Posted by jay on December 7, 2004, at 16:12:07
In reply to Extreme agitation, irritibility, sedation, posted by saw on December 7, 2004, at 7:21:59
> I am between meds. I stopped Lamictal last week and am waiting for my Topamax. I became very irritable and my moods were out of line when on Lamictal. I have always been agitated but it is worse now. How long would it take for this to abate?
>
> I am also so sleepy at times during the day that I fall asleep against my power. I have nodded off twice today, at my computer, while working. It's sort of like being hypnotized and someone saying sleep. I have gone for frequent walks, drank lots of water but even as I type this I feel as though I want to go into a deep sleep. I have taken so long to complete any one single thing today.
>
> SabrinaHi Sabrina:
It's a tough road, indeed, but we are here also to offer practical advice. I personally am a bit curious and bothered why docs thin a mood-stabalizer alone for a clinically depressed person will somehow 'work'. I know...the whole spew 'if you had a manic reaction to AD's...etc..'...but for a clinically depressed person, mood stabalizers alone can make you *more*, MUCH more depressed. (Been there, done that, got the t-shirt..) I will try to look on medline for info on this for you.
What exactly are your symptoms anyways? (Dont't worry about diagnosis right now) It sounds (from what I have made of many of your past posts) that you hate the current life you are living. Well...I did too..still often do, but I was bound and determined to find every drug I could take that would help. (And safely too.) If you are like I am, and struggle first with body issues and being overweight....you are FARRRRRRRRRRR from being alone. Me too!
You have some major choices to make...and yes I know it is darn hard as heck! But, the secret is to do it little by little. Yesterday is gone, and tommorow doesn't know. Medication wise, you really need to get out of your irritated and exhausting situation. Two medications that can work like a bullet for this are a fairly high dose of a benzo, and starting with a small dose of the more activating SSRI's, like Prozac or Zoloft. It will hurt for a few weeks to get adjusted, but the benzos will help tame things down.
Now, to keep things going, as SSRI's often 'poop out' within a month or two for some, you will need a stimulant to help carry things along. There are a few to choose from, so don't get discouraged if when one seems not work, go to another.
The key is once you start to feel better, you need to make some REAL positive changes in your life. Maybe marriage counselling, individual counselling, maybe look into a career or something, and prove you are as strong a strong individual as any. What matters most is how YOU feel though. If you feel you are overweight, goto one of those women only places like 'Curves' or something like that. Keep your mind active...that is very important, making new growth and connection in the brain.
So...what do ya think? Let me know...
Best, Jay
poster:jay
thread:425633
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041206/msgs/425805.html