Posted by Ron Hill on December 12, 2003, at 16:13:19
In reply to Re: Sleep Problems » Ron Hill, posted by Larry Hoover on December 12, 2003, at 8:47:01
Hi Lar,
> In the last month, I've tried Seroquel, trazadone (for the fourth time....frig, I hate that stuff), and now Zyprexa (olanzapine).
What symptoms are you attempting to treat with these trials; just insomnia, or additional symptoms as well? As an aside, I had no idea you were conducting these heavy-duty med trials. You are so great at helping others on this board, yet sometimes I wonder if it is difficult for you to ask for help so that the support can flow in both directions? In any case, you are a good guy in my book; I just hope you can get the help you need (and deserve).> I'm going to push to try mood stabilizers next....can't hurt, might help.
Which one(s) do you have your eye on? Refresh my memory; please give me a list of all prescription medications that you are currently taking.
> > > How's life down in Texas these days?
> > Phil lives in TX (as does Shar, if I recall correctly). But I live in Idaho (which, as you know, shares a short border section with western Canada).
> I'm sorry Ron. I can't even keep my people straight ... But you didn't answer the question....Answer to the question: Things are good down here in Texas <smile>. I periodically have trouble with anhedonia, low motivation, and anergy which I believe to be attributable to poor dopaminergic pathway functioning. And if I give-in to the symptoms and start staying in bed, I cycle into a deep atypical depression for about five days, after which, I immediately cycle into a highly irritable dysphoric mood state (which perhaps fits into the category of a mixed state).
It is my layman’s opinion that my dopaminergic pathways were damaged by taking Ritalin, Paxil, and other SSRI’s during the years that I was misdiagnosed as ADHD. But I could be wrong about this. As I look back over my life, it is clear to me that I’ve been bipolar II since childhood (starting at about age eight). My anhedonia, low motivation, and anergy symptoms are definitely worse now than they were prior to taking Ritalin and SSRI’s, but maybe that is merely reflective of the fact that the depressive side of bipolar disorder worsens with age. Or it could be an outcome predicted by the “Kindling Theory” (i.e.; the more times the BP patient cycles, the worse the disease becomes).
In any event, I have improved dramatically over the past couples of years by finding various nutrients to feed my brain. I’m still looking for the additional nutrients (or, perhaps, medications) necessary to complete this project of brainchemistry restoration.
Also, I self-medicated (unknowingly) with rigorous exercise most of my adult years prior to getting derailed with Ritalin and Paxil. I’m currently in the process of ramping up my exercise program to therapeutic levels.
Overall, I’m doing well. Thanks for asking!
--Ron
poster:Ron Hill
thread:286464
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031204/msgs/289196.html