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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 kotsunega on May 29, 2007, at 21:19:57
OK, I'm looking for suggestions. I am Bipolar I and the only thing that has ever worked to keep away the mania demons is Zyprexa. I have tried every other antipsychotic and antiepileptic drug out there, in addition to Lithium, and nothing compares to it. I don't have any of the side effects that Zyprexa is infamous for, thank God.
I also take Effexor for mixed episodes, and since I have ADD, I take Adderall, too.
The problem: My husband is complaining that I have no motivation, and he is right. I manage enough motivation during the day to get my work done, but when it comes to anything else, well...I'm happy just sitting on the couch. Let the house go; let the yard go...let the bills go, I don't care.
I can't take any more Adderall - I'm taking 90 mg divided in 3 doses every day. I'm taking 150 mg of Effexor XR. I used to take Prozac, but after about 10 years, it pooped out. I tried Lamictal, but after an initial boost, I went into a severe tail spin and became suicidal. That was sheer misery - but that is an understatement.
I'm looking for an antidepressant (I think) that will get me off my behind and back into active living again...beyond just getting through the hours of the workday. (I used to know how that felt, but it's been a long time now.)
Am I just lazy and need an attitude adjustment, or can someone suggest an antidepressant that will make me give a darn about life outside of going through the motions at my job?
Please don't suggest that I drop the Zyprexa. I can't do that. While trying other drugs for bipolar mania, I have done things that nearly cost me my job on numerous occasions.
Any thoughts? Thanks.
Posted by KayeBaby on May 30, 2007, at 1:47:54
In reply to I need a new drug, posted by kotsunega on May 29, 2007, at 21:19:57
Your problem and mine are nearly the same.
Motivation. I have some mental motivation but no physical. I have been on EMSAM 6mg for a little over a month and my Dr. added Namenda less than a week ago. I seem to be progressively better and no anxiety or hyperness.
My Dr. is really big on the Namenda right now for ADD symptoms. He is on it himself and loves it.
I feel really good, balanced and alert. The motivation may be picking up.
Good Luck!
Kaye
Posted by F00TBALL on May 30, 2007, at 1:49:11
In reply to I need a new drug, posted by kotsunega on May 29, 2007, at 21:19:57
Maybe Wellbutrin? It's often pretty stimulating.
Posted by kotsunega on May 30, 2007, at 6:40:21
In reply to Re: I need a new drug, posted by KayeBaby on May 30, 2007, at 1:47:54
Hi KayeBaby,
I looked up Nemanda, as you suggested, and see that it is an Alzheimer's med. I didn't know it was being prescribed off-label for other dx's. What was the chief complaint you had (no motivation?) that led your psydoc to prescribe it for you? I wonder if I can take Adderall and Nemanda together? Do you know why your doctor is taking it himself? I ask, because I just wonder what benefits he is getting from it. Thanks for the tip.
K.
Posted by kotsunega on May 30, 2007, at 6:46:44
In reply to Re: I need a new drug, posted by F00TBALL on May 30, 2007, at 1:49:11
Thanks for the suggestion, FOOTBALL. I used to take Wellbutrin as did my son. It had no effect on me, although it made my son bounce off the walls. It's so strange to me how two people can react so differently to the same drug. Treating brain chemistry is an art more than a science, I guess.
K.
Posted by Phillipa on May 30, 2007, at 11:17:54
In reply to Re: I need a new drug, posted by F00TBALL on May 30, 2007, at 1:49:11
Football did you get your med back? Do you feel better? Are you on wellbutrin? Love Phillipa
Posted by KayeBaby on May 30, 2007, at 13:49:03
In reply to Re: I need a new drug, posted by kotsunega on May 30, 2007, at 6:40:21
> Hi KayeBaby,
>
> I looked up Nemanda, as you suggested, and see that it is an Alzheimer's med. I didn't know it was being prescribed off-label for other dx's. What was the chief complaint you had (no motivation?) that led your psydoc to prescribe it for you?
I discontinued stimulants in order to try the EMSAM patch. He thinks the Namenda may provide more energy, motivation and focus. He seemed to feel that Namenda might be an alternative for those who need stimulants.
>I wonder if I can take Adderall and Nemanda together?Yes. In fact Namenda is reputed to enhance the effectiveness of stimulants by reducing tolerance to them.
Do you know why your doctor is taking it himself?He is classical ADD but I believe he was motivated to try it due to it's growing reputation among neurologists as a preventative, a neuroprotector. I gather that it may be used rather like a 'smart drug' or a longevity promoting medication. Seems as though he found it quite effective for his ADD symptoms and is really recommending it to all of his ADD patients. Like I said-he is very enthusiastic about Namenda.
I ask, because I just wonder what benefits he is getting from it. Thanks for the tip.
>
> K.My Dr. stated specifically that he felt more alert, active, efficient and happy. I could tell that he was brighter, more energetic and focused that ususal. In fact, if I hadn't known different I would have thought he was taking stimulants. The difference in him between our last visit and when I saw him a couple of months ago was noticable. He has been taking the med for just about a couple of months.
Naturally, I was happy to accept a started pack. 'I'll have what he's having.'
:)
Kaye
This is the end of the thread.
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