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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 0:57:37
I had a pretty busy day today, I took my nana to the doc and of all things, the doc wants to start her on zoloft, I should be tired but tonight I am ~MANIC~-I am racing like a bat out of hell:-(
I just took the last of my meds-and I DID take the Effexor. I needed to post even if no one hears me-hope you all don't mind. Maybe I better not post anymore until my meds really take effect, because I am frustrated, and at this point I don't know what meds I am going to continue or discontinue.
I don't mean to whine-it's just how I FEEL.Goodnight all and God Bless,
Kristen
Posted by djmmm on March 8, 2003, at 7:49:06
In reply to This is ridiculous-I'll shut up now, posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 0:57:37
Keep posting... everything you experience, when it comes to Antidepressants, is beneficial to someone...some people may be experiencing the same thing, and if this forum serves any good, it's because it provides a sense of community to a group of individuals who whould probably(under "normal" circumstances) not have such strong support.
It also provides us with "real-life" experiences with these medications, rather than the glossy, polished verison given by doctors, who in most cases have never taken an antidepressant.
As far as your experience with effexor, try changing the time you take the medication...If I take my last dose of parnate anytime after noon, Im up all night.
Posted by Maximus on March 8, 2003, at 9:13:17
In reply to This is ridiculous-I'll shut up now, posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 0:57:37
Posted by jay on March 8, 2003, at 10:58:40
In reply to This is ridiculous-I'll shut up now, posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 0:57:37
> I had a pretty busy day today, I took my nana to the doc and of all things, the doc wants to start her on zoloft, I should be tired but tonight I am ~MANIC~-I am racing like a bat out of hell:-(
> I just took the last of my meds-and I DID take the Effexor. I needed to post even if no one hears me-hope you all don't mind. Maybe I better not post anymore until my meds really take effect, because I am frustrated, and at this point I don't know what meds I am going to continue or discontinue.
> I don't mean to whine-it's just how I FEEL.
>
> Goodnight all and God Bless,
> KristenKristen:
Welcome to the the Whine-club...I am your fellow Whiner :). No, seriously, I was really unsure of what to post, if you should or shouldn't have, but my gut instinct was with you should have taken the Effexor, and I am glad you did. This med is hell sometimes, but I think that is why it works often, because it is so powerful. I am still tinkering and mixing with different meds, but Effexor is the ONLY antidepressant that takes care of my depressive aspect. Once I get the chance to experiment with combining it with more meds, I am quite positive this will be my "lifetime" med.
And PLEASE don't hesitate to post. You need the support, and that is what this board is here for. I am going into my 5 or so year mark on Effexor (in combo w/ other meds), and it has taken this long with experimentation. Still don't have it *right*, but know I am getting closer.
So hang in...hang on...stay tuned...and please keep postin'.
Best and Peace :)
Jay
Posted by jay on March 8, 2003, at 10:59:52
In reply to Re: Yes i do agree with you :-) (nm) » KrissyP, posted by Maximus on March 8, 2003, at 9:13:17
Posted by Maximus on March 8, 2003, at 12:08:24
In reply to This is ridiculous-I'll shut up now, posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 0:57:37
Kristen,
As so many told you before, why don't you get help from your pdoc? What are you waiting for? May be is it the time for a change, a new pdoc? I sincerely feel for you Kristen. Most of us aren't doctors here but you obviously need a mood stabilizer. Finally, if this helps(?), i might add that there is nothing but nothing in your current regimen of meds to prevent mania/hypomania (if that is what you experience, of course).
Good luck!
Max.
Posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 12:16:41
In reply to Re: Some thoughts... » KrissyP, posted by Maximus on March 8, 2003, at 12:08:24
Hi Max,
Well, I have to say I DO take Lamictal-I started at 50mg at night over a week ago-something I took for a while-then stopped-and started again. This morning, I woke up feeling pretty good, not as manic. I posted another post about seeing how time with the meds kicking back in and if it gets worse-I will call my doc.
I am BipolarII and this morning is quite ok. I actually have this feeling of "everything seems brighter"-My head isn't clouded with fogginess-BUT I am still tired after 9 hours of sleep. That's where the Klonopin comes in-I am now going to titrate down from 2mg to 1/ 1/2 and so on. I get frustrated at times, like we all do,thus my posts may sound desparate. I think, like I've said, I am going to give, ESPECIALLY the Lamictal a chance-it IS for the hypomania?
