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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 11 to 35 of 948. Go back in thread:
Posted by andrewb on August 10, 1999, at 2:21:50
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia & mood stabilizers, posted by Cynthia on August 8, 1999, at 16:41:48
Thanks for the added tips on how to deal with cyclothymia.
Cynthia: I may or may not have a seasonal cycle. Its possible I get some "SAD".
Sean: Metabolic funk? Hmmm.....maybe that is a norepinephrine thing. I used to shut down into a cloud of fatigue and brain fog after exercise. Wellbutrin, amineptine and amisulpride have all been effective for it.
Posted by cynthia on August 11, 1999, at 0:16:30
In reply to Re: Sean/andrewb and Susan. Hints for your down days!, posted by Sean on August 9, 1999, at 12:18:56
>yes, yes yes!
Within a 10 year period (18-28) I got 2 degrees, competively showed horses and danced, took a 1 year trip (without any practical regards to money), was in a rock band, worked in design, lived in 3 major cities and had about 10 different other jobs.
I just kept changing my mind, depending on whatever mood I was in. Those moods can be so completely convincing, huh?
Cynthia
Posted by Sean on August 11, 1999, at 16:28:45
In reply to "colourful" Sean, colourful!, posted by cynthia on August 11, 1999, at 0:16:30
> >yes, yes yes!
>
> Within a 10 year period (18-28) I got 2 degrees, competively showed horses and danced, took a 1 year trip (without any practical regards to money), was in a rock band, worked in design, lived in 3 major cities and had about 10 different other jobs.
>
> I just kept changing my mind, depending on whatever mood I was in. Those moods can be so completely convincing, huh?
>
> CynthiaGo rock'n'roll girl..! You've certainly covered
alot of territory there. What kind of music?Actually, I'm still writing songs and performing.
It's a blast and the only activity that actually
benefits from mood swings. Interestingly, my day
job is as a biostatistician (that's right...) and
I work on lots of mental health projects. I'm
currently working with Lilly on Zyprexa study in
the treatment of bipolar and schizophrenia. It
is so funny because I know all the names of the
meds and appear as some sort of expert to some
of my cohorts, but in reality, it is through my
own experience, curiosity, and this site that
most of my pharmacological info comes from...Hope all is well with you,
Sean.
You
Posted by cynthia on August 12, 1999, at 15:53:10
In reply to Re: "colourful" Sean, colourful!, posted by Sean on August 11, 1999, at 16:28:45
> > >yes, yes yes!
> >
> > Within a 10 year period (18-28) I got 2 degrees, competively showed horses and danced, took a 1 year trip (without any practical regards to money), was in a rock band, worked in design, lived in 3 major cities and had about 10 different other jobs.
> >
> > I just kept changing my mind, depending on whatever mood I was in. Those moods can be so completely convincing, huh?
> >
> > Cynthia
>
> Go rock'n'roll girl..! You've certainly covered
> alot of territory there. What kind of music?
>
> Actually, I'm still writing songs and performing.
> It's a blast and the only activity that actually
> benefits from mood swings. Interestingly, my day
> job is as a biostatistician (that's right...) and
> I work on lots of mental health projects. I'm
> currently working with Lilly on Zyprexa study in
> the treatment of bipolar and schizophrenia. It
> is so funny because I know all the names of the
> meds and appear as some sort of expert to some
> of my cohorts, but in reality, it is through my
> own experience, curiosity, and this site that
> most of my pharmacological info comes from...
>
> Hope all is well with you,
>
> Sean.
>
> You-'the razor bunnies', makes me laugh now. Sometimes I think it was simply a place to wear our coustumes. We fought like mad - a little cesspool of anger and mental disorders - and lasted about 2 years.
Now (many years later), I'm listening to Esma (the Gypsy from Romania), the poet Neruda, and just lately, my sister has been sending me some Opera CDs and giving me the story behind the song, which is essential for me to properly understand the song. Oh my God, the passion. I get goosebumps just reading the lyrics. This is who's 'taking me away now'.
What kind of music do you write and like? Pretty funny job there Sean. What exactly is a biostatician? Are you a scientist? Did you pursue this because of your disorder, or did you happen to end up in this field?
