Posted by papillon2 on February 9, 2012, at 7:55:24
In reply to Re: Lithium's Safety Evaluated -Safer Than Thought » papillon2, posted by SLS on February 9, 2012, at 5:09:09
> 1. Have you ever experienced confusion, hallucinations, etc. before? What were the other symptoms included in "etc."?
Easiest if you read this:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120120/msgs/1008404.htmlI have not otherwise experienced hallucinations. That particular type of confusion is something I only get on Lithium.
> 2. What dosage of lithium had you been taking before, and what is your dosage now?
Ref to above. Back to taking 125mg.
> 3. What is your psychiatric diagnoses?
Severe melancholic depression which is apparently "textbook". I've received the same diagnosis from 3 different psychiatrists. They do not think I have bipolar disorder.
My depression has been labelled treatment-resistant but I am getting some relief from my current meds so not sure if that still applies.
Years ago:
Major Depression with PTSD features (never fully remitted then worsened into melancholic depression)
Anorexia nervosa (recovered)> 4. If you are bipolar II, perhaps using another drug would be more helpful, e.g. anticonvulsant, antipsychotic.
I take Lamictal. I refuse to take anti-psychotics as the increased appetite and uncontrollable weight gain is extremely triggering eating disorder-wise and the anxiety is intolerable. I took Epilim (valporate) for about a month, my psychiatrist took me off it when I developed tremors. Not sure it helped.
I am open to suggestions but I'm not sure there are any options.
> 5. What are the symptoms of your illness when it is unmedicated or at baseline?
Severe psychomotor retardation
- barely able to think, walk, move limbs, eat/drink, talk/converse. I basically wind up in hospital, mute and in a wheelchair.
Loss of appetite/weight
Severe suicidal ideation
Leaden paralysis
Anhedonia
Overwhelming fatigue
Poor memory, concentration, attention
Insomnia presenting as frequent wakenings and early morning wakening
Diurnal mood variation
Increased feelings of guilt
Inability to make decisions
Non-reactive mood
Unable to get fired up to do anything, even basic self-care tasks, don't want to say how basic as it's embarrassing.
and depressed mood, obviouslyCurrent meds
Nortriptyline 100mg (blood level 5.1)
Lamictal 200mg
Lithium 125mg (blood level something like .12)
Melatonin 3mg
And a whole bunch of supportive stuffRing the bells that still can ring
forget your perfect offering
there is a crack in everything
that's how the light gets in
~ Leonard Cohen
poster:papillon2
thread:1008213
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120202/msgs/1009798.html