I know it has done wonders for me in the past-that's why I went off-simply because I was doing good.
Thanks so much for your post
Kristen:-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As so many told you before, why don't you get help from your pdoc? What are you waiting for? May be is it the time for a change, a new pdoc? I sincerely feel for you Kristen. Most of us aren't doctors here but you obviously need a mood stabilizer. Finally, if this helps(?), i might add that there is nothing but nothing in your current regimen of meds to prevent mania/hypomania (if that is what you experience, of course).
Good luck!
Max.
Posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 12:36:24
In reply to Re: This is ridiculous-I'll shut up now, posted by djmmm on March 8, 2003, at 7:49:06
djmmm, Thank you so much for your support. I changed taking my Effexor at night as compared to always taking it in the AM-because I wasn't sleeping well at night and had to take more of another med to help that restlessness from taking Effexor in the AM. I woke up this AM feeling quite good. I took the 50mg Lamictal and I think it is somewhat kicking in-I hope. But, I feel a little groggy-I think it's time to titrate myself down to the 1 1/2 mg Klonopin my doc and I both agreed on-maybe I won't wake up as sleepy (even after the 9 hours I got last night) I also did take the 75mg of effexor after I was debating not too. I have NEVER been on the combo of Effexor and Lamictal. The Effexor does wonders for my depression, and the Lmaictal helps the hypomania (when it kicks in AND at a theurapeutic level). I pray I am on the right track.
Thanks for your kindness. I hope I am helping people with my experience,etc. I just don't like to post a lot of the negative-but if it helps then ok. Any other thoughts?
Have a good one:-) and Thanks!
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keep posting... everything you experience, when it comes to Antidepressants, is beneficial to someone...some people may be experiencing the same thing, and if this forum serves any good, it's because it provides a sense of community to a group of individuals who whould probably(under "normal" circumstances) not have such strong support.
It also provides us with "real-life" experiences with these medications, rather than the glossy, polished verison given by doctors, who in most cases have never taken an antidepressant.
As far as your experience with effexor, try changing the time you take the medication...If I take my last dose of parnate anytime after noon, Im up all night.
Posted by Maximus on March 8, 2003, at 12:55:19
In reply to Re: Some thoughts... » Maximus, posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 12:16:41
>I think, like I've said, I am going to give, ESPECIALLY the Lamictal a chance-it IS for the hypomania?
> I know it has done wonders for me in the past-that's why I went off-simply because I was doing good.Hi again Kristen,
Okayyyyyy, i understand now!!! There is a bug with your pdoc. He is either ignorant (probably) or a bad one. Simply incredible and pathetic :-( Lamictal is an agent used in the treatment of the bipolar "depression" only, particularly in the rapid cycles of the bipolar "depression". Did i mention mania or hypomania??? He can not by itself keep at bay a manic/hypomanic episode. It is a well know fact and very well documented. Thus the need for another mood stabilizer (Lithium and/or Depakote) which will prevent mania/hypomania.
Take a look at Maintenance and Treatment of Bipolar Disorders, here:
http://psychiatry.uchicago.edu/grounds/030303/I suggest you take a look at the "slide show" only. It is extremely well done.
Good luck!
Max.
Posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 14:23:34
In reply to Re: This is ridiculous-I'll shut up now..Noooooo! » KrissyP, posted by jay on March 8, 2003, at 10:58:40
Thank you Jay *hugs to you*. If I whine too much let me know-or I'm sure someone else will. LOL
I LOVE THIS BOARD, that's why I try to post a lot-but I know I can't be all things to all people!!
So, I'm doing the best that I can. Thanks for your kindness:-)
Also-I posted earlier that Effexor is the ONLY AD that has worked for me-and I tried them all, but I have never been on it AND Lamictal at the same time-so I am hoping that it will all kick in soon. Would you mind sharing sometime what combo of meds you are on and what "cocktail" seems to be working for you?
Peace:-)
Kristen
-------------------------------------------------Kristen:
Welcome to the the Whine-club...I am your fellow Whiner :). No, seriously, I was really unsure of what to post, if you should or shouldn't have, but my gut instinct was with you should have taken the Effexor, and I am glad you did. This med is hell sometimes, but I think that is why it works often, because it is so powerful. I am still tinkering and mixing with different meds, but Effexor is the ONLY antidepressant that takes care of my depressive aspect. Once I get the chance to experiment with combining it with more meds, I am quite positive this will be my "lifetime" med.