Anyway, WORK REAL HARD for us,
Cynthia
Posted by Sean on August 12, 1999, at 17:03:43
In reply to Angry white music, posted by cynthia on August 12, 1999, at 15:53:10
> > > >yes, yes yes!
> > >
> > > Within a 10 year period (18-28) I got 2 degrees, competively showed horses and danced, took a 1 year trip (without any practical regards to money), was in a rock band, worked in design, lived in 3 major cities and had about 10 different other jobs.
> > >
> > > I just kept changing my mind, depending on whatever mood I was in. Those moods can be so completely convincing, huh?
> > >
> > > Cynthia
> >
> > Go rock'n'roll girl..! You've certainly covered
> > alot of territory there. What kind of music?
> >
> > Actually, I'm still writing songs and performing.
> > It's a blast and the only activity that actually
> > benefits from mood swings. Interestingly, my day
> > job is as a biostatistician (that's right...) and
> > I work on lots of mental health projects. I'm
> > currently working with Lilly on Zyprexa study in
> > the treatment of bipolar and schizophrenia. It
> > is so funny because I know all the names of the
> > meds and appear as some sort of expert to some
> > of my cohorts, but in reality, it is through my
> > own experience, curiosity, and this site that
> > most of my pharmacological info comes from...
> >
> > Hope all is well with you,
> >
> > Sean.
> >
> > You
>
> -'the razor bunnies', makes me laugh now. Sometimes I think it was simply a place to wear our coustumes. We fought like mad - a little cesspool of anger and mental disorders - and lasted about 2 years.
>
> Now (many years later), I'm listening to Esma (the Gypsy from Romania), the poet Neruda, and just lately, my sister has been sending me some Opera CDs and giving me the story behind the song, which is essential for me to properly understand the song. Oh my God, the passion. I get goosebumps just reading the lyrics. This is who's 'taking me away now'.
>
> What kind of music do you write and like? Pretty funny job there Sean. What exactly is a biostatician? Are you a scientist? Did you pursue this because of your disorder, or did you happen to end up in this field?
>
> Anyway, WORK REAL HARD for us,
> CynthiaRazor Bunnies!!! My God, that's tremendous. I also
went through a serious grunge/anger/punk-rock
phase. Write now I'm writing mostly in a kind of
trip-hop meets emo-core meets 70's glam meets
folk meets whatever I'm feeling that day. Lot's
of strange sounds, odd lyrics, moody chords, and
shifting beats. Hard to describe I guess. I
would like to hear this Esma; sounds exotic. Did
you see the movie Lacho Drum? It was incredible.I listen to everything from Arvo Part and similar
modern stuff like Kronos, to Drum 'n Bass, to
folk music. I also have a soft spot for early 80's
underground music and early 70's glam and Brian
Eno. I also really like some of the Seattle
stuff, but the "alternative" sound has become so
cliche' that it really doesn't do it for me. I
can't listen to the radio. I've also been to a few
raves and must say there is something nice about
some of that music, especially Orbital and Sasha.
I have an engineer friend who calls it "digital
flesh" because it has such a human quality to
it! My tastes are based on me getting the chills
and it has happened with every form of music
out there. I absolutely love music (and film,
and certain poetry, and coffee, and...)The day job, I didn't really plan it this way. I
studied alot of math (dad would not approve of
art major - a long story) in college and have learned
to program computers, so my basic skills were
there I guess. Then I wound up working for a
healthcare research company. We tend to focus on
the differences between a drugs effectiveness and
cost rather than biological stuff. Mostly it is
retrospective stuff. It can be fun at times,
but is mostly just hard work...Wow, I've said alot! Bye,
Sean.
Posted by Cynthia on August 13, 1999, at 23:34:29
In reply to Re: Angry white music, posted by Sean on August 12, 1999, at 17:03:43
Hi Sean,
I didn't know one of those bands you mentioned. I've never really considered myself a musician, I just banged around on a bunch of drums for a couple of years - like some kind of anger therapy. I'm a lyric's person, I think that's because I write poetry and really know how to appreciate it. Sometimes I think you have to be a musician to really appreciate certain types of music - of course I love music, but to really truly appreciate it. This lady Esma, she has a website but I can't remember her last name. I'll be in contact with my friend sometime this week and ask her again for her last name. She is what I would call a musician's musician, or maybe a poet's poet. Right now she is recording CDs, she thinks her voice will only be good for a few more years.
