Posted by OldSchool on January 1, 2002, at 18:59:28
In reply to Newly diagnosed Bipolar- question about meds, posted by 3 Beer Effect on December 30, 2001, at 14:37:35
> Which bipolar meds have anti-depressant action since I seem to be depressed much more than manic?
Lamictal
>
> Which bipolar meds help with social phobia?I have never heard of bipolar meds (anticonvulsants) being used for social phobia. But then again I believe social phobia to be a not real psychiatric illness, it was created mainly by the drug companies so they could sell more drugs (Paxil). Social phobia is really just a fancy twenty dollar psychiatry word for shyness. Social phobia is a psychology "label" its not a real psychiatric disease. Shyness...or social phobia can be a character trait in which there is really nothing you can do about it.
Or it can be a result of underlying depression or anxiety. In which case medication can help. Paxil is the only drug I know of formally FDA approved for social phobia.
One non drug approach to social phobia which can be VERY effective is an aggressive workout program, emphasizing weight training. Youd be surprised at the amount of self confidence that can be built by a six month heavy free weight program. Im serious here...dont laugh.
The development of one's body leads to self confidence and probably decreased social phobia.
>
> Which bipolar meds have a "dumb drug" effect? (I am returning to U of Texas at Austin in the fall & cannot take a medication that impairs memory or makes it impossible to complete assignments.All of them except maybe lamictal LOL. Topomax is known for being particularly sedating and creating a dumbing down effect. Its jokingly referred to as "Topostupid." But really, all the anticonvulsants are sedating with the one exception of lamictal. Anything sedating is liable to create a "dumbing down" effect.
Because of their sedating side effect profiles, many of the anticonvulsants tend to be decent drugs for anxiety.
Old School
poster:OldSchool
thread:88251
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011222/msgs/88479.html