And PLEASE don't hesitate to post. You need the support, and that is what this board is here for. I am going into my 5 or so year mark on Effexor (in combo w/ other meds), and it has taken this long with experimentation. Still don't have it *right*, but know I am getting closer.
So hang in...hang on...stay tuned...and please keep postin'.
> Best and Peace :)
> Jay
>
>
Posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 14:28:15
In reply to Re: Some thoughts... » KrissyP, posted by Maximus on March 8, 2003, at 12:55:19
Thanks Max-Yeah, I think my psychiatrist is a bit "not knowledgeable" on psych meds-yet she IS a psychistrist-go figure. BUT she has suggested another mood stabilizer like you do here-like Lithium. I CANNOT take that or Depakote-so I'm left to see if the Lamictal does it-like it did last year. We'll see:-)
I gotta check out this slide show-I'm in the middle of Finals but I'm going to make some time today to check this out
Thanks again for your kindness:-)
Take Care,
Kristen
------------------------------------------------- Hi again Kristen,
Okayyyyyy, i understand now!!! There is a bug with your pdoc. He is either ignorant (probably) or a bad one. Simply incredible and pathetic :-( Lamictal is an agent used in the treatment of the bipolar "depression" only, particularly in the rapid cycles of the bipolar "depression". Did i mention mania or hypomania??? He can not by itself keep at bay a manic/hypomanic episode. It is a well know fact and very well documented. Thus the need for another mood stabilizer (Lithium and/or Depakote) which will prevent mania/hypomania.
Take a look at Maintenance and Treatment of Bipolar Disorders, here:
http://psychiatry.uchicago.edu/grounds/030303/
I suggest you take a look at the "slide show" only. It is extremely well done.
Good luck!
Max.
Posted by Ron Hill on March 9, 2003, at 0:15:49
In reply to Re: Some thoughts... » KrissyP, posted by Maximus on March 8, 2003, at 12:08:24
Posted by jay on March 9, 2003, at 0:18:44
In reply to Re: This is ridiculous-I'll shut up now..Noooooo! » jay, posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 14:23:34
Well thank-you Kristen...hugs back. :-) Ohhhh it has been a long ride with this Effexor...heh. I still have a few more combos to try, but I'll try to share what seemed to help. One little med that seems rarely used now but has offered help in relief of agitation and anxiety is Serzone. 50-100mg's in the evening. In fact I don't see why you couldn't add that to your current combo. Of course your doctor would/should know of any problems with interactions between meds. I'd also hold steady at your Klonipin dose, as that has been a *main* med with my Effexor. I never had to increase the dose, and no problems if weaned off it (wayyy much easier than many antidepressants!).
I'd also wonder what a Lamictal and Depakote ( Epival in Canada) combo would be like.I may be trying that one I did seem to have some response to Depakote and Topomax with Effexor. (All of these had Effexor as my *main* med.) . Also, Zyprexa and Risperdal where excellent in particular as *emergency* meds, but I had concerns using long-term with the weight gain and the diabetes risk (as it runs in my family.)
I've tried many others, but with not a lot of luck. You may want to give some a try though, as of course we are all different. I found an excellent site to be helpful is http://www.psycheducation.org/ but still, there are no *concrete* answers and it is all still very experimental.
So, I would REALLY advise you to hang on to your current combo for as long as possible, and use the Klonipin to kill the anxiety. Honestly, out of my years of experience, the Klonipin is the least of your worries.
Take care, and any questions, ask away. :-)
Peace,
Jay
Posted by Maximus on March 9, 2003, at 0:45:06
In reply to Re: You tried Max; that's the best you can do (nm) » Maximus, posted by Ron Hill on March 9, 2003, at 0:15:49
Posted by KrissyP on March 9, 2003, at 0:55:47
In reply to Re: This is ridiculous-I'll shut up now..Noooooo! » KrissyP, posted by jay on March 9, 2003, at 0:18:44
Thnaks jay! I will check out that site. The thing with me is that I don't want to get on too many meds. Like you said Klonopin IS the least of my worries-I agree at this point. I believe that-as I have only been on it since June 2001 and it is helping at 2mg at night. It has been a long ride with these MEDS for me so I hear ya! Next time I see my psychiatrist, I am going to bring up Serzone-as I remember trying that a while back-(but I don't think I stuck with it long enough to feel the benefits-if there could have been any) for a long time. At this point, since starting back on Effexor last week, MY MANIA is full-blown. I took my night meds an hour ago, I'm still up, but feel like I am going to fall asleep at the comp. So something
(the combo) is working.
