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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by N on March 14, 2000, at 21:49:26
Greetings! I'm new to this forum and the info is interesting. I've been dealing with a mood disorder for 13 years. First diagnosed with depression and given Zoloft and Paxil (at different times). Finally thought I was getting myself together and didn't need an antidepressant. Took a new job, was involved in a car accident and started coming unglued. More aggitation than depression (wanted to throttle everyone). Went back to the counselor and was diagnosed with cyclothmyia (mild bi-polar). Have never been hospitalized (although one therapist did threaten when I went off on him verbally in his office). Have never lost touch with the real world (and, how would I know for sure?). But,I have lots of trouble coping with the day to day in a realistic way. (Mother and one sibling suicided, and another sibling has attempted, so I'm serious about managing my mental health)
My psychiatrist put me on Depakote. Hair fell out, developed a tremor (normal), and fought with my stomach, but I felt more even. Gained 32 pounds and the doc said it was more than vanity - it was a health issue, so we went exploring.
Tried Tegretol next. Made my brain crawl. Hated it. Felt totally out of control after the first dose. Waited a week, tried again. Same result. Extreme aggitation, nightmares, out of control (violent) thoughts.
Tried Lamictal. Took months to get to a theraputic dose. When I got there I couldn't think, remember, or respond to simple questions (i.e. "Have you had lunch?"). Had problems focusing my eyes, felt exhausted, couldn't walk a straight line. And, the migraines (which I've been successfully treating w/ Sansert) started coming back. Also, nightmares.
Next, Neurontin. Took three days at entry dose. Woke up with a migraine on the 4th day after having nightmares the night before, plus aggitation. Stopped taking it, too.
Doc knows I'm afraid to "take my meds" -- The cure is at least as bad as the disorder!! (Most of the time..)
Have been trying Kava Kava for the last two days. Still have my Xanax for manic periods (I'm careful to use them appropriately). Have a friend whose husband takes Welbutrin and Depakote. He has benefited.
Another friend suggest Lithium, but weight gain is an issue, along with mental dullness. I need to be sharp for work, or I'll lose my job. I need to be emotionally even at work, or I'll lose my job. I'm still looking for the magic bullet.
Also, wondering how many folks are experiencing bi-polar, migraine and fibromyalgia in combination. Recently read some info on that combo. Would love to find one pill that would cause me to feel even, lose weight, have no migraines and sleep like a baby (the nightmares are hell). Suggestions?
Posted by KarenB on March 14, 2000, at 23:24:07
In reply to Cyclothymic and looking for a cure, posted by N on March 14, 2000, at 21:49:26
Dear N,
Check into Topamax for mood stabilization. I have asked about it on this forum just today, so follow the thread. It is associated with weight loss and is given also for migraine prevention, as well as being an effective mood stabilizer. The only problem is possible slowing of thought while you are getting adjusted to the med. They say, work up the dosage gradually and this is less likely to be a problem.
Nortriptyline is an older tricyclic antidepressant which is also used for chronic pain. I start this tonight and then the Topamax in the next couple weeks.
I share your symptoms. I am Bipolar II, have migraines and chronic back pain. I am unresponsive to all of the SSRIs I have tried and Lithium makes me nauseus. The only combo that has worked for me is not available in the US.
If this combo works, I will address a post to you.
Have faith...the answer is out there!
Karen
Posted by Cam W. on March 14, 2000, at 23:29:19
In reply to Cyclothymic and looking for a cure, posted by N on March 14, 2000, at 21:49:26
N - Sorry, no cures in pharmacy, only controls (bandaids). The magic bullet is still a few years off and I think that it will also be a control rather than a cure. This magic bullet will have fewer side effects and will allow people to lead normal lives. But, like the diabetic, this medication will probably need to be taken for life. Sorry, I can't be any more optimistic than that. Sincerely - Cam W.
Posted by Janice on March 15, 2000, at 0:58:14
In reply to Re: Cyclothymic and looking for a cure, posted by Cam W. on March 14, 2000, at 23:29:19
N, please don't believe something about a pill because other people have told you something.
Lithium has been really great for me. Zero weight gain, doesn't make me dull at all, and acts as an anti-depressant also.
I take it with gingerroot to avoid nauseau.
As far as I know, these disordered are, like life, never cured, only managed. good luck, Janice
Posted by Chris A. on March 15, 2000, at 1:17:45
In reply to Re: Cyclothymic and looking for a cure, posted by Janice on March 15, 2000, at 0:58:14
Everyone has a different response to meds, so if you haven't tried lithium yourself you don't know how it's going to work for you. I know several very highly functioning people who rely on lithium to mangage their cyclical mood disorders and are quite successful at it.
Many of us who end up on a list like this have either been treatment resistant or were misdiagnosed for years. I would feel badly if what I said prevented someone from trying the tried and true meds for the illness.Best Wishes,
Chris A.
Posted by Sam on March 17, 2000, at 1:28:38
In reply to Cyclothymic and looking for a cure, posted by N on March 14, 2000, at 21:49:26
Maybe a low dose of an antipsychotic tranquilizer is worth a try. Offhand I'm not sure which one I would recommend.
This is the end of the thread.
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