Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 128490

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theraputic med levels and killer side-effects

Posted by E1027 on November 20, 2002, at 14:13:11

Wondering if the following scenario sounds familiar to anyone and if so, any suggestions? Excuse the chatty length.

It seems like I am dealing with a garden variety manic depression (though there are some confusing extras)... Anyhow, I seem to be unable to take more than minute starting doses of most medications without getting overwhelmed by side-effects which, though they may be a welcome change from symptoms at first, rapidly become unbearable in themselves. E.g. migraines, vomiting and nausea, menstrual disregulation, aching bones and muscles, serious cognitive impairment, etc.

Because I can't manage a theraputic level on anything so far, I can't seem to avoid recurring episodes, and so am starting to wonder why I bother eating all these damn pills...

I wonder if there is any precedent for treating acute mania or depression only as needed... I know that defies the kindling theory everyone loves to talk about, but it IS just a theory and I AM getting desperate. Even my doctors are starting to act frustrated in front of me. That can't be a good sign.

Cheers,
E

 

Re: theraputic med levels and killer side-effects » E1027

Posted by BrittPark on November 20, 2002, at 17:53:04

In reply to theraputic med levels and killer side-effects, posted by E1027 on November 20, 2002, at 14:13:11

I'm sorry you're having a tough time. Since meds seem to not be very viable for you, have you looked into CBT. It has helped a lot of people.

Now I have a few questions. What is your diagnosis? People on PB can help much more if you tell us. How are you with non-psychiatric medications, aspirin, antihistamines, anything? The reason I ask this is that your description of your problem seems to fit the description of what is called "multiple chemical sensitivity". Recent studies suggest that MCS is a psychiatric rather than immunological condition in most people, not everyone. This is of course a Catch 22 in that the medicines that might ameliorate the problem are amongst the very things that cause you great discomfort. I hope I haven't offended you by this suggestion. Remember an illness is an illness whether its whooping cough or depression.

I believe there are some tests that can determine if you have faulty metabolism of drugs. It could be that 5mg of X for you might feel like 50mg of X does to other people. Has your doctor ever done blood level tests for any of the drugs you've taken? That could give a real clue about what's going on.

Hope you feel better soon,

Britt

 

Re: theraputic med levels and killer side-effects

Posted by E1027 on November 20, 2002, at 18:57:44

In reply to Re: theraputic med levels and killer side-effects » E1027, posted by BrittPark on November 20, 2002, at 17:53:04

Thanks so much for the thoughts. I'm offense-proof. Too cranky.

> What is your diagnosis?

I've had a diagnosis of bipolar 1 thrown at me a few times over the years, but some of the gustatory and olfactory hallucinations I have in depressed or mixed states are apparently not typical. No evidence of seizure activity found so far, but we are still trying to rule it out.

Therapy has been invaluable, but is only useful when I can concentrate enough to take it in. Psychiatric MCS is an interesting idea...

> How are you with non-psychiatric medications, aspirin, antihistamines, anything?

I have generally the same reaction. Overblown, considering the dosage. It took me a few years to put it together, but I have also noticed that certain medications and supplements (some antibiotics, prednisone, melatonin) tend to make me manic or hypomanic.

The only blood level test I've had done were for lithium. They came back startlingly low for the dose I was on. However-- I was full on manic at the time (some people say that it takes more to achieve the same blood levels under those circumstances). Also I had a migraine for a few days before and had been vomiting, so who knows...

Thanks again for the ideas.

E

 

Re: theraputic med levels and killer side-effects

Posted by oracle on November 20, 2002, at 19:50:19

In reply to theraputic med levels and killer side-effects, posted by E1027 on November 20, 2002, at 14:13:11

. I know that defies the kindling theory everyone loves to talk about, but it IS just a theory

A theory proven by thousands of BP's before we had meds.


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