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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Toph on January 6, 2004, at 13:20:43
I've been diagnosed bi-polar (manic-depressive, originally) since 1976. After several hospitalizations for clinical depression and major manic episodes I finally accepted my diagnosis and began taking Lithium religiously in 1981. It has been very effective in preventing major manic and depressive episodes (although I had one brief manic relapse when my marriage broke up 15 years ago). My question is, my wife (#2 and a great partner) and my shrink say I'm depressed as in disthymia, the blues, and just generally unhappy a lot of the time. I've considered trying Zoloft or some such anti-depressant but I am terrified it might rock the boat that has been keeping me afloat and functional for all these years. Does anyone have any serious advice about mood elevating meds for bi-polars on Lithium - will I screw things up or feel less depressed safely?
Posted by linkadge on January 6, 2004, at 13:58:17
In reply to Lithium and anti-depressants, posted by Toph on January 6, 2004, at 13:20:43
You might want to try lamictal. This is a mood stabalizer which has antidepressant properties.
It may be somewhat less likely to induce a manic episode than zoloft.
Linkadge
Posted by Keith Talent on January 6, 2004, at 23:58:02
In reply to Re: Lithium and anti-depressants, posted by linkadge on January 6, 2004, at 13:58:17
Have you got room to move re the lithium concentration? It can be taken up to about 1.2 if needed. Otherwise, the old MAOIs and bupropion seem to have less chance of causing switching than other antidepressants.
Posted by Toph on January 7, 2004, at 11:39:30
In reply to Re: Lithium and anti-depressants, posted by Keith Talent on January 6, 2004, at 23:58:02
> Have you got room to move re the lithium concentration? It can be taken up to about 1.2 if needed. Otherwise, the old MAOIs and bupropion seem to have less chance of causing switching than other antidepressants.
>
Keith, are you suggesting that increasing my lithium level will have an anti-deppressant effect or that increasing the level will make taking Lamictal safer? What would you suggest is the best combination anti-deppressant and lithium?
Posted by HappyGirl on January 7, 2004, at 14:12:48
In reply to Re: Lithium and anti-depressants, posted by Toph on January 7, 2004, at 11:39:30
Hi:
In my suggestion, Wellbutrin SR or Serzone might be a good choice.
In regard to Wellbutrin sr, you have to make sure two things, .... one is not have 'eating disorder,' .... another is NOT prone to get 'seizure/epilepsy.'
WB gives you 'motivation,' 'energy,' along with 'good concentration.' One drawback is WB causes 'insomnia' in some of Bps.
Serzone(Nefadozone/Generic form) is a kind milder form, but good for depression, sleep-well along with anxiety. However, you need to have 'Tough/Strong liver,' because this med. has 'Black Box' warning, for that all other countries, European and even Canada stopped marketing this med. Only here, USA and Australia has this med. However, if you think Serzone is good for your dep., then ask to your pdoc. whether this med. would suit to your symptoms along with your physical condition.
H.G.
Posted by Keith Talent on January 7, 2004, at 21:36:56
In reply to Re: Lithium and anti-depressants, posted by Toph on January 7, 2004, at 11:39:30
I don't know what your level is now, but some find that raising it helps treat a depressive episode. It would certainly boost the effect of a serotonergic antidepressant. About lamotrigine, I don't know. There is no best antidepressant and lithium.
Posted by Toph on January 8, 2004, at 8:53:05
In reply to Re: Lithium and anti-depressants, posted by Keith Talent on January 7, 2004, at 21:36:56
> I don't know what your level is now, but some find that raising it helps treat a depressive episode. It would certainly boost the effect of a serotonergic antidepressant. About lamotrigine, I don't know. There is no best antidepressant and lithium.
>
My wife and step-daughter both have mild, persistant depression (hopefully not from me) and have benefited from Zoloft and Wellbutin, respectively. I envy them and hense my inquiry. Keith, "no best antidepressant and lithium?" How depressing. Anyway, I thank everyone for what appears to be sincere advice. I will bring this info to my physician. Thanks again.
This is the end of the thread.
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