Posted by Sean on August 31, 1999, at 12:40:33
In reply to lithium alternatives (due to side effects)?, posted by Katy on August 30, 1999, at 17:55:37
> I've taken lithium 900mg twice a day for eight years for the
> diagnosis of bipolar II. Hand tremors have been a
> problem virtually the entire time, as well as muscular
> weakness and weight gain. Admittedly, I eat too much
> and rarely exercise, but I'm only 36 years old and have
> no health problems, so I think lithium has a real effect.
> Basically, although I realize that the weight
> gain could be partially due to the hypothyroidism that lithium can
> bring on, my contribution is still the most
> influential. Incidentally, I take 40-60mg of Nadalol
> nightly to counter the the tremors. When I tell my doctor
> that my tremors are still a problem, she just suggests
> adding 20 mg of Nadalol which I fear just sedates me more
> and I dislike this very much.
> What have others taken for Bipolar II? What side effects
> have you experienced and how have they been countered
> etc.?
> Thank you!
> KatyHave you looked into Valproate, Carbemazepine,
Verapamil, Gabapentin, and Lamotrigine? These are
drugs originally designed for epilepsy that work
well for mood swings. Good luck...Sean.
poster:Sean
thread:10812
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990829/msgs/10828.html