You know, until I found out about this cyclothymia, I used to think it was because I was half Italian that my senses were so refined (you know Italians and their food, and their design, and their love of beauty)- my dad grew up in Italy during the depression and he was very manic depressive; can you just try to imagine my childhood! Back to our senses; I haven't drank coffee for 3 months because I can't find any that is good enough to drink. I suppose I could make some but there is only one store in this town that sells decent beans.
How I listen to music is the first sign that my moods are going up (although generally I am confident with lithium to control my highs). The volume goes up and I just can't get those notes inside of me fast enough or intensely enough, it's like I become part of the song. I am always happy for and half envious of people who have music. Enjoy it.
I've never heard of this movie Lacho Drum?
Cynthia
Posted by Sean on August 24, 1999, at 15:46:00
In reply to Re: Esma and good coffee, posted by Cynthia on August 13, 1999, at 23:34:29
> Hi Sean,
>
> I didn't know one of those bands you mentioned. I've never really considered myself a musician, I just banged around on a bunch of drums for a couple of years - like some kind of anger therapy. I'm a lyric's person, I think that's because I write poetry and really know how to appreciate it. Sometimes I think you have to be a musician to really appreciate certain types of music - of course I love music, but to really truly appreciate it. This lady Esma, she has a website but I can't remember her last name. I'll be in contact with my friend sometime this week and ask her again for her last name. She is what I would call a musician's musician, or maybe a poet's poet. Right now she is recording CDs, she thinks her voice will only be good for a few more years.
>
> You know, until I found out about this cyclothymia, I used to think it was because I was half Italian that my senses were so refined (you know Italians and their food, and their design, and their love of beauty)- my dad grew up in Italy during the depression and he was very manic depressive; can you just try to imagine my childhood! Back to our senses; I haven't drank coffee for 3 months because I can't find any that is good enough to drink. I suppose I could make some but there is only one store in this town that sells decent beans.
>
> How I listen to music is the first sign that my moods are going up (although generally I am confident with lithium to control my highs). The volume goes up and I just can't get those notes inside of me fast enough or intensely enough, it's like I become part of the song. I am always happy for and half envious of people who have music. Enjoy it.
>
> I've never heard of this movie Lacho Drum?
>
> CynthiaHey Cynthia -
I've been on vacation in the Southwest, hiking around
Arizona and New Mexico. Super incredible but got
fairly wacked out on zoloft and lack of sleep.
Heading into a down phase right now but am writing
more music, so it's ok (I hope).Lacho Drum should be available at the more "arty"
video stores. It basically follows the origin of
gypsy music from India to Spain, hitting all the
Easter European place in between. It is beautiful,
moving, and really opened my eyes to this music.I'm not sure you will read this because it has been
put in the "old posts" category.On the Rx front, I've got an appointment and am
going to try a non-Lithium mood stabilizer to
see if that works better. I simply can't take
AD's without zipping off into hyperspace.Very funny that bit about you being 1/2 Italian!
Made me LOL. I'm Irish and German, which translates
to being very organized on somedays and a lyrical
freak on others...Hope you are well,
Sean.
Posted by Cynthia on August 29, 1999, at 0:27:35
In reply to Re: Esma and good coffee, posted by Sean on August 24, 1999, at 15:46:00
Glad to hear you had a good holiday. I was hiking in the Rockies yesterday, what fun.
Esma's last name is Teodosievski, and she has a web page, but as far as I know, no music to buy yet. From what I understand, this is due to initially the communism in Eastern Europe and then the war in Macedonia. I think I'd love that movie, Lacho Drum, and will try to get to an artsy video store sometime soon.
I hope you find a good mood stabilizer. Lithium made you gain weight right? God, it works so good for me. I'm a little bit curious, as far as you knkow, do you have other disorders too? I'm curious because I have so many, but consider my cyclothymia and SAD to be my main disorders, sort of like the parent disorders that made coming to life so much easier for my other ones.
Hope you're good,
Cynthia
Posted by Sean on August 30, 1999, at 12:05:40
In reply to Hi Sean, posted by Cynthia on August 29, 1999, at 0:27:35
> Glad to hear you had a good holiday. I was hiking in the Rockies yesterday, what fun.
