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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by allisonf on December 22, 2001, at 0:34:31
Hi! I'm very new to this bd, but wanted to post cuz I'm just not sure where to go. I was just diagnosed with cyclothymia a few months ago--this after 10 yrs on and off therapy for anxiety and panic attacks. Never on meds before now, but I started neurontin a few months ago and I'm still rapid cycling. Now my pdoc wants me to go on depakote and I'm really scared about the side effects. Does anyone know at what level dosage the side effects generally kick in?
Also, how do you know who to tell about this? I was pretty closed-mouthed even about my anxiety problems, and now I just feel such a desparate need to talk about this, but am not sure who to trust. Anyone have words of wisdom? It would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Posted by MB on December 22, 2001, at 10:51:42
In reply to Just diagnosed and in need of help, posted by allisonf on December 22, 2001, at 0:34:31
This is a safe place to talk about the medications you're on, your expectations, worries, experiences, etc. In regards to therapy, the psycho-social-babble board is the place to go (there's a link at the top of the psycho-babble page). As far as the real world goes, I think you'd be surprized how many people are on antidepressants and how many people are open minded about psyciatric medication. But, I would be careful in "feeling-out" who these people are and getting a sense about the person before opening up. It's been my experience that there are a *few* people out there that will try to make you feel really bad about being on meds. I try to avoid the topic around these people (and, if I can, I avoid these people all together). If you run into anyone who chastises you for being on meds, just chalk their opinion up to ignorance, and know that you're not a weak person, you just have a medical condition.
Warm regards and good luck,
MB
Posted by allisonf on December 22, 2001, at 13:56:31
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed and in need of help, posted by MB on December 22, 2001, at 10:51:42
> This is a safe place to talk about the medications you're on, your expectations, worries, experiences, etc. In regards to therapy, the psycho-social-babble board is the place to go (there's a link at the top of the psycho-babble page). As far as the real world goes, I think you'd be surprized how many people are on antidepressants and how many people are open minded about psyciatric medication. But, I would be careful in "feeling-out" who these people are and getting a sense about the person before opening up. It's been my experience that there are a *few* people out there that will try to make you feel really bad about being on meds. I try to avoid the topic around these people (and, if I can, I avoid these people all together). If you run into anyone who chastises you for being on meds, just chalk their opinion up to ignorance, and know that you're not a weak person, you just have a medical condition.
>
> Warm regards and good luck,
> MBThanks MB. I really appreciate your thoughts. I've just been having a really hard time with all of this--my diagnosis, the meds issue, everything. While I really know that I need Depakote or something to quiet all my racing thoughts and my ups/downs, it all seems so scary right now. I will definitely ck out this bd more and use it as a resource. Thanks again.
Posted by MB on December 22, 2001, at 14:55:31
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed and in need of help » MB, posted by allisonf on December 22, 2001, at 13:56:31
> Thanks MB. I really appreciate your thoughts. I've just been having a really hard time with all of this--my diagnosis, the meds issue, everything. While I really know that I need Depakote or something to quiet all my racing thoughts and my ups/downs, it all seems so scary right now. I will definitely ck out this bd more and use it as a resource. Thanks again.
No problem. I hope we see you around in the future. So, by the way, how is the Depakote helping? It's a good medication. I've never tried it, but a lot of people have been helped by it. If it doesn't seem to help, or if the side effects are really bad, don't fret...talk to your doctor. There are a lot of mood stabilizers out there to try. Best of luck to you.MB
Posted by jay on December 23, 2001, at 3:39:52
In reply to Just diagnosed and in need of help, posted by allisonf on December 22, 2001, at 0:34:31
> Hi! I'm very new to this bd, but wanted to post cuz I'm just not sure where to go. I was just diagnosed with cyclothymia a few months ago--this after 10 yrs on and off therapy for anxiety and panic attacks. Never on meds before now, but I started neurontin a few months ago and I'm still rapid cycling. Now my pdoc wants me to go on depakote and I'm really scared about the side effects. Does anyone know at what level dosage the side effects generally kick in?
>
> Also, how do you know who to tell about this? I was pretty closed-mouthed even about my anxiety problems, and now I just feel such a desparate need to talk about this, but am not sure who to trust. Anyone have words of wisdom? It would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.Hi:
The dosage level for Depakote to kick-in depends. I think like lithium, some may need a lower dose, some higher. You may want to try and keep a daily journal to see how you are feeling.
IF the Depakote doesn't work out (and don't be afraid to be very forward with your doc about it's effects), there are many, many other meds and even combos that will likely work. Much of this is guessing game, almost an 'art'. But, you have the right to receive the best treatment possible. It may take awhile...it may not, so if something doesn't work out, just hang in there and get back to your doc *asap*.
Also, about people around you, I think this is a time when you will find who your *true* friends are. Even with family, it may take awhile for some to *get it*, but emphasize how sick you where, and that you are getting help. Tell them it is a medically proven illness, and you are trying to help yourself so you can help others in your life. If you lose a friend or so around the issue, then you may want to question if they really where friends to begin with. Some people are just really in the dark about mental health and illness, but again, that isn't your problem.
I would also highly suggest a 'support' group to go to. Ask your doctor, and they should be able to locate one for you. You may also be able to make some new friends there, and you will certainly see you are not alone in the struggle.
I hope that helps...I didn't mean to 'pour it on'...:-). But, mental illness is *such* a lonely disease, and we need to find others for support. This board is a good place, and again, try your community for a support group.
Let us know how you make out...
Best wishes,
Jay
Posted by allisonf on December 24, 2001, at 10:06:41
In reply to Re: Just diagnosed and in need of help » allisonf, posted by jay on December 23, 2001, at 3:39:52
Thanks guys! I can't tell you how much it helps to hear from people who have experience with this and really understand. Since I've been diagnosed, I've been reading and thinking and self-diagnosing everything I do, and it has been really difficult carrying around this big secret. I have told a few friends, and plan to tell some others, but I know there are some people in my life (family) that wouldn't really understand. Sometimes I think that it would be a good chance to educate them a little bit, but then, I'm just not up for that yet. Anyways I know what you mean Jay, about this being a lonely disease. I have just started looking into a support group tho, and hope that helps.
MB, I haven't started the Depakote yet, tho I will let you know how that is if I do...despite the fact that I don't want to take it, I think one of my biggest fears is that I do take it and it *doesn't* work, does that make sense? But I am taking comfort in your words Jay, that there are many combinations out there and I just need to find the right one. I am just recently debating switching pdocs--mine is just a general doc, not one specializing in bipolar.
Again, thank you both for your helpful thoughts. Hope to see you on the bd--I plan to spend more time here!
Allison
Posted by chefdog35 on November 12, 2002, at 20:39:03
In reply to Just diagnosed and in need of help, posted by allisonf on December 22, 2001, at 0:34:31
hang in there meds will work sooner than you think
This is the end of the thread.
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