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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by D minor on August 20, 2004, at 19:30:44
Hello,
I just registered so I'm new, but I've been reading messages for a while. I was diagnosed with Major Depression last year. Now my new pdoc thinks that episode may have been a mixed episode and that I, therefore, may be Bipolar. He wants to put me on Depakote, which I am terrified of. Does it really make you loose your hair?
Anyway, I'm not so sure I'm bipolar. What is the official definition of racing thoughts? I've had repetative thoughts and horrible thoughts that kept me up at night. But mainly I had this feeling like my brain was screaming or was on fire. Does that sound crazy? It was like there wasn't enough stimulation for my brain, like the world was moving to slow and I just wanted to bang my head on something.
Please let me know what your bipolar experience has been if it's been anything like mine.
Peace and love-
Dm
P.S. I'll post this on the newbie page too.
Posted by linkadge on August 21, 2004, at 9:38:59
In reply to What exactly are racing thoughts? Depakote?, posted by D minor on August 20, 2004, at 19:30:44
Racing thoughts can be caused by severe depression, or depression with psychotic features. It can also be an indicator of mixed states of bipolar disorder.
Depakote is a fairly good drug. It helped me with my depression even though I wasn't terribly bipolar. You could give it a try or ask the doctor to try something different.
Linkadge
Posted by HappyGirl on August 21, 2004, at 9:44:41
In reply to What exactly are racing thoughts? Depakote?, posted by D minor on August 20, 2004, at 19:30:44
Hi:
In answer to your question following, below:>>>> I was diagnosed with Major Depression last year. Now my new pdoc thinks that episode may have been a mixed episode and that I, therefore, may be Bipolar. He wants to put me on Depakote, which I am terrified of. Does it really make you loose your hair? <<<<
---- It's VERY common Bipolar started to 'surface' after Major Depression, due to anti-depressant, such as Zoloft and other SSRIs help to bring up 'Bipolar.' For explanation on this, ... is you basically 'had' Bipolar, however Depression and Bipolar has some similarities, particualy as to 'depressive' episodes. However, in Bipolar you have not only 'sad/depression' but also 'manic.' In regard to 'manic,' in the beginning of dxed with Bipolar, there is very 'slight' high feelings. Then, it must be quite hard for even expert pdocs. to precisely pinpoint whether 'high' is to be 'manic.' Because, normally we have both 'happy' and 'bad' feelings. However, in Bipolar, there is pronoucingly 'ups' and 'downs' that 'normal,' non-Bipolar folks do NOT have.
Next question, 'Depakote,' .... this med. is primarily used for 'Epilepsy,' however it works VERY well for newly dxed Bipolar, such as you case. The main reason why your pdoc. wants to put you on Depakote is, in my guess, ... two reasons, ... one for whether you REALLY have Bipolar. If you have one, your moods WILL gradually improve with time, within a week or so. Another for 'working well' for majority of freshly dxed Bipolar folks.
In regard to 'hair loss,' ... it all depends on person to person. In my case, I did NOT notice any loss, ... but then I have quite 'thick' wavy hair. Just, in my case, I needed to drink a lot of water from taking the 750 mg. - 1000 mg. per day. ----
>>> What is the official definition of racing thoughts? I've had repetative thoughts and horrible thoughts that kept me up at night. But mainly I had this feeling like my brain was screaming or was on fire. Does that sound crazy? It was like there wasn't enough stimulation for my brain, like the world was moving to slow and I just wanted to bang my head on something. <<<---- Frankly and truthly, I can NOT answer your question above, .... simply I never had those experience. However, racing thoughts might have some relation to 'rapid cycler' that means 'depression' and 'manic' comes and goes alternatively within hours, days or even monthly basis. It's very discomfort to endure 'those' cycling, in my expereince.
