Posted by Angielala on January 6, 2004, at 13:15:18
In reply to Re: Finally off Depakote... and now really scared » Angielala, posted by leopard on January 6, 2004, at 13:04:06
BP runs in my family. I had had a couple month-long manias (which weren't as bad as some manic people I know) followed by a deep deep depression. At the same time I was being sexually harassed at work by my boss, which added to the situation. They had me on Paxil, and I began showing sign of BPII- rapid cycling and such. Hence the Depakote. I was on the Depakote for over a year- yet I still had mixed episodes. For about 4 months my cycles have slowed, yet I have this depression that I can't shake. Soooooo... the plan is to get off the Depakote- the side effects were killing me- I was sleepy ALL the time, I could sleep anywhere at anytime- which is very surprising since before I went on the meds i was a complete Insomniac- for my whole life. I gained 30 pounds, have no energy (I can't even carry grociers up stairs without taking a break!) Once I'm stabilized off of the Depakote, I'm going to be weening off Paxil and at the same time be put on Wellbutrin. The idea is that Wellbutrin will help with the depression, since the Paxil wasn't activating. Also- Wellbutrin has been know to be affective in Bipolar II patients because it doesn't cause rapid cycling as Paxil or an AD would. I guess my depression is more of a dopamine thing. Also, the Wellburtin is supposed to have less severe side effects (Sorry- but I can't wait until i want to have sex again) and will help with my ADHD as well...
It's a long process, and it's bold, I know, but I have been a zombie for over a year and I just know I am not me, know what I mean? The meds turned me into a numb zombie.... someone without any motivation or cares.
So I'm in limbo... today I feel better than yesterday, but I have that guard up- as if a bad swing could come at anytime or the withdrawal symptoms will come back with a vengence.
I get worried- I'm so glad i have this board to share...
> Hi there,
>
> What is your diagnosis? If you have manic depression, it probably isn't a good thing to be taking Paxil alone...unipolar meds suck for BP people (Beepers).
>
> What are your symptoms without any medication ie; what led you to take meds in the first place?
>
> Hang in there!
>
> ~Shannon
poster:Angielala
thread:296709
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040105/msgs/297188.html