![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 35 to 59 of 74. Go back in thread:
Posted by fluffy on November 30, 2002, at 15:15:36
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by Mr Cushing on November 30, 2002, at 14:52:24
I dunno, Mr Cushy--
The chills thing is weird--but sometimes I get them when I'm anxious. What you are describing sounds like either anxiety or maybe coming down with something (you know, like a cold). And the jumpy-ness sounds like anxiety (or hypo-mania).Just do what you need to do--even if it is jumping from thing to thing--so long as it isn't dangerous. And maybe you should call your doc when you can. In the mean-time, hang in there...(i hate when people say that.....) Internet hugs...
To answer your question...Yeah--Spring is totally suburbia. I live in Houston, proper *snobbery*.
later,
fluffy
Posted by Mr Cushing on November 30, 2002, at 15:22:14
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by fluffy on November 30, 2002, at 15:15:36
The chills thing is weird--but sometimes I get them when I'm anxious. What you are describing sounds like either anxiety or maybe coming down with something (you know, like a cold). And the jumpy-ness sounds like anxiety (or hypo-mania).I agree with that 100%, but at the same time, I can't seem to sleep enough. Whenever I got like that in the past, I knew it was coming because my sleep would start to seriously deteriorate. I don't think I'm getting sick, which could be possible, though because I'm not coughing, sneezing, etc. No build-up, nothing...
*shrugs* I took .25 mg of Clonazepam (Klonopin) which usually gets me straight no matter what's going on. If I'm getting depressed, taking a small dose of that will put me back to close to the normal level. Same thing with when I'm starting to get manic.
Lucky you though... got the screen door open, letting in the air and everything, while I'm looking out the window right now and there must be at least 5 feet of snow on the ground. There is snow EVERYWHERE... I think I'm going to take the dogs out to play in it though lol...
Posted by pork chop on December 2, 2002, at 14:14:54
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy » fluffy, posted by Mr Cushing on November 30, 2002, at 15:22:14
First, all of your posts have been so helpful!
I was recently diagnosed BPII. After years of thinking I was really depressed, but sometimes really happy, I think I've finally got it figured out.
My pdoc prescribed Lamictal as a mood stabilizer. Has anyone ever taken that?
I recently quit Lexapro (20 mg.) and I am having really wierd withdrawal syptoms. Maybe more annoying than wierd. I have random jolts, shock-like feelings that travel through my body. It's getting old fast. I quit over a week ago and yet the syptoms persist.
Anyway, I really appreciate reading your posts. Thanks!
Posted by Krysti on December 2, 2002, at 15:52:45
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by pork chop on December 2, 2002, at 14:14:54
Hi pork chop,
Glad we could be of help : ) I have never taken Lamictal, but have read some good things about it. I asked my pdoc about it last time I changed mood stabilizers, but she didn't want to try that one right now with me as I have anxiety also and it's not as good for that as some of the other ones (according to her).
Did your pdoc tell you to quit the Lexapro cold turkey? If not, you might want to see if you can wean off a little more slowly. I guess I am pretty lucky that I haven't had any withdrawal symptoms from quitting SSRI's, but I've heard from a lot of people it can be pretty bad.
Good luck and keep in touch to let us know how you're doing : )
Krysti
Posted by Mr Cushing on December 2, 2002, at 16:18:46
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by pork chop on December 2, 2002, at 14:14:54
Hey Pork Chop, can you keep me updated on what to expect from the Lamictal that you're taking? My Doctor is thinking about switching me from Depakote to Lamictal because I'm still cycling and I'm gaining quite a bit of weight.Anyways, feel free to contribute to our discussion since every little bit of knowledge helps. We're all still trying to figure out what's the best way to control our symptoms...