Can I add Serzone to the Effexor? What about my Seroquel and Lamictal? Don't you think the Lamictal will work with the Effexor to help stabilize my moods without the Serzone?
Hope to hear back and Thanks:-)
Goodnight I'm falling asleep,
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Well thank-you Kristen...hugs back. :-) Ohhhh it has been a long ride with this Effexor...heh. I still have a few more combos to try, but I'll try to share what seemed to help. One little med that seems rarely used now but has offered help in relief of agitation and anxiety is Serzone. 50-100mg's in the evening. In fact I don't see why you couldn't add that to your current combo. Of course your doctor would/should know of any problems with interactions between meds. I'd also hold steady at your Klonipin dose, as that has been a *main* med with my Effexor. I never had to increase the dose, and no problems if weaned off it (wayyy much easier than many antidepressants!).
>
> I'd also wonder what a Lamictal and Depakote ( Epival in Canada) combo would be like.I may be trying that one I did seem to have some response to Depakote and Topomax with Effexor. (All of these had Effexor as my *main* med.) . Also, Zyprexa and Risperdal where excellent in particular as *emergency* meds, but I had concerns using long-term with the weight gain and the diabetes risk (as it runs in my family.)
>
> I've tried many others, but with not a lot of luck. You may want to give some a try though, as of course we are all different. I found an excellent site to be helpful is http://www.psycheducation.org/ but still, there are no *concrete* answers and it is all still very experimental.
>
> So, I would REALLY advise you to hang on to your current combo for as long as possible, and use the Klonipin to kill the anxiety. Honestly, out of my years of experience, the Klonipin is the least of your worries.
>
> Take care, and any questions, ask away. :-)
> Peace,
> Jay
Posted by KrissyP on March 9, 2003, at 1:09:45
In reply to Re: Thanks to you Ron! (nm) » Ron Hill, posted by Maximus on March 9, 2003, at 0:45:06
Posted by jay on March 9, 2003, at 1:45:01
In reply to Is Krissy missing something here? I tried.... (nm) » Maximus, posted by KrissyP on March 9, 2003, at 1:09:45
No, you are fine Krissy. Some have found that Lamictal will cause more mania than other mood stabilizers, but you had problems with other ones, and you are taking Klonipin, so for now (until your next Pdoc appt.) it should do. But, you really should consider another mood stabilizer with Lamictal, as it has been implicated in causing some manic symptoms. Please read Dr. Ivan's '30 Questions about Lamotrigine (Lamictal)' at: http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.lamotrigine.htmlAgain, also check out:
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/moodstabilizers.htm
for more on add-on and different mood stabilizers.Again, for now, don't be afraid to use your Klonipin.
Best :-)
Jay
Posted by Maximus on March 9, 2003, at 11:41:59
In reply to Is Krissy missing something here? I tried.... (nm) » Maximus, posted by KrissyP on March 9, 2003, at 1:09:45
No not at all. Everything is clear.
Don't give up!
Max.
Posted by Maximus on March 9, 2003, at 12:17:30
In reply to Re: Is Krissy missing something here? I tried.... » KrissyP, posted by Maximus on March 9, 2003, at 11:41:59
If you are unable to tolerate Lithium and Depakote then you can always use Zyprexa as a last resort. Zyprexa and Lamictal can do a great match together.
Take a look at the links below where Zyprexa is used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
http://www.zyprexa.com/bip/html/zybipolar.shtml?ccd=bipli131
http://bipolar.about.com/library/meds/bl-meds-zyprexa.htm
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/10981e.htm
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/434003
Bye!
Posted by jay on March 9, 2003, at 12:59:42
In reply to Re: Is Krissy missing something here? I tried.... » KrissyP, posted by Maximus on March 9, 2003, at 11:41:59
Max I honestly didn't mean anything bad if I came across in a harsh way. You are most certainly right about Lamictal, and I actually wanted to ask you about it. What are the interactions between Lamictal and Lithium? Does one raise the other levels in the body at all? And...what are the doses of each you take? (What type of Lithium also?)Thanx :-)
Jay
Posted by Maximus on March 9, 2003, at 14:38:06
In reply to Max..hope u aren't p. o'd at me..and a question... » Maximus, posted by jay on March 9, 2003, at 12:59:42
> Max I honestly didn't mean anything bad if I >came across in a harsh way. You are most >certainly right about Lamictal, and I actually >wanted to ask you about it. What are the >interactions between Lamictal and Lithium? Does >one raise the other levels in the body at all? >And...what are the doses of each you take? >(What type of Lithium also?)
