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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by judy1 on January 20, 2001, at 14:51:39
Hi all,
I just wanted to share because I feel so INCREDIBLY PERFECT and I think it was the lamictal and I want everyone happy because I am. My shrink told me to watch out for the 5 S's of mania (remember that?) sex, speeding, spending, sleeping less than 3 hours, and more sex- I always seem to get hung up on that one. What do you think?- Judy
Posted by Ted R on January 21, 2001, at 20:15:11
In reply to Lamictal- the WONDER DRUG, posted by judy1 on January 20, 2001, at 14:51:39
> Hi all,
> I just wanted to share because I feel so INCREDIBLY PERFECT and I think it was the lamictal and I want everyone happy because I am. My shrink told me to watch out for the 5 S's of mania (remember that?) sex, speeding, spending, sleeping less than 3 hours, and more sex- I always seem to get hung up on that one. What do you think?- Judy> I posted a few weeks ago concerning lamictal, I don't know that I'm Bipolar 2 or atypical, but from the results that you have been having, I think that I will take my Psych's advice and start lamictal.What dose are you currently on,Judy? Do you know if it helps with somatoform symptoms, in the depression?....Ted
Posted by phillybob on January 21, 2001, at 22:32:49
In reply to Re: Lamictal- the WONDER DRUG, posted by Ted R on January 21, 2001, at 20:15:11
Hi, Judy! Please share! Any info would really help us all! What dosage are you taking? How long have you been taking it? What were your symptoms? Depression? Dysthymia? Hypomania? Mania? Bi-polar I, II ... etc? Any side effects? And ... are you taking anything else (other meds) with it?! Thanks!
Posted by judy1 on January 23, 2001, at 16:27:13
In reply to Re: Lamictal- the WONDER DRUG, posted by phillybob on January 21, 2001, at 22:32:49
Hi Guys!!!
I am so hyperthymic- read shrink saying hypomanic and us having DISCUSSIONS about that old 1-10 scale me saying 6 and he's saying 7 and climbing oh where was I- oh yes meds- lamicatal 100mgs just say NO to depakote (a ploy to keep you down) and still 6 mgs of klonopin but stopped the risperdal because I'm better than fine- and why mess with that??? Dx: Panic Manic (Bipolar 1), spending a lot but feel lucky and stopped for speeding but NO TICKET because of my incredibly sexy charming self. Good luck!!!! Judy
Posted by SLS on January 23, 2001, at 17:55:22
In reply to Lamictal- the WONDER DRUG, posted by judy1 on January 20, 2001, at 14:51:39
Dear Judy,
Listen to me very carefully.
I love you. You know that. I would never tell you to do anything that I didn't think was good for you.
Right now, I think it is good for you to just check on your mania, just to be sure. You seem to be getting a bit high right now. Let's you and I just make sure that everything is O.K.
I know it will be hard to trust your doctor, but I very much believe that he, too, would not do anything that he didn't think is good for you, but let's us you and I talk together first.
Judy, it is important for you to know the following information, even though it might not apply to you:
Lamictal acts very much like a true antidepressant, and as such is known to cause serious mania in a small percentage of people. By itself, Lamictal is NOT strong enough to treat severe mania. Last year, 200mg of Lamictal DID NOT not prevent ME from becoming seriously manic when I added Nardil. If you are experiencing some mania, you will need to add something else if we feel you should look into it. You will not have to stop taking Lamictal, so you don't have to worry about getting depressed again.
Please be receptive to trying Zyprexa for a few days, just so that we can both be sure that things stay under control. You may not really need it, but just in case.
Judy, I am going to give you my email address. WRITE TO ME AS SOON AS YOU CAN. Please. It's been awhile since we talked anyway.
Here is my email address:
I'll give you my phone number in the mail.
Love,
Scott
> Hi all,
> I just wanted to share because I feel so INCREDIBLY PERFECT and I think it was the lamictal and I want everyone happy because I am. My shrink told me to watch out for the 5 S's of mania (remember that?) sex, speeding, spending, sleeping less than 3 hours, and more sex- I always seem to get hung up on that one. What do you think?- Judy
Posted by Ted R on January 23, 2001, at 19:31:42
In reply to To Ted and Phillybob about Lamictal, posted by judy1 on January 23, 2001, at 16:27:13
> Hi Guys!!!