Posted by pork chop on December 2, 2002, at 18:24:45
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy » pork chop, posted by Mr Cushing on December 2, 2002, at 16:18:46
This is only my 6th day on Lamictal, but so far so good. I'll let you know how it goes. The only thing I was worried about with the Lamictal is skin rashes. I found some scary information about increasing dosage too quickly with Lamictal on the Internet! Right now I'm at 25 mg and will increase by 25 mg each week until I'm at 75 mg. My system seems to be really sensitive to medication, so my dosage really never gets very high.
I just took a 10 mg Lexapro because the jolts were really intense today. It was hard to sit through meetings and talk to co-workers with this wierd shock running through me every few seconds. Hopefully a week on 10 mg, then down to 5 mg will do the trick. I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I was only on Lexapro for 3 months. I really didn't expect this kind of withdrawal. My pdoc called me today and told me to supplement the Lamictal with Lexapro until the side effects subside, which will hopefully be soon!
Mr Cushing: The whole reason my pdoc didn't prescribe Depakote was specifically because of the reported weight gain. I gained around 30 lbs. on Prozac last year and I can't get it off! She told me that although Depakote and Lithium have a solid track record with mood stabilization, she would be really concerned with the weight gain. I'll definitely keep you posted on the weight issue because it's also a big concern of mine!
Did you guys all think your BP was depression at first? Just curious.
Posted by Mr Cushing on December 2, 2002, at 19:38:06
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by pork chop on December 2, 2002, at 18:24:45
Yep, I read about those skin rashes too, which is what's got me a little bit worried. I'm also really sensitive to medication, especially the side effects (which I tend to get from everything) so I'm not really looking forward to a whole new set of side effects to go through. Yet, I'm not really comfortable with becoming the Human Blimp neither... I mean, no matter how stable my mood is, how are you supposed to be happy when you look in the mirror and see a blimp staring back at you? The scary part is that I've only been on Depakote 5 weeks, 2 at 125mg, 3 at 375mg (I increased from 125 to 375 in a three day period with zero side effects).As for your Lexapro problem, all I can say is that I was only on Effexor for 3 months at 75mg per day and it was a freaking nightmare to get off of that stuff. And now that I'm off, I seem to be rapid cycling. I wasn't rapid cycling on Effexor, but I wasn't too stable neither. Now that I'm off, I'm depressed again and rapid cycling. Go figure... It only took me about 10 days off of Effexor before the withdrawal started to pass me by, but for about 5 days there, I couldn't get out of bed.
I'm concerned with the weight issue simply because I was already "slightly" overweight to begin with, and now I'm 10 pounds heavier in a little over a month. I also just went for like my first MD check up in like 10 years and he said that my cholestrol was through the roof and that I needed to try and lose weight. I need to make an appt with him really soon and let him know that now i'm 10lbs heavier even though I've been exercising every day and being very careful about what I eat. Hell, I'm practically starving myself.
The only bad part about the SSRIs is that, well, with me anyways, once you get off of them, they'll probably want to put you on a small dose of another one. I'm starting back on celexa tonight...
God... I just want to be NORMAL... lol... but I'm not even sure where that is anymore, or if I ever was to begin with
Posted by pork chop on December 3, 2002, at 9:39:47
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by Mr Cushing on December 2, 2002, at 19:38:06
The discontinuation symptoms I had are gone today-- completely. I definitely came off the Lexapro too quickly.
I was also having rapid cycling, and I'm still not totally stable yet, but being off the Lexapro (almost) has helped alot already. I'm still new to my BP diagnosis, but I'm getting better at recognizing my behavior patterns. I tend to get extremely impulsive, reckless, and irritated by everyone. I can't stand being touched. Then I'll be flying and love everyone. My moods go from changing several times a day, to several times a month.
My pdoc gave me Xanax to help with the transition from Lexapro to Lamictal, but that makes me fall asleep, so I've only taken that once. Does anyone know when I'll start to feel the effects of Lamictal? When did you all notice the benefits of Depakote?
I've been struggling with weight for a few years and I totally agree that it's hard to be happy when your 40 lbs overweight, as in my case. But recently took up pilates and cut way back on drinking (that's gonna be a bummer with the holidays and my birthday coming up), so hopefully I'll see some improvement soon.
