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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Blue Cheer 1 on March 7, 2002, at 6:12:49
In approximate chronological order, multiple trials and combinations -- for specific psychiatric diagnoses
Thorazine
Haldol
Mellaril
Stelazine
Triavil
Navane
Librium
Trilafon
Prolixin
Elavil
Tofranil
Loxitane
Lithium
Valium
Atarax
Sinequan
Aventyl
Vivactil
Norpramin
Asendin
Serax
Surmontil
Ludiomil
Desyrel
Marplan
Nardil
Parnate
Centrax
Merital
Prothiaden (study)
Ritalin
Wellbutrin (study)
Tegretol
Cytomel
Synthroid
Prozac
Zoloft (study)
Depakote
Anafranil
Effexor
Paxil
Xanax
Orap
Luvox
Klonopin
Sinemet
Celexa
Remeron
Neurontin
Deprenyl
Lamictal
Remeron
Ativan
Risperdal
Aricept
Trileptal
Risperdal
Topamax
Zyprexa
Geodon
Mirapex
Inositol
(approximately 15 adjuncts (e.g., Benadryl, Ambien, Cogentin, chloral hydrate, serotonin precursors, etc.)Diagnoses --
schizophrenic reaction, chronic undifferentiated 000-X26
schizophrenia, paranoid type 295.3
schizophrenic reaction, schizoaffective type
schizophrenia, schizoaffective type
drug dependence, marijuana and Dexedrine
drug dependence, amphetamines 304.60
episodic, excessive drinking 303.0
manic-depressive psychosis, circular type
bipolar disorder I, depressed, chronic, TRD
obsessive-compulsive disorder, severe
bipolar disorder, mixed type
bipolar disorder, mixed, rapid cyclingBlue
Posted by Ron Hill on March 7, 2002, at 13:35:58
In reply to Drug/Diagnosis History (or why never to give up), posted by Blue Cheer 1 on March 7, 2002, at 6:12:49
Blue,
Just out of curiosity, are your current meds working.? If so, what are the meds?
-- Ron
--------------------> In approximate chronological order, multiple trials and combinations -- for specific psychiatric diagnoses
>
> Thorazine
> Haldol
> Mellaril
> Stelazine
> Triavil
> Navane
> Librium
> Trilafon
> Prolixin
> Elavil
> Tofranil
> Loxitane
> Lithium
> Valium
> Atarax
> Sinequan
> Aventyl
> Vivactil
> Norpramin
> Asendin
> Serax
> Surmontil
> Ludiomil
> Desyrel
> Marplan
> Nardil
> Parnate
> Centrax
> Merital
> Prothiaden (study)
> Ritalin
> Wellbutrin (study)
> Tegretol
> Cytomel
> Synthroid
> Prozac
> Zoloft (study)
> Depakote
> Anafranil
> Effexor
> Paxil
> Xanax
> Orap
> Luvox
> Klonopin
> Sinemet
> Celexa
> Remeron
> Neurontin
> Deprenyl
> Lamictal
> Remeron
> Ativan
> Risperdal
> Aricept
> Trileptal
> Risperdal
> Topamax
> Zyprexa
> Geodon
> Mirapex
> Inositol
> (approximately 15 adjuncts (e.g., Benadryl, Ambien, Cogentin, chloral hydrate, serotonin precursors, etc.)
>
> Diagnoses --
>
> schizophrenic reaction, chronic undifferentiated 000-X26
> schizophrenia, paranoid type 295.3
> schizophrenic reaction, schizoaffective type
> schizophrenia, schizoaffective type
> drug dependence, marijuana and Dexedrine
> drug dependence, amphetamines 304.60
> episodic, excessive drinking 303.0
> manic-depressive psychosis, circular type
> bipolar disorder I, depressed, chronic, TRD
> obsessive-compulsive disorder, severe
> bipolar disorder, mixed type
> bipolar disorder, mixed, rapid cycling
>
> Blue
Posted by Blue Cheer 1 on March 7, 2002, at 15:32:51
In reply to Re: Drug/Diagnosis History (or why never to give up) » Blue Cheer 1, posted by Ron Hill on March 7, 2002, at 13:35:58
> Blue,
>
> Just out of curiosity, are your current meds working.? If so, what are the meds?
