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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by McPac on July 20, 2002, at 10:04:07
In reply to Re: BarbaraCat » McPac, posted by BarbaraCat on July 18, 2002, at 23:24:04
BarbCat, do you know much about Lamictal? I have just started to read some on it. I am wondering if Lamictal would do the same positive things for me that lithium does? I've read that Lamictal may have LESS side effects than lithium, so that interests me. Also BarbCat, do most/all of the mood stabilizers pretty much do the same thing? i.e., lithium, Tegretol, Lamictal, etc....what's the difference in what they would do for somebody?
Finally BarbCat, I'd love to hear your opinion on this: I can only take ONE lithium pill EVERY 2 or 3 DAYS and benefit greatly from it. It keeps me much less anxious/nervous, much more calm, etc. I have NEVER heard of anybody benefitting from such a miniscule dosage!!Even when I did take "more" of it, I would only take 1 a DAY, that's it, to feel fine. What do you think? The reasons that I like lithium is because it helps me to feel much more calm and not "frantic", it keeps my temper/anger/agitation away, it mellows me out and keeps that "high-strung" feeling away. In other words, I seem to need it MORE as a "nerve pill" and NOT as an anti-manic pill. Does that sound odd? Thanks!!!
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 20, 2002, at 10:29:14
In reply to BarbaraCat/Anyone, posted by McPac on July 20, 2002, at 10:04:07
Hi Mc,
No that doesn't sound strange at all. Lithium makes some people feel too mellow and dopey. It has a smoothing effect on my nerves. As for Lamictal, we share the same interests and questions. Dr. Ivan Goldberg, who has his own website and is a contributor to this board, highly recommends Lamictal as both a mood stabilizer and an antidepressant. In fact, just recently an article was published (I think it was in Science) that it's a much better drug for the depression end of bipolar disorder. That lithium acts as a good augmentor and potentiator to antidepressants and works better in preventing mania, but Lamictal acts as a good antidepressant in it's own right as well as a mood stabilizer. I'm going to ask my pdoc for it next time. As far as side effects, one in particular is noted in the precautions and worries my doc, and that is if you increase too quickly there's a possibility of a skin rash that can be uncomfortable. Some people also just don't like the way it feels, or it works for a while and then the good ol' poop out. Definitely do a search on this board for Lamictal. It's the best resource for anecdotal stories rather than the scientific research (which many are funded by the same pharmaceutical company that made them - hmmmm).As far as are they all the same/work the same. No, they all seem to work differently by different routes and I couldn't begin to do this topic justice. Here's the website for Dr. Goldberg.
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html
Do a search on Lamictal, or mood stabilizers or whatever you want to know (helps to use the exact phrase option). Here's another page with loads of links about depression.
http://stripe.colorado.edu/~judy/depression/
You'll find a lot of good information to start your research. - Barbara
> BarbCat, do you know much about Lamictal? I have just started to read some on it. I am wondering if Lamictal would do the same positive things for me that lithium does? I've read that Lamictal may have LESS side effects than lithium, so that interests me. Also BarbCat, do most/all of the mood stabilizers pretty much do the same thing? i.e., lithium, Tegretol, Lamictal, etc....what's the difference in what they would do for somebody?
> Finally BarbCat, I'd love to hear your opinion on this: I can only take ONE lithium pill EVERY 2 or 3 DAYS and benefit greatly from it. It keeps me much less anxious/nervous, much more calm, etc. I have NEVER heard of anybody benefitting from such a miniscule dosage!!Even when I did take "more" of it, I would only take 1 a DAY, that's it, to feel fine. What do you think? The reasons that I like lithium is because it helps me to feel much more calm and not "frantic", it keeps my temper/anger/agitation away, it mellows me out and keeps that "high-strung" feeling away. In other words, I seem to need it MORE as a "nerve pill" and NOT as an anti-manic pill. Does that sound odd? Thanks!!!
Posted by McPac on July 20, 2002, at 10:58:21
In reply to Mood stabilizers » McPac, posted by BarbaraCat on July 20, 2002, at 10:29:14
BarbaraCat wrote "Some people also just don't like the way it feels, or it works for a while and then the good ol' poop out."
>>>>>>>......just don't like the way it feels? Specifically, what do you mean..what way do these people say it makes them feel?
