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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 29. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cycling on July 6, 2010, at 15:49:23
So during college I went kind of crazy and went off the deep end if you well as far as mental health goes. I was taking zoloft 150 mg while drinking 30-35 drinks/week. I finally decided enough was enough was decided to seek help. I went to a psychologist...no help there. I found a psychiatrist towards the ending my college tenure which has changed my life dramatically though I still have some remnants I still need help to fix which is why I'm here. When I first went into his office he noticed my pressured speech and my intense behavior. He attributed this to mania and immediately put me on lithium. Within about 2-3 weeks I began to calm down my behavior. Only problem was that I was still have cycling thoughts and he diagnosed me with Bipolar I since cycling thoughts is often attributed with that. I'm finally at 400mg lamictal and to be honest it hasn't done much as far as my cycling/racing thoughts. He put me on Klonopin to slow down my thoughts but I'm hesitant to continue this treatment since I know it can be addictive. I've read some posts that suggest that Seroquel has had significant results as far as treating racing thoughts.
I feel fine, its just my racing thoughts that's stopping me from being "normal" if you will. My irritability that my pdoc saw initially I believe was attributed to my racing thoughts, not me being bipolar. Yes I was manic, I was crazy actually. Looking back on it, boy, I was intense. All in all, I'm looking for a way to stop these racing thoughts in order to move forward with my life. My thoughts come in and out so quickly that I often have shortness of breath which is very annoying. My thoughts used to be what I'd probably classify as OCD but now its just manifested into just random thoughts going here and there and simply what I believe to be GAD. I would appreciate if anyone can give any insight to their experience with either my medication, suggestions, or diagnosis.Your crazy friend,
Cycling
Posted by chujoe on July 6, 2010, at 17:00:10
In reply to Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin, posted by cycling on July 6, 2010, at 15:49:23
This really sounds like anxiety, not bipolar. (Not that I have direct experience with bipolar.) But I do have experience with GAD / OCD / ADD & what you describe as "cycling thoughts" & "racing thoughts" is one of my primary symptoms. Some people don't like it, but Cymbalta, which is an SNRI, has worked really well for me for about five months now. I also take 2000 units of Vitamin D, 3000mg of Vitamin C, & 2500 units of fish oil every day. I think the fish oil is particularly helpful.
Posted by Phillipa on July 6, 2010, at 20:59:03
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » cycling, posted by chujoe on July 6, 2010, at 17:00:10
Got Gad also and did try cymbalta for three months at 60mg was on benzos same time didn't notice OCD thought ruminative or anxiety go down. What dose are you on and any other meds? Phillipa
Posted by cycling on July 6, 2010, at 21:02:44
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » chujoe, posted by Phillipa on July 6, 2010, at 20:59:03
Lamictal: 400mg at night
Lithium: 900mg at night
Klonopin: 2mg in morningI didn't mention this but I also have short term memory loss but I think that's due to the cycling thoughts. I have so many thoughts that I can't remember what I was concentrating on. Losing concentration is very annoying.
Posted by Phillipa on July 6, 2010, at 21:24:33
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » Phillipa, posted by cycling on July 6, 2010, at 21:02:44
Does it get worse during the day as was thinking maybe take klonopin twice a day instead of once? Maybe split the others also? Phillipa
Posted by jade k on July 6, 2010, at 22:48:11
In reply to Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin, posted by cycling on July 6, 2010, at 15:49:23
> during college I went kind of crazy
zoloft 150 mg while drinking 30-35 drinks/week
a psychiatrist [helped] still have some remnants
> my pressured speech and my intense behavior. He attributed this to mania and immediately put me on lithium. Within about 2-3 weeks I began to calm down my behavior.> I was still have cycling thoughts and he diagnosed me with Bipolar I since cycling thoughts is often attributed with that.
>400mg lamictal hasn't done much as far as my cycling/racing thoughts.
>on Klonopin to slow down my thoughts but I'm hesitant, it can be addictive.
>I've read some posts that suggest Seroquel has had significant results treating racing thoughts.
