Posted by B2chica on May 25, 2006, at 11:08:05
In reply to questions about bipolar, hypomania, and meds, posted by Dr. D on May 25, 2006, at 9:53:38
Hi Dr.D.
first i want to say hello and welcome to babble.
they will most likely redirect this thread over to the meds board (the main psycho-babble board). you questions will best be answered over there. this board is more for talk about therapy and such.but
i'm not sure about the hypomania, because it did happen right after you stopped smoking/drinking etc. this was enough to clean you out and let you realize what you could do after years of depressing your system. keep in mind you mentioned these behaviors had been going on since early adolescents.
however, it does seem like you are suffering from depression (no sh@t right).well, first, is there a reason you don't think your pdoc is bright? and are you able to find a different one? it is crucial that you find a pdoc that you can trust and be very open and honest with.
a mood stabilizer is pretty common for those folks diagnosed with BP, but there is more risk for shooting into mania from AD then from mood stabilizers (not to say it doens't happen...it does). i haven't heard of depakine so i can't comment on that. others may be able to. and the other meds you mentioned are pretty well established meds. again on the meds board you will get comments from those that have taken these.IMHO i do infact think that what you mentioned earlier was not necessarily a hypomanic state but may infact be a natural state for you (not knowing exactly what your emotions were like during that time-just taking into consideration your surrounding environment). so it's possible that you were experiencing life for the first time without drugs or depression and with a life goal.
to be honest, i can't say i know anyone that 'wants' to stay in hypomania due to its effects so i'm not sure how meds could control that nor would i advise it. No offense but to be blunt it sounds like you are looking for a similar 'rush' to what you experienced before. though hypomania i've heard can be 'addicting'. Either way what you've expressed is an addictive behavior and you may want to consider this Carefully before you rush into testing meds. this could also lead you to more damaging narcotics. Have you happened to mention any of this to your pdoc? i'm just wondering, maybe that's why he's suggested a moodstabilizer??as for med 'imprint', this varies from person to person. i've known some that need to be medicated for the rest of their life. they go off it for a week and they are in crisis. i have also heard of others taking it for a few years and tapering slowly off and only taking meds for maintenance once in a while. sometimes taking meds in combination with thearpy is the best answer. i strongly suggest this for you.
again, you will get much better replies on the meds board. there are some really intelligent folks over there.
good luck and please becareful
b2c
poster:B2chica
thread:648326
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060517/msgs/648351.html