Posted by Chris A. on June 4, 2000, at 19:51:52
In reply to Re: ECT- Unilateral vs. Bilateral, Side effects ? » Chris A., posted by SLS on June 2, 2000, at 18:50:39
Scott,
> I haven't read you in a while. How are you doing? Are you satisfied with the way you are feeling?Thanks for asking. At the momment - lousy - low. For ten days following the May 19th treatment I felt good. Then I went into a mixed state - probably due to sleep deprivation. Since my tx the 2nd my mood has been low, but my sleep is back on track.
The treatments are right unilateral. The stimulus intensity was just increased by 10%, so I'm not exactly sure how high the dose is now.> What anesthetic and neuromuscular blocker do you use?
Brevital and succinylcholine
> Do you have any plans to begin tricyclic or other antidepressants to help with prophylaxis?
ADs historically have caused me to cycle. I use 5 or 10 mgs. of Eldepryl during the consistently low times and sometimes a light box. We are using Aricept to try to offset some of the cognitive side effects. Right now I'm hoping the omega 3's in mega doses work. My Omega-Brite arrived less than a week ago. They do smell less fishy than the other brands I've been using.
> I guess you have been treatment resistant. If you wouldn't mind, could you please summarize your diagnosis, characteristics of your depression, the drugs you have tried, and those that have been partially effective.Definitely tx refractory. I am dx mixed bipolar with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypothyroidism, which was diagnosed postpartum when the depression returned full force. The depression started at puberty, if not before. The suicidal obsession started at age 15 or 16 and remits when the depression does. There is virtually nothing I haven't tried in the way of meds. Prozac induced hypomania, tricyclics weren't real effective and Wellbutrin caused hyper-irritability. I have a touch of TD from neuroleptics (a touch is too much). Mood stabilizers, with the exception of Lamictal, didn't do anything other than cause side effects.
> I am not in a position to exclude ECT.
For some it is a miracle treatment. For me it has been better than meds, although not perfect.
Hope you find a treatment that works for you.
Blessings,
Chris A.
poster:Chris A.
thread:33082
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000603/msgs/36031.html