Posted by Lao Tzu on September 8, 2008, at 7:42:38
In reply to Re: For Justin Fernandez from Lao, posted by Lao Tzu on September 8, 2008, at 6:51:25
You sort of sound like me about eight years ago before I had a manic episode and auditory hallucinations. I'm not going to say it's bipolar because I'm not a psychiatrist and I don't know you, but it's possible. Or ADD? I don't know. Do you get restless and hyperactive a lot? I know with bipolar it has a lot to do with dopamine dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex and in ADD it is usually an underactive prefrontal cortex. So it's hard to say. There are definite differences between ADD and Bipolar. There also could be dysfunction with GABA receptors too, in my personal opinion. As far as antidepressants go, I am on zoloft now. It does help with anxiety. However, I think that certain antidepressants, especially those that increase dopamine in the brain may make bipolar symptoms worse. For example, I was on a high dose of Effexor XR some years back, and think that medication made my bipolar worse because I was more moody and less energetic on that med. If that medication was a factor in my becoming manic and hearing voices in my head, I don't know for sure, and I can't prove it without a doubt. Yet, I am highly suspicious. I heard antidepressants are somewhat controversial for bipolar states. Some people have said that antidepressants make moods cycle more between mania and depression. I tend to believe that might be true. However, I mentioned mood stabilizers because I think they are beneficial for unstable mood states. And I also mentioned antipsychotics like Abilify and Risperdal because they address dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex. However, they all have side effects, but what would be worse for you, the symptoms or the side effects of the medications? You have to weigh your options. Further, I really do believe addressing the nutritional deficiencies is very important too in addition to medication because medication only addresses the worst symptoms and only part of the problem. Vitamins B12, B6, Niacin, and magnesium have helped immensely for me. They are not a cure, but they certainly do help along with the medications.
poster:Lao Tzu
thread:850920
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20080612/msgs/850931.html