Posted by Ritch on March 19, 2002, at 23:48:19
In reply to Lithium for BPII or cyclothymia? NEED HELP, posted by Peter on March 19, 2002, at 17:26:43
> Hello all:
> Well, after another trial with a new medication cocktail prescribed by my pdoc, I'm still miserable. Since 1997, this guy has had me on various combinations of depakote, neurontin, a slew of SSRI's, Wellbutrin, Effexor, dopamine agonists, stimulants, klonopin, and more. He had diagnosed me with mild bipolar, some panic, social phobia, and possible ADD. I still continued to have problems-bad mood swings and times when I just couldn't go outside because I was depressed/anxious. When I opened my cabinet and saw hundreds of pill viles, it dawned on me that I needed another opinion from a second pdoc. This just isn't working, I thought. So, it was suggested that I have a consultation with NYC-based Donald F Klein, supposedly one of the best. He came to the conclusion that I am in fact bipolar, and that my anxiety/panic/depression stems from my BP. He said I should taper off all the meds I'm on now (Neurontin, adderall, and klonopin), and begin a simple combo of Lithium and Depakote. I always thought Lithium was only prescribed for people with intense BP I, with acute manias and suicidal depressions. I've never had acute mania-in fact, I don't ever recall having a manic episode, but he thinks I am BP. Does anyone know if Lithium can be used for milder BP disorder? If so, does anyone have any succes stories? I would love to once and for all be stabilized without constantly switching from one cocktail to the next for the rest of my life! Finally, I'm aware of the need for monitering and blood checks while on Lithium, but is it safe and effective at the right dose? Does it help depressive states characterized by apprehension, social phobia, and irritability? Thanks,
> Peter
Wow, you have really been going through the mill. I agree to *some* extent with your new pdoc's opinions. I went through this myself about 15 years ago when I started college for the 2nd time. I was on Lithium monotherapy (600mg/day), but still was having breakthrough panic attacks. Well, the first thing that was thought of was..."The bipolar is not being controlled properly, we need to increase the lithium". Well, increasing the lithium created more GI distress, which was what was precipitating the panic attacks anyways. So, they *finally* gave me some Lomotil (opioid+anticholinergic), and voila! the panic attacks diminished. Well, that certainly seemed to throw a kink into their theories at the time. I wound up on *less* lithium+diazepam+lomotil, and things worked out much better. You could try the Depakote+lithium combo and see what happens. Hey, it is a trial.. If they are full of crap, you will be able to tell relatively quickly!Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:98867
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020318/msgs/98946.html