>
> Esma's last name is Teodosievski, and she has a web page, but as far as I know, no music to buy yet. From what I understand, this is due to initially the communism in Eastern Europe and then the war in Macedonia. I think I'd love that movie, Lacho Drum, and will try to get to an artsy video store sometime soon.
>
> I hope you find a good mood stabilizer. Lithium made you gain weight right? God, it works so good for me. I'm a little bit curious, as far as you knkow, do you have other disorders too? I'm curious because I have so many, but consider my cyclothymia and SAD to be my main disorders, sort of like the parent disorders that made coming to life so much easier for my other ones.
>
> Hope you're good,
> Cynthia
Hey Cynthia -I'm coming off Zo right now - that stuff lands
me on the moon, but after about a month, I really
need to stop it. I also have panic disorder, but
this has mellowed/changed over the years into
something that more resembles a funky siezure of
some sort, as in, my heart no longer races, but
I get these shooting flashes at my temples and
a sense of horrible dread. I also get these
olfactory hallucinations and brain fogs from time
to time which really lay me out for a few weeks
a year. I think all of these things are realted
to the cyclothymia/bp II thing because they are
very similar (in many ways) to temporal lobe
epilepsy (TLE).I went to a neurologist about two years ago and
it was interesting. He said my symptoms were very
epilepsy-like except that they express over a
period of weeks at relatively low grade rather
than in a single burst.My p-doc tried to get me on depakote, but I
read the PDR and was scared by the side effects.
What really worked the best was amitriptyline
and lithium together - I felt good and stable on
that combo. But I was also born with a heart
valve defect, so aside from the weight gain, these
drugs gave me arrythmias (very different from
anxiety) which got steadily worse over time.Then came the SSRI era (last few years) and I've
just been bouncing on-and-off to treat depression.
But it is frustrating and I think making my
hypomanias worse.So there it is, my brain on a platter! I'll keep
you posted. Take care and be well.Sean.
Posted by Louise on September 1, 1999, at 18:08:51
In reply to Re: Hi Sean, posted by Sean on August 30, 1999, at 12:05:40
Creative when 'up' and not when down? Me too. I write songs complete with music and lyrics in about 15 minutes and inspiration frequently strikes when I'm (fortunately predominantly) up.
When I'm down I sort out the bills and balance my bank account and organise my life, but there's no creativity there.A warning to anyone who enjoys their highs is that lithium can supress your creativity too - It did for me. If you can manage your mood without it, great.
I have found an effective way of avoiding depression which is to take a tranquiliser at night (I use chlorpromazine) if I'm up to the pooint of the bursting, creative mind preventing me from sleeping. This stops the high getting too high, and the low which usually balances out on the mood scale is then never bad at all, in fact I can keep myself going by activity. Even though this is hard work sometimes, I don't get so low I can't do it. If I can continue to manage my mood in this way, then I'm happy!
PS Talking of music, I went to the V99 UK music festival a week or so ago to see Manic Street Preachers, Suede, Supergrass, Beautiful South, Stereophonics, Mercury Rev, Travis etc. etc.
Then I was high!
Posted by yardena on September 1, 1999, at 18:23:31
In reply to Cyclothymic music / creativity, posted by Louise on September 1, 1999, at 18:08:51
I am impressed that you can sort, organize and do bills when you are down. I can't manage to do much of anything.
Posted by Sean on September 2, 1999, at 15:40:32
In reply to Cyclothymic music / creativity, posted by Louise on September 1, 1999, at 18:08:51
> Creative when 'up' and not when down? Me too. I write songs complete with music and lyrics in about 15 minutes and inspiration frequently strikes when I'm (fortunately predominantly) up.
> When I'm down I sort out the bills and balance my bank account and organise my life, but there's no creativity there.
>
> A warning to anyone who enjoys their highs is that lithium can supress your creativity too - It did for me. If you can manage your mood without it, great.
>
> I have found an effective way of avoiding depression which is to take a tranquiliser at night (I use chlorpromazine) if I'm up to the pooint of the bursting, creative mind preventing me from sleeping. This stops the high getting too high, and the low which usually balances out on the mood scale is then never bad at all, in fact I can keep myself going by activity. Even though this is hard work sometimes, I don't get so low I can't do it. If I can continue to manage my mood in this way, then I'm happy!
