Posted by temoigneur on March 31, 2005, at 21:35:12
In reply to anxious all the time, posted by tendency on March 30, 2005, at 18:37:01
I can only guess at what's like try to find your way through the haze of these diagnoseses. But, just like not all drugs were created equal, not all diagnosis are correct either.
Not Being a psychiatrist, it seems impossible to responsibly guess at a med. that would effectively treat you're anxiety without potentially affecting your BPII.
I'll get back to meds, my first recommendation would be to get a clear diagnosis from your specialist. It seems odd if in fact you were diagnosed with BPII and depression. But if you're feeling depressed because of the anxiety that's another thing.
If you're problem is primarily anxiety the first line is SSRI's - lots of debate on how long they take to work - I would contact the Anxiety Disorder Association of America for guidliness. Some benzodiazpines tend to worsen depression, while improving anxiety - but you might know about all the mem. impairment and sed. associated with them, Tricylic antidepressants although older, and not without side effects, can be VERY useful for anxiety. Unfortunately for many, they do cause cognitive dulling, and lack of drive, but others don't complain much about this. Of course if nothing works, and the anxiety is really troublesome there's MAOI - Many swear by Nardil, Parnate seems to work well for some - although there may be more risk of tolerance with the latter.
Alternatively, if you live in the states, I would ask about pregabalin, it's not indicated for anxiety, but at the national anxiety conference a pfizer rep. presented promising results on how it can relieve anxiety, with relatively minor side effects.
Again I think key is getting a reliable diagnosis - get a second - third heck fourth opinion if necessaryAll the best
poster:temoigneur
thread:477858
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050330/msgs/478360.html