> I feel fine, [its just my racing thoughts] that's stopping me from being "normal" if you will.
>My irritability that my pdoc saw initially I believe was attributed to my racing thoughts, not me being bipolar. Yes I was manic, I was crazy actually. Looking back on it, boy, I was intense. All in all, I'm looking for a way to stop these racing thoughts in order to move forward with my life. My thoughts come in and out so quickly that I often have shortness of breath which is very annoying. My thoughts used to be what I'd probably classify as OCD but now its just manifested into just random thoughts going here and there and simply what I believe to be GAD. I would appreciate if anyone can give any insight to their experience with either my medication, suggestions, or diagnosis.
>I didn't mention this but I also have short term memory loss but I think that's due to the cycling thoughts. I have so many thoughts that I can't remember what I was concentrating on. Losing concentration is very annoying.
Lamictal: 400mg at night
Lithium: 900mg at night
Klonopin: 2mg in morning
--------------------------------------------------
150mg zoloft? still taking that?
Lithium, you responded
You really craved alcohol (30-35 drinks a week)
Interested in Seroquel for racing thoughtsHi "cycling" :-)
Reviewing the above, *imho*, you have more going on than "just" racing thoughts. My advice: take this history, and get re-evaluated based on past and current behavior, thought patterns, response (or lack thereof) to all meds, and experience with alcohol (self medicating?).
A good pdoc should be able to look at your history, and give you a diagnosis based on a thorough eval. Then treat your symptoms based on your dx and past med responses.
If your concerned about Klonopin, I'd bet it could be replaced. Sounds like you're considering Seroquel, your pdoc may feel its a good choice. I know someone who did well with it.
Good luck!
~Jade
Posted by cycling on July 6, 2010, at 23:20:35
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » cycling, posted by jade k on July 6, 2010, at 22:48:11
Posted by chujoe on July 7, 2010, at 5:48:36
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » chujoe, posted by Phillipa on July 6, 2010, at 20:59:03
90mg cymbalta
Posted by jade k on July 7, 2010, at 16:05:06
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin (nm) » jade k, posted by cycling on July 7, 2010, at 15:52:24
Hi cycling,
Are you trying to post to me?
:-) Hope all is well!
~Jade
Posted by Phillipa on July 7, 2010, at 19:07:45
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » chujoe, posted by Phillipa on July 6, 2010, at 20:59:03
Thanks chujoe interesting as now they dose up to 120mg of cymbalta. Phillipa
Posted by cycling on July 7, 2010, at 21:54:00
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » cycling, posted by jade k on July 7, 2010, at 16:05:06
Hey Jade,
So I'm new at this but I'm finally getting the hang of it. I have an appointment with my pdoc next week. I've noticed that I get an onset of panic attacks quite frequently and I'm trying my best to regulate frequency of them but telling myself I can do this. Most of the time I'm not exactly sure why exactly I'm getting these panic attacks, but it seems like they just come and go as they wish. It's like my mind start getting all panicy and before I know it I have shortness of breath. About 3 years ago I suffered from OCD like i said before and that manifested into a couple different ways. My thinking is that I get anxiety and panicy over what I experienced in the past, I guess someone could even call that PTSD but I don't know. Anyways, I still get random thoughts here and there and general anxiety.Thoughts?
Posted by jade k on July 7, 2010, at 22:52:00
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » jade k, posted by cycling on July 7, 2010, at 21:54:00
Hi cycling,
Sorry you're having such a hard time.
So from what I'm hearing now, you should add to your previous list the following: frequent panic attacks with shortness of breath, previous OCD, anxiety and panicky thoughts as a result of past trauma (possible PTSD).
You have many symptoms and, some trauma in your history. I think with your racing thoughts and frequent panic attacks you really should be seen asap to make sure you're stable. That appt is next week, right? Great.
I would just make sure you provide your pdoc with everything you have posted here, and anything else you can think of. If you don't write it all down, it would be easy to forget key pieces. Its alot,and you and your pdoc will need to piece it all together.