Hi Jay,
Always a pleasure to chat with you. And don't worry, like all French Canadians i have a good sense of humour :-)
Okay the medecine. Lamictal and Lithium don't have any interactions between them. That is the beauty of this combo.
The dose of Lithium is not important. Really? Yes, the indicator is the blood level of Lithium. The maintenance dose is between 0.6 and 0.8. Mine is close to 0.65 and i don't have any side effects. Any really. I take myself the sustained-release form of Lithium called Duralith.
The usual dose of Lamictal used in the treatment and maintenance of the bipolar depression is 200 mg to 300 mg. My dose is 250 mg. The activating effect goes away once you have reached the target.
Hope this helps!
Bye.
Max
Posted by KrissyP on March 9, 2003, at 16:02:17
In reply to Re: Is Krissy missing something here? I tried.... » KrissyP, posted by Maximus on March 9, 2003, at 11:41:59
Thanks Max-I won't give up especially when I am receiving your support and so many others :-)Thank you so much for understanding!
Take care, Kristen
================================================================================================== No not at all. Everything is clear.
Don't give up!
Max.
Posted by KrissyP on March 9, 2003, at 16:07:01
In reply to Re: There is a new hope... Krissy, posted by Maximus on March 9, 2003, at 12:17:30
Hi Max:-)
I did try Zyprexa and I gained too much weight, BUT I will think about it. Sometimes, to me, the weight gain isn't worth the positive effects of a med-that's why I will still be giving Lamictal a chance and up the dose accordingly. Please keep me posted.
Thanks so much for your support:-)
Kristen
==================================================================================================> If you are unable to tolerate Lithium and Depakote then you can always use Zyprexa as a last resort. Zyprexa and Lamictal can do a great match together.
>
> Take a look at the links below where Zyprexa is used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
>
> http://www.zyprexa.com/bip/html/zybipolar.shtml?ccd=bipli131
>
> http://bipolar.about.com/library/meds/bl-meds-zyprexa.htm
>
> http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/10981e.htm
>
> http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/434003
>
>
> Bye!
Posted by Krissy P on March 11, 2003, at 23:49:47
In reply to Is Krissy missing something here? No, just » KrissyP, posted by jay on March 9, 2003, at 1:45:01
Jay, Thanks again for this. I found this to be very interesting as I have it all:
Lamotrigine has had been successful in controlling rapid cycling and mixed bipolar states in people who have not received adequate relief from lithium. carbamazepine and/or valproate. (I tried Depakote with no success) It also appears that lamotrigine has significantly more antidepressant potency than either carbamazepine or valproate.
Lamotrigine has recently been reported to be a useful treatrment for some people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or borderline personality disorder (BPD).
I posted these side effects I am having BIG TIME that the article states:
Adverse Reaction------ Lamotrigine------- Placebo-------
Blurred Vision -------------------16 ---------------------5
Headache --------------------29 -----------------19
Glad to read this though>>>Side-effects are most noticeable the few days after an increase in dose and then usually fade.<<<<
That may explain why I don't feel well tonight.
Thank you for a great link:-)
Much appreciated, Kristen BTW-I only took 1mg Klonopin tonight-wonder if I should take 2mg-my pdoc is trying to wean me to 1mg once a day---another anti-bezo doc. What are your thoughts????
Thanks so much again:-)
==================================================================================================No, you are fine Krissy. Some have found that Lamictal will cause more mania than other mood stabilizers, but you had problems with other ones, and you are taking Klonipin, so for now (until your next Pdoc appt.) it should do. But, you really should consider another mood stabilizer with Lamictal, as it has been implicated in causing some manic symptoms. Please read Dr. Ivan's '30 Questions about Lamotrigine (Lamictal)' at: http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.lamotrigine.html
>
> Again, also check out:
> http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/moodstabilizers.htm
for more on add-on and different mood stabilizers.
Again, for now, don't be afraid to use your Klonipin.
Best :-)
Jay
This is the end of the thread.
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