Posted by brynb on September 12, 2012, at 9:16:06
In reply to Re: Need out of the box suggestions » brynb, posted by phidippus on September 11, 2012, at 21:57:56
> "Is it definitely a serotonin releasing agent?"
>
> Yes, indeed. Kind of like Stablon.
>
> What are you taking? what's your diagnosis?
>
> EricHi Eric,
I'm taking 20mg of Lexapro and 300mg of lithium along with 50mg of Tramadol. I also take Valium as a prn, but not often.
I honestly have no idea what my diagnosis is anymore; typically, it was MDD with GAD, but several pdocs thought I was Bipolar 2. My current pdoc is going with MDD/GAD for now, but we've only met 3 times and I don't know if it is a definitive diagnosis. That said, I like him a lot (and have seen enough pdocs as a reference). He's wise and insightful and seems to "get it".
I think I've mentioned to you on other threads before that the only mania I've experienced was from taking Neurontin (pressured/fast speech, reckless spending, crying, hypersexuality, etc.). Otherwise, if anything, I think I am sometimes hypomanic. I've always had anxiety, agitation/irritability and moodiness. And I'm always lethargic. My depression started at 14 (I'm 38 now), and the duration and severity of my episodes got worse with age. Personally, I think I'm leaning toward Bipolar 2 or soft Bipolar, at least as I understand its newer definition (as a spectrum rather than two distinct polarities).
My depression has also been treatment resistant over the years. Everything poops out or just doesn't work. Of all the ADs I've tried (TCAs, NRIs, SRIs), Lexapro has been the most agreeable. But alone, it inevitably stops working and doesn't prevent episodes. I'm doing well on my current combo, and have done well in the past on Lexapro with Trileptal or with Tegretol.
Phew! Sorry, that was long! Thanks if you're still reading! I always say I don't care what my "label" is, but I guess there's something comforting in giving this affliction a name.
I welcome your insights...
-b
poster:brynb
thread:1025287
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120912/msgs/1025488.html