Besides the above-mentioned, there are different form of 'bipolar' that varies person to person. Then, your pdoc. could dx propertly your problem, Bipolar or other form of mental illness. My best advice on this is you need to follow your pdoc.'s instruction carefully and talk every moods you have. Sometimes, the 'mood' chart/dairy is more helpful than talking, because at the beginning it's quite frightening experience going all through.
H.G.
Posted by cpallen79 on August 21, 2004, at 10:14:24
In reply to Re: What exactly are racing thoughts? Depakote?, posted by HappyGirl on August 21, 2004, at 9:44:41
HI, I'm /w Happygirl on this one. Racing thoughts are repetitive intrusive thought s that you can't shake... it's not the same as OCD or anything like that... rather your brain is going non-stop... you hear songs, conversation (not the same as "hearing voices"), all sorts of stuff... your mind just will not STOP thinking. Last time I went to the PDOC, I was diagnosed as BP NOS /w mixed epsidoes. I have those racing thoughts and have found trileptal to turn down the volume on them nicely.
Depakote is supposed ot be a real beauty in helping witht his... It can cause side effects like hairloss and weight gain, so you want to watch out for it. If it's bothersome, perhaps try using a different mood stabilizer. Good luck!
> Hi:
> In answer to your question following, below:
>
> >>>> I was diagnosed with Major Depression last year. Now my new pdoc thinks that episode may have been a mixed episode and that I, therefore, may be Bipolar. He wants to put me on Depakote, which I am terrified of. Does it really make you loose your hair? <<<<
>
> ---- It's VERY common Bipolar started to 'surface' after Major Depression, due to anti-depressant, such as Zoloft and other SSRIs help to bring up 'Bipolar.' For explanation on this, ... is you basically 'had' Bipolar, however Depression and Bipolar has some similarities, particualy as to 'depressive' episodes. However, in Bipolar you have not only 'sad/depression' but also 'manic.' In regard to 'manic,' in the beginning of dxed with Bipolar, there is very 'slight' high feelings. Then, it must be quite hard for even expert pdocs. to precisely pinpoint whether 'high' is to be 'manic.' Because, normally we have both 'happy' and 'bad' feelings. However, in Bipolar, there is pronoucingly 'ups' and 'downs' that 'normal,' non-Bipolar folks do NOT have.
>
> Next question, 'Depakote,' .... this med. is primarily used for 'Epilepsy,' however it works VERY well for newly dxed Bipolar, such as you case. The main reason why your pdoc. wants to put you on Depakote is, in my guess, ... two reasons, ... one for whether you REALLY have Bipolar. If you have one, your moods WILL gradually improve with time, within a week or so. Another for 'working well' for majority of freshly dxed Bipolar folks.
>
> In regard to 'hair loss,' ... it all depends on person to person. In my case, I did NOT notice any loss, ... but then I have quite 'thick' wavy hair. Just, in my case, I needed to drink a lot of water from taking the 750 mg. - 1000 mg. per day. ----
>
>
> >>> What is the official definition of racing thoughts? I've had repetative thoughts and horrible thoughts that kept me up at night. But mainly I had this feeling like my brain was screaming or was on fire. Does that sound crazy? It was like there wasn't enough stimulation for my brain, like the world was moving to slow and I just wanted to bang my head on something. <<<
>
> ---- Frankly and truthly, I can NOT answer your question above, .... simply I never had those experience. However, racing thoughts might have some relation to 'rapid cycler' that means 'depression' and 'manic' comes and goes alternatively within hours, days or even monthly basis. It's very discomfort to endure 'those' cycling, in my expereince.
>
> Besides the above-mentioned, there are different form of 'bipolar' that varies person to person. Then, your pdoc. could dx propertly your problem, Bipolar or other form of mental illness. My best advice on this is you need to follow your pdoc.'s instruction carefully and talk every moods you have. Sometimes, the 'mood' chart/dairy is more helpful than talking, because at the beginning it's quite frightening experience going all through.
> H.G.
