added later.
>
> The rationale for the mood stabilizer(s) + benzo is that they should help with my racing thoughts and anxiety.
>
> The selegiline I see as helping with concentration, lethargy, focus, and possibly social phobia. It also might help with the other big concern of mine: smoking. (I basically spiral into a depression or mixed state every time I try to quit.)
>
> Anyway, from the other posts here, it sounds like there are number of possible avenues to try. Good luck, and keep us posted!
>
> Best,
> cache-monkey
Cache Monkey:Thanks for your feedback. A few questions, though. Why do you take Lithium for Mild BPII. Does it seem to help? I thought only BPI diagnosis would get the true benefit(s. Also, do you have to have alot of bloodwork to take Lithium? Again I thought this was a med for more intense Bi-Polar Symptoms. Have you ever tried Lamictal - I have read that this could be a decent place to start if one was BPII and showed less intense ups and downs.
With regards to the selegiline, I have seen that mentioned also on these boards. I thought this was for anxiety related symptoms as well as a decent med for sleeping. If it is helping you with concentration, lethargy and the like, I would love to have updates on how this is working for you. These are my main problems (lack of concentration, etc) which then leads to frustration, hostility, no patience, yelling, etc...
Thanks for letting me ask a few questions to someone who has been there. Looking forward to your responses.
Regards,
TTime
poster:ttime
thread:470832
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050312/msgs/471860.html