Posted by bipolarized on September 16, 2007, at 6:19:08
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers, posted by Cyclothymic on September 16, 2007, at 0:03:33
I was diagnosed w/ Cyclothymia a month ago and was put first on Gabapentin, then on Depakene. Both drugs triggered a severe suicidal depression unlike any I have ever experienced. My shrink claims I'm just one of those rare people who have paradoxical reactions to anti-convlusant mood stabilizers. Personally I think he is a dumb-*ss.
Now I've been told to stay away from all mood stabilizers and just stay my normal self (sometimes a little over-talkative and other times somewhat anti-social).
Before I was diagnosed a cyclothymic I had been taking Wellbutrin (to quit smoking) and I had mild hypomanic reactions (like talking alot, working long hours, and losing weight).
I highly reccomend Wellbutrin since it didn't seem to have any major effect on me from my normal state, just enhanced my mood a tiny bit. It took away my normal (med free) occaisional anti-social moods also, and I did seem more cheerful.
Still, I'm staying away from all meds for now.
I'm still getting over the shock of what the anti-convulsant mood stablizers did to me. It was weird. It was like I was taking depression pills or something.Good luck
> Thanks for your insight!
>
> After a lifetime (well, I'm 33) of knowing something was wrong with me but never addressing it, I have come to learn through therapy, a shrink and research that I am definitely cyclothymic. I am predisposed to it as my mother is Bipolar I (Manic Depressive) (see http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-md03.html), but I medicated myself with marijuana for the last 12 years -- partly because of the fact I did not have health insurance and did not want to pay for therapy, and partly because of the fact I didn't realize how strong my addiction to pot was. I have not smoked for the past two months -- although I think about it all the time because I had come to associate it with making every enjoyable occasion even better -- and I do not want to resume smoking.
>
> Due to job-related stress that has impacted my marriage and finances, I have been having major anxiety issues, sleep problems and just everyday anger, negativity, irritability and anxiety. But I now have good health ins. coverage through my wife and am finally addressing my issues.
>
> After reading up on bipolar all over the net, I am concerned about my shrink's decision to put me solely on Wellbutrin, as I have read that antidepressants alone can actually spark a hypomanic episode. I have only recently started taking it, and only a low dosage so I haven't really seen the effects yet. I am curious as to if there is anyone out there who is taking solely wellbutrin for cyclothymia and how it is working out, or if they are taking it in combination with something else that is working effectively. I DO NOT want to take something that is going to make me gain weight or become drowzy.
>
> If anyone can chime with their experiences, I really would appreciate it.
>
> Sincerely,
> KT
poster:bipolarized
thread:9730
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070911/msgs/783197.html