Posted by Sad Panda on March 26, 2004, at 6:52:07
In reply to Re: MAOI question - Bipolar II, posted by Mr. Scott on March 25, 2004, at 21:25:51
> Yes I am BPII. My doctor seems to think Lithium and anticonvulsants wont do the trick for depression though and that they are really only good for manic side symptoms with the exception of Lamictal. He also said Akathesia never occurs on antidepressants however... I'm sure you've seen the front page headlines regarding that issue this week. I don't have tremendous confidence in him at this point. He says he doesn't want to "rob me of my highs." At this point in the game my highs are pretty brief and generally turn into sickening agitation. I did best clinically on an SSRI/clonazepam combo, but that was years ago and now after they took me off of benzo's I cant tolerate ANY antidepressant. Currently I'm back on Tranxene (7.5mg), but that doesn't cut it as a mood stabilizer or an anxiolytic. I also take 450mg of Lithium and 600mg of Trileptal. I'd like to try Lithium and Clonazepam and then add in an AD if it's still necessary. My life is currently an absolute nightmare. I'm 29 years old and fully self-sufficient and my mom still said she'd give me a birthday present of 3 months in the psych ward of my choice if thats any indication of how well I'm doing. Since the age of 14 I've never been able to tolerate an AD without the induction of mixed or rapid cycling symptoms and yet I'm far more depressed than I am manic. I consume way too much caffeine out of necesity in order to be productive regularly consuming 5 cups and thensome. Whoever said it was right that at night it hits me and I start to climb the walls in an agitated state of hell with or without the antidepressants. I appreciate your input very much. I'm not trying to be dramatic, but for the last 3-4 years I've been in hell and not afraid to say so here on babble. I'll take any advice you folks can give me back to my doctor for discussion if you have any. Thank You!
>
> Scott
>Hi Scott,
AFAIK Akathesia is a side effect of AP's & related to dopamine caused by AP's, how bad are your symptoms? When you say you have tried all AD's, have you tried NE only TCA's like Desipramine or Nortriptyline?
Cheers,
Panda.
poster:Sad Panda
thread:324697
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040325/msgs/328623.html