Posted by Mr Cushing on December 3, 2002, at 9:49:54
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by pork chop on December 3, 2002, at 9:39:47
At least you've only cut back, I've just decided, hell, if I'm going to drink and feel horrible afterwards (I've already tried drinking on Depakote) then why drink at all? Been bone dry for going on 6 weeks now and I honestly don't miss it all that much.For the transition to Lamictal, you should have got your Doctor to prescribe Clonazepam (Klonopin). Same family as Xanax I believe, but it's not as strong and it lasts longer. Whenever I start to feel like I'm really starting to drift off course, I just take half a tablet and I'm fine and can operate normally. But then again, since my insomnia is so bad, I'm also taking a full tablet every night to get my sleep.
I'm having rapid cycling on Depakote just because I decided to come off of Effexor, that's why my Doctor suggested I try Lamictal in the first place. I'm still rapid cycling at the moment. So I just quit Effexor, now I'm back on Celexa, going to get some tests done with my MD tommorrow, and then probably starting up Lamictal sometime early next week.
I'm not sure if I ever noticed the benefits of Depakote... I'm not manic anymore, I think it just decided, well, since we can't go up anymore, let's just go down really fast... I definitely don't feel balanced now and I've been on the drug for 5 weeks.
God, I've been on so many different medications during the last few months... Yesterday I decided to give whatever I won't be using anymore back to my PDoc, you should have seen the bottles that I came out with... Full bottles of Paxil, Effexor, Trazadone, etc. I hope something starts to work soon...
Posted by justyourlaugh on December 3, 2002, at 14:35:37
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by Mr Cushing on December 3, 2002, at 9:49:54
happy to here about the dry six weeks.
its been 4 for me.
was abusing alcohol for years to mellow me out on bad days-was drinking everyday!
many jar of paxil effexor and trazodone too.
on welbutrin now-4weeks-i am still all over the place-im up ,im down,im crying,im yelling at strangers for being so slow-
i'll sleep for 13hours
up for days!
and "i dont remember the kitchen being so foggy"
(marge simpson)
peace
jyl
Posted by Peter S. on December 3, 2002, at 16:29:01
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy » Mr Cushing, posted by justyourlaugh on December 3, 2002, at 14:35:37
Pork chop
Gosh I know exactly how you feel! I've gone of Prozac numerous times and I feel that same electric shock feeling. I may be bipolare 3 or 4 I don't know. I've been taking Lamictal (was up to 600mg, now down to 400mg. At first it was a miracle drug and now the effects seem to be fading. Will be trying Trileptal as a last resort.
All the best
Pete
Posted by pork chop on December 3, 2002, at 16:58:48
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by Peter S. on December 3, 2002, at 16:29:01
I'm so glad someone else has experienced the jolts! They were the wierdest thing!
That stinks that the Lamictal effects are fading. How long have you been taking that? Did you ever have problems with skin rash?
I'm reading the July issue of the Psychopharmacology Update from Brown University about BP. It's pretty interesting.
Hope you feel better too
Posted by Peter S. on December 3, 2002, at 20:50:54
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy » Peter S., posted by pork chop on December 3, 2002, at 16:58:48
Hey PC,
I've been on Lam for a couple of months-never any problem with skin rash but I titrated up. Just took my first dose of Trileptal but I'm feeling pessamistic- going through a dark time.
What's the upshot of the article?Best,
Peter
> I'm so glad someone else has experienced the jolts! They were the wierdest thing!
>
> That stinks that the Lamictal effects are fading. How long have you been taking that? Did you ever have problems with skin rash?
>
> I'm reading the July issue of the Psychopharmacology Update from Brown University about BP. It's pretty interesting.
>
> Hope you feel better too
Posted by pork chop on December 3, 2002, at 22:01:26
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by Peter S. on December 3, 2002, at 20:50:54
Hello,
The articles are about the advancement of BP treatment options and summerize several recent studies. The story I found most interesting was entitled *Bipolar depression and rapid cycling: The latest pharmacologic strategies* It weighs benefits of Lithium vs. Lamictal and found that Lamictal has more AD benefits while Lithium is better for those with manic tendencies.
