Posted by Janice on March 2, 2000, at 10:42:14
I am a rapid cycler with 2 regular cycles a week - 1 in the middle of the week (the high), and the low during the week-end. This weekly rhythm cycles on an annual cycle. So my complete picture of my depression is related to light and sleep, which I do my best to manage with regular sleep and light therapy, which help. Still though, I generally have a mild to moderate depression during the fall and winter. So far anti-depressants have only contributed to increasing my highs and lows.
I currently take 600 mg of lithium (which I will be increasing shortly). Not only does it stop my highs, it also has been the best anti-depressant I've used. I also take 25 mg of Dexedrine for ADHD (this actually helps decrease my cycle).
So my questions:Does lithium lose efficacy over time?
Are there other mood stabilizers that act as anti-depressants?
Are there other medications that act as anti-depressants for rapid cyclers other than ADs?
Which ADs are least likely to increase rapid cycling?
Do many rapid cyclers find complete relief of their symptoms?
poster:Janice
thread:25437
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000302/msgs/25437.html