Posted by smith562 on December 13, 2004, at 18:56:12
In reply to Re: Thank You! Thank You! » smith562, posted by barbaracat on December 12, 2004, at 20:03:46
Hey B-Cat,
I got sucked up into Dr Phelps site and actually did try lithium up to 1200 mgs (blood level .9) with worsening depression and lethargy. Up to 450 is good, I like the calmness and clearity it gives me. But starting at 600 I get quiet-depressed-fatigue.
Then I went to an "NYU" Big wig and tried lamictal up to 300mgs with initial help, then poop out.
I dropped the zoloft to 75 today and added back 100 of wellbutrin ... I feel human again today finally.
Once again, thank you thank you. Reading posts from you and mitch keep me going and I know I am in a better place today with pbabble (working and in a good relationship).
Sincerely,
Smith
> Have you tried Lamictal? It's worked for alot of folks. I got the rash, but it wasn't directly related to lamictal. But it is activating and if you're prone to panic may not be the best way to go. I know how terrible panic is. I can take just about anything, but not panic. My panic used to be a cyclical thing, hang around for awhile and then leave for no reason. I eventually realized that it was part of the bipolar mixed states syndrome. Bleak depression fueled by agitated mania = panic. It would cause anyone to feel panicked, no? So, the recipe is always treat the bipolar first and then you can start experimenting with different ADs with less risk of panic and destabilization.
>
> I personally think you're not on enough lithium, especially since it truly sounds like you're dealing with at least some form of BP (how many is it up to now? 500?). Until you get that stabilized you're shooting blanks as far as any other meds being effective for long.
>
> You know, there are so many metabolic and chemical dysfunctions coming to light with tests to ferret them out. Sometimes all the mood meds in the world aren't going to address an underlying metabolic disorder. It could be hormonal (have you had your thyroid checked lately?) it could be a pyrrole disorder, so many things. A few on this board have gone to the Pfeiffer Institute to get massive and expensive testing and some found out interesting information and felt it worthwhile. Ed O'Flaherty on this board is an MD in Ireland and has a website that discusses some of these metabolic markers. He and others on this metabolic track feel that bipolar may be a pyrrole disorder - an inability to metabolize B6 and other important neurotransmitter precursors. Might be interesting to talk with him on this board and go to his site.. Here's a recent post with at least his name
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20041123/msgs/427813.html
>
> I've been helped alot once I got some major hormonal imbalances dealt with, but of course, not 100%. All I ask at this point is to be kept well enough to be able to exercise because without that I get really wiggy. Unfortunately, most pdocs stop at the head and managed care doesn't do a good job with the rest of the body. I see a naturopath and a functional medicine MD. Might be worth looking into other body parts if you continue to get no relief from mood meds.
poster:smith562
thread:425540
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041211/msgs/429046.html