Posted by blueberry on December 1, 2005, at 5:03:23
In reply to whats the best treatment for rapid cycle bipolar?, posted by arina on November 30, 2005, at 1:07:06
We're all different, but for me it was 500mg depakote extended release. It works fast, like in one to two days, usually within six days. Other ultra fast options are antipsychotics, though they don't really stop the cycling like depakote or lithium do, but they instead just block it so you can't feel it going on. Lamictal can work good, but is very slow due to slow dose titration to avoid the rash. Different people have different preferences over lithium, depakote, lamictal, and the others. Sometimes just a benzo like klonopin works fast and fine.
I personally found lithium aggravated my condition, making me very hyper, uneasy, restless, anxious, and had lots of side effects. Depakote, for me, has minimal side effects and keeps me stable. Benzos definitely stopped the dysphoric manic side for me, but at the same time worsened the depressive side. Years ago I took lamictal and it worked just fine with hardly any side effects.
poster:blueberry
thread:583598
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051126/msgs/584080.html