Posted by blueberry on December 5, 2006, at 5:03:12
I had blood tests done that test for neurotransmitters. I realize it isn't accurate for what's going on in the brain, but it does give an overall picture. The ranges are based on normal healthy people.
Serotonin = Normal range
Dopamine = Normal range
Gaba = Slightly elevated range
Norepinehprine = Normal range
Epinephrine = Off the charts extremely elevatedThe problem is obviously norepinephrine is somehow breaking down into way too much epinephrine. How can I stop that? Would a MAOI prevent that?
I've been diagnosed by two psychiatrists, by myself, and by my mother, as bipolar. The only severe mania was following ECT. Other than that I had the good kind of hypomania when I was younger.
Right now it is bipolar II, mixed state, with fluctuations on a daily and even hourly basis. Primarily fluctuating between deep depression and mild depression, with a backdrop of restlessness, racing mind, and agitation.
Currently only on 1.25mg zyprexa and 450mg st johns wort. Zyprexa has been 10 years and no longer works, makes things worse. SJW is not helping and probably is making things worse.
I'm thinking mood stabilizers...lithium, lithium+depakote...maybe lamictal in there somewhere. In terms of antidepressants, I don't know. Any suggestions welcome.
Back to the original question though, what can I do to normalize the norepinephrine to epinephrine metabolism?
poster:blueberry
thread:710488
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061129/msgs/710488.html