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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 Kira on November 9, 2003, at 18:24:44
I'm wondering if anyone here suffering from mood disorders has treated manic and depressive episodes rather than taking meds 24/7. If so, I'd be very interested in hearing about your successes or lack thereof, if you're open to sharing your experiences with me. Thanks!:)
Posted by Harvester of Eyes on November 9, 2003, at 18:42:11
In reply to Treating episodes instead of meds 24/7, posted by Kira on November 9, 2003, at 18:24:44
An obstacle is the lag time between starting a med and having it work. There may be more than one, but the only drug associated with bipolar that I can think of that works immediately is clonozepam, for mania.
There is also the problem os creeping onset, where you don't realize the trend you are on until you are well into it.
There is of course the choice of raising or lowering meds based on season, stress or trend.
I love the concept but it's hard to think past these issues. Perhaps someone else has more insights.
Posted by galkeepinon on November 9, 2003, at 21:48:16
In reply to Treating episodes instead of meds 24/7, posted by Kira on November 9, 2003, at 18:24:44
>>>I'm wondering if anyone here suffering from mood disorders has treated manic and depressive episodes rather than taking meds 24/7.
I'm doing it right now, actually have been for about a week.
What would you like to know? I'd be happy to share anything with you if it helps you.
Posted by Elle2021 on November 10, 2003, at 6:12:45
In reply to Treating episodes instead of meds 24/7, posted by Kira on November 9, 2003, at 18:24:44
I suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder, which a lot of people are beginning to classify as a mood disorder. I take Paxil regularly for depression. On occasion I experience paranoia (sometimes a symptom of BPD). During those times I take Geodon, however I do not take it all the time. For me it works. I take the Geodon to treat the episode of paranoia, and then discontinue it after the symptoms disappear. I asked my pdoc about doing that and he told me that all the medical books say that not taking the medications regularly will make them less effective, BUT he said some of his patients do the same as I do and are successful like I am. I guess you have to just go by trial and error, and see what works. God bless you.
Elle
Posted by Kira on November 10, 2003, at 7:40:14
In reply to Re: Treating episodes instead of meds 24/7 » Kira, posted by galkeepinon on November 9, 2003, at 21:48:16
I greatly appreciate your taking the time to respond to my post and for sharing your experiences with me!
I experience depressive episodes 6+ times per year. The episodes last from 2 weeks to 2 months. I have been diagnosed with Rapid Cycling bipolar but I question my diagnosis because during the so-called "manic" phases I simply feel like *myself* - happy, outgoing, confident and adventurous with an abundance of mental and physical energy to accomplish my goals.
I would ideally like to take meds only during the depressive episodes, but wasn't sure if this would be a possibility. (I have never taken any meds. I am currently unemployed and unable to see a pdoc)
Posted by Elle2021 on November 10, 2003, at 21:27:58
In reply to Re: Treating episodes instead of meds 24/7, posted by Kira on November 10, 2003, at 7:40:14
Hi Kira,
Pretty name by the way. I'm really sorry you can't see a pdoc right now; I have been through that and I know how bad things can get. Do you know when you will be able to see one? Is there any kind of a welfare system you can turn to? I too experience depressive episodes, although I wouldn't refer to mine as episodic. It's more like I have a low grade depression that is *always* there, however, on occasion (becomming more frequent) it drops even lower and becomes major depression. Like I said before, I always take my Paxil regularly. It is helping me, but my pdoc said in order to help my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder the dose will have to get up to at least 100 mg. Ahhh...the side effects of 100mg. does not appeal to me! Another poster mentioned that the time it takes the drugs to kick in might not be enough time to treat your episodes, thats something you will have to think about. In my experiences I have learned that for me, medications are trial and error...usually error, but I am learning what works and what doesn't, even if I am doing it the hard way...seems like that is the only way. God bless you!
Elle> I greatly appreciate your taking the time to respond to my post and for sharing your experiences with me!
>
> I experience depressive episodes 6+ times per year. The episodes last from 2 weeks to 2 months. I have been diagnosed with Rapid Cycling bipolar but I question my diagnosis because during the so-called "manic" phases I simply feel like *myself* - happy, outgoing, confident and adventurous with an abundance of mental and physical energy to accomplish my goals.
>
> I would ideally like to take meds only during the depressive episodes, but wasn't sure if this would be a possibility. (I have never taken any meds. I am currently unemployed and unable to see a pdoc)
This is the end of the thread.
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