As for the good ol' "feces out" comment, are you saying that it may lose it's anti-dep. effect? I wouldn't think that it would lose it's "mood stabilizer" effect? Finally, you seem so similar to me in many ways (your specific problems and symptoms), that's why I'm asking you so many questions. Still, the one thing that puzzles me is that I seem to need the lithium or lamictal to be more of a "nerve pill" than an anti-manic agent; in which case, why would I have bipolar/ mania part if I need more of a "nerve pill" type of effect and nothing for "mania"? This stuff gets to f***ing complicated, lol!!!Plus, I've got a dr. appt. on Monday (with a regular "family doctor; I detest shrinks and mental health dr's). BarbCat, I also jotted down yesterday from a site that Lamictal had "relatively benign side-effects" and "significantly more antidep. potency than Lithium" as well. That's why I'm seriously thinking of making the switch, perhaps like you are. Again, please, what specifically are others on Lamictal saying about "not liking the way it feels"? (<is it nervousness/anxiety?) THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Jill on July 20, 2002, at 11:39:53
In reply to Jill, posted by LyndaK on July 20, 2002, at 0:50:35
Lynda,
You know, logically, I can see how Remeron would reduce metabolism. Just from the simple fact that I don't have so much nervous energy anymore...and feel much calmer. I've noticed that many high metabolism people tend to move more than others (like pacing while waiting, bouncing their legs while sitting).
When I was in the midst of OCD anxiety, I talked to friends/family 1000 miles a minute, trying to calm myself down, sometimes exercised obsessively, and also couldn't eat much due to my anxiety/stomach aches. My head (and often body) were often on geared-up, anxious mode. I'm sure I burned many calories this way (although it wasn't pleasant).
I think that the calming effect of this drug probably does "slow things down" and increase hunger. For me, getting my brain to stop swirling and obsessing with worry has been the nice payoff. I'm able to be more patient with myself and others and take time to do things more carefully/deliberately.
Have a great weekend! Thanks for your informative posts!
Jill
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 20, 2002, at 14:30:42
In reply to BarbaraCat, posted by McPac on July 20, 2002, at 10:58:21
Hi Mc,
Probably the best way to find out what others on this board have reported is to do a search here for Lamictal. That's how I got my info. There are a number of posts from people stating that it worked then it stopped, or they felt uncomfortable on it (I didn't notice a pattern on how people felt, different responses all around). I'm actually looking for some positive anecdotal reports as well before I feel totally gung-ho to try it. If we both go on it around the same time it would be great to keep each other and the rest of the folks here informed about our response.About the 'nerve pill' thing. Lithium simply has that kind of effect on some people. It does for me. There are stories about why some of the mineral spring spas make you feel so relaxed is because of the high lithium content in the waters. I stayed at a spa in Mexico where the spa as well as drinking waters were high in Li content and we were all limp as noodles (much more so than other spas I've stayed at) and joking about it.
I certainly don't know all the physiology of the drug, but I do know that it allows the calcium ion pump in cell membranes to work better, allowing better transmission of nerve impulses. It allows better uptake of GABA, an inhibitory, or relaxing neurotransmitter. GABA is what benzos are trying to affect, so lithium and a traditional 'nerve pill' are working with the same stuff, only going about it differently. BTW, other mood stabilizers have similar effects in that they increase the cellular response to GABA. I and others have a similar response to Neurontin (gabapentin) which is yet another mood stabilizer I'm taking for fibromyalgia pain. The thing is, taking a benzo generally delivers more of a chill effect in a quicker time and is the more traditional method for use as a tranquilizer. Also, not everyone has the 'nerve pill' response to lithium and other stabilizers. Some people absolutely hate Lithium - just depends on one's chemistry.
Lithium also has beneficial effects on the brain even in the absence of bipolar. It's recently been in scientific and anti-aging journals as increasing the 'plasticity' of the brain, meaning that new neurons are formed and new dendritic connections are seemingly made allowing for new growth of information and adaptability. Antiaging proponents with NO mood disorders are taking small amounts because of it's reported brain health attributes (alzheimer prevention, memory retention, etc.) There's even a Lithium product sold over the counter as a health food supplement called 'Serenity'-something or other.
I can only answer as much as I'm able with meds I've taken. I can't help much with drugs I'm not experienced with. Do as much online research on these questions of yours as you can. It will definitely empower you during your visits to the doctor. It helps to come with a list. Also, insist on answers from them even if they're trying to rush you. - Barbara
> BarbaraCat wrote "Some people also just don't like the way it feels, or it works for a while and then the good ol' poop out."
>
> >>>>>>>......just don't like the way it feels? Specifically, what do you mean..what way do these people say it makes them feel?
