Posted by HappyGirl on January 11, 2004, at 16:43:36
In reply to eskalith and depakote, posted by jboardman@qtm.net on January 11, 2004, at 13:23:24
Hi:
First off, in Bipolar you should not take Anti-Dep. alone, especially any of SSRI meds., because AD induces 'manic' that is very characteristic Bipolar condition. However, the med. Trazodone is unlike any of SSRI's meds., then no need to concern about manic predisposition. Just your pdoc. might have given a warning on your self-rx on Traz.
Depakote is widely rxed as for the very first Bp med. around dosage from 500mg. - 1000 mg. according your tolerance to Depakote. As having read your post, however it sounds to me like you're not quite tolerance on both meds., Depakote and Lithium. As we, among Bps know, Lithium has negative side-effects, all of which you've been mentioning here, above. Then, probably, a very low-dosage, even around 300 mg. a day might be enough, ... and if you would feel some improvement, then try to move it up to the dosage you feel comfortable. Also, as to Depakote, you might the same method as the Lithium, ... try to bring up very slowly, from even 250 mg., until you feel confident to get some tolerance.
In my knowledge, some of Bps are UNABLE to take Lithium due to bad-reaction. Then, you try both med., Depakote and Lithium on low dosage until your concern/worry subsides on both med. Because, without faith/trust on med. regimen, you may not able to feel well. Also, if you're successful on Trazodone, why not add to Depakote and Lithium combo. I suggest you to talk to your pdoc. at your next visit.
H.G.
poster:HappyGirl
thread:299438
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040109/msgs/299495.html