One of the stories has a chart about different schema for treatment of rapid cyclers, and this may be old news to some, but I didn't realize that Topamax has weight loss benefits! Mr Cushing, did you know that? I'm feeling okay right now, so I've no desire to add anything, but it's nice to know.
I hope the Trileptal works for you Peter!
Posted by Mr Cushing on December 3, 2002, at 23:00:47
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by pork chop on December 3, 2002, at 22:01:26
Yeah, I know that, but on top of the weight gain, my mind is about the most precious part of me. I'd go completely crazy if I couldn't use it. And Topomax has some really bad cognitive side effects, which is why my Doctor already ruled that out.I need a really strong AD, something not SSRI related, and I need it really fast. My depression was kicked into high gear today from some bad news that I've received, if you look at the last post on this page. I can't be hospitalized at the moment. I need to be an out-patient, but I need something successful. Just for a short period.
Posted by fluffy on December 4, 2002, at 14:03:56
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by Mr Cushing on December 3, 2002, at 23:00:47
Hi Mr. Cushing, Krysti, Pork chop, and others...
Man--
I come into work today, and see that this thread has exploded!! It's good!!So I saw my pdoc on monday. I really, really don't like him...but he's all I got right now. He doesn't want to explain ANYTHING!! He doesn't tell me about side effects. He says about 20 total words when I visit him....It's like---"appetite?----sleeping?----Hmmmm---feeling suicidal?----" and then some bullshit "light " topic follows. I have to force him to talk to me about what is actually going on--like the cycling and the anxiety from the SSRI's....BLEH.
But he put me on Tegretol, which I think is a pretty good choice from what research I've done. So far, so good. It's been 2 days...no weird side effects or space-cadet feelings.
To pork chop--
I also thought that what I was going through was "just" depression....like unipolar depressions. It wasn't until I had a horrible experience with Lexapro that I realized that something was rotten in Denmark...
It put me into a mixed state. Then I tried zoloft and neurontin. I was cycling rapidly, and the neurontin didn't seem to keep it from happening. If you have time, you can read some of my earlier posts. I was totally in denial about being BPII. Now I'm just glad I know so that I can get the proper drugs to prevent/ lessen a future episode.Mr. Cushing--
Did you ever figure out what the chills were about? I hope the SSRI helps. What about Wellbutrin? I've heard good things about it from other BP kids.Take care everyone!
Fluffy
Posted by Mr Cushing on December 4, 2002, at 15:39:27
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by fluffy on December 4, 2002, at 14:03:56
Hi, yeah, I got placed back on Celexa yesterday. My PDoc and my MD want me to continue on Depakote at a low dose, but my MD says that I should come in and see him once a week for a little bit just to make sure that my body is adjusting to the Depakote normally. He said that with the amount I'm taking, 375mg per day, that I should not have put on a ton of weight. He said that if I continue to go up, then he'll send me to a BP specialist to see what else we can do.God... I still feel like I'm living in a nightmare though. I'm just constantly praying to my Mom that Eva's boat comes in alright. It's been 8 days now and no word... I really don't think I'm up for another funeral again, especially hers... Both my MD and my PDoc suggested that I take a very large dose of Klonopin for the next few weeks if I don't feel like I'm holding myself together too well. That will give Celexa enough time to kick in and then I can reduce my Klonopin dose.
So there... 2 Doctors have told me now that taking Klonopin, a Benzo, is actually not that bad for you. That I should take as much of it as I feel I need in order to hold myself together untill the AD comes into play.
Anyways, keep praying for my friend Eva. I wouldn't be alive today if it wasn't for her, and I don't know how I'm going to cope with things if she's dead. I know that's a worst case scenario, but right now everything is up in the air and I guess I've got to try and prepare for the worst. At the worst, after the wake/funeral, I think I'm going to need to be hospitalized for a bit.
