Posted by Emme_V2 on April 10, 2013, at 6:48:31
In reply to Re: Switching meds-feedback? » Emme_V2, posted by brynb on April 9, 2013, at 7:54:08
Hi Bryn,
It does sound suspiciously like you're in the bipolar spectrum. However, regardless of your diagnosis, you've been trying the meds for both unipolar depression and bipolar. Good luck with the Nardil.
If your doctor is willing to try something a little more experimental, minocycline has been getting attention for possible treatment for several psychiatric and neurologic conditions. I've been taking it for several months now. It's been very very helpful. I did have some startup side effects and needed to titrate up, but I now seem to have no side effects. If you google "minocycline depression" you should get a number of interesting hits, including a short paper titled "Does minocycline have antidepressant effect?" Might be worth discussing with your doctor if Nardil doesn't cut it.
Other weird things that I have found helpful include Aricept and memantine.
emme
> > Hi Bryn,
> >
> > I agree with alchemy that stopping ketamine, ditching Lexapro, and starting Nardil isn't all that huge a change. I guess you could wait a little while after stopping ketamine, but it sounds like you are in a bad place and waiting an extra few weeks with a SSRI wash-out on top of that starts to make it a long time.
> >
> > Good luck with the Nardil. I see reports of success with it on this board, and it's a new avenue for you in terms of type of drug.
> >
> > You mention unstable moods. Up and down? Cyclic? I can't recall your diagnosis - are you bipolar?
> >
> > I also can't recall if you've tried Lamictal. In combination with Abilify, I've found it pretty effective for depression. Lamictal might be combined with an anti-depressant as well. Have you tried anything else in the mood stabilizer category?
> >
> > I agree you shouldn't even think med-free for now. Get well and then give you brain time to heal before you revisit that question.
> >
> > Good luck.
> > emme
>
> Thanks, Emme. I really appreciate your input.
>
> My Dx has never officially been established. It was always MDD (w/GAD) or possibly bipolar 2. The more I learn, the more I believe depression in general is rarely unipolar. Mine has worsened significantly with age and I notice more cycles. I have about 3-4 bad depressive episodes a year (it could be less, I'm not sure, but I'm certainly not in remission in between).
>
> I've also had manic reactions to meds (Neurontin, ironically, is a huge offender) and symptoms of hypomania and mixed states. I've been too unstable as of late and sometimes lack the insight to see what's happening during a situation, but I'm coming around and gaining some clarity in hindsight.
>
> Unfortunately, mood stablizers in general, in particular Lamictal, exacerbate my depression. Abilify and the AAPs all make me feel off in some way without helping the depression. Damned if I do, damned if I don't.
>
> I agree time is crucial right now for me to heal, and of course, patience (especially while in a funk) in not my strong suit.
>
> Thanks again.
>
> -b
poster:Emme_V2
thread:1041884
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20130408/msgs/1042005.html