Posted by linkadge on March 21, 2016, at 8:10:04
In reply to Re: Tricyclics and bipolar depression » linkadge, posted by SLS on March 20, 2016, at 0:40:38
I think you really need to listen to the specific symptoms that are involved.
There can be a fine line between "mixed states" and "agitated depression". I would say that if symptoms are predominantly negative (anxiety, depression, sadness, irritability, insomnia, pain) then antidepressants can help. Of course, start with a very low dose. It also helps to have a mood stabilizer in place.
If more classic symptoms of mania are present(pressure of speech, impulsivity, recklessness, euphoria, grandiosity, flight of ideas etc), then I would not suggest using an antidepressant until those symptoms are fully controlled.
My mother is "bipolar" but symptoms like irritability surprisingly respond much better to a low dose antidepressant than to more mood stabilizer.
I personally take lithium, but still find that Effexor can often do more for my anxiety / irritability.
Linkadge
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URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20160306/msgs/1087382.html