Posted by pork chop on December 5, 2002, at 10:36:57
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by Mr Cushing on December 4, 2002, at 15:39:27
Cushing, You and Eva are in my prayers. That really sucks not knowing. I can't imagine what you're going through. Hang in there.
I overdid it at the work christmas party last night, as usual. Today I feel like total shit. I somehow manage to overdo everything in my life.
I don't know if this will help, but whenever I'm really overloaded, I just think about the process: Walk up the stairs, open the door, sit on the chair... The real simple stuff keeps me sane. Anyway, I hope you're okay Cushing, and email me if you feel like it, [email protected]
Posted by Mr Cushing on December 5, 2002, at 11:53:36
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by pork chop on December 5, 2002, at 10:36:57
Actually, I got some really good news last night. After panicking for like 2 days, I looked at the article that a friend of mine sent me from the "Vancouver Sun" and found out who the main editor was for that column. I then explained to him my situation, that I don't have any local news coverage of what's going on in Vancouver, and that the article had me scared to death.So he emailed me back and said that there was a lot of hoopla in that article because once you pen it, there's people at the paper that like to change things around somewhat. He said that he knew the Captain personally and that this guy had spent about 30 years on the water. That if anybody was able to captain a boat of novices to Costa Rica from BC, that he was the guy to do it. That he saw the boat, had inspected the boat, and it was terrific. It was in 100% shape and the only thing that was missing was the telecommunications equipment. He said that the captain had wanted it this way because he wanted the novices to know what it feels like being out at sea by yourself. He requested that no "couples" be together on the boat because he wanted it to be a team-building strategy and that he was mainly looking for a group of total strangers for a learning experience. He said that the Captain had actually sailed that boat over from Africa, where he built it himself, to BC in order to conduct this voyage. So basically, the captain was able to sail the boat around the world by himself, with no crew, so he shouldn't have had a problem even if the crew consisted of people that knew next to nothing. He also said that the Captain almost never went by the schedule. That was his experience with him. He'll set up a schedule so that people wouldn't worry before the trip started, but that he was very educated on the waters and if he saw trouble somewhere ahead, he knew a billion shortcuts to get around it. If it was really nice out, he also had a habit of taking the crew for a nice sightseeing tour. It just depended what the waters were like at that particular time. For the waters and the weather, it's been nearly perfect sailing conditions the entire time since the trip started. He said that he also notified the Coast Guards about this boat and just to let them know if they saw it. Whenever something does come up about the boats whereabouts, or if a rescue mission has to be set up, then he would email me and let me know. He said that basically the ship's final destination was Costa Rica, and that the Captain usually changes the course of getting there just about every time.
So that made me feel better for the time being anyways...
Since I started on mood stabilizers, I've quit out drinking completely. I'm the type of guy that nobody questions when I want to do something. For example, if I'm out with a group of friends and they're all drinking, I'll say that I want water. Nobody would say, "Why don't you have a beer like us?" because they know I don't go for stuff like that. Also, after like the first month without taking a sip of alcohol, I really don't miss it that much. And I was drinking before up to 4 times a week, and getting hammered each time. I still smoke weed though, just very small amounts of it. Like "maybe" I'll smoke 2 grams a week, but that's like the most I'll do and I've rarely got there since I started the medication. It's all about willpower, you just have to watch yourself and have confidence in yourself and after that, it's not that bad.
Posted by fluffy on December 5, 2002, at 13:46:52
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by Mr Cushing on December 5, 2002, at 11:53:36
Mr. Cushing--
You're right about quitting drinking. It's not that bad. When I think about how hammered I used to get (also, like 4 times a week) and how crap-tastic I would feel the next day...and totally moody and irritable. Sometimes I would leave work because I was so hungover that I couldn't see straight. I don't really miss it at all. The most I've had to drink since this episode started was maybe one beer. And I wonder why I needed to drink so damn much all of the time. I haven't dipped into the Mary Jane, though since then. Sometimes I feel like I need it to work in my studio and get the juices going. Do you find that it destabilizes you?
