Posted by N on March 14, 2000, at 21:49:26
Greetings! I'm new to this forum and the info is interesting. I've been dealing with a mood disorder for 13 years. First diagnosed with depression and given Zoloft and Paxil (at different times). Finally thought I was getting myself together and didn't need an antidepressant. Took a new job, was involved in a car accident and started coming unglued. More aggitation than depression (wanted to throttle everyone). Went back to the counselor and was diagnosed with cyclothmyia (mild bi-polar). Have never been hospitalized (although one therapist did threaten when I went off on him verbally in his office). Have never lost touch with the real world (and, how would I know for sure?). But,I have lots of trouble coping with the day to day in a realistic way. (Mother and one sibling suicided, and another sibling has attempted, so I'm serious about managing my mental health)
My psychiatrist put me on Depakote. Hair fell out, developed a tremor (normal), and fought with my stomach, but I felt more even. Gained 32 pounds and the doc said it was more than vanity - it was a health issue, so we went exploring.
Tried Tegretol next. Made my brain crawl. Hated it. Felt totally out of control after the first dose. Waited a week, tried again. Same result. Extreme aggitation, nightmares, out of control (violent) thoughts.
Tried Lamictal. Took months to get to a theraputic dose. When I got there I couldn't think, remember, or respond to simple questions (i.e. "Have you had lunch?"). Had problems focusing my eyes, felt exhausted, couldn't walk a straight line. And, the migraines (which I've been successfully treating w/ Sansert) started coming back. Also, nightmares.
Next, Neurontin. Took three days at entry dose. Woke up with a migraine on the 4th day after having nightmares the night before, plus aggitation. Stopped taking it, too.
Doc knows I'm afraid to "take my meds" -- The cure is at least as bad as the disorder!! (Most of the time..)
Have been trying Kava Kava for the last two days. Still have my Xanax for manic periods (I'm careful to use them appropriately). Have a friend whose husband takes Welbutrin and Depakote. He has benefited.
Another friend suggest Lithium, but weight gain is an issue, along with mental dullness. I need to be sharp for work, or I'll lose my job. I need to be emotionally even at work, or I'll lose my job. I'm still looking for the magic bullet.
Also, wondering how many folks are experiencing bi-polar, migraine and fibromyalgia in combination. Recently read some info on that combo. Would love to find one pill that would cause me to feel even, lose weight, have no migraines and sleep like a baby (the nightmares are hell). Suggestions?
poster:N
thread:27042
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000312/msgs/27042.html