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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Bauxite on January 26, 2006, at 23:13:48
Hi!
I've been recently diagnosed bipolar following what was deemed to be a manic episode in August of last year. What happened is as follows: I had begun experiencing bizarre sensations of drug-like euphoria (actually, hyper-euphoria, better than anything I've ever experienced on marijuana, which I smoked quite a bit last year) prior to leaving for school. This only intensified after arriving there, and was apparently mutual as both my peers and professors commented on it (even those who didn't know me). For better or worse, I misinterpreted it, made some ridiculous comments and was thrown in a psych ward for being a potential threat (even though I meant no physical harm by what I said). I was then medicated on god-knows-what for four days, released, and placed on lithium and rispiridone to stabilize my mood. Now, the emotional connection I felt that week is gone and so, for the most part, is my ability to meditate. First, is my experience a classic case of mania, and second, is there any supplemental actiivity/substance I can use to regain those higher levels of consciousness (I've considered using weed again as everyone believes it to be the primary catalyst)?
Posted by linkadge on January 27, 2006, at 18:22:47
In reply to Emotionless Semi-Existence, posted by Bauxite on January 26, 2006, at 23:13:48
If your experience happened in the complete absence of offending agents, then I would classify it as a symptom of bipolar disorder.
It is also important to look into your past to see if you have noticable mood fluctuations, ie depression too, over the years.
If you think the bipolar diagnosis fits, I would aim to treat yourself with lithium alone. The risperdal will certainly make you feel less than enlightened.
When meditating, I have found that lithium alone actually seems to help me get into the zone, but the antipsychotis have always destroyed my desire to become more self aware.
Linkadge
Posted by Bauxite on January 27, 2006, at 20:51:01
In reply to Re: Emotionless Semi-Existence, posted by linkadge on January 27, 2006, at 18:22:47
Groovy. That's comforting to hear. I (stupidly) got off everything for about a month back in October, so we're trying to tweak my dosages such that I can return to a reasonably functional level (yeah, yeah...but I'm 19 with a near perfect college GPA, slated originally to graduate this May, so it's hard to accept mental illness). I dig on the Risperdal...I'm playing along for the time being but only in the interest of finally getting back to school this summer. Antipsychs are evil sh*t generally imho, although they did help me even out again more quickly than lithium alone would have after I was discharged.
Posted by blueberry on January 28, 2006, at 5:22:36
In reply to Emotionless Semi-Existence, posted by Bauxite on January 26, 2006, at 23:13:48
Maybe lithium alone, experimenting to find the lowest dose that helps.
With risperdal, try to keep the dose super low. A switch to zyprexa might be a better option.
Antipsychotics are very hard to get off of for most people.On the natural side, there are some options. DL-phenylalanine for the mood enhancement and enlightenment. 500mg with breakfast for a few days as a trial. Similar but a little different, tyrosine 250-500mg 1 to 3 times a day. If lithium alone is not enough for a mood stabilizer, or if you don't like it, then try taurine. Or one of the combos at healthfood stores that have gaba, glycine, taurine and sometimes inositol all in one. Another option is magnesium. Try different versions of it, such as mg glycinate, mg taurinate, mg citrate, to find what you like best.
The manic depressive Margot Kidder of the movie Superman has a web page where she describes her natural treatment with tyrosine, taurine, gaba, choline + inositol.
The tricky thing with natural supplements is first finding what helps, second finding the right dose, third finding the right time interval between doses. Since lithium is more of a natural treatment than a pharmaceutical treatment, I just thought it might be worth mentioning these other natural options to go along with it.
Posted by linkadge on January 28, 2006, at 14:14:01
In reply to Re: Emotionless Semi-Existence, posted by blueberry on January 28, 2006, at 5:22:36
Think of it this way.
Know how LSD works ? It works by agonizing (acitvating) the 5-ht2a receptors in the brain. Know how risperal works? Its most potent action is by blocking (antagonizing) the same 5-ht2a receptors.
Make any adjustments slowly, cause dropping risperdall too quickly can seem like a trip. I dropped risperdal too quickly and ran into problems.
Linkadge
Posted by honeybee on January 31, 2006, at 12:53:25
In reply to Re: Emotionless Semi-Existence, posted by blueberry on January 28, 2006, at 5:22:36
Blueberry,
Do you have a link to that Kidder site that you mentioned? I'd like to take a look.
honeybee
Posted by john berk on January 31, 2006, at 22:30:29
In reply to Emotionless Semi-Existence, posted by Bauxite on January 26, 2006, at 23:13:48
Hi, theanine, an amino acid in green tea, is said to raise dopamine and gaba, [gaba is great for relaxation] and also in studies has been found to affect brain waves, almost in the same manner as meditation. might be cool to try while meditating, it is all natural, i have tryed 200 mgs., [2 capsules] with a nice mellowing effect...john
Posted by Bauxite on February 3, 2006, at 13:20:57
In reply to Re: Emotionless Semi-Existence, posted by linkadge on January 28, 2006, at 14:14:01
Would LSD, by extension, be of assistance to me? Speaking as someone with 20/400 vision, I can say with certainty that ESP (or whatever you'd like to label it), as it existed prior to their medicating me (and, despite conventional wisdom, I *could* sleep and eat normally then), would be an incredible advantage both academically and vocationally in the future.
Posted by linkadge on February 9, 2006, at 9:24:32
In reply to Re: Emotionless Semi-Existence, posted by Bauxite on February 3, 2006, at 13:20:57
No, I could never recomend LSD to anybody. It is too unpredictable, and for many, its effects are devasting and seemingly irreversable.
Linkadge
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