>
Posted by King Vultan on August 21, 2004, at 10:20:56
In reply to What exactly are racing thoughts? Depakote?, posted by D minor on August 20, 2004, at 19:30:44
When I was in college back in the 80's, I had severe problems with racing thoughts, as well as a constant feeling that my brain was on fire. However, I attributed this to the very high stress and anxiety levels that I was concurrently experiencing. I have never been diagnosed as bipolar, but rather as having dysthymia, which is severe and occasionally crosses over into major depression. I do keep my mind open to the possibility that there may be some bipolar aspect to my condition, but since I have had unremitting dysthymia/depression for over a decade and have never had any kind of positive period longer than a few days in my adult life, it just seems that unipolar depression would seem to describe my condition more accurately. I have never tried a mood stabilizer and tend to look somewhat askance at them because of their side effects, but if my current line of treatment does not pan out, perhaps this is something that I should more seriously consider.
Todd
Posted by woolav on August 21, 2004, at 11:07:42
In reply to Re: What exactly are racing thoughts? Depakote?, posted by King Vultan on August 21, 2004, at 10:20:56
This is for Todd and "newbie" -welcome...
I just wanted to say my ex-husband has BP and it may have been extreme, but he would have these horrible manic depressive periods (suicidal thoughts/paranoia etc..) then he would have the "manic" high feeling, like he could conquer the world. Each cycle lasted a few months, and it was just up and down. I think alot of pdoc say alot of us have BP but it may be a lesser variation of it. And I will say I hate depakote. I had alot of side effects and would never take it again. Lamictal is a good alternative.Todd, you seem to have the same dx as me. What are you taking med wise???
Thanks
Sandy
Posted by linkadge on August 21, 2004, at 13:28:20
In reply to Re: What exactly are racing thoughts? Depakote?, posted by King Vultan on August 21, 2004, at 10:20:56
Racing thoughts can also be a symptom of unipolar depression, especially when the thoughts are negative in nature and accompany anxiety and panic.
Linkadge
Posted by D minor on August 21, 2004, at 15:39:59
In reply to racing thoughs not always bipolar, posted by linkadge on August 21, 2004, at 13:28:20
> Racing thoughts can also be a symptom of unipolar depression, especially when the thoughts are negative in nature and accompany anxiety and panic.
Wow, thanks for all of your replies!I've had all of the above. I also have psychotic features, for which I am taking Abilify. But in my case it is especially hard to tell if I may have Bipolar because they started me on Topamax for migraines at the same time as they started me on Remeron for depression. So manic symptoms may have been masked.
My pdoc is hoping that by giving me Depakote he can simpifly my medication regime, which includes: Abilify, Topamax, Remeron, Seroquel, and Wellbutrin.
I'm doing fine now, but he says I'm on way to many meds. He suggested that I may be able to take just a Depakote and Abilify (if I'm really bipolar). Has anyone else had a similar combo? How did it go? It it worth risking changing all my meds since I'm doing OK?
Thanks again,
Dm
Posted by HappyGirl on August 21, 2004, at 16:44:41
In reply to Re: Depakote worth it? Stabilizer + Antipsychotic, posted by D minor on August 21, 2004, at 15:39:59
Hi:
To answer to your questions below:>>>> My pdoc is hoping that by giving me Depakote he can simpifly my medication regime, which includes: Abilify, Topamax, Remeron, Seroquel, and Wellbutrin. <<<<
---- Depakote is basically a mood-stabilizer for Bipolar, but also could be used 'depressive' effective in some. Abilify is good for most of Bp symptoms as long as you have tolerance on this 'potent' AP. For that reason, your pdoc. thinking he might be able to simplify your med. regimen. Furthermore, your pdoc. does NOT want you to 'over-medicated' due to side-effects from all of those meds., not now but probably on the road ahead. ----
>>>> It it worth risking changing all my meds since I'm doing OK? <<<<
---- In my suggestion, both, 'yes' and 'no' answer. For 'yes/no risking med.' is VERY understandable, because it's TOUGH to find the meds. for which you already inclined. New med. regimen, ... in my personal experience, it takes awhile for your system to adjust and also taking 'risk' whether this simplification would suit to the symptoms you have. However, try the best you can, ... because your pdoc. seems 'care' about your situation and condition, ... not like 'over-medicated,' in case you need to taper off some of meds. Withdrawal is sometime 'nighmare,' as reading some of posts/response here, Psycho-Babble.