>
> -- Ron
> --------------------Ron,
I had a protracted mixed episode, then crashed into a severe, vegetative depression (one-year duration), and lately I've been feeling a little better (i.e., cognition, mood, energy) with no cycling. My goal is to become relatively free of depression, or euthymic - without any further mood elevation. I've mainly been restricted to using the few drugs that I can tolerate (Lamictal 250 mg/day, Lithium 900 mg/day, Trileptal 450 mg/day, Aricept 10 mg/day- to prevent cycling, and Valium 12.5 mg/day). I just started Inositol (#5 - 950 mg. capsules/day - to go up to 12 grams/day). About 3 weeks ago, I got my nephrologist's clearance to re-start lithium, went down from 900 mg. to 450 mg. of Trileptal, and from 20 mg/day Valium to 12.5 mg/day. Both Aricept and Trileptal will be d/c'd following the inositol study because my doctor doesn't think they're doing anything. So, since resuming lithium and going down on Trileptal and Valium, I've improved a little. Also, I usually improve with the advent of Spring and the increase in sunshine. I'd say that the combination of lithium and Lamictal, and low-dose Valium have been the best drugs for me. SSRIs used to help a little, but now they cause agitation and contribute to mixed states. I can't tolerate APs at any dose, don't drink any alcohol or use any illicit drugs.Thanks,
Blue
Posted by Ron Hill on March 8, 2002, at 1:34:38
In reply to Re: Drug/Diagnosis History (or why never to give up) » Ron Hill, posted by Blue Cheer 1 on March 7, 2002, at 15:32:51
Blue,
Just think if you had saved all your empty med bottles. You could have quite a collection!
Best of luck to you my friend.
-- Ron
------------------------------
> > Blue,
> >
> > Just out of curiosity, are your current meds working.? If so, what are the meds?
> >
> > -- Ron
> > --------------------
>
> Ron,
> I had a protracted mixed episode, then crashed into a severe, vegetative depression (one-year duration), and lately I've been feeling a little better (i.e., cognition, mood, energy) with no cycling. My goal is to become relatively free of depression, or euthymic - without any further mood elevation. I've mainly been restricted to using the few drugs that I can tolerate (Lamictal 250 mg/day, Lithium 900 mg/day, Trileptal 450 mg/day, Aricept 10 mg/day- to prevent cycling, and Valium 12.5 mg/day). I just started Inositol (#5 - 950 mg. capsules/day - to go up to 12 grams/day). About 3 weeks ago, I got my nephrologist's clearance to re-start lithium, went down from 900 mg. to 450 mg. of Trileptal, and from 20 mg/day Valium to 12.5 mg/day. Both Aricept and Trileptal will be d/c'd following the inositol study because my doctor doesn't think they're doing anything. So, since resuming lithium and going down on Trileptal and Valium, I've improved a little. Also, I usually improve with the advent of Spring and the increase in sunshine. I'd say that the combination of lithium and Lamictal, and low-dose Valium have been the best drugs for me. SSRIs used to help a little, but now they cause agitation and contribute to mixed states. I can't tolerate APs at any dose, don't drink any alcohol or use any illicit drugs.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Blue
Posted by Zo on March 8, 2002, at 2:01:55
In reply to Drug/Diagnosis History (or why never to give up), posted by Blue Cheer 1 on March 7, 2002, at 6:12:49
Posted by JohnX2 on March 8, 2002, at 3:07:08
In reply to Drug/Diagnosis History (or why never to give up), posted by Blue Cheer 1 on March 7, 2002, at 6:12:49
Blue Cheer,You are remarkable! What persistence!