> I am so hyperthymic- read shrink saying hypomanic and us having DISCUSSIONS about that old 1-10 scale me saying 6 and he's saying 7 and climbing oh where was I- oh yes meds- lamicatal 100mgs just say NO to depakote (a ploy to keep you down) and still 6 mgs of klonopin but stopped the risperdal because I'm better than fine- and why mess with that??? Dx: Panic Manic (Bipolar 1), spending a lot but feel lucky and stopped for speeding but NO TICKET because of my incredibly sexy charming self. Good luck!!!! Judy
> Judy, There are an incredible amount of amateur shrinks with a ton of knowledge on this sight, and I mean that as a compliment to the contributors.But first of all, I want to thank you for the great advice on lamictal. I am to start on it in a couple of days. Secondly, and most important, you did seem to be a little manic in your last couple of posts, so I do hope you will consult with your doc or communicate with SLS..Thanks for all of your help...Ted
Posted by Ron Hill on January 24, 2001, at 11:18:19
In reply to To Ted and Phillybob about Lamictal, posted by judy1 on January 23, 2001, at 16:27:13
Judy,
I am a new kid on the block on this site, and I don't know you very well. At the same time, however, I care about you as a fellow traveler on this road of life. As such, please accept my genuine concern regarding your hypomanic (manic?) condition.
I am BP II currently taking Lithobid, Prozac, and Wellbutrin and my meds are currently working well. However, I was initially misdiagnosed as ADHD and prescribed Ritalin. The Ritalin pushed me into mania big time. But the mania felt so good that I could not be convinced by the people around me that something was wrong. And my ex-pdoc did not recognize my mania but instead kept writing scripts for Ritalin (can you say malpractice?).
To make a long story short, I lost my job as an environmental engineer, ran up $70K of credit card debt, cashed in and spent my retirement account, etc. The thing about mania (hypomania) is that these actions actually seemed logical at the time.
My point is, please be careful. Listen to Scott. He knows a lot about meds. I took Lamitcal for a while and I liked it. It helped my hypomania. I had to quit due to rash problems. However, I agree with Scott, perhaps you need an additional anti-manic medication at least in the short term.
Please note that several people who care about your well being are taking the time to write stating concern about what may be mania. Is the whole world wrong?
Best Wishes,
Ron
-------------------------------------------> Hi Guys!!!
> I am so hyperthymic- read shrink saying hypomanic and us having DISCUSSIONS about that old 1-10 scale me saying 6 and he's saying 7 and climbing oh where was I- oh yes meds- lamicatal 100mgs just say NO to depakote (a ploy to keep you down) and still 6 mgs of klonopin but stopped the risperdal because I'm better than fine- and why mess with that??? Dx: Panic Manic (Bipolar 1), spending a lot but feel lucky and stopped for speeding but NO TICKET because of my incredibly sexy charming self. Good luck!!!! Judy
Posted by judy1 on January 24, 2001, at 14:10:53
In reply to Re: Because We Care » judy1, posted by Ron Hill on January 24, 2001, at 11:18:19
I just wanted to thank everyone I am on a lot of drugs and maybe won't be clear. Scott please ignore e-mail I sent your letter was so kind but i think like Ron said i thought the whole world is wrong. i am so tired and i do so many horrible things i don't know how to make anything better. I am very very sorry if I wrote anything bad here- judy
Posted by SLS on January 24, 2001, at 15:09:33
In reply to Re: Because We Care, posted by judy1 on January 24, 2001, at 14:10:53
Dear Judy,
:-)
Obviously, you have a whole community of friends who care about you.
Please tell us, have you gone to see your doctor? What did the two of you decide?
We really need to know if everything is O.K.
