Posted by Jay on April 23, 2006, at 16:43:40
In reply to PLEASE - IMPORTANT - job/life on the line, posted by becksA on April 22, 2006, at 15:33:16
> i have been dx'd with ADHD, cyclothemia, and social anxiety (extreme)....although we're not sure if that comes from depression through anxiety, it all kind of seems to tie together.
>
> My biggest problem lately is becoming bigger and bigger, and that is of brain fogginess, causing me to become extreme intattentive at work. I'm on a heavy dosage of klonipin, but also depakote. The klonopin (at this dosage) has been the ONLY thing that has helped my severe anxiety, so I don't want to leave it at ALL COSTS. If my anxiety goes back up, so does my depression, i can't make friends, etc. Is it possible the depakote can cause the "brain fogginess"?
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> Please help
>
> Thanksok...i'LL Try my best. It's time to get *really* serious about the drugs you take (I'm sure you are) just need to experiment in ways many haven't. First, you might want to ask for Depakote ER (extended release). Actally, *demand* it. It just came out within the past year or two. It is supposed to be WAY better than regular depakote, possibly with less drowsiness, fatigue, and weight gain.Second, Depakote alone, in particular with your Dx, just isn't going to cut it. I know you also take klonopin, but that won't do anything if the Depakote is in the way. A number of prominent doctors and researchers have talked about using *two* mood stabalizers (like depakote, plus another), and slowy add on a dose of an antidepressant. It's all about balance...you have to be careful from letting the m.s's from letting you fall into despair, which it sounds like you have. With two m.s's, PLUS and a.d. AND the klonopin, you may find more harmoney. Just watch your dose levels. You can also go to adding TWO antidepressants and see how it works, Also, you could go the atypical antipsychotic route. Either m.s. +a.p....if it doesn't work than two a.p.'s. Seroquel is good for bedtime dosing, and either Risperdal or Zyprexa for 24 hour coverage. I've used the a combo of some of the above for over a year now and, knock on wood, I am back to living and enjoying a normal life (still..with it's ups and downs.) Oh ya...about the Risperdal...I would ask for that, as it seems not to have the blood-sugar problems Zyprexa does.
I know this is a lot of info...you may want to print it out...or take it to your doc. I found adding one med at a time helps. Best of luck..and yes..there IS a place for a mentally healthy you out there.
Best,
Jayp.s. Just wanted to add...dexedrine seems to be a real asset to many....you could also consider that.
poster:Jay
thread:635899
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060423/msgs/636253.html