Posted by barbaracat on July 8, 2004, at 1:14:01
In reply to Re: Back on lithium and grateful for it!, posted by fluffy on July 7, 2004, at 17:43:11
Hey Katy and Katia,
I know we've always got questions about our meds and one of the thorniest is should a bipolaroid be taking an AD? I've been taking St. John's Wort the past 6 weeks and I'm coming to think that it's a very good AD. Wasn't a good idea without the lithium but I felt I needed something and I ain't never gonna go on SSRI's no mo' no mo'. I felt an effect after 1 week but it was going in and out and I needed the lithium to stabilize and augment things. I don't think it's strong enough on it's own for major depression, but a mood stabilizer gives it a kick and I'm definitely feeling a nice mood brightening as time goes on. I can't attribute it to lithium because we all know that lithium is not a zippy type med. The effect I'm experiencing is one that others have reported (those for whom it's worked which is not everyone). A light and gentle kind of brightening. There's a good forum at www.sjwinfo.org if you're interested.But all brands are not the same and I did alot of research and some trial and error to find the best one for me. Long story short, a pharmaceutical grade with a product stabilizer is the way to go. Some people like Kira or Perika but I found them too activating. The one I like best is HBC Protocols which is pharmaceutical and the cheapest. They're at http://www.hbcstore.com/products-HV280.html. Something else to put in your bag of tricks in case your current med isn't working out. I've had a miserable time with most SSRI-type prescription meds but that was before I realized I was very bipolar mixed states. Keep the faith, girfriends. Good to be back in touch. - Barbara
poster:barbaracat
thread:9730
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040704/msgs/363924.html