Posted by gregw4213 on March 30, 2008, at 1:46:33
In reply to lexapro and marijuana use, posted by jcalder on February 17, 2005, at 19:14:00
I have read your post and can tell you with great certainty that your husband is experiancing mania triggered by the lexapro. Do you know his current dosage? (20 or 30mg) Your husband meets all the criteria of a classic Bi-polar II individual. BPII's cannot be treated with anti-depressants alone(SSRI's, SNRI's, or bupropion). These drugs work wonderful in patients with depression, however for patients that are bi-polar, these drugs have a tendency to cause mania. It took your husband from depression to a feeling of Euphoric individualism. He most likely doesn't need a whole lot of sleep right now, and his confidence level is very high. He probably feels like you were the cause of most of his problems because mania feels so good and when he was with you he remembers the depression. This isn't your fault dear. You sound like you've already put up with more than your share. Eventually he will come down and regret these life altering decisions. The first line of treatment for Bi-polar patients are MOOD STABILIZERS not anti-depressants. If needed anti depressants may be RX'd but only in concert with a mood stabilizer which prevents the patient from going manic. Right now your husband needs a stabilizer such as Lithium Carbonate(typically 900mg/day) or better yet, Abilify. Both are excellent at treating acute manic symptoms. Then, once his mania is in check my recomendation would be to drop the lexapro and add an unbelievable drug called Lamictal(you get a starter pack free but then you'll need insurance because its costly.) If you cant afford lamictal than Lithium is a good alternative for both BPI and BPII patients. I've seen this time and time again. Your husband feels euphoric and liberated but he can't help it. Get him back now or he'll soon destroy both of your lives. Tell him to do it for his children if not you. Your task won't be easy because if he's like most people who go through this, you won't be able to convince him that he's actually experiancing mania and not a new lease on life. You also might want to privately discuss your concerns with his physician. If he/she thinks he is manic he will quit RXing the lexapro. I hope this helps dear . . .and GOOD LUCK :)
poster:gregw4213
thread:459550
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20080104/msgs/820636.html