>
> PS Talking of music, I went to the V99 UK music festival a week or so ago to see Manic Street Preachers, Suede, Supergrass, Beautiful South, Stereophonics, Mercury Rev, Travis etc. etc.
>
> Then I was high!Hey Louise -
I can relate to the mood-music connection. I feel
my best work is done on the cusps of my moods,
either right when I'm about to plung or feeling
the first glimmers of light after a long period
of darkness. I write more when I'm hypomanic,
but I'm not convinced it has the same ring of
truth and rawness; it can become more complex
than necessary.What kind of music do you write?
Also, sleep is a big part of the mood swing deal
isn't it. My God, when I'm hyped up I can go for
weeks on 3-4 hours a night and then it gets all
fucked up or something. Anxious and paranoid,
then lots of sleep and no hope. An even sleep
schedule helps this.Sounds like a cool trip to V99. How was Suede?
Do you like Stereolab? I'm into everything that
pushes the edges...Sean.
Posted by Sean on September 2, 1999, at 15:42:51
In reply to Re: Cyclothymic music / creativity, posted by yardena on September 1, 1999, at 18:23:31
> I am impressed that you can sort, organize and do bills when you are down. I can't manage to do much of anything.
Hi Yardena,
Me too on the down side - not much use to anybody
cause by brain feels like it won't work. I've
seen PET scans of depression and it really does
feel like it looks in the pictures.How are things?
Sean.
Posted by Yardena on September 3, 1999, at 17:45:38
In reply to Re: Cyclothymic music / creativity, posted by Sean on September 2, 1999, at 15:42:51
Sean,
Things are better for the most part, but still dragging, especially in reaction to "stuff" that happens. When at work, I am fine these days. At home (long holiday weekend, especially) it is hard.
BTW, what do the PET scans of depressed brains look like?
Posted by Louise on September 5, 1999, at 14:09:38
In reply to Re: Cyclothymic music / creativity, posted by Yardena on September 3, 1999, at 17:45:38
Hi Sean
What you said about the change of mood being the creativity trigger was really interesting. The last few songs I've written (mainly rock / guitar stuff although I play the piano myself and write using the piano) have come to me when I've been upwardly inspired by lack of sleep and lots of loud music and then it was suddenly peaceful on the train on the way home. The sudden peace and relaxation when feeling really tired .....and they just kept flowing. The other was when I was feeling pretty up and then something upset me a bit, brought back memories, made a link to Shakespeare line then.........song. I've never noticed before that it's a sudden emotional or environmental change that inspires me - GOOD OBSERVATION !!!!
Suede were great. I was right at the front near the stage in a crowd of about 40,000 I think. I love the track Savoir Faire from the Head Music album. 'Saturday Night' was also really good.
By the way, can you or do you do anything to calm down your up moods or do you just let them ride?
Louise
Posted by Sean on September 7, 1999, at 17:13:53
In reply to Re music - Sean, posted by Louise on September 5, 1999, at 14:09:38
> Hi Sean
>
> What you said about the change of mood being the creativity trigger was really interesting. The last few songs I've written (mainly rock / guitar stuff although I play the piano myself and write using the piano) have come to me when I've been upwardly inspired by lack of sleep and lots of loud music and then it was suddenly peaceful on the train on the way home. The sudden peace and relaxation when feeling really tired .....and they just kept flowing. The other was when I was feeling pretty up and then something upset me a bit, brought back memories, made a link to Shakespeare line then.........song. I've never noticed before that it's a sudden emotional or environmental change that inspires me - GOOD OBSERVATION !!!!
>
> Suede were great. I was right at the front near the stage in a crowd of about 40,000 I think. I love the track Savoir Faire from the Head Music album. 'Saturday Night' was also really good.
>
> By the way, can you or do you do anything to calm down your up moods or do you just let them ride?
