Posted by AnneL on October 26, 2003, at 14:02:46
In reply to Re: Questioning BPII Diagnosis and Treatment » AnneL, posted by galkeepinon on October 26, 2003, at 1:28:03
>>Thank you so much for your very insightful reply. I am sure Effexor has not helped my perpensity towards some of the BP II diagnostic criteria. I think the only thing that has "saved" me for the last 3 years by being on an unopposed SSRI/SSNI from going full-tilt is a nightly dose of Klonapin. Question: Mirtipazine (sp) isn't that Remeron? Dosen't Remeron cause tremendous increase in Appetite due to its histamine properties? I've heard it's really sedating as well. Are you taking Remeron? Tomorrow is the "big" consult day with my psychopharmacologist who feels he has all the evidence he needs to support his BP II or whatever diagnosis. Now I know why this diagnosis can be missed so easily. The only times I saw my Pdoc were when I was in the dumps, not when I was feeling "great" (I mean feeling Good, almost to the point of feeling bad). I like your rationale behind Lamictal, meaning, I can take my time to slowly titrate up as I am not in crisis. I'll keep you posted. Thank you again for your input! Anne :)
> Hi, I still blame Effexor for being 'labeled' as BP II the 'softer' version. That med helped with my depression, BUT I got so manic at times that I had to lower the dosage. I finally discontinued it.
> I can just speak from my experience:
> Lamictal has helped my moods tremendously. I never got the 'rash'.
> I lost a lot of hair and gained 30 in a MONTH while on Depakote. I don't currently nor will I ever take that med again.
> As far as being concerned with being on an unopposed SNRI~Mirtazapine has no direct reuptake inhibition of norepinephrine, serotonin, or dopamine and it doesn't produce as many gastrointestinal disturbances as do the SSRIs.
> Maybe check into the NaSSA's.
> *Only you can decide what's best for you, but I'm sure you'll get other posters' responses:-)
> Hang in there and best of luck!
>
>
>
> > Hi P-Babblers,
> >
> > After 3 years on Effexor and Klonapin after a depressive episode, I find myself with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder of the "softer" variation, my guess would be II. I have been given 4 options:
> > 1. Stay on my currents meds and see what happens, or
> > 2. Try Valproic acid (sp) and taper off klonapin; or
> > 3. Try Lamictal.
> > Because I do not feel depressed and the hypomanic phase seems to have passed (it lasted for about 5 weeks and was very pleasant with the exception of only sleeping 4 hours a night and spending money), it just does not seem too urgent or pressing to start on another medication that may cause a potentially fatal rash (Lamictal) or make my hair fall out and increase weight (Val acid).
> > Can anyone offer me some rationale as to why it might be a good idea to try a mood stabilizer and do I need to be concerned with being on an unopposed SNRI? Thanks AnneL
>
>
poster:AnneL
thread:273518
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031025/msgs/273663.html