Posted by azalea on November 5, 2008, at 21:17:49
In reply to Mood Stabilizer recommendations... Please!, posted by ricker on November 5, 2008, at 18:34:17
Perhaps a low dose of Lithium combined with a low dose of Lamictal? That way you could avoid the side effects you experienced at high doses.
I recommend this site for a discussion of mood stabilizer options.
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/moodstabilizers.htm
In the long term, you might want to consider slowly tapering off the Zoloft as SSRIs can cause mood destabilization in bipolar 2.
> I've got a p/doc appointment next Monday. I am bipolar 2 with anxiety/social phobia.
> I am on zoloft 50mgs and clonazepam 0.5/2xday.
> I was feeling good on Lithium but could only get to 600mg and my tremors were quite severe.
> I was then given Lamictal, worked good as well, actually better than the Lithium but I am having problems with skin issue, facial flushing...red hot face, severe acne and have been taking antibiotic for a month now! I have reduced my dose from 150 down to 50 mgs untill I see my p/doc. I am not feeling well, extreme hypo mania, depressive episodes etc. I've increasd my clonazepam to get me through untill my appointment. I have been acting quite irrational at work! I'm contemplating staying home untill my appointment. No phycosis, strictly bipolar 2 with anxiety.
> I would really appreciate your suggestions as many of you have experienced this and may have some insight as to mood stabilizer options. I'm feeling quite distressed over the lamictal and lithium not working. I think my p/doc wants to try me on a A/P but I'm nervous about that. I've heard they may help if used with a "true" mood stabilizer? But I've also read some horror stories about the A/P's. The zoloft does help somewhat with my anxiety/socialphobia/mild OCD. I just can't handle this constant mind race! mind rage! mind confusion and depression. Please help me!
>
> Thanks, Rick
poster:azalea
thread:861000
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081027/msgs/861026.html