Posted by SLS on March 19, 2016, at 15:24:59
In reply to Tricyclics and bipolar depression, posted by B2chica on March 19, 2016, at 11:35:08
I forgot about Lamictal. It can perhaps be used in place of the Geodon I suggested for bipolar depression. Even though Lamictal is considered to be a mood stabilizer, it is often inadequate to treat or prevent mania. You might still need a compound capable of treating the manic side of your mixed state. I have seen Depakote reduce mania very quickly. However, it often leaves one somewhat depressed over time. I prefer the idea of using Trileptal to treat the manic counterpart of a mixed-state. I never used it for mania myself, but I did try it for my chronic bipolar depression. It didn't help, but it didn't hurt, either. I found it to be a very clean drug. There were virtually no side effects. The only caveat is that Trileptal can cause low serum sodium (hyponatremia), which upsets electrolyte balance. This does not occur very often, though. A simple blood test can be used to monitor this.
By the way, I have experienced severe mania on multiple occasions as the result of combining a TCA with Parnate or by taking Nardil alone. First, the drugs were discontinued. (In retrospect, this was probably a mistake). For me, lithium was worthless. Depakote worked very well. So did Zyprexa. The first time this happened, though, these two drugs were not available. So, I had to combine lithium and Klonopin. This helped, but the anti-manic effect was incomplete.
What are your thoughts?
- Scott
Some 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:1087318
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20160306/msgs/1087322.html