> As for the good ol' "feces out" comment, are you saying that it may lose it's anti-dep. effect? I wouldn't think that it would lose it's "mood stabilizer" effect? Finally, you seem so similar to me in many ways (your specific problems and symptoms), that's why I'm asking you so many questions. Still, the one thing that puzzles me is that I seem to need the lithium or lamictal to be more of a "nerve pill" than an anti-manic agent; in which case, why would I have bipolar/ mania part if I need more of a "nerve pill" type of effect and nothing for "mania"? This stuff gets to f***ing complicated, lol!!!Plus, I've got a dr. appt. on Monday (with a regular "family doctor; I detest shrinks and mental health dr's). BarbCat, I also jotted down yesterday from a site that Lamictal had "relatively benign side-effects" and "significantly more antidep. potency than Lithium" as well. That's why I'm seriously thinking of making the switch, perhaps like you are. Again, please, what specifically are others on Lamictal saying about "not liking the way it feels"? (<is it nervousness/anxiety?) THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 20, 2002, at 15:10:08
In reply to Re: BarbaraCat, posted by McPac on July 20, 2002, at 9:18:13
Mike,
Hypomania to me starts feeling like I have an enormous amount of energy. My brain starts firing more quickly. I can think better and faster and I start to have all kinds of ideas about things. I'm a creative person anyway and have alot of interests (except when I'm in the pits of depression) so this part of the cycle can remain just as it is when I'm feeling inspired. When hypomania kicks in, (not always, but usually when I'm under extra stress it seems) I'll start projects and don't finish them because I'm so easily distracted. I'll start spending money like crazy for arts/crafts tools, or music books, or dance videos. It's like I get an idea in my head and become obsessed with it. The problem is that so many ideas start crowding each other out and all my projects start becoming unfinished piles of stuff all over. My husband becomes very annoyed. I begin to not need sleep and am on a buzzy high. There's a driven quality to it, a compulsiveness, and at the beginning stage it feels so alive and energizing that I don't want to pay heed to the signs. Bipolar I usually just continues from here, careening off into genuine psychoses. Bipolar II's usually hit a wall at this stage and the trajectory begins to fall back to Earth.The lack of sleep usually is what starts the downward spiral for me. There's not much I can do about sleep anyway during a 'high'. I've taken dangerous amounts of sleepers, benzos, and they don't touch it. Even if I do sleep, it's not restful and I begin to feel burnt and frayed. Things start to get a very out of control feeling and overwhelming at this point. My thoughts continue spiraling but they're not fun anymore. Things begin to seem ominous and fearful and I'm totally exhausted after a week or so of frenzied living so I can't defend against these bleak thoughts and worries. I recently ran out of lithium for over a week and sure enough, I started buying whole palletts of plants for the garden, digging up mounds of dirt here and there, not sleeping. Luckily the lithium arrived and I was able to head it off at the pass and prevent a full blown hypomanic/depressive episode.
I have what's known as 'mixed states'. This means that my manic agitation overlays the depression. Most bipolars experience depression as an emptiness, a slowing down heavy dullness with little emotion, just empty. Mine is very different from this, it becomes very terrifying and awful and my frantic frenzy now is living in Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' painting. It's what put me in the hospital.
I had questions about, well, is this really ADD since I get so distracted and overwhelmed? Is it OCD since I get so compulsive and driven? Is it schizophrenia since I become immersed in bizarre frightening alternate realities? It's sure not standard major depression, which is what I've always called it before, because of the 'wired' quality and the fact of the extreme highs and lows. What I finally got confirmed, mainly through this board, is that bipolar MAY have elements of all these disorders, but the fact that it's cyclical as well as the extreme highs inevitably follow with extreme lows is what differentiates it as 'bipolar'. All of these disorders have got elements of all in them which makes it so difficult to target. I also want to say that this crazy state of affairs is not the norm for me at all. I have had long stretches of 'normalcy'. It has seemed, however, that the episodes and cycling were occurring more and more frequently as I got older.
I have not taken the mood disorders test I referred to, but it was discussed in a few posts here on this board a few months ago. You'll have to do a search for them. If you don't have a pdoc then hopefully your regular doc is knowledgable about all these many and confusing facets of mood disorders. It's an amazingly convoluted and fascinating detective story we're all part of. - Barbara
Bi> Barbara wrote "Hypomania may start out that way but quickly gets more and more urgent or ecstatic and reckless and wired and then spins off into disorganization and frantic behavior and then inevitably ends up in a crash."
>
> >>>>>>>>>more and more urgent? ecstatic and reckless..spins off into disorg. and frantic behavior...ends in a "crash"?
> Could you be more specific? The "urgent" and "frantic" and "disorg." terms sure sound like feelings that I've gotten many times before. I just want to see exactly how you mean them.
> ALSO, you wrote "If the Bipolar doesn't sit well with you, definitely ask your pdoc for some in-depth diagnostic testing. It's available and very important if you don't think you're on the right med track." I don't see a pdoc. I hope that the vast majority of them burn alive. What is this "in depth diagnostic testing" though? That interests me. Thanks! Mike
Posted by McPac on July 20, 2002, at 15:55:28
In reply to BP 2 » McPac, posted by BarbaraCat on July 20, 2002, at 15:10:08
"It's an amazingly convoluted and fascinating detective story we're all part of."
>>>>>>>>>It's like trying to put together a 1-million piece jigsaw puzzle, in which the pieces never seem to fit just right!!!
It's so damned incredibly frustrating and tiresome that oftentimes I just say "F*** IT!!!)
You are so good to correspond with. You are very intelligent and insightful. I have a dr's appt. tomorrow. I think I may try to get on Lamictal to replace my lithium with (I haven't been taking it much for awhile anyway..and I need something like it. I hate the stigma of lithium. There isn't a Lamictal-stigma (yet, lol!) since it is a newer medicine and an anti-convulsant. More importantly, it is said to have stronger anti-dep. properties, which is good. Take care!