Good Luck!
Jade
Posted by cycling on July 8, 2010, at 0:59:25
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » cycling, posted by jade k on July 7, 2010, at 22:52:00
Jade,
Thanks for your follow-up. I'll be sure to mention all of this to my pdoc. As far as me being stable, I'm able to have normal conversations and perform daily functions but I think it's like I'm forcing everything I do because I can't let go. Maybe that's the problem. Letting go.
Posted by cycling on July 8, 2010, at 15:30:00
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » cycling, posted by jade k on July 7, 2010, at 22:52:00
Hey Jade,
Do you take Flaxseed Oil or Omega-3's or magnesium? I've heard they have pretty good results in regards to depression, anxiety, and panic.
Posted by jade k on July 8, 2010, at 15:40:25
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin, posted by cycling on July 8, 2010, at 15:30:00
> Hey Jade,
> Do you take Flaxseed Oil or Omega-3's or magnesium? I've heard they have pretty good results in regards to depression, anxiety, and panic.Hi cycling,
No, I don't, but I know I should...I've heard Omega-3's but not sure about the other two. My dx is depression. Seems to be pretty treatment resistant. Frustrating. Thanks for the tip, I'm gonna look into those. I used to take a multi and B's, then I got lazy.
~Jade
Posted by chujoe on July 9, 2010, at 8:31:21
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » cycling, posted by jade k on July 8, 2010, at 15:40:25
Jade, Cycling: I find that taking 2400 units of fish oil, 3000 of vitamin C, and 2000 of vitamin D, along with a multivitamin w/ minerals, seems to help activate the 90 mg of Cymbalta I take. I split the supplements into morning and evening doses. I really notice it if I skip the supplements.
Posted by markwell on July 9, 2010, at 15:03:08
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » jade k, posted by chujoe on July 9, 2010, at 8:31:21
I also have terrible racing thoughts. Lamictal helped but I couldn't sleep. Klonipin also helped but it made me depressed. Let me know if you find something that works.
Posted by jade k on July 9, 2010, at 22:49:20
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » jade k, posted by chujoe on July 9, 2010, at 8:31:21
> Jade, Cycling: I find that taking 2400 units of fish oil, 3000 of vitamin C, and 2000 of vitamin D, along with a multivitamin w/ minerals, seems to help activate the 90 mg of Cymbalta I take. I split the supplements into morning and evening doses. I really notice it if I skip the supplements.
Hi chujoe,
You know, after cycling suggested some supplements, I actually went to the local pharm today and spent too long staring at a vast array of this, that, and the other thing times ten. I asked myself "which brand is the best, which dose is just right, which type of formulation, blah, blah, blah". I left, defeated but determined to find some answers.
So, a/d's aside, are those the supplements you would recommend for cycling AND me? We have different Dx's. I'm depressed, and she's cycling.
Any preferences in brand, etc.? I've heard things like certain fishoil "types" are better than others, and so on.
Forgive my rant...this is why I have long ignored the whole thing.
Thanks,
~Jade
Posted by cycling on July 10, 2010, at 0:03:49
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » chujoe, posted by jade k on July 9, 2010, at 22:49:20
Yes Jade, He's* still looking for something to stop his cycling thoughts. I went out and take: fish oil (1.5-2g/day), Magnesium (250mg), Vitamin C (1g), B-100 complex, Calcium, and multivitamin. I just bought some high EPA omega-3's off of amazon. I'm going to start taking 2-3g/day of that stuff.. theres no harm. I've only heard good things of taking >2 grams of omega-3's. The best part is the EPA. The kind of Omega-3's i bought is called Source Naturals Arctic Pure EPA. It has 500mg EPA per capsule. That's real good, probably the best you'll find. I'm planning on taking 2 in the morning and two at night. I started that aforementioned regiment of all those vitamins this morning. Guess what? I passed out! I was thinking about it, and I don't think that was necessarily a bad thing. Yah my brain got tired, but isn't it usual when we start taking drugs that we get drowsy? Anyways, I'm going to continue on this regiment and I'll keep this up weekly.