What give's you such inner strength?
Were there significant emotional milestones?I'm a stubborn jerk; won't let silly illness
get the better of me. Have to laugh at it to
keep it from consuming me..not always that easy.Fantastic.
John> In approximate chronological order, multiple trials and combinations -- for specific psychiatric diagnoses
>
> Thorazine
> Haldol
> Mellaril
> Stelazine
> Triavil
> Navane
> Librium
> Trilafon
> Prolixin
> Elavil
> Tofranil
> Loxitane
> Lithium
> Valium
> Atarax
> Sinequan
> Aventyl
> Vivactil
> Norpramin
> Asendin
> Serax
> Surmontil
> Ludiomil
> Desyrel
> Marplan
> Nardil
> Parnate
> Centrax
> Merital
> Prothiaden (study)
> Ritalin
> Wellbutrin (study)
> Tegretol
> Cytomel
> Synthroid
> Prozac
> Zoloft (study)
> Depakote
> Anafranil
> Effexor
> Paxil
> Xanax
> Orap
> Luvox
> Klonopin
> Sinemet
> Celexa
> Remeron
> Neurontin
> Deprenyl
> Lamictal
> Remeron
> Ativan
> Risperdal
> Aricept
> Trileptal
> Risperdal
> Topamax
> Zyprexa
> Geodon
> Mirapex
> Inositol
> (approximately 15 adjuncts (e.g., Benadryl, Ambien, Cogentin, chloral hydrate, serotonin precursors, etc.)
>
> Diagnoses --
>
> schizophrenic reaction, chronic undifferentiated 000-X26
> schizophrenia, paranoid type 295.3
> schizophrenic reaction, schizoaffective type
> schizophrenia, schizoaffective type
> drug dependence, marijuana and Dexedrine
> drug dependence, amphetamines 304.60
> episodic, excessive drinking 303.0
> manic-depressive psychosis, circular type
> bipolar disorder I, depressed, chronic, TRD
> obsessive-compulsive disorder, severe
> bipolar disorder, mixed type
> bipolar disorder, mixed, rapid cycling
>
> Blue
Posted by Blue Cheer 1 on March 8, 2002, at 23:17:32
In reply to Re: Drug/Diagnosis History (or why never to give up) » Blue Cheer 1, posted by Ron Hill on March 8, 2002, at 1:34:38
> Blue,
>
> Just think if you had saved all your empty med bottles. You could have quite a collection!That's funny, Ron. As far back as the 70's, I used to think about that because at times I accumulated so many drugs. The VA has given me a ton of medicines over the years at no cost. I considered starting a bonfire a few times. :)
Fortunately, I'd only "try out" many of the drugs, or I'm certain I'd have tardive dyskinesia by now. I have a friend who goes to the VA, too, and he's prescribed ADs, APs, and benzodiazepine anxiolytics every month, and he doesn't take a single drug. He keeps taking them so that they'll think he's schizophrenic and that way he continues to collect his 100% service-connected disability compensation. But, he hoards the full bottles (Rx shampoos, skin ointments, nitroglycerine for his heart.. you name it - in empty beer cases, which is about the only "medicine" he uses. I've know this guy for 30 years, and the only thing I know for sure is that he has some kind of explosive personality disorder, and a touch of PTSD.>
> Best of luck to you my friend.Thanks, and I wish you the best, too. Psychiatry is an art as much as a science, so I think perseverance and patience are essential. Also, recognizing that what works for you now, might not work 10 years from now, and that treatments get better all the time.
Blue
>
> -- Ron
> ------------------------------
>
>
> > > Blue,
> > >
> > > Just out of curiosity, are your current meds working.? If so, what are the meds?