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 20, 2002, at 16:58:31
In reply to BarbaraCat, posted by McPac on July 20, 2002, at 15:55:28
Good luck, Mike and let us know the outcome of your visit. About the lithium stigma, I say "F*** THEM!!!. Besides, they're probably on it too, or should be! Take care and talk to you soon. - BCat
> "It's an amazingly convoluted and fascinating detective story we're all part of."
>
> >>>>>>>>>It's like trying to put together a 1-million piece jigsaw puzzle, in which the pieces never seem to fit just right!!!
> It's so damned incredibly frustrating and tiresome that oftentimes I just say "F*** IT!!!)
> You are so good to correspond with. You are very intelligent and insightful. I have a dr's appt. tomorrow. I think I may try to get on Lamictal to replace my lithium with (I haven't been taking it much for awhile anyway..and I need something like it. I hate the stigma of lithium. There isn't a Lamictal-stigma (yet, lol!) since it is a newer medicine and an anti-convulsant. More importantly, it is said to have stronger anti-dep. properties, which is good. Take care!
Posted by Shawn. T. on July 20, 2002, at 22:34:19
In reply to Re: BarbaraCat, posted by Jill on July 19, 2002, at 8:02:21
Switching to Celexa to avoid AD effects is a bad idea. Celexa would be much worse than Remeron. Really the best thing for you to do would be to try going off the antidepressants completely for a while. Taking a DHEA supplement would be a really good idea in my opinion (it will help with depression and help your baby). Read the GNC page; they provide a massive number of references, so I would trust their information. I would not trust
anything like Celexa.Check out
http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Concern/Pregnancy.htmhttp://www4.infotrieve.com/search/databases/detailsNew.asp?artID=26649563
Remeron is a NaSSA by the way; it is a noradrenaline and selective serotonin antidepressant.> I've taken Remeron now for 5 years with no "poop-out." My pdoc told me that Remeron actually is less likely to poop-out than SSRIs. It's not an SSRI, but rather a novel antidepressant in a different class (sorry, name escapes me...tetracyclic?).
>
> Anyway, I don't have bipolar depression, so that may be why my body's reacted differently to it (I have mild-moderate OCD and major depression.)
>
> I feel great on this drug, but my partner and I are discussing marriage/children, so I may have to switch to a more well-know drug during the pregnancy (need to stay on something or get so depressed I can't function). I'm thinking of Celexa??? Any thoughts on that, anyone?
>
> Good luck with the Remeron. I just wanted to put my plug in for it.
>
> Jill :)
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 20, 2002, at 23:59:13
In reply to Re: BarbaraCat » Jill, posted by Shawn. T. on July 20, 2002, at 22:34:19
Hi Shawn,
You consistently provide helpful and illuminating information, so thanks. Thought you'd be interested in the fact that I was tested 2 years ago by a naturopath (a salivary test spread out over 24 hours) for DHEA. It was found to be practically non-existent. My cortisol was also tested and found to be within normal range, which surprised me since I was in extreme stress at that time. I was 49 and in menopause so low DHEA wasn't a surprise, but it was barely registering on the chart. I've been on 25mg. DHEA pills, which is considered high for women in some schools of thought. I also take licorice root elixer to support the adrenals and catalyze the DHEA.I can't say that I feel a huge difference from taking DHEA and plan on getting tested again to see if my levels are up. I'm on estrogen and progesterone natural hormone replacement, but recently got tested for free testosterone, which was on the low side. Since DHEA is a precursor to the sex hormones one would think that taking enough DHEA would positively affect the serum level of those hormones - especially testosterone. Masculinzation in women is one of the purported bad side effects of even a tad bit too much DHEA, so that in itself suggests I need to tweak it upwards. You know, sometimes I wonder whether these nutritional potions we take (a) have any active ingredient in them, (b) get adequately digested and assimilated or are simply pooped out. Heck, I'd even put up with daily shots if I knew I was getting the real deal.
I also have fibromyalgia and was told that low DHEA was a contributing factor. I never saw any studies on it and wonder if you've come across anything like that? - BarbaraCat
Posted by Shawn. T. on July 21, 2002, at 19:29:07
In reply to DHEA » Shawn. T., posted by BarbaraCat on July 20, 2002, at 23:59:13
Yes, DHEA levels are definitely lower in fibromyalgia. The difference between a serious deficiency in DHEA and an excellent level of DHEA for women is a factor of 4 or 5. I really think 50mg/day would be better; I couldn't say for sure though. I don't have any evidence to say 75mg/day would be advisable, so I won't tell you to take that much. I have got to remember to adjust my DHEA recommendations for women; it really does vary a lot from person to person in general though. 25mg/day is probably high for women with normal DHEA levels in those schools of thought. I bet they're not considering someone with your levels of DHEA. I guess you could have your blood levels checked after taking various dosages to find what you need to maintain homeostasis. Fibro+menopause+lots of stress would definitely result in very very low levels of DHEA. I've been waiting to learn more about fibromyalgia until my sister gives in and starts listening to me instead of her doctor. I'll try to see if I can type up some sort of explanation for you to check out sometime in the coming week. It's a lot more complicated than depression, so I'll have to do more reading. I'm pretty sure that Remeron + DHEA + fish oils + a multivitamin would help you out. I usually recommend Remeron for other reasons, but this time, I am thinking of its 5-HT3 antagonist properties. I really need to figure out how
5-HT3 receptors relate to the HPA axis.
