Posted by Barbara Cat on June 5, 2003, at 1:03:24
In reply to Re: Should BP II's nix the AD's? - Depends » Barbara Cat, posted by nmk on June 4, 2003, at 12:33:15
Nicole,
You probably won't get this before seeing your pdoc but you might want to see what he/she thinks about lithium for you. You sound alot like what I used to go through. The depression/anxiety combo is the worst. Mixed states is absolute hell. I can't begin to tell you how lithium has helped me. I was so reluctant to take it even though my pdoc had suggested it periodically, mainly as an augmentor for my ADs that weren't working. Also the stigma - 'lithium, eeeyu, that means really crazy!' It's given me my life back. I know you're concerned about the weight thing but when ya feel good, ya exercise more, so it's a wash. If this next adjustment of current meds isn't doing it, you might try lithium for a trial period just to see. I'm hearing more and more about how if you have a bipolar disorder, you can add on all you want, but lithium is the bedrock.>
> I really don't know what to say about the Trileptal since it is difficult to determine if it has made a significant difference. I didn't notice any improvement at first, but after titrating up slowly to 1200 mg, I have noticed that the depression is not as severe. I am still cycling like crazy....going from a hypomanic state, to anxiety/agitation, to mild depression, all in a matter of weeks. So, either the Trileptal is not doing much of anything or the AD's I am on are the culprit. I see my pdoc tomorrow to discuss. On a positive note, I have not experienced any negative side-effects from the trileptal. It should be taken with food since it has a tendency to upset the tummy. It has a tendency to decrease my appetite, which I make up for at night when I take the Remeron.
>
> Nicole
poster:Barbara Cat
thread:229544
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030604/msgs/231544.html