Magnesium
B-100 Complex
Multi-Vitamin
Vitamin C
Omega-3 (2 grams or more)
Calcium
THen of course my synthetic pharmecutical drugs: 900mg lithium, 400 lamictal (that I will be decreasing due to short term memory loss-real bad), and 2mg klonopin in the morningcheers
Posted by jade k on July 10, 2010, at 0:42:20
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » jade k, posted by cycling on July 10, 2010, at 0:03:49
Hi cycling,
I'm an idiot. Thats the SECOND time I've done that this week. Brain Fog to the MAX. Gimme some vitamins...quick!!
Glad you have a handle on this supplement thing. I'll take a close look at your list. I'm gonna start too.
Btw-what did you mean by "pass out"? Tired or really "passed out"?
Face Red Jade :-)
Posted by cycling on July 10, 2010, at 3:52:30
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » cycling, posted by jade k on July 10, 2010, at 0:42:20
Well I'm not entirely sure if I "passed out" due to the vitamin intake or due to the fact I woke up at 7:30am which is something I don't normally do. It was interesting. The day before was when I started taking the vitamins and omega-3's and exercise as well... and i've started to wake up earlier I've found. Anyways, so i woke up, made my shake every morning which includes fruit, ice cream, and protein. So, make sure you get those vitamins: vitamin b complex, magnesium, vitamin c, multivitamin, and 2 grams of EPA omega-3s. Look back on the previous post about which bottle to get. its the best one. I'm really looking forward to see if I get results out of this. I'm thinking between these vitamins, exercise, and high EPA, in one month, I'm going to go out on a limb and so I'll be normal. Count down begins.
Posted by jade k on July 10, 2010, at 7:48:33
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » jade k, posted by cycling on July 8, 2010, at 0:59:25
Hey cycling...
> I'm forcing everything I do because I can't let go. Maybe that's the problem. Letting go.
Did I miss something important here?
~Jade :-)
Posted by cycling on July 10, 2010, at 12:22:20
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » cycling, posted by jade k on July 10, 2010, at 7:48:33
Yah remember how we were talking about possible PTSD and anxiety about my OCD and how I get thoughts (most thoughts of guilt) about it. So I was like maybe thats the problem, just letting go of the past... so like if i let go I shouln't be feeling guilty because it was OCD not me
Posted by chujoe on July 10, 2010, at 12:54:28
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » chujoe, posted by jade k on July 9, 2010, at 22:49:20
Hi Jade. My sense is that a basic set of vitamins mostly helps other meds work better, with probably some marginal effect of their own. What I take is actually just a bit more in quantity of what any male approaching 60 probably ought to be taking. I suspect that for just about anyone it's not a bad place to start, then you could do a bit of reading and add or subtract one thing at a time to see what happens. (I find that the Mayo clinic website has good basic info on all the vitamins & many supplements.) I was most surprised by the way vitamin C seems to work quickly and then quit working if I miss a day. And I think that the fish oil has a longer term effect in building brain health. As for brands, I know some people swear by this or that one, but I buy the brand name -- not the store brand -- at my local Kinny drug store & it seems fine.
Posted by jade k on July 10, 2010, at 13:03:02
In reply to Re: Cycling Thoughts Lamictal/Lithium/Klonopin » jade k, posted by cycling on July 10, 2010, at 12:22:20
> Yah remember how we were talking about possible PTSD and anxiety about my OCD and how I get thoughts
>(most thoughts of guilt) about it.
Didn't remember that part. Why would you feel guilty about having OCD? You don't have to answer that. Whatever it is, I'm sure you'll want to let it go. Maybe some therapy would help? Not sure.
>So I was like maybe thats the problem, just letting go of the past... so like if i let go I shouln't be feeling guilty because it was OCD not me
Sounds right, but I don't have all the facts, again though, if your having trouble with guilt and letting go of the past, I think a p-doc and a T might be good. Jmho :-)
~Jade
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