Posted by Ponder on August 31, 2003, at 14:36:44
In reply to BP AND SSRIs/ Some say BAD combo, any ideas?, posted by Ima on August 28, 2003, at 14:52:25
Ima,
Yes, there is research supporting the dangers of bipolars being on SSRI's. The current thinking seems to be that SSRIs are OK if you are also on a mood-stabilizer at the same time, but not a good choice as monotherapy.It is very common for anxiety to be a component of the bipolar constellation of symptoms. As I understand it, the anxiety can be a separate pathological entity, OR it can be a part of the bipolar. The way to tell is to notice if the anxiety fluctuates in concert with your cycles. If so, then getting the cycling under control should also reduce the anxiety. Either way, if you have anxiety, it makes sense to treat it somehow. Anxiety is bad for the body and increases the risk for depression.
BTW, I'm not a doctor or pharmacist. This is just what I have read.
poster:Ponder
thread:255102
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030828/msgs/255924.html