Posted by SLS on May 21, 2012, at 13:14:46
In reply to Re: Scott- what to add?, posted by Christ_empowered on May 21, 2012, at 6:27:18
> I think its bipolar I officially, maybe bipolar I w/psychotic features. My last shrink (I go to a public mental health place, so they come and go a lot) was European, so I don't think she's big on schizo-anything, unless you're really, really far out there.
>
> I was thinking the benzo could control agitation if used PRN to prevent up, down, and mixed swings as I lower the neuroleptic to the 10-20 range. If I get a daily one, then it'd be more for social phobia, which leads to depression for me. Also, I figure one reason I need 30 abilify right now is to stay calm; with a BZD on board, I might get more mileage out of a slightly lower Abilify dose. Also, I read that this was a common strategy before the atypicals saturated the market, so I'm gonna try to bring it back.Back in the old, old days - before Depakote - mania was often treated with a combination of lithium and a BZD. Klonopin is probably the most effective BZD to use in this role. I would guess that Xanax would be second. I don't think Ativan is as effective for mania. If Klonopin doesn't depress you, you might want to look at it first as an antimanic / mood stabilizer.
I wish the best for you.
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1018227
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120508/msgs/1018393.html