Bobby Brown was interviewed by Diane Sawyer last night. She asked why he smokes dope...and he said "I'm bipolar...and it levels me out." She said, "Hey--What about Lithium?" And he was like..."Oh that makes me catatonic." I thought it was a rather funny exchange for primetime television.
Anyways--
Good to hear that there is some hope for your friend. Let us know what happens.
lovins,
fluffy
Posted by Mr Cushing on December 5, 2002, at 16:22:48
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by fluffy on December 5, 2002, at 13:46:52
Hey Katy, I only smoke a little bit now though. Like I know how "not" to overdo it. God, I've been smoking though for damn near 3/4's of my life. I love the smell of it, I love the taste of it, and nothing relaxes me more than smoking a little spliff of some really good hydro or outdoor. You'd be surprised at some of the outdoor us Canadians have been able to come out with this year lol... I don't find that it does really anything to me except maybe mellow me out. Never made me really giddy. Doesn't give me panic attacks. Doesn't make me depressed. I guess, in a sense, it helps to balance me out.I see you keep mentioning about working in a studio, what exactly do you do?
Posted by Mr Cushing on December 5, 2002, at 16:23:41
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy, posted by fluffy on December 5, 2002, at 13:46:52
Posted by Mr Cushing on December 5, 2002, at 19:33:17
In reply to Where is Krysti??? (nm), posted by Mr Cushing on December 5, 2002, at 16:23:41
Alright, I had already stated here that Depakote wound up making me gain 10lbs during the first 5 weeks. Well, for some "strange" reason, I've lost 5 within the past 3 days. I didn't do anything different. Actually, about the only thing that I can think of that I actually did do differently was that I was too bummed out to work out. So basically, I stopped something that should have been making me lose weight. My Doctor today even said that I really looked last bloated since the last time I saw her, which was only 3 days ago.Funny stuff, huh?
Posted by Krysti on December 6, 2002, at 7:58:13
In reply to Where is Krysti??? (nm), posted by Mr Cushing on December 5, 2002, at 16:23:41
Hi guys : )
Sorry I disappeared - I have been absolutely swamped. 3 weeks on the Trileptal and still doing good : )
Cush - I hope everything is okay with your friend. From your last message about it, sounds like they are probably just taking their time. I'm sure you're still worried though. I will keep her in my thoughts/prayers.
I have to go for now, but promise to return when I can get some time!!!
Krysti
Posted by fluffy on December 6, 2002, at 10:29:59
In reply to Re: Is there ever a normal after BP - fluffy » fluffy, posted by Mr Cushing on December 5, 2002, at 16:22:48
>
> Hey Katy, I only smoke a little bit now though. Like I know how "not" to overdo it. God, I've been smoking though for damn near 3/4's of my life. I love the smell of it, I love the taste of it, and nothing relaxes me more than smoking a little spliff of some really good hydro or outdoor. You'd be surprised at some of the outdoor us Canadians have been able to come out with this year lol... I don't find that it does really anything to me except maybe mellow me out. Never made me really giddy. Doesn't give me panic attacks. Doesn't make me depressed. I guess, in a sense, it helps to balance me out.
>Dude--
Don't be bragging about the awesome MJ you guys get up north. We southerners have to deal with consuming the not-so-piquant brick-weed from Mexico...
But I've tried the Canadian variety, and it's....WOW. A trifle expensive for this gal, though.> I see you keep mentioning about working in a studio, what exactly do you do?
I'm a visual artist. I make sculpture...loosely. I'm kind-of a hybrid between a performance artist/ gymnast/ sculptor. My work has to do with overcoming objects larger than oneself (like Sisyphus) and/or performing feats. Lately my own mental sh!t has been enough of a feat, though. But it's getting better. Maybe I'll e-mail you a link to some images if you're interested.
fluffy
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.