Posted by vikala on July 24, 2004, at 13:41:56
Recently I have been diagnosed as Bipolar III. Pdoc says it's not on the books yet, but explained it as: Being Bipolar, depressed, and having a medication induced period of mania/hypomania.
Which for me was 3 years ago, and very slight hypomania (from Effexor and Wellbutrin)
That was the last time I felt good. I didn't do anything 'destructive or wreckless' during that time, I just talked fast, slept little, felt energetic, and was social (very unlike me)
Since that time I have been majorly depressed. (hopeless feelings, lethargy, weeks/months off work due to inability to get out of bed, extremely withdrawn, lack of hygiene, weight gain, insomnia, anxiety)
So I am functional for the most part. Always late, and always procrastinating. (this isn't how I was before this most recent 3 year episode)
I used to be organized. I used to care about me.New pdoc suggests a stimulant. Maybe to help lift the cloud, get me motivated, and in turn help free up some of my depression.
I need Seroquel at night (25mg) to sleep. I take it with .75 mg of Xanax. I was having sleep paralysis/anxiety attacks before adding these meds to my mix. Now I knock out, and I am very happy with that.
In the morning I take Wellbutrin XL 150mg. It does NOTHING for energy. So I started taking Provigil (400-600mg) to help wake me. That helped a little.
So I dropped Provigil, and just started Ritalin.
Rx'ed 10mg twice a day - I felt nothing. I was napping after my 2nd dose in the afternoon. So I upped it to 15mg 2x a day. No change. I upped it to 20mg 2x a day. Felt sleepy 2 hours after 2nd dose at dinner yesterday.
Here are my questions for those with knowledge/experience with any of this
1. Is the Seroquel too much? Is it canceling out the Ritalin? (I thought 25mg was a tiny dose)
2. Is there some stimulant that may work better than Ritalin?
3. What mg have you seen rx'ed to adults who take Ritalin? Anyone do 3 doses a day?
4. Would the Seroquel effects flow over to the next day/afternoon?
5. Does anyone feel it helps to keep an internet journal (web log, blog)? care to share?I've tried Trazadone to sleep (too strong for me)
I've tried Risperdal to sleep (didn't work)*weight gain is something I NEED to avoid. I started this 'journey' 3 years ago at 115 pounds (I'm 5'1) now I weigh 170 pounds.
Vikala
poster:vikala
thread:369988
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040724/msgs/369988.html