>
> LouiseSOunds like a cool concert. I just read an interview
with Suede and their producer about the song
Savoir Faire - it was quite complex and involved.Managing moods is really tough for me as AD's
pump me up after a few weeks (artificially) and
so I'm currently treating downs with Zoloft, and
when it get's too intense I back off and get
some solid sleep for a few days. It isn't a great
solution so I'm going to start a non-lithium
mood stabilizer this month. My docs been out of
the office, so I've been waiting to do this for
several weeks. Kind of spooked by the side
effects, but am also tired of bouncing off the
walls (or am I??? hee hee!)Be well - Sean.
Posted by Sean on September 7, 1999, at 17:19:49
In reply to Re: Cyclothymic music / creativity, posted by Yardena on September 3, 1999, at 17:45:38
> Sean,
>
> Things are better for the most part, but still dragging, especially in reaction to "stuff" that happens. When at work, I am fine these days. At home (long holiday weekend, especially) it is hard.
> BTW, what do the PET scans of depressed brains look like?The PET scans of a depressed person appear to
have very little color and what is there looks
kind of bluish. These are artificial colors that
relate to glucose activity (the old brain pretty
much runs on pure sugar...) When I'm depressed I
simply can't *think*; when I'm hypomanic I can't
stop thinking! The hypomanic brain is all lit up
like a christmas tree. These images look pretty much
like it feels. I saw them in the book "Manic
Depressive Illness" by Kay Jamison. This book,
by the way, is incredible and I recommend either
looking at it in the library, or flat out buying
it (I think I paid about $70 at Amazon) because
there is so much information in it you will want
to read all of it and have it as a reference.Bye!
Sean.
Posted by nora scott on June 2, 2000, at 20:22:24
In reply to Sean/andrewb and Susan. Hints for your down days!, posted by Cynthia on August 8, 1999, at 23:35:52
I need to buy dexedrine. My doctor prescribed
it for me, but my older brother stole them all
and my parents won't listen to me when I told them what happened to it. Does anyone know how I can buy dexedrine tablets? If you have any ideas, please let me know. xxxthanks
Posted by courtney on June 15, 2000, at 12:47:17
In reply to Cyclothymia & mood stabilizers, posted by andrewb on August 7, 1999, at 10:33:51
I was wondering if you could give me any information on non-drug treatments for cyclothymia
Posted by Janice on June 15, 2000, at 23:14:57
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers, posted by courtney on June 15, 2000, at 12:47:17
> I was wondering if you could give me any information on non-drug treatments for cyclothymia
Hi courtney,
Anything that would help bipolar would help cyclothymia--and you may have a much better chance of succeeding with cyclothymia than someone with bipolar would.
The Omega oils would be a good start. I remember once reading a naturopathic book about bipolar, and it had quite a few suggestions and recommendations for supplements (calcium and magnesium was one). I'd suggest getting a book like this. Sorry, I can't remember the name of the book I read. Maybe ask a naturopath or check out a health food store.
The best of luck, Janice.
Hopefully your disorder won't progress and you won't need meds.
And if you discover anything great, please come back and let me know.
Posted by SLS on June 18, 2000, at 19:40:25
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers, posted by Janice on June 15, 2000, at 23:14:57
> > I was wondering if you could give me any information on non-drug treatments for cyclothymia
>
> Hi courtney,
>
> Anything that would help bipolar would help cyclothymia--and you may have a much better chance of succeeding with cyclothymia than someone with bipolar would.
>
> The Omega oils would be a good start. I remember once reading a naturopathic book about bipolar, and it had quite a few suggestions and recommendations for supplements (calcium and magnesium was one). I'd suggest getting a book like this. Sorry, I can't remember the name of the book I read. Maybe ask a naturopath or check out a health food store.
>
> The best of luck, Janice.
>
> Hopefully your disorder won't progress and you won't need meds.
>
> And if you discover anything great, please come back and let me know.
A friend of mine who has bipolar disorder is playing around with chromium picolinate. Do you know anything about it?
- Scott
Posted by Janice on June 20, 2000, at 0:06:22
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers, posted by SLS on June 18, 2000, at 19:40:25
> A friend of mine who has bipolar disorder is playing around with chromium picolinate. Do you know anything about it?
>
Sorry Scott, no.
>
Janice.
