Posted by mellow on December 10, 2010, at 5:24:40
In reply to Re: Best starting med for atypical depression?, posted by bmwfan07 on December 9, 2010, at 23:32:21
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>I appreciate the reply. I suppose it is a little unrealistic to expect a p-doc to start out with what is decidedly a third-plus line AD these days, but I'm convinced it will be the best mainstream drug to start with for both social phobia and atypical depression.
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> I've yet to hear of anyone who has had long-term efficacy (12+ months) on an SSRI or SNRI for both social phobia and atypical depression, let alone either one! Atypical depression seems to be a whole different animal than melancholic depression and appears to be more related to bipolar disorder--as does social phobia (both appear to involve dopamine dysregulation in some way).
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> I bought some DLPA tonight on impulse, because I know people combine it with deprenyl sometimes for atypical depression. I figured I'd try it alone to see if it did anything, but I didn't notice anything (in fact, I felt worse, but that could be purely coincidental). Has anyone here had success combining deprenyl and DLPA? I know that too would likely only be possible from a practical standpoint well into the future, as deprenyl is a MAOI as well.
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> Just wondering what other combinations and cocktails, creative or otherwise, people have devised to treat this awful condition.
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Welcome to babble and the world of psych meds. You seem very intelligent and well researched. This is good as you must be your own advocate, but my advice to you would be to put all of your energy into finding the best practitioners in your area rather than trying to figure out what med you think you should be on. Let your doc handle that. That's why they go to school for all those years. If you don't have faith in your practitioners (psychiatrist, talk therapists, message therapist, the people at your vitamin store, etc.) you shouldn't even delve into this stuff. Why bother if you don't trust the people you are paying to help you?You commented that you've yet to hear of anyone who had success with an SSRI/SNRI for more than 12 months. Honestly, most people don't have success with any variety of these meds for 12 months at a time. No matter if they are antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzos, hypnotics, stimulants, etc. You may make it 3-6 months without seeing your p doc...then you might see your doc 3 times in a month during crisis. Your cocktail will probably change quite often for a few years until you find what works. Your definition of "what works" may drastically change during your journey through this.
If you aren't sure if you have had a hypomanic episode I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that you are bipolar. I don't mean to sound like a debbie downer but I always warn people that simply starting an antidepressant can quickly turn into a 4-5 drug cocktail and being diagnosed with a "chronic course" disease. You may just have low mood and some emotional problems. It's great that you have a life coach!!! I would utilize talk therapy, moderate exercise, fruits, vegetables, Vitamins (particularly D3 and the B's) and plenty of time with friends/love ones before I would become over dependent on medications.
The ultimate healing experience will come from within. Life is a great teacher, sometimes our worst depressions and anxieties can shapes us into incredibly strong people when it's all said and done. Learning to cope is what it's all about. I hope you hang around babble. There are some cool cats around here. You will be fine. We are all stronger than we think!
peace
Bipolar II
Lamictal 100, Topamax 50, Risperdal 0.5, B 100 complex, B 12, Vit C, Cal/Mag with D3, Fish Oil, High Potency Multi Vitamin
poster:mellow
thread:972935
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20101203/msgs/973071.html