> > >
> > > -- Ron
> > > --------------------
> >
> > Ron,
> > I had a protracted mixed episode, then crashed into a severe, vegetative depression (one-year duration), and lately I've been feeling a little better (i.e., cognition, mood, energy) with no cycling. My goal is to become relatively free of depression, or euthymic - without any further mood elevation. I've mainly been restricted to using the few drugs that I can tolerate (Lamictal 250 mg/day, Lithium 900 mg/day, Trileptal 450 mg/day, Aricept 10 mg/day- to prevent cycling, and Valium 12.5 mg/day). I just started Inositol (#5 - 950 mg. capsules/day - to go up to 12 grams/day). About 3 weeks ago, I got my nephrologist's clearance to re-start lithium, went down from 900 mg. to 450 mg. of Trileptal, and from 20 mg/day Valium to 12.5 mg/day. Both Aricept and Trileptal will be d/c'd following the inositol study because my doctor doesn't think they're doing anything. So, since resuming lithium and going down on Trileptal and Valium, I've improved a little. Also, I usually improve with the advent of Spring and the increase in sunshine. I'd say that the combination of lithium and Lamictal, and low-dose Valium have been the best drugs for me. SSRIs used to help a little, but now they cause agitation and contribute to mixed states. I can't tolerate APs at any dose, don't drink any alcohol or use any illicit drugs.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Blue
Posted by Blue Cheer 1 on March 8, 2002, at 23:58:58
In reply to Re: Bravo! » Blue Cheer 1, posted by JohnX2 on March 8, 2002, at 3:07:08
>
> Blue Cheer,
>
> You are remarkable! What persistence!
> What give's you such inner strength?
> Were there significant emotional milestones?They're really nice compliments, John, but for the last 5 years or so, I've just been trying to hang on. The best thing I have going for me is my wife and two daughters (and two excellent psychiatrists). Raising children (as a full-time house husband) while struggling with bipolar depression was extremely difficult, but the psychic rewards were so gratifying. Without my wife, I would've been institutionalized - for sure.
>
> I'm a stubborn jerk; won't let silly illness
> get the better of me. Have to laugh at it to
> keep it from consuming me..not always that easy.That's a great outlook! I know I'm sick, too, but I just see it as a part of me, among many other parts. My favorite psychiatrist (retired in 1990), who I saw intermittently for many years, told me that my sense of humor helped me, too. He never mentioned a diagnosis or talked about the idea of my being "ill," and was an excellent psychotherapist. I always felt better when I left his office, and he was like a father figure to me. In fact, I've never been able to get motivated for psychotherapy since he retired, because I don't think anyone could be as good, and I'd always be comparing them to him. I tried CT/CBT twice, but there's no real relationship in that kind of therapy, I think, and for me the relationship was paramount.
>
> Fantastic.
> JohnThanks, and I'll bet your bright outlook and ability to laugh at yourself will be a boost to you over the years.
Blue
Posted by Blue Cheer 1 on March 9, 2002, at 0:19:37
In reply to You Are Awesome! :o) (nm) » Blue Cheer 1, posted by Zo on March 8, 2002, at 2:01:55
Thanks, Zo -- so are you!
Blue
Posted by Elizabeth on March 9, 2002, at 12:05:08
In reply to Drug/Diagnosis History (or why never to give up), posted by Blue Cheer 1 on March 7, 2002, at 6:12:49
Hi Blue. Thanks for posting this. I think your story (as told by this list) reflects some of the changing attitudes of psychiatrists. The use of "schizophrenia" as a wastebasket dx in the past (at some point that you should be able to identify more precisely than I can) should serve as a caution to all of us. Psychiatric diagnosis really hasn't gotten much more exact or objective since then, and misdiagnosis may be the cause of many people's perceived "treatment resistance." I'd speculate that some conditions that were underrecognized in the past might be "overrecognized" today, and vice versa.
I notice that Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate only show up after you'd tried loads of tricylics and dopamine antagonists. That's nuts! It seems more reasonable to try a different class of drug when one class isn't working, rather than sequentially trying a long list of similar drugs. Also, IMO, the MAOIs are less likely to trigger mixed states and rapid cycling than the TCAs are. It seems that doctors have only recently started to shed their MAOI-phobia, tho'.