Posted by judy1 on June 21, 2000, at 17:47:23
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers, posted by SLS on June 18, 2000, at 19:40:25
Hi Scott,
I fooled around with chromium picolinate a couple of years ago because supposedly people were having success with it as a fat burner, and we all know how those psychotropic meds can put the pounds on. Anyway it made me feel real jittery, which is probably not a real good response in someone with bipolar disorder. But everyone's brain chemistry is different I guess. Take care.
Posted by Libby on June 27, 2000, at 17:57:42
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia mood stabilizers - SLS, posted by Janice on June 20, 2000, at 0:06:22
Scott (?) said...
>A friend of mine who has bipolar disorder is >playing around with chromium picolinate. Do you >know anything about it?Chromium Picolinate is supposed to increase levels of the amino acid L-tryptophan which is supposed to increase serotonin. That's one of the reasons a glass of warm milk or a turkey sandwich can make you feel cozy & sleepy.
There's an article at:
http://www.teamplatinum.com/neuro.html
that offers a discussion of amino supplements as an alternative to drug therapy for ADD.
Later...
L.
Posted by Ella Iverson on September 21, 2000, at 15:06:46
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia & mood stabilizers, posted by Sean on August 7, 1999, at 13:51:22
Sean -
Hope you are still reading this. I have been diagnosed with cyclothymia/bipolarII and they are trying to put me on lithium. I have oh SO many questions. you said that it made you feel strange? you mean drugged? would love to know the details of your experiences.
ella
> > Does anybody have experience with medicating or counseling for soft cycling? I have some cycling going on that may or may not fit the definition for cyclothymia.
> > The cycles usually last from 6 days to two weeks. In the down portion of the cycle symptoms include lower physical energy, lower mood, increased sensitivity to pain (esp. neck aches) increased social anxiety and sleeping more. In the up portion of the cycle I sleep less; I have good mood with occassional euphoria; good energy and at times ‘crazy’ energy; a sometimes flighty, overactivated mind; and a more talkative, outgoing manner.
> > I’m curious if anyone has experience with taking a mood stabilizer for soft cycling, for example, valproate, lithium or gabapentin? Is the mood stabilizer taken at a lower dosage than it would be taken for a manic depressive condition? How long would it take for a mood stabilizer like gabapentin to become fully effective? What mood stabilizer has the lowest side effects?
> > Is there a cognitive aspect to this seemingly physical condition that can be helped through counseling? Can for example personality issues such as low self-esteem and social anxiety contribute to cycling?
> > Any responses to this post would be very much appreciated.
>
> This sounds like me - except my cycle is about
> 1 month (opposite pole every 2 -weeks) and is
> pretty intense. This mood "ripple" seems to be
> on top of a longer cycle which seems seasonal, so
> I get some wild times when things pile up.
>
> I had some luck with lithium, but it made me feel
> very strange. To be honest, I really enjoy the ups
> and have settled into a pattern of treating the
> depressions with Zoloft and backing off when I get
> hypomanic. It seems like a couple nights of sleep
> puts me back on the ground.
>
> I've been putting off trying the mood stabilizers
> because of all the side effects reported (everything
> from Stephens-Johnson syndrome, to depressed
> blood counts and somnolescence - yuk) but from
> what I have read, Lamactil seems to have good
> antidepressant activity and may be good at both
> ends of the spectrum.
>
> Sleep is somehow connected to all of this. I've
> read alot about interrupting your sleep cycle when
> depressed (i.e., setting the alarm to get up early)
> and this makes sense because antidepressants seem
> to make this happen on their own (until I can't
> sleep at all!).
>
> If I try lamactil I will definitely post my
> experience. On the other hand, I'm a songwriter
> and musician, so mood swings are part of the
> deal for me. I suffer alot when I'm not on meds,
> but I also burn the white hot soul iron into some
> meaningful places with my moods. It is hard to
> find and maintain a good balance.
>
> For me, these cycles have proven completely
> immune to therapy (years of it) and the only thing
> that impacts them are meds. I have been able to
> grow in my understanding of my moods through
> therapy, but I can't honestly say they have stopped
> what seems to be an organic dysregulation of
> some sort. So as for this being a "personality"
> trait, well, isn't your "personality" a biological
> epiphenomenon too?
>
> Some days my mind is racing, litteraly erupting
> with ideas and energy. Other days I can't remember
> my phone number. It is hard work dealing with
> this...
>
> Sean.
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