Posted by 4WD on February 3, 2006, at 20:10:48
In reply to Re: UPDATE II -- Diagnosed bipolar II » 4WD, posted by detroitpistons on February 3, 2006, at 9:40:50
> I don't know. This is exactly what happened to me with Paxil, Cymbalta and Celexa. But it happened for the first time when I was 48. I wouldn't think that bipolar could suddenly emerge at that age. I never had mood cycles other than being more anxious in the morning.
> >
> > It's all a big guess, isn't it?
> >
> > Marsha
>
>
> Yeah, it sure is all a big guess. But as long as this new strategy of mood stabilizers works though, I don't really care what the label on the problem is.
>
> I think that there is some evidence that bipolar disorders can develop or manifest later in life. I just typed "bipolar late onset" and some other variations into google, and just in a couple of minutes I've seen several indications of late onset bipolar. I found an academic article about a research study comparing early onset (prior to 20, 25, or 30 years old) vs late onset (after 20, 25, or 30 years old) bipolar disorder. By virtue of the fact that the study considers onset after the age of 30, I'd say that it's not that uncommon.
>
> So maybe it's not that far out of the realm of possibility that you may have developed it late. Do you ever feel extremely irritable or angry? Do you ever feel like blowing up on someone?
>
> You have insomnia, right? Does it feel like you can only get a few hours of sleep and still be rested? Personally, I have all of these symptoms. Whether or not it is solely related to taking Effexor is another matter.
>
> Take care,
>
> Marc
Hi,No, I never feel irritated or angry. Just so full of nervous energy I want to jump out of my skin or explode with jitteryness. I don't have any trouble falling asleep but I wake up too early. When that happens I want to go back to sleep because I don't feel rested but I can't go back to sleep because I'm already feeling too wired and jittery and scary. That's what wakes me up, I think.
The Depakote really seems to be helping. I've been having some headaches on it so night before last I only took 250mg and I could tell a definite difference during the next day.
One thing is sure. When I raise the dose of any SSRI or SNRI about a very minimal level (37.5 for Effexor, 10mg for Celexa, etc.) I get way more hyper and scared and agitated and the waking up too early gets much worse.
I'm not sure what that all means, but like you, I don't really care about the diagnosis, as long as they figure out the meds that will treat it properly.
Have other ADs had the same effect on you as the Effexor? What dose do you take?
Hang in there with the Lamictal.
Marsha
poster:4WD
thread:594786
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060129/msgs/606071.html