Posted by SLS on May 11, 2000, at 6:36:59
In reply to Re: Parnate + amisulpride, Provigil, Mirapex-SLS, posted by Janice on May 9, 2000, at 18:10:16
Sherry:
>Hey Scott,
>
> I don't know much about your depression, but I am wondering if you have looked into physical causes of your depression? I have been researching cushing's syndrome, and I have pretty much all the symptoms. Plus, I don't respond to any AD's. However, unlike you, I can't tolerate them even at low doses. I go Thursday to begin being tested for it. I have been to many doctors and no one even thought of it. I did the research myself, and my doctor scratched his head, looked puzzled, and said, "it's a definite possibility." I don't know, but we'll see. Just a thought. ~SherryThank-you, Sherry.
I have been wondering quite a bit about this lately. Perhaps there is another component of my condition that is not being treated. Please let me know how you progress with your pursuit of Cushing's.
If you haven't already done so, grab a hold of Cam W.'s ear (monitor) and ask for his input regarding your thoughts on Cushing's. He has been concentrating much of his research recently on how disturbances in cortisol/ACTH/CRH functions may contribute to mood-disorders.
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Janice:Hi. :-)
> I'm not sure why you can't tolerate ADs, if it's because of the side effects or because they increase rapid cycling.
They don't produce rapid-cycling (although I wish they would sometimes). I did experience ultra-rapid cycling for the two years (age 20-22) prior to being diagnosed and treated. When I was given lithium, the cycling stopped.
Many antidepressants have actually made the depression itself much worse. I don't recall discontinuing an antidepressant because of side effects, although they have been pretty bad sometimes. The only drug I recall having to stop was Neurontin once I exceeded 1200mg/day. It really screwed me up cognitively. It was as if I were living behind a pane of shattered glass. Weird.
My biggest problem is that any significant improvement produced by drug therapy only lasts for a few days to a week.
> Desipramine can really increase the cycling, if this is your problem. I've heard this is true for all the TCAs.
I've heard this too.
> Have you tried stimulants before? They really helped my bipolar disorder. If I don't have ADD, I am definately on the continum towards it.
I was once given Dexedrine by itself. I experienced a partial improvement for a fraction of a day, and then faded. I have tried adding both Dexedrine and Ritalin separately while I was taking a combination of Parnate and desipramine. I don't recall what happened with Ritalin, but Dexedrine helped me a bit for a few days.
I recently consulted with a doctor in NYC who basically recommended that I try throwing stimulants at Parnate while taking mood stabilizers.
> But I believe the stimulants really helped my rapid cycling--keeping my energy stable, helping to prevent the mania.
I am stunned by this. I absolutely believe you.
> Also read what Peter J wrote in the thread 'Drugs for Creativity', about stimulants and bipolar, if you are interested.
I took your suggestion and read Peter's post. I was very surprised. I am so glad that you respond to stimulants this way. Perhaps I will to.
> Let me know if you'd like to know more about it Scott.
- What drugs are you currently taking?
- How are you doing on them?
- How has your cycle(s) changed?
- How long have you been responding to them?
- How has your sleep been affected?
- Which of the stimulants have you found to be the most helpful?
- Do you think that you are all fixed?> Good luck Scott, Janice
You are such a doll.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:32745
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000508/msgs/33149.html