Posted by Brenda on March 2, 2000, at 11:18:53
In reply to Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder, posted by Janice on March 2, 2000, at 10:42:14
> I am a rapid cycler with 2 regular cycles a week - 1 in the middle of the week (the high), and the low during the week-end. This weekly rhythm cycles on an annual cycle. So my complete picture of my depression is related to light and sleep, which I do my best to manage with regular sleep and light therapy, which help. Still though, I generally have a mild to moderate depression during the fall and winter. So far anti-depressants have only contributed to increasing my highs and lows.
>
> I currently take 600 mg of lithium (which I will be increasing shortly). Not only does it stop my highs, it also has been the best anti-depressant I've used. I also take 25 mg of Dexedrine for ADHD (this actually helps decrease my cycle).
> So my questions:
>
> Does lithium lose efficacy over time?
>
> Are there other mood stabilizers that act as anti-depressants?
>
> Are there other medications that act as anti-depressants for rapid cyclers other than ADs?
>
> Which ADs are least likely to increase rapid cycling?
>
> Do many rapid cyclers find complete relief of their symptoms?Janice - I have used Topamax as a mood stabilizer/antidepressant. I listed the web sites to find info on the drug in a post to Noa. I believe it was on 3/1.
poster:Brenda
thread:25437
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000302/msgs/25460.html