Posted by AKC on June 29, 2001, at 14:21:55
In reply to Re: What's worked 4 folks 4 BP II or other maladies? » Kingfish, posted by Ron Hill on June 29, 2001, at 10:54:05
I finally took the time to read through this thread - and I am so glad I did. My pdoc has been trying to convince me for some time I am BPII - and for some reason I have been quite resistent. Still am, but now I have a better understanding of her position and mine. I am going to take some time this weekend to think through what has happened over the past decade - and then really go for that med or meds that solves the problem, not the diagnosis.
Long before I took any meds, I was an active alcoholic who had terrible anxiety and terrible bouts of depression. But since sobering up, I have had one suicide attempt and have tried many a combination of medication. Everytime there is a hiccup, it is a different dosage or a different med. I have reached the point of no more. My heart is set on the new med in my life - topamax - for no other reason than the hope that the 70+ pounds I have put on in the past 1 1/2 years may be shed. I am on Effexor XR at a low dosage, 75 mg - and understand fully on how it may be contributing to symptoms of hypomania, but am scared to go off it completely - I just came out of the worse bout of depression since my suicide attempt of almost 2 years ago. I truly believe Effexor XR saved my life.
I am being weaned of the lithium (YEAH - never liked, never will). And am on seroquel - I do think it helps me with some very bad distorted thinking. But I don't know if I have any side effects from it. I have all sorts of problems with lack of energy and sedation. I think all my meds contribute to that, including the seroquel. As I write this I realize I don't know much of anything about seroquel. Hmm . . . maybe a new thread is warranted here?
I take trazadone from time to time for sleep problems, but am realizing it can also contribute to some hypomania symptoms (think that happened in this last episode). So like all on this board, I am a mesh of meds currently - not sure what is working exactly or why. But I feel more empowered by what you have shared with me. I just keep getting gushy each time I read what people share on here! Thanks.
poster:AKC
thread:67368
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010625/msgs/68362.html