Posted by jay on January 30, 2006, at 21:22:32
In reply to Re: Is this it? Blood Pressure meds and Bi-Polar, posted by Squiggles on January 30, 2006, at 19:22:10
> If you're taking lithium, as a salt, it
> may raise your blood pressure. But the
> real culprit is weight gain. Have you
> seen a gradual weight gain over the years?
>
> SquigglesOh yes..it has been *horrific*..the weight gain. It started with Depakote, through lithium (which sadly didn't help me..but I still don't think I gave it enough of a chance.) and the antipsychotics. It's interesting the the calcium channel blockers act some way in a similar fashion to lithium regarding discharges in cells and their communication. But I have found a fairly clear line vetween drug intake = weight gain = metabolic problems (from thyroid to diabetes..the latter which I now have.) = heart/blood problems. I have the family tree makeup for vulnerability for all of these. My Mom, Dad, and Sister are on blood pressure meds. My Dad has had atleast three heart attacks. My Uncle died last year of an aneurism, and had numerous heart attacks beforehand. My Dad is diabetic. (type 2).
So, it's like, lets look at the link between metabolic, cardivascular, and mental illness symptoms. There is co-relation (with caution, I know) written all over the place. If I can get my blood pressure under control, and that provides me with enough mental stability...well, I am going to have a few questions to ask. So many questions..like how did I get from there to here. (I know..we all have these questions..but..)
The other unfortunate thing is, as good as all these psych meds are, they are very unfriendly to the areas listed above..metabolic..cardiovascular (maybe less so).
Jay
poster:jay
thread:604595
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060129/msgs/604654.html