Posted by fluffy on September 11, 2003, at 11:42:13
In reply to Re: Official Side-effects » katia, posted by SUMMER2002 on September 10, 2003, at 22:01:33
Hello again Patricia and everyone--
It is so natural to question a BP diagnosis!! Sometimes it is necessary. Do you feel that you fit the DSM definition at all? Have you had a bad reaction to antidepressants in the past? Is there a family history? All of these things helped me to determine that it was indeed true--I am bipolar. SHEESH!! I even hate to say it. It carries quite a stigma. Sounds to me that if you are, you are probably BPII--or just barely above the unipolar of the BP "spectrum".
If the Wellbutrin makes you feel manic or mixed, then bag it--it's not worth it to take a drug to help you quit. For what it's worth, I also quit smoking 6 months ago. I found that once my mood was stabilized, it was easier to quit. So, heck--if the WB works, then HOORAY!!! I just quit cold turkey--I was a raging bitch for 4 days, and was very tempted to start again for the next month, but after that it got a lot easier.
I also found that Lamictal made it almost impossible for me to sleep--esp. at first, and for some reason lately. Maybe it's just the changing of the seasons.
I am feeling much better with the Li today. I'm giving it another week, and who knows--it may be just right. Doctors always want to try the new models and use their patients as guinea pigs. (esp. mine!) But I can see why past BP and present BP people couldn't tolerate Li--it has been uncomfortable!! But the side effects do seem to be fading. As for a jump in the dose--oh!! I'm cringing!! Not another 3 weeks of feeling confused and stupid! I'm a professor and I have to be smarter than my students--it's my job!
My next option is Zyprexa, I think. Since i have "psychotic" depressions w/ rejection sensitivity and negative ruminations, it may be good bet.
Sorry for the ramble--
I hope everyone is well and functional!!Katy
poster:fluffy
thread:9730
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030907/msgs/259051.html