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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sheilac on July 15, 2012, at 6:21:44
Husband brought up good point. Trileptal wasn't making my joints hurt, if it was, then all my joints would hurt, not just a few.
A couple weeks off Trileptal has proven disasterous. For depression I'm using either Wellbutrin or Adderall. I really like Adderall, but without a stabilizer it's just not good. Wellbutrin is worse for my stability. I've had to go back to taking 600mg Trileptal or 4mg a day of Klonopin.
Something tells me that a doc would prefer Trileptal over Klonopin.
It's weird how Adderall works better for my motivation, concentration, energy and depression then Wellbutrin. I've had 3 docs tell me I have ADD as well as a mood disorder. Wellbutrin just makes a manic and Trileptal is easier on my body and mind.
Current line-up: 600mg Trileptal, 300mg Lithium (for depression my doc says, not sure if it makes a difference or not, 1 - 2mg of Klonopin if needed, and 5mg Adderall.
Seems like a lot, but Ive failed all traditional antidepressants. Small dose of Adderall works, but a stabilizer IS A MUST for me.
Now I have to call doc and tell her I went back to Trileptal and went from 300mg to 600mg.
Without a stabilizer (Trileptal) a cup of coffee would set me off into a rage. Yes, I'm BPII. I hate it.
Posted by SLS on July 15, 2012, at 8:37:52
In reply to Back to Trileptal and..., posted by Sheilac on July 15, 2012, at 6:21:44
> Without a stabilizer (Trileptal) a cup of coffee would set me off into a rage. Yes, I'm BPII. I hate it.
Me, too.
I'm glad you have a good handle on your reactions to various drugs. Accurate reporting to your doctor is a huge advantage for him when assessing your treatment.
Have you tried Strattera? Just curious.
I don't recall if you tried Lamictal or Topamax. I think Topamax may be underrated for treating mixed states.
It really sucks to be tethered to a drug indefinitely just to feel and function like a human.
Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on July 15, 2012, at 10:01:27
In reply to Re: Back to Trileptal and... » Sheilac, posted by SLS on July 15, 2012, at 8:37:52
Seems like Bipolar II is kind of like add more so than depression. I didn't know that trileptal had joint pain as a side effect. Not arthritis right? Good to know how well you know your body. And you are lucky to have a husband who problem solves with you. Phillipa
Posted by Sheilac on July 15, 2012, at 18:46:58
In reply to Re: Back to Trileptal and..., posted by Phillipa on July 15, 2012, at 10:01:27
Actually, I think what works best is the following:
Morning
2mg Klonopin
150mg Lithium
150mg Trileptal
5mg Adderall XREvening
2 mg Klonopin
150mg Lithium
150 mg TrileptalI have tried even halfing the dose of Wellbutrin but it still messes with my moods.
For some reason a small dose of Adderall works for my depression.
Is 4mg of Klonopin a day too much? It doesn't dull the antidepressant effects I get from Adderall, it just helps keep me even.
If I go to 600mg a day of Trileptal for mood stabilizer, then I have to go to 10mg a day of Adderall.
Seems to me if low doses work, I should stick with them.
I have always have a problem with Wellbutrin.
Is going higher on Trileptal and using Wellbutrin better in the long run than staying low on Trileptal and using more Klonopin?
Posted by papillon2 on July 23, 2012, at 1:19:43
In reply to What do u think Low doses? Adderall?, posted by Sheilac on July 15, 2012, at 18:46:58
This doesn't help with your med choice questions, but I see you are taking Lithium in the am and pm. Have you tried the controlled/sustained/extended release versions (these come under so many different names)? Then you could take it once a day.
I only point this out because I personally feel like a walking pharmacy and begrudge having to take so many meds. Anything that cuts down the number of things I need to shove in my gob helps with this.
This may not be an issue for you. Just thought I'd point it out.
This is the end of the thread.
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