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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 tensor on December 3, 2006, at 9:01:15
I have tried Lithium as an augmentor for my AD's and as a mood stabilizer to prevent relapses in depression(unipolar). No success. My lamictal
trial is probably coming to an end soon as it has no antidepressant properties for me whatsoever, it just makes me tired. My question is, is there any point trying other mood stabilizers/anticonvulsants like carbamazepine, valproate or oxcarbazepine? Their actions are pretty similar. I'm not too keen trying antipsychotics, what do you think, is it the next logical step?I would like a med with a little stimulant effect, but that's not the first priority, AD effect is. I have responded best to noradrenergic meds, and I read somewhere that T3 increases NE receptor sensitivity. Could it be that my NE receptors gets desensitized over time and thus causing a relapse? I'm trying to put together a list of a few strategies(or at least one) to show my pdoc at next appoinment(20 dec.). I can't endure Lamictal much longer, I have been patient.
I'm not sure if it's of any significance but when I crash, I go from euthymia to depression in one or two days and then I stay depressed for a very long time. It's strange.
Dopamine and the reward system seems to be in "off mode", however, I have no problems with my humour, I laugh at funny things and often comes up funny things, like jokes. Difficulties falling asleep but sleep well when I does. Often tempted to binge eat, but can withstand pretty good. Lack of motivation, energy and interest. That are the characteristics of my depression.
Please, suggestions, opinions, ideas and comments greatly appreciated.
/Mattias
Posted by rosa63 on December 4, 2006, at 7:02:05
In reply to Mood stabilizers and AD's, posted by tensor on December 3, 2006, at 9:01:15
> I would like a med with a little stimulant effect, but that's not the first priority, AD effect is. I can't endure Lamictal much longer, I have been patient.
After sticking out the side effects of Abilify, I have found that it is a very effective AD! My motivation, energy, and interests are slowing improving everyday.At first, I absolutely HATED Abilify! It has been about three weeks and my depression has lifted immensly. I still have a little more tweaking to do (irritability problems on Abilify), but I think I am going to stay with it.
Also, I am taking 2000 mg of vitamin E daily in hopes it will prevent tardive dyskinesia.
BTW, is it possible you are bi-polar? I am aksing you this based on the changes in your depression.
Posted by tensor on December 4, 2006, at 7:16:02
In reply to Re: Mood stabilizers and AD's » tensor, posted by rosa63 on December 4, 2006, at 7:02:05
Hi rosa,
>I have found that it is a very effective AD!
Do you take it only as an AD? Do you use it as an AP as well? APs scares me a bit, to be honest.
>BTW, is it possible you are bi-polar?
Me and my pdoc and pdocs in the past can't find a single evidence that I'm bipolar. I can't come up with an episode in my past that could even be a state of slight hypomania. I do have had periods where my energy has been higher than usual, which just feels like a boost from my meds. I can work a little overtime if I wish, but that's it.
I'm more and more thinking about T3. Taking it in intervals to increase NE receptor sensitivity, though it's highly hypothetical it would work like that, it's appealing. Especially if it could prevent or delay relapses.
/Mattias
Posted by rosa63 on December 4, 2006, at 7:57:03
In reply to Re: Mood stabilizers and AD's » rosa63, posted by tensor on December 4, 2006, at 7:16:02
> Hi rosa,
> Do you take it only as an AD? Do you use it as an AP as well? APs scares me a bit, to be honest.
I take it to augment 60 mgs of Cymbalta
> Me and my pdoc and pdocs in the past can't find a single evidence that I'm bipolar. I can't come up with an episode in my past that could even be a state of slight hypomania. I do have had periods where my energy has been higher than usual, which just feels like a boost from my meds. I can work a little overtime if I wish, but that's it.I am starting to think that I am bi-polar and that it has always been misdiagnosed for ADD. I defintely have racing thoughts and the Abilify has dramatically cleared up my mind. Also, I go in periods from being depressed to being severely depressed, bad sleep to NO sleep, anxiety to severe anxiety, as well as eating pattern changes. I can defintely see how ADD can be confused with BP with my situation because my situation is not typical. I am going to ask my pdoc what she thinks of my self-diagnosis at my appointment on Thursday.
> I'm more and more thinking about T3. Taking it in intervals to increase NE receptor sensitivity, though it's highly hypothetical it would work like that, it's appealing. Especially if it could prevent or delay relapses.
I take Cytomel (not sure if is is T3 or T4??) and it does give me some energy, but I find augmentation with Abilify is much more effective. Of course, this may not be the same with everyone - just go read Trish's postings on her experience with Abilify. Good Luck!!!
H.
Posted by theo on December 5, 2006, at 22:23:04
In reply to Re: Mood stabilizers and AD's » tensor, posted by rosa63 on December 4, 2006, at 7:02:05
What dose of Abilify are you taking? Are you taking it morning or bedtime?
Posted by exquilter on December 6, 2006, at 23:51:31
In reply to Re: Mood stabilizers and AD's » rosa63, posted by theo on December 5, 2006, at 22:23:04
I have been taking Cytomel (T3) for nearly 20 years. It was the first augmentation med to allow an AD to work for me. Each time I have tried to decrease my dose, at some doc's insistance, I have gone into a tailspin so I may change other meds but leave my Cytomel alone!
The Abilify I'm taking is more problematic. It works well but has some side effects, mainly weight gain and tremor/akathesia that I don't like. I take it at bedtime as it tends to cause daytime sleepiness for me, although I found it quite activating at first. I have tried to reduce my dose below my current 5 mg and have had a worsening of my depression along with no significant reduction in side effects. Not sure what to do now.
Exquilter
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