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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by suji on December 15, 2003, at 15:02:36
In reply to Lamictal and dizziness? Atkins Diet?, posted by katia on December 14, 2003, at 15:29:19
This may seem off the point of the meds discussion--but I was struck by the fact that you mention having had diarrhea for a while...for the past couple of weeks I and the person I live with have been experiencing the "liquid" thing... We aren't taking any of the same meds (and we're not on the Atkin's diet) and we can't figure out WHAT's going...this isn't the sort of thing you generally discuss with people you meet on a daily basis (at work or whatever), so I'm wondering if there's something going around...do you live in the NYC area?? Are other people experiencing this?
suji
Posted by jerseydevil on December 15, 2003, at 15:08:18
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness? Atkins Diet?, posted by suji on December 15, 2003, at 15:02:36
I just seem to have gotten over "the liquid thing" which lasted for a month or so. I mentioned it to my pdoc last vist (a week ago) thinking it was a side effect of my meds. He said try pepto.
Posted by katia on December 15, 2003, at 15:10:28
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness?, posted by bridgey1128 on December 15, 2003, at 14:39:29
Alcohol was my medication. A lot of people have similar experiences. If you haven't had a substance abuse co-morbid disorder then of course you wouldn't understand. About 75% of bipolars have substance abuse disorders. People selfmedicate out of hell however they can. It's not a logical thing. But I'm not really here to make you understand just to offer my experiences.
Posted by katia on December 15, 2003, at 15:12:15
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness? Atkins Diet?, posted by suji on December 15, 2003, at 15:02:36
Hi,
I live in California. And it can't be a "touch of the flu" because you either HAVE it or you don't. Not sure what's going on.....Could be a variety of different things.
good luck in your quest.
Katia
Posted by boonie on December 15, 2003, at 16:11:41
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness? » bridgey1128, posted by katia on December 15, 2003, at 15:10:28
> Alcohol was my medication. A lot of people have similar experiences. If you haven't had a substance abuse co-morbid disorder then of course you wouldn't understand. About 75% of bipolars have substance abuse disorders. People selfmedicate out of hell however they can. It's not a logical thing. But I'm not really here to make you understand just to offer my experiences.
>How come you're jumping all over the poor girl for sharing her