Posted by judy1 on May 9, 2001, at 18:04:43
In reply to Re: All AD's Destabilizing? » judy1, posted by alexa on May 8, 2001, at 11:33:10
Dear Alexa,
You might like to read Dr. Jim Phelp's site: http://psycheducation.com/ The rationale in treating bipolar disorder is optimizing the mood stabilizer in order to prevent depression and mania. The problem is while most mood stabilizers are efficient at preventing mania, depressive symptoms often remain. In my experience lamictal is the only one that does not induce depression (in fact I have become manic on it). I just read an article that while topamax was effective in weight loss, only 13% improved on it. Since you have had 4 episodes in a year (or more?) you qualify as a rapid cycler and should NOT take an AD. I worry about seroquel, while the pharmaceutical co.s claim atypicals cause less EPS than older AP's, I feel they are too new to have solid evidence to the contrary. I only use APs when psychotic- I have been in to many psych wards seeing the 'haldol shuffle' to fear their effects. I believe I already indicated I take klonopin for comorbid panic disorder, I have had over a dozen episodes in the last year and am considered 'treatment resistant'. I hope you read Dr. Phelp's site and realize that agitation may be your AD and not your illness. And please question your use of seroquel. I hope this helps- judy
poster:judy1
thread:61343
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010507/msgs/62287.html