I hope you know about the low blood sugar connection to fibromyalgia.http://nootropics.com/5-ht3/index.html
http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Concern/Fibromyalgia.htm
http://www4.infotrieve.com/search/databases/detailsNew.asp?artID=9955864
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 21, 2002, at 21:10:39
In reply to Re: DHEA » BarbaraCat, posted by Shawn. T. on July 21, 2002, at 19:29:07
Thanks for all the info, Shawn. I'll be spending some enjoyable perusal time with it. I wish I could reciprocate by sending you a great link I found on multiple DHEA studies, but I can't locate it. There were a number of papers that dealt primarily on the difficulty of DHEA's bioavailability when injested. Apparently it doesn't survive the second pass through the liver very well. Alternate delivery methods were discussed including transdermal and injection, with injection coming out on top. This fuels my initial suspicions that DHEA is a great substance but only if assimilated properly. With fibromyalgia I also have digestion problems (I'm taking every known nutrional aid I know of to deal with it), so bioavailability is further compromised.
I am taking Remeron, funny you should mention it. It's been the best AD I've taken but very imperfect. The weight gain issue is a real bummer and I have to exercise this poor hurting body like crazy just to stay on an even keel. I'm trying to get off it and attempt to manage my bipolar-II mixed states brain with lithium and eventually adding lamictal, but this was before your post. If Remeron helps fibro then I don't want to court getting any worse by removing it.
No, I didn't know about the low blood sugar relation to fibro. I don't believe I am, however, but don't trust any standard blood test to tell me so. I'll do some research on it and see if I fit the profile.
Do you know about the hypothyroid connection? Dr. John Lowe, DC, is convinced that either undertreated hypothyroidism or celluar resistance to thyroid hormone is rampant and is THE cause of fibro. I've read his massive tome on the subject "The Metabolic Treatment of Fibromyalgia" and it is very convincing - especially since I'm hypothyroid. He talks in depth about the need for T3 along with T4, and sometimes T3 alone. I take Armour thyroid and just recently doubled the amount, now up to 3 grains. Alot of my pains have dimished and I'm feeling no hyper symptoms at all. The fascinating thing about how all this ties in is DHEA's role in thyroid function!! DHEA seems to be implicated in every metabolic and reproductive process. So the first thing I will be doing is getting an overal DHEA and hormone panel done by my naturopath and then monitoring my levels as I increase the dose. The next big question now is, what about pregnenalone? Preg is the precursor to DHEA, so why is it so unfamiliar? Other than the nootropic literature, I haven't seen any major studies on it such as with DHEA. I'm sure there are yet more precursors to pregnenalone, but the path seems to stop there for right now. It seems to me that precursors are the key to regulating our neuro and biochemistry.
What do you do, BTW? Do you have a practice in nutrition or alternative medicine? Good chatting with you. - Barbara
Posted by McPac on July 22, 2002, at 18:10:35
In reply to DHEA, et al » Shawn. T., posted by BarbaraCat on July 21, 2002, at 21:10:39
BarbaraCat
Well, I'm back from my General Practitioner's office (I hate shrinks, lol) and I JUST began Lamictal!
Hopefully, all will go good.
The plan is: Goodbye Lithium, hello Lamictal!
I am only going to take a very small dose; I have always been very sensitive to most meds.
I took such an incredibly puny dose of Lithium. One pill every 2 or 3 DAYS! I still don't know if I've truly got bipolar or just terrible depression w/ agitation,irritability, anxiety. It just seems like so many bipolars go to such extremes, high and low, and I seem more like a low w/agitation issues. There doesn't seem like a very big difference between what I have and a "clinically depressed" person has. They probably have anxiety, agitation and irritability too; so what's the difference? Sounds like a "play on words" to me, in my case.
Posted by Shawn. T. on July 23, 2002, at 20:59:00
In reply to DHEA, et al » Shawn. T., posted by BarbaraCat on July 21, 2002, at 21:10:39
Thanks for the tips. My sister has give me the go ahead for telling her exactly what medicines to take, so I am going to do a lot more research on this subject than I already have. I'll post something when I'm done reading. Most of my day is spent sitting around and reading about neuropsychopharmacology and biochemistry (I force myself to spend time with friends as well because of what I know about stress). I had a job lined up, but I skipped out on it because it would have bored me silly. I was intent on being a computer scientist, but I eventually got extremely sick of programming (too much stress). I really should get a job, but I think I can turn my knowledge of neuroscience into some sort of money making venture at some point. There really aren't any real opportunities where I am living right now, so I would rather spend some time learning than working. I should note that I have taken college courses in chemistry and other sciences, so I have some background to help me out. I've also been interested in pharmacology, philosophy, sociology, biology, and some psychology for a while.