Congratulations on having survived all these years in "the system." :-}
-elizabeth
Posted by trouble on March 9, 2002, at 15:29:50
In reply to Drug/Diagnosis History (or why never to give up), posted by Blue Cheer 1 on March 7, 2002, at 6:12:49
Posted by jay on March 10, 2002, at 11:52:43
In reply to Re: Drug/Diagnosis History (or why never to give up) » Ron Hill, posted by Blue Cheer 1 on March 7, 2002, at 15:32:51
I just wanted to add a "me too" to Blue Cheer's experiences. I have been all over the board, maybe not for as many years, but through about as many drugs, and am coming up to possibly using a similar combo of two MS's, Depakote and Topamax, both at lower than normal doses, as one seems to balance out the other, and I avoid the weight gain from Depakote. (Or Epival here in Canada.)
(Once I am on the Topamax for awhile, and up the dose a bit, I will comment on any weight loss.)I am also on 3mg of bromazepam 4x a day (also a prn), and for now, am tapering off of 37.5mg's of Effexor a day, and take 50ng's of Serzone a day, which REALLY helps a tad with depression AND a bit with aggitation and anxiety left over from Effexor. I may stick with Serzone once gone off Effexor within the next week, and I think as long as on good dose of MS's, it may be the *safest* of ad's for folks with BPII. (IMHO..etc.)
The Effexor has been the clincher, though, causing the nasty dysphoria, but the Serzone and MS's help so well, as well as the bromazepam (which is like a midway point between lorazepam and clonazepam...excellent stuff only available in Canada..not in the U.S....sorry.)
I, for the first time in four years, have held down a steady job for about a year, will be finishing a University degree in the Fall of next year, and will move onto some very GOOD, well paying jobs in the social work field.
Don't get me wrong...I have my *pissed off* days..minutes...seconds...hours...weeks...but it can get under control. It takes baby steps...but it can. Tommorow I could be writting saying I am at the end of my will, and want to end it all, but I am here today, and I am *o.k.*, and have been so, and I have hope not for me, but for others, and hope to help others as MUCH as possible through this F*&^ked up, messed up, crazy, wicked, horrid, but sometimes beautiful, delicate, lovely, world.
OK...I am gonna get kicke to psy-babble..don't worry Doc BOB...that's the end of this. Just offering hope THROUGH this medication maze.
Peace, love, hope, always,
Jay
> > Blue,
> >
> > Just out of curiosity, are your current meds working.? If so, what are the meds?
> >
> > -- Ron
> > --------------------
>
> Ron,
> I had a protracted mixed episode, then crashed into a severe, vegetative depression (one-year duration), and lately I've been feeling a little better (i.e., cognition, mood, energy) with no cycling. My goal is to become relatively free of depression, or euthymic - without any further mood elevation. I've mainly been restricted to using the few drugs that I can tolerate (Lamictal 250 mg/day, Lithium 900 mg/day, Trileptal 450 mg/day, Aricept 10 mg/day- to prevent cycling, and Valium 12.5 mg/day). I just started Inositol (#5 - 950 mg. capsules/day - to go up to 12 grams/day). About 3 weeks ago, I got my nephrologist's clearance to re-start lithium, went down from 900 mg. to 450 mg. of Trileptal, and from 20 mg/day Valium to 12.5 mg/day. Both Aricept and Trileptal will be d/c'd following the inositol study because my doctor doesn't think they're doing anything. So, since resuming lithium and going down on Trileptal and Valium, I've improved a little. Also, I usually improve with the advent of Spring and the increase in sunshine. I'd say that the combination of lithium and Lamictal, and low-dose Valium have been the best drugs for me. SSRIs used to help a little, but now they cause agitation and contribute to mixed states. I can't tolerate APs at any dose, don't drink any alcohol or use any illicit drugs.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Blue
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
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