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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by holymama on April 30, 2004, at 15:00:44
Does anyone have any ideas for what I might want to consider next?
I'm taking 15 mg lexapro
Also 900 mg trileptalI think the lexapro might be pooping out on me. I've not been very stable on these meds, rapid cycling, and recently in a 6 week severe depression. An increase in lexapro didn't help. I still feel fragile. I'm starting with a new pdoc tomorrow.
I get very depressed so am more concerned about that end of my bipolar.
I would like to stop this rapid cycling and be more stable.
I am concerned about weight gain.
I would like more energy. Normally I have a fidgety kind of energy that is gone on my current meds, and I would like that energy back! I used to get so much done and now I am so lethargic.
Any ideas/suggestions from anyone? If my new pdoc asks me what I might like to try next, I would like to give her some ideas. I'm excited for a change in brain chemistry. :)
Posted by HappyGirl on April 30, 2004, at 21:37:58
In reply to what med next for obsessive/depressive/bipolar?, posted by holymama on April 30, 2004, at 15:00:44
Hi:
Like you, I am also Bp II with ultra Rapid Cycler that is quite 'pain in the neck,' about which ONLY those sufferrs 'understand'. On top of Bp, this is quite bothersome and difficult for both pdoc. and us to deal with. However, after 5 mg. Zyprexa, my ultra cycler is much improved to 'not' having it any longer. However, there is ' the time' to control this even on the right med./med. combo., 'ultra rapid cylcer,' ... took almost one-two years after even on right med. combo. However, I finally feel almost 'normalcy' to enjoy the life again.
Then, I highly suggest any of APs, such as Risperdal(most potent AP), Seroquel(most weakest AP), Zyprexa(mid. range AP), few more newer ones, such as Geodon and Abilify.
Try to ask your pdoc. soon.
H.G.
Posted by holymama on April 30, 2004, at 22:04:24
In reply to Re: what med next for obsessive/depressive/bipolar?, posted by HappyGirl on April 30, 2004, at 21:37:58
Thank you for the new ideas Happygirl! I see my new pdoc tomorrow, and have never considered or had my old pdoc suggest APs before, so this gives me something new to think about, research and talk with my new doctor about. Thanks so much for the idea. I'll definately be thinking about it because it has been a year since I've been on meds and I can't believe one whole year has passed and I am so unstable. I feel like I've wasted a year. I need to get on top of this med thing and just live my life again. :)
Posted by Keith Talent on May 3, 2004, at 5:59:18
In reply to Re: what med next for obsessive/depressive/bipolar? » HappyGirl, posted by holymama on April 30, 2004, at 22:04:24
What about lithium or aripiprazole (Abilify)? Can your psychiatrist increase the Trileptal dose?
Posted by holymama on May 3, 2004, at 6:59:31
In reply to Re: what med next for obsessive/depressive/bipolar?, posted by Keith Talent on May 3, 2004, at 5:59:18
Hi Keith! I can't take Lithium because I have a thyroid problem. Is Amblify an AP? My pdoc (s) haven't mentioned APs to me yet. Maybe they save them until they've exhausted the mood stablizers???
I saw my new pdoc on Saturday and she wants to take me off both of my meds -- Lexapro and Trileptal, and try Welbutrin and Lamictal instead. So I'll do it, since what I'm on now is not working for me. For the next 6 weeks I have a very intensive increasing/decreasing schedule of meds until I've completely switched. We'll see...I didn't even mention APs to my new pdoc, since she seemed so intent on trying this combo. I'll save this info for later, thanks so much guys.
Posted by Keith Talent on May 3, 2004, at 22:06:26
In reply to Re: what med next for obsessive/depressive/bipolar?, posted by holymama on May 3, 2004, at 6:59:31
I'm interested in what your thyroid problem is, and whether it might still be possible to work lithium into the picture. Lamictal has some scientific evidence in its favour for treating bipolar depression, but to stop the upswings, it doesn't appear to be much good. Everyone who uses lithium can develop thyroid problems, hence the need for regular monitoring of thyroid function. However, it is still the gold standard of mood stabilisation, and a LOT of patients and psychiatrists swear by it.
Posted by holymama on May 4, 2004, at 5:46:02
In reply to Re: what med next for obsessive/depressive/bipolar?, posted by Keith Talent on May 3, 2004, at 22:06:26
Hi Keith,
I have a hypothyroid problem, which is mild and I have never had symptoms from. It was only detected during routine bloodwork during a pregnancy. So I take 50 mg of Synthroid for it. I was told by another person on this site that I may still be able to take lithium, so I am keeping it in mind for the future. Depression has always been my main issue, I used to have only slight hypomanic times, and the only major one I had was on an SSRI. The mania and rapid cycling I've had problems with have come on with the use of antidepressants for me. So what a pain to be trying to treat depression, ony to find out that I can't take the standard AD...I like a lot of what I've read about Lithium, but the side effect of weight gain is worrisome to me. It's probably like most of these frugs anyway; it happens to some and not others.
This is the end of the thread.
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