:-) :-)
Love,
Scott> I just wanted to thank everyone I am on a lot of drugs and maybe won't be clear. Scott please ignore e-mail I sent your letter was so kind but i think like Ron said i thought the whole world is wrong. i am so tired and i do so many horrible things i don't know how to make anything better. I am very very sorry if I wrote anything bad here- judy
Posted by SLS on January 24, 2001, at 15:19:15
In reply to Re: Because We Care, posted by judy1 on January 24, 2001, at 14:10:53
Dearest Judy,
I forgot to tell you the most important thing of all!
You are so silly! :-)
> i am so tired and i do so many horrible things
No you don't, silly.
> i don't know how to make anything better.
Many of us don't. I don't.
> I am very very sorry if I wrote anything bad here
You never write anything bad. You always display such kindness and concern for everyone here. You are a great help to many of us with bipolar disorder. We profit from your knowledge and experience. I have learned a lot from you. We need you.
You really are silly.
Smile, silly. :-)
Love, again,
Scott
Posted by lois on January 24, 2001, at 15:58:29
In reply to Re: Because We Care, posted by judy1 on January 24, 2001, at 14:10:53
Judy,
I just want you to know that I've felt like I've been in your shoes. You sound like a really neat person!
You might like "psycho-social babble"
Take care,
Lois
Posted by Ron Hill on January 24, 2001, at 19:39:16
In reply to Re: Because We Care, posted by judy1 on January 24, 2001, at 14:10:53
Judy,
No need to beat yourself up. You sound like a very nice person. You will make it and life will get easier. Remember, problems are merely solutions waiting to be found. We just have to be smart enough to find one of the solutions.
Please work with your pdoc and stay in touch with Scott to get what appears to be some breakthrough mania under control. And if I can help in any way, please let me know. :)
-- Ron
------------------------------------------> I just wanted to thank everyone I am on a lot of drugs and maybe won't be clear. Scott please ignore e-mail I sent your letter was so kind but i think like Ron said i thought the whole world is wrong. i am so tired and i do so many horrible things i don't know how to make anything better. I am very very sorry if I wrote anything bad here- judy
Posted by Ted R on January 24, 2001, at 20:15:26
In reply to Re: Because We Care » judy1, posted by Ron Hill on January 24, 2001, at 19:39:16
> Judy,
>
> No need to beat yourself up. You sound like a very nice person. You will make it and life will get easier. Remember, problems are merely solutions waiting to be found. We just have to be smart enough to find one of the solutions.
>
> Please work with your pdoc and stay in touch with Scott to get what appears to be some breakthrough mania under control. And if I can help in any way, please let me know. :)
>
> -- Ron
> ------------------------------------------
>
> > I just wanted to thank everyone I am on a lot of drugs and maybe won't be clear. Scott please ignore e-mail I sent your letter was so kind but i think like Ron said i thought the whole world is wrong. i am so tired and i do so many horrible things i don't know how to make anything better. I am very very sorry if I wrote anything bad here- judy
> Judy, you certainly did not say anything to feel bad about. Your previous postings have given me the courage to deal with what may be a completely new and Correct approach to what has been going on with me the past 20yrs. I believe the lamictal will help. We beat ourselves up so well, I believe that the last thing anyone posting would want to do is take the whip out. Hell, I have been so obscessive,hypochondriacal lately, if I check my lumph nodes one more time this evening, my kid is going to shoot me....Take Care..Ted P.S: my years in dealing with this, can only make me feel that I am often one up, on people who dont have to deal with mood disorders themselves!
Posted by judy1 on January 25, 2001, at 16:43:26
In reply to Re: Because We Care, posted by Ted R on January 24, 2001, at 20:15:26
You are all being so nice to me, I can tell you have been here. I guess I was manic- I am on depakote and risperdal with the lamictal and klonopin. I saw my pdoc, Scott- actually I sent you e-mail and it came back, because your name and his are very similar I started confusing the 2 of you, I know pretty strange. I didn't just slow down- I crashed and felt extremely suicidal. My psychiatrist and I have a pact, as long as I am open with him, I stay out of my most feared place, hospitals. Last night I slept on my 10 y.o. son's floor, I had gone over 60 hours without sleep. I read somewhere that the only people that lack insight as much as those suffering schizophrenia, are those suffering bipolar disorder. How come I'm not surprised? Take care all- judy
Posted by judy1 on January 25, 2001, at 16:48:36
In reply to Again thank you everyone, posted by judy1 on January 25, 2001, at 16:43:26
I hope lamictal works well for you, but not as well as for me I guess. It sounds as if Lois is having success, I think it is a good drug, maybe I just can't take it alone- judy
Posted by SLS on January 25, 2001, at 18:38:59
In reply to Again thank you everyone, posted by judy1 on January 25, 2001, at 16:43:26
> You are all being so nice to me, I can tell you have been here. I guess I was manic- I am on depakote and risperdal with the lamictal and klonopin. I saw my pdoc, Scott- actually I sent you e-mail and it came back, because your name and his are very similar I started confusing the 2 of you, I know pretty strange. I didn't just slow down- I crashed and felt extremely suicidal. My psychiatrist and I have a pact, as long as I am open with him, I stay out of my most feared place, hospitals. Last night I slept on my 10 y.o. son's floor, I had gone over 60 hours without sleep. I read somewhere that the only people that lack insight as much as those suffering schizophrenia, are those suffering bipolar disorder. How come I'm not surprised? Take care all- judy
Dear Judy,It won't be long until your depression gets better. The time immediately after the crash from mania is the worst.
I was going to try to explain something in my previous letter regarding mania, but I figured you had heard enough from me already. One of the most important aspect of letting a mania go unchecked is that it sets up for a switch into a severe depression. The earlier you catch it, the better off you are. Not only that, but such a sling-shot effect can leave you with a depression that is more resistant to treatment. With every one of these cycles that are allowed to occur, each mania and each depression gets worse and more difficult to treat. This is the most important reason for remaining on Depakote. I suggested Zyprexa because you were so afraid of Depakote making you more depressed, and the dosage of Lamictal would have to be adjusted immediately. Depakote is a great drug, and it seems to be doing its job well. Your depression is less the result of the Depakote and more the result of the phase shift of the illness itself.
Since your current episode is being treated so immediately and aggressively, you will feel better soon. I would be curious to know your doctor's opinion about adding Zyprexa to Risperdal should Depakote prove unsatisfactory. It might even enhance and stabilize and antidepressant effect. However, I think you should judge Depakote fairly by not having any preconceived notions as to how it will affect you.
The most common course of a bipolar cycle that includes periods of normothymia:
normal - > mania - > depression - > normal
Depression always follows mania for those people whom experience depression as a phase of their illness.
- Scott
Posted by Ted R on January 25, 2001, at 22:08:23
In reply to PS to Ted, posted by judy1 on January 25, 2001, at 16:48:36
> I hope lamictal works well for you, but not as well as for me I guess. It sounds as if Lois is having success, I think it is a good drug, maybe I just can't take it alone- judy
> That is probably all it is. I guess that is why you see so many docs adding a little topomax with lamictal. It is certainly a stimulating mood stabilizer, so sometimes it is hard to predict whether mania will occur or not. It sounds like you are feel better. Judy, I guess the most positive thing was if I had a choice, I would rather be a little manicky, than have the depression , I've had lately. Thanks for your thoughts. Maybe, just titrating down the lamictal will do it for you. I just know that tomorrow is Friday, and I am always hypomanic on Friday...All of the best....Ted
Posted by lois on January 25, 2001, at 23:02:15
In reply to Again thank you everyone, posted by judy1 on January 25, 2001, at 16:43:26
Judy and all,
I was onlamictal about 3 weeks I felt good.It lasted about a week and 1/2.When we had just upped the dose again recently to 250mgs and *imediately* I felt good about a week and1/2 and went down again. I heard it has it's own enzymes that eat it up until the dose is therapeutic. Anyway it's what it *feels* like to me. Could be some psychology at work also.But this is par for the course for me(feeling Ok for just a little bit witha med increase and then feeling worse, just whenI thought I'd finally found a good mixture) Oh well, maybe I can go up, but it's getting kind of close to the dose cut off I think We'll see.Lo
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