You need to ask your pdoc. if there is some concern over this issue, 'new form of med. regimen.'
H.G.
Posted by King Vultan on August 21, 2004, at 23:14:19
In reply to Re: What exactly are racing thoughts? Todd, posted by woolav on August 21, 2004, at 11:07:42
>
> Todd, you seem to have the same dx as me. What are you taking med wise???
> Thanks
> Sandy
I am starting Parnate Tuesday after completing a two week washout period after my last dose of Nardil. I have become increasingly convinced that my fundamental problem is dopaminergic, so Parnate is a good thing to try IMO. I have previously tried Prozac, Effexor, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, nortriptyline, desipramine, protriptyline, Provigil, and Strattera, besides the Nardil. Wellbutrin was very promising at first but ultimately made me extremely irritable. I also have social phobia, for which the Nardil was very beneficial, but the stuff just had a ton of side effects and was ultimately too serotonergic. I'm very interested to see just how much different the Parnate is.Todd
Posted by woolav on August 22, 2004, at 7:52:58
In reply to Re: What exactly are racing thoughts? » woolav, posted by King Vultan on August 21, 2004, at 23:14:19
Todd, please keep me/us posted on your progress with parnate. My pdoc wont prescribe MAOI's to me because she isnt that familiar with them. So, I am curious to see what results you get from parnate. Perhaps I will have to change Dr's at some point..
Sandy
Posted by waki on August 23, 2004, at 17:33:10
In reply to Re: What exactly are racing thoughts? Depakote?, posted by linkadge on August 21, 2004, at 9:38:59
Yes your right, if you have racing thoughts, you are crazy, and not normal.
Hahhah just kidding, I like those words on this board.
I used the term racing thoughts a lot trying to describe what I am feeling.
Does your mind ever go blank. In other words could you take a drive on the highway and miss an off ramp?
My racing thoughts kept me awake do yours?
Do you ever have weird repititve thoughts?
Does the racing thoughts increase with anxiety or the inverse?
I'm glad to know I'm not the only crazy one.
Posted by cpallen79 on August 23, 2004, at 19:20:54
In reply to racing thoughs not always bipolar, posted by linkadge on August 21, 2004, at 13:28:20
This can be very true... I think it depends on how frequently the thoughts occur, and what types of thought sthey are... many tiems people will have racing thoughts when they have panic attacks... everything gets really fast.... the racignt houghts that often go /w Bipolar and/or ADHD are the ones with bits of music goign through your head constantly, conversations, ideas, all that fun stuff... soem people have it all the time (mixed episodes and depression) whereas others only get it during mania... Mood stabilizers and Atypicals can work splendidly for this stuff.
> Racing thoughts can also be a symptom of unipolar depression, especially when the thoughts are negative in nature and accompany anxiety and panic.
>
> Linkadge
Posted by D minor on August 23, 2004, at 23:40:12
In reply to Re: What exactly are racing thoughts? Depakote?, posted by waki on August 23, 2004, at 17:33:10
> Does your mind ever go blank. In other words could you take a drive on the highway and miss an off ramp?
Mmm, I don't think so....
> My racing thoughts kept me awake do yours?
definitely yes!
> Do you ever have weird repititve thoughts?
absolutly, sometimes I would just rock back and forth thinking the same thing over and over
> Does the racing thoughts increase with anxiety or the inverse?
I'm not sure, a lot of the time the anxiety and the "uncontrollable" (since I'm still not sure they were sped-up racing) thoughts were connected with anxiety
> I'm glad to know I'm not the only crazy one.
Me too!
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