Posted by BarbaraCat on July 13, 2002, at 15:27:13
In reply to Re: Bipolar mixed states and chocolate » BarbaraCat, posted by MomO3 on July 10, 2002, at 0:33:17
Hi Mom,
Actually, it's Effexor that has a relationship with PEA, phenylethylalanine. Same chemical that's in chocolate (I hope you like dark chocolate. Milk chocolate is just a tease, as far as I'm concerned). PEA is also the chemical isolated from spinal fluid of people in the bouncing off the walls stages of 'in-love'. It's a very interesting substance, related to amphetamines.Unfortunately, Effexor didn't work so well for me and the coming off was ghastly. I used to crave chocolate about 12 hours before I started my period. It would have to be dark chocolate. I once jumped out of bed, pulled my jeans on over my PJs and drove 20 miles down twisty mountain roads in the middle of a stormy February night to get a hot fudge sundae. I remember thinking 'I have a major chocolate jones, yessirree'. Since I'm over that stage of life, these chocolate crazies no longer bother me. If someone could synthesize the sweet craziness of falling in love, ah, now there would be a drug! Don't think anyone's done that yet, and Effexor sure ain't it.
I know very well the caged animal feeling. I've gotten that while starting up on too high a dose of Zoloft, Prozac, SSRI du-jour, as well as being a symptom of a Bipolar episode. It's become obvious to me that I need a benzo, or some kind of smoother. I'm almost convinced that I'm BP-II with mixed states. The mixed states are what causes the suicidal caged animal depressions for me - mania bleeding into depression, a deadly brew.
BTW, I commend you on raising 3 kids while going through the difficulties of a mood disorder. Don't think I could do it, and admire you tremendously. If I can give some advice based on experience, try to keep a steady state with your meds and not run out and just stop and then start up with a new one. I've done that many times and it's havoc on the poor brain. Also, if you have access to a naturopath it would be a good idea to see one. They have a deeper take on the thyroid issue and if your's is even a little out of whack it can be the missing link to everything. Your blood tests do NOT tell the whole picture - trust me on this - and the fact that you have a nodule is significant. - BCat
poster:BarbaraCat
thread:111115
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020709/msgs/112234.html