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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 bleep on July 10, 2008, at 23:23:56
So I am in the process of VERY rapid cycling right now. I had to taper down off my topamax, which is the only mood stabilizer that has ever helped because it is, in my opinion, destroying my memory and my mind. I want to stop it completely but I need an alternative. I also just had to stop Celexa because it made me completely stop urinating. It was pretty good with my anxiety/depression for a while. I finally saw pdoc yesterday and he says increase topamax. Gave no other alternative even though I begged so whatever with him. He says I need my mood stabilized.
Current meds: Topamax 25 mg 2x a day and still can't remember what I'm talking about. Ativan .5 mg prn anxiety.
Current symptoms: Crying several times daily, impending doom feeling, switching between rage and sadness in a matter of minutes, anxiety, feel like I can't go on like this, hypochondria.I have never went the natural route so I was thinking maybe some St. John's Wort and a natural mood stabilizer if there is one but I don't know starting dosages for either. Appreciate any advice. Also wonder if Ativan will interact with whatever is recommended as well. Thanks in advance!!!
Posted by llurpsienoodle on July 11, 2008, at 4:19:49
In reply to Bipolar Alternatives, Anyone???, posted by bleep on July 10, 2008, at 23:23:56
I'm sorry to hear about your rapid cycling. It's an exhausting rollercoaster. I was in a moderately-severe roller coaster myself about 2mos ago, and found that evening primrose oil helped me get my head back on straight. I only took it for a few weeks, and by then my life situation had changed, and I had stabilized on wellbutrin.
I hope you find some relief. Lao Tzu has some interesting posts on bipolar and supplementation.
hang in there,
-Ll
Posted by bleauberry on July 11, 2008, at 21:19:16
In reply to Bipolar Alternatives, Anyone???, posted by bleep on July 10, 2008, at 23:23:56
I can't remember the name of the supplement. You can look it up though. Type in a google search "Kaplan bipolar" or maybe "Kaplan bipolar supplement". Explore the hits. There was a study where a high percentage of bipolar patients had a good response, a few good enough they didn't need meds anymore. The supplement had in it Magnolia, Philodendron, b and c vitamins, and I can't remember what else.
St johns Wort can be powerful. If you try it, start with a good brand...Kira (LI160 formula in clinical studies) from Rite Aid or internet. Another good one is Natures Way Perika, also used in clinical studies. Kira is generally more relaxing and Perika generally more stimulating. Mileage varies of course. But some people find the el cheapo house brands of walmart or whole foods better. Each brand is different, kind of like each ssri is different. Start up side effects can be similar to other drugs. SJW generally works slower than meds, but can indeed work just as powerful if not more. SJW speeds up the metabolism of many drugs, causing them to clear out of you faster.
Two other good natural supplements for bipolar...lithium or magnesium glycinate.
Posted by bleep on July 11, 2008, at 22:51:03
In reply to Re: Bipolar Alternatives, Anyone???, posted by bleauberry on July 11, 2008, at 21:19:16
Thx for the help. I am going to try Evening Primrose Oil, as it is supposed to help w/PMS symptoms and I have the rapid cycling the worst about 10 days before that time. Also, I looked up the Kaplan thing and found some stuff called EMPower, it's ridiculously expensive so that will have to be a thought for sometime later I guess. I have been looking and looking online and reading some books and what I've found is basically Fish Oil, Magnesium, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, D, and E, Calcium, and Taurine. So I may try all of it or just a little...depends on how I feel when I go to the store and how much it costs I guess.
Posted by Lao Tzu on July 17, 2008, at 10:37:26
In reply to Bipolar Alternatives, Anyone???, posted by bleep on July 10, 2008, at 23:23:56
You might want to ask your doctor about a drug called Lamictal. It is very good for stabilizing mood and for depression as well. I've been taking it for a couple of years, and it seems to help me. It is approved by the FDA for bipolar disorder. I'm surprised your doctor hasn't mentioned it. My doctor put me on it right away. Also, there is Lithium carbonate (Eskalith), which helps a lot of people when other anticonvulsants and mood stabilizers don't work. Depakote is another drug for mood stabilization. As far as natural substances, a combination of fish oil and borage oil helps me tremendously with my mood/energy/and depression.
This is the end of the thread.
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