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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by froggy on May 16, 2001, at 13:51:28
I have been on so many meds. for the past 6 years that I am getting tired of the lab rat thing. The side effects and then no effect always cause me to quit a med. I just quit the mix of remeron,zyprexa and klonopin because of the remeron side effects. I bloated up, gained wieght ( while dieting and exercising), got sores on my mouth and my left leg hurt but it helped my mental state more than anything else. Has anyone experienced this?
To spite my new doctors agitation I asked for effexxor xr because of the noradrenalin factor and I do not know what to expect. I am on my 5 TH. day of 37.5mg.
I just don't know when to give up and take some level of side effect. Any feed back helpful.
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 16, 2001, at 14:01:41
In reply to bipolar lab rat, posted by froggy on May 16, 2001, at 13:51:28
Hi Froggy,
Give Effexor a decent 6-week try, considering it works so well for many bipolars (http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Possible-indications-of-bi.html) and the side-effect profile is benign. Effexor is a viable option for you because:
*It has the possibility of affecting serotonin, norepinephrine, _and_ dopamine--more chemicals--thus increasing your chances for relief.
*It has no anticholinergic side-effects.
*Sexual disturbances are reported less than with SSRIs.
*It has gained the acceptance of psychiatrists worldwide in less than 8 years of U.S. FDA approval.
*It has few significant interactions with other medications.
*The convienient XR formulation of Effexor makes once-a-day dosing available.
*The idea of it being addicting due to withdrawal effects is unfounded; if it had any chance of being addicting, it would have been labeled at least a Schedule IV substance by the U.S. DEA.I myself took Effexor XR up to 375 mg. The only side-effects I had were sexual in nature, and these were remedied by mirtazapine.
Posted by loosmrbls on May 16, 2001, at 14:07:14
In reply to bipolar lab rat, posted by froggy on May 16, 2001, at 13:51:28
I'm very curious as to why you are on the meds you mentioned in the first place. No mood stabilizers with the diagnosis of BP?
Not to mention you are on an antidepressant. This is a very contraversial topic -- reports are showing that AD's can be very destabilizing in bipolar patients (this goes beyond the antequated bipolar I - to - mania studies involving TCA's). They interfere with mood stabilization.
And why an antipsychotic? Zyprexa is really only used for acute mania and the following several weeks, it generally is not recommended for long-term prophylaxis.
Since you are also on Klonopin, I'm asuming you must have some recent manic episodes because this is another drug used for acute mania, and not recommended for long-term therapy. In fact, chronic benzo use can trigger depression.
My suggestion would be to see an expert in psychoparmacology of mood disorders and get a fresh opinion/perspective.
However, I know the feeling of frustration, anger, resentment, and anger you are feeling. I have felt that way many times, and still do. It gets worse when I feel bad. All I can say is stick with it. There still many options for you.
What type(s) of mood stabilizers have you been on?
This is the end of the thread.
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