Posted by B2chica on March 21, 2016, at 9:37:35
In reply to Re: Tricyclics and bipolar depression, posted by linkadge on March 21, 2016, at 8:10:04
this is interesting, i would much more describe my symptoms as agitated depression, way more than mania.
in general i dont get euphoric, it is always irritibility, psychomotor aggitation, depressive and suicidal thoughts, can go to auditory and even visual illusions at times.
thank you for this information> I think you really need to listen to the specific symptoms that are involved.
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> 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.
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> 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.
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> My mother is "bipolar" but symptoms like irritability surprisingly respond much better to a low dose antidepressant than to more mood stabilizer.
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> I personally take lithium, but still find that Effexor can often do more for my anxiety / irritability.
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"What is madness, but nobility of soul at odds with circumstance.
The day is on Fire, and i know the purity of pure despair."
Theodore Roethke
poster:B2chica
thread:1087318
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20160306/msgs/1087384.html