Posted by Mr. Scott on February 4, 2002, at 23:38:58
In reply to Re: Update on my broken brain and its treatment, posted by OldSchool on February 4, 2002, at 21:51:33
> > Hello fellow babblers-
> > I told my doc that antidepressants generally make we worse, by leaving me still depressed only activated and hence more angry, impulsive, irritable and more negative than ever. Like I become a ranting and raving depresssive instead of a quiet depressive.
>
> This DEFINITELY sounds like bipolar disorder. I am unipolar depressed and have never gotten a response from antidepressants as you describe. Antidepressants make me happier, more relaxed, less angry, more focused, calmer, etc. It sounds like they do the opposite to you and that is a classic bipolar sign...antidepressants making your more irritable, angry, agitated, etc.
>
> However the good news from your description is that it sounds like ADs dont make you fully manic. Some people become fully manic on antidepressants.
>
> >I also generally only get a few weeks or months at best out of any of them before I'm left with the above condition, and a bunch of side effects. Also the SSRI/Effexors of the world quickly pinch off my frontal lobes and make me dumb, numb and fatigued as hell. I also generally have a hard time tolerating pills.
> >
> > He said it sounds like I have bipolar III, whatever the hell that really means I don't know. In any event I think it's safe now to assume that I have some level of bipolarity that makes me unresponsive to SSRI's alone.
> >
> > 1)chemical sensitivities
> > 2)sub affective bipolar disorder
> > 3)poor response, non response, or worsening response to ADS
> >
> > So I'm taking a new approach to this whole mess.
> >
> > Lithium CR 450mg
> > Lamictal 12.5mg (raise 12.5mg every 1-2 weeks)
> > Xanax or Klonopin or Tranxene(whichever whenever)
> > Wellbutrin SR (start low)
> > Effexor XR 37.5mg (stop trying to tolerate 75mg and eventually ditch unless helpful)
> >
>
> Probably is about right. Your description of your reactions to antidepressants alone sounds like bipolar to me. A mood stabiliser is probably in order for you. I hope you do OK.
>
> take care,
>
> Old School
> > Anyone have any comments or suggestions?
> > ScottThanks Old School for the well wishes!
Scott
poster:Mr. Scott
thread:92893
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020131/msgs/92910.html