Shawn
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 24, 2002, at 0:13:54
In reply to Re: DHEA, et al » BarbaraCat, posted by Shawn. T. on July 23, 2002, at 20:59:00
Hey Shawn,
Sounds like we have alot of similarities. I'm not working either due to hitting the wall last year and I spend alot of time reading and researching neuro subjects. It's a subject I have all too much familiarity with. My job was as a computer and business systems analyst. I actually like programming and wouldn't mind doing it again, but the company politics and bullcrap are very stressful. Also, I'd get promoted to a project manager role and one simply must be 'success oriented'. Talk about Peter Principle in action. Meetings, cost benefit analyses, project plans, prima donna vice presidents - I hate that shit! And I went to school in music! The stress of pure burn out and the fact that I could give a rip about the business took its tole. Also, I felt out of my league. It's hard to shine at something you don't like. So here I am in the second go-around with Social Security disability appeals. Sometimes I wonder what's more stressful, a burn out job or the terror of poverty. My husband is also out of work, but he's able to handle the anxiety by whacking a golf ball.I sure do dream about having work in something I'm passionate about as well, such as brain research. Everyone deserves to find and follow their bliss. I've also taken life and neuro-science courses, but when it came to the critters in the labs I'd usually end up puking in the bathroom. My name is BarbaraCat for a reason and I don't think I'd get far as a researcher - I'd end up helping the animals escape! Good luck with your sister and please keep me posted of your discoveries. Barbara
Thanks for the tips. My sister has give me the go ahead for telling her exactly what medicines to take, so I am going to do a lot more research on this subject than I already have. I'll post something when I'm done reading. Most of my day is spent sitting around and reading about neuropsychopharmacology and biochemistry (I force myself to spend time with friends as well because of what I know about stress). I had a job lined up, but I skipped out on it because it would have bored me silly. I was intent on being a computer scientist, but I eventually got extremely sick of programming (too much stress). I really should get a job, but I think I can turn my knowledge of neuroscience into some sort of money making venture at some point. There really aren't any real opportunities where I am living right now, so I would rather spend some time learning than working. I should note that I have taken college courses in chemistry and other sciences, so I have some background to help me out. I've also been interested in pharmacology, philosophy, sociology, biology, and some psychology for a while.
>
> Shawn
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 24, 2002, at 0:52:34
In reply to Re: DHEA, et al, posted by McPac on July 22, 2002, at 18:10:35
Hi Mike,
Well, I couldn't agree with you more about the depression/anxiety/bipolar frustration (and OCD was never mentioned but it's a good candidate for ADD as well). I replied to the Fish Oil ADD post which you'll probably see, so I won't repeat myself here. But yes, it's nuts, and we poor sufferers have to go through medication hell in the meantime. I keep hoping that some day in the future I'll look back on all these lost years as being worth it and contributing to some greater good.I hope your Lamictal experiences will be immensely successful. A question I have is how it affects anxiety and I'm going to create a new post asking this. I mean, some depression is slowed and vegetative and could use a little zip, whereas any more zip and I'd fly through the roof. I'm also very sensitive to most meds and have a paradoxical reaction to many of them - I start cleaning the house on benzos. Hmmm, this brings up an ongoing issue, namely the ADD one. The thought of a stimulant makes my teeth chatter, but amphetamines were my drug of choice for many years. I liked it way too much, however, and sometimes I wonder if my poor brain got fried back then (or maybe it was the acid, Bay-beeee!).
There are probably some basic categories that mood disorders fall into based on brain region disfunction. But when you come down to it, it's particular flavor seems based on our earlier experiences. For example, I went to Catholic school taught by a very strict and severe order of nuns. Many of them were wonderful, but a few were sadistic harpies who delighted in describing the terrifying and horrific hell where bad children went. They also used fists and knees to drive home their point. My father was also severely depressed, probably bipolar (whatever that means) and life at home as well as school was frightening. Therefore, my spells always have a gothic hellish quality to them where the universe is at the mercy of a quite insane God and there really and truly is no hope forever and ever, Amen. Even though I know where these nightmare thoughts come from, in my darkness nothing helps except for the neurochemical soup to do something else for a while. And the whole stress/chemical, nature/nuture connection is a chicken or egg thing anyhow. I sure do wish the psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians would stop bickering and start working together because none of these professions are doing a very good job on their own. - Barbara
> BarbaraCat
>
> Well, I'm back from my General Practitioner's office (I hate shrinks, lol) and I JUST began Lamictal!
> Hopefully, all will go good.
> The plan is: Goodbye Lithium, hello Lamictal!
> I am only going to take a very small dose; I have always been very sensitive to most meds.
> I took such an incredibly puny dose of Lithium. One pill every 2 or 3 DAYS! I still don't know if I've truly got bipolar or just terrible depression w/ agitation,irritability, anxiety. It just seems like so many bipolars go to such extremes, high and low, and I seem more like a low w/agitation issues. There doesn't seem like a very big difference between what I have and a "clinically depressed" person has. They probably have anxiety, agitation and irritability too; so what's the difference? Sounds like a "play on words" to me, in my case.
Posted by Shawn. T. on July 25, 2002, at 23:28:43
In reply to Re: DHEA, et al » Shawn. T., posted by BarbaraCat on July 24, 2002, at 0:13:54
Cool ... neuroscience has really grabbed my interest because you never run out of more interesting topics to read about. A lot of other subjects have run into dead ends for me, take philosophy for example. I'm not crazy about all of the animal sacrificing going on either; I'd like to think that we can put the knowledge that we have gained to use in veterinary medicine. I've been sidetracked from fibromyalgia by my realization that receptors can directly interact via G proteins; I have had to reread several things to adjust my thinking patterns. I really wish that someone would have released all the possible interactions between receptors by now; I am having to figure most of these out on my own. Just as an example, I'll list a few possible candidate pairs. Don't look at these as facts, just some possibilities. Certainly don't base any drug decisions on this information. If anyone could point out some that are incorrect, that would be nice. I've got about thirty possible combinations to look up; it's going to take me forever to verify which ones are probable and which aren't.
Guesses:
D1 and 5-HT2a
D5 and 5-HT2c
alpha-1-NA and 5-HT2c
D2 and alpha-2-NA
5-HT1b and 5-HT1d
D1 and D3
D1 and dynorphin
D1 and 5-HT2a
mu and GABAb
5-HT3 and GABAbEven less certain guesses:
alpha2 and 5-HT1a
D2 and glutamate channels
D1 and a dynorphin receptor
D2 and a enkephalin receptor
D4 and 5-HT2b/d
D2 and GABAb
5-HT2a and GABA(a or b)
5-HT3 and NK2
kappa1 and alpha-2-NA
delta and alpha-2-NA
GABAa and D3
5-HT1a and alpha-2-NA
5-HT1a and D2 (presynaptically)
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 26, 2002, at 2:02:17
In reply to Re: DHEA, et al » Shawn. T., posted by Shawn. T. on July 25, 2002, at 23:28:43
My goodness, what a wealth of information! I don't even know where to start. Some neuro research project ought to snatch you up - no kidding! Your mention of G protein rang a bell for me. About a year ago I was hot on the trail of G protein and I don't remember why. I got sidetracked and forgot all about it until your post. Wish I kept notes about these brainstorms but I get so darn engrossed. It's like right brain has no patience for left brain.
When I got out of music school I thought 'uh oh, now what do I do to pay the rent?'. So I got into computers thinking that it would be a neat way to 'slip in the backway' into researching things I was interested in: the ocean floor, astronomy, the brain. Neural mapping, computer imaging and such. Little did I know that to do this kind of work required a Ph.D. anyway. So I ended up as a systems analyst in corporations - so nowhere near my passions or dreams.
What would make me so happy would be be use my computer experience and neuro research to find a way to use 3-D computer imaging for testing drug interactions in the brain. We already know alot about ligands and receptor structures. With all the work done with the human genome project, you'd think we'd be farther along using what we've learned instead of the very crude and barbaric sacrificing of our animal relations. Of course, I use these drugs and other products, so I'm not really walking my talk. Life can be such a puzzle. Oh well, I guess I would have these meaning of life questions since another path deeply studied but not yet taken is transpersonal psych. Sigh, so many intersts, so little time (or money). Sometimes I wish I had 200 years to live. - BarbaraCat
Posted by swingsnroundabouts on July 31, 2002, at 17:29:49
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » Nala, posted by Sleepy Lizard on July 18, 2002, at 9:08:33
> I have not used Remeron, but I've read that people gain about 5 pounds (in some documents 10 pounds). According to one study, the placebo group also gained the weight. The explanation was that when depression lifts, appitite increases. I suspect that it is more than that, perhaps metabolic, or due to the sedation. You can read some about remeron at:
>
> http://www.organon-conferences.com/rsem2001/I think this explanation is inadequate - I was not depressed when I started (I switched from efexor)and managing to stick to a healthy eating, steady weight loss program. This past week, since starting remeron / zispin I have stuffed my face with any and every food I could get hold of and stuff I wouldn't normally even consider eating and I still want more. My appetite is increased massively and I don;t seem to get the signal that says 'you're full now - you can stop stuffing your face'. I need to get a grip - hopefully this will wear off a bit and I will be able to.
Posted by BarbaraCat on August 1, 2002, at 0:49:34
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » Nala, posted by swingsnroundabouts on July 31, 2002, at 17:29:49
Despite Remeron being the best AD I've ever been on, I'm getting off it because no matter what, I've steadily gained and gained and am now heavier than I've ever been in my life. I'm small framed, medium height and very conscious of my diet, semi vegitarian, etc., moderate exercise, but can't lose the 25 lbs. I'm also a dancer, or used to be, before getting fibro. I'm trying to get back to dancing, but nothing budges this pudge! So Remeron goes adios. I'm really feeling the lowered dosage, oh yeah, but I WILL conquer this depression!!! If it doesn't kill me, the weight will.
> > I have not used Remeron, but I've read that people gain about 5 pounds (in some documents 10 pounds). According to one study, the placebo group also gained the weight. The explanation was that when depression lifts, appitite increases. I suspect that it is more than that, perhaps metabolic, or due to the sedation. You can read some about remeron at:
> >
> > http://www.organon-conferences.com/rsem2001/
>
> I think this explanation is inadequate - I was not depressed when I started (I switched from efexor)and managing to stick to a healthy eating, steady weight loss program. This past week, since starting remeron / zispin I have stuffed my face with any and every food I could get hold of and stuff I wouldn't normally even consider eating and I still want more. My appetite is increased massively and I don;t seem to get the signal that says 'you're full now - you can stop stuffing your face'. I need to get a grip - hopefully this will wear off a bit and I will be able to.
>
>
Posted by Nala on September 14, 2002, at 6:42:12
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by BarbaraCat on March 12, 2002, at 11:54:55
> Barbaracat,
You've responded to me before re: "REmeron Alone". Since then, my pdoc has added lithium 450 mg (Eskalith CR)qd, to my regimen. I've been on this combo for 3 weeks. In addition, my pdoc believes I also have BP II. How are you currently doing on these meds? I haven't read anything recently from you. I think I feel better, but I'm not sure. I also take a low dose adderall 5mg bid (??) and klonopin 1mg qd. any thoughts?Nala
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 14, 2002, at 17:10:59
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Nala on September 14, 2002, at 6:42:12
Hi Nala,
I responded to you a few weeks back, guess it got lost in cyberspace. I'm reducing Remeron and eventually want to get off for good. I'm now at 22mg down from 75. Feeling pretty rocky, but everytime I start to go way down, I remind myself that it's normal, I'm reducing an AD, things are more touchy right now. It's amazing how this works. My goal and prayer is to be able to call on this mantra and have it work every time and to keep on using it when and if I'm off entirely (it's normal to feel like life sucks - it does, etc). For me it boils down to no AD has worked well enough to warrant the side effects. I'll probably stay on lithium or another mood stabiliser but I'm sick of being fat and/or numb. There has to be another way and by God I will beat the shit out of this depression bipolar whatever it is business.It sounds like your combo is a good one and that fact that you're feeling better after 3 weeks is a very good sign. Hang in there. Remeron is a good AD and many seem to have had great success with it.
> > Barbaracat,
> You've responded to me before re: "REmeron Alone". Since then, my pdoc has added lithium 450 mg (Eskalith CR)qd, to my regimen. I've been on this combo for 3 weeks. In addition, my pdoc believes I also have BP II. How are you currently doing on these meds? I haven't read anything recently from you. I think I feel better, but I'm not sure. I also take a low dose adderall 5mg bid (??) and klonopin 1mg qd. any thoughts?
>
> Nala
>
Posted by McPac on September 15, 2002, at 17:14:38
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions » Nala, posted by BarbaraCat on September 14, 2002, at 17:10:59
BarbaraCat
Hi, Hope you are well.
Question for you re: your Remeron experience:Did Remeron at higher doses MAKE you feel MORE anxious/agitated/nervous?
It has for me (agitation/nerv./heart beating FASTER!
I hate Remeron at these higher doses (45 mg for me).
Perhaps if you did not feel these worsening symptoms it may be because you were on other meds (benzos) that counteracted these effects.
Hey, one more question:
Ever hear of the Pfeiffer Treatment Center (a nutritional care facility for biochemical imbalances)? I was thinking about going there; not sure yet. You can type its name and do a search to find it on the web.
Take Care!
Posted by McPac on September 15, 2002, at 17:18:04
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions » Nala, posted by BarbaraCat on September 14, 2002, at 17:10:59
(See my other post Barb).
Posted by Jill on September 15, 2002, at 21:19:00
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by McPac on September 15, 2002, at 17:14:38
Yes, I've heard from my pdoc that higher doses can cause more agitation. I take 45 mg, but every few months (with doctor's ok) I cut back for a few days because I start to have trouble sleeping. After a few days at a lower dose, I go back up to 45 mg with no more sleep probs.
I love this drug. I am planning on having children soon and am dreading going off of it after over 5 years of feeling fabulous with much reduced depression/OCD thoughts with it.
Anyone with any new info on Remeron and pregnancy?
Thanks.
Jill
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