Posted by Ritch on April 26, 2002, at 8:16:01
In reply to Re: Is Dysphoria an Actual Diagnosis? » Leighwit, posted by Chris A. on April 26, 2002, at 0:05:01
> Wellbutrin caused me to be extremely irritable in two different trials. I am diagnosed mixed bipolar now, and Lamictal is my drug of choice. It is an anticonvulsant (neuromodulator) unlike the other ones. It has mood stabilizing and antidepressant effects. I have not experienced weight gain and it doesn't make me foggy like the others. When I hear "irritabilty" I think 1)side effects of Wellbutrin or 2) mixed bipolar, which is by definition dysphoric. Mania is defined as elevated or -irritable- mood. Why is the irritability so often ignored? It's a core part of the diagnosis, which leads to effective treatment. Dr. Susan McElroy, a mood disorders researcher, has found that approximately 50% of men and 75%-%80 of women and adolescents experience mania or hypomania as dysphoric rather than euphoric. It's not a comfortable feeling, so I hope you find some relief soon. Some day soon I hope more docs will get with the program and realize that ADs can make some of these symptoms much worse. The only AD my pDoc is comfortable prescribing for me now (only when I'm steadily on the bottom) are a miniscule amount of selegiline and the use of my light box. We titrate these carefully according to moods. My two cents worth.
>
> Chris A.Hi Chris,
How much selegiline are you taking-if you don't mind my asking? My pdoc is very scared of MAOI's (even selegeline). It is the only AD class I have never touched. I am going to try Focalin soon, but I have my doubts it will work. As you know I have a lot of prominent ADHD symptoms along with bipolar and my last go round with dexedrine actually didn't help with focus (rats!) that much, but I charted during the time and my mood became more stable on the dexedrine (cycling was flattened+no grouchiness). I want something that will *work* for SAD episodes (which stims do), without the ScheduleII hassles, or the cost of Provigil.
thanks in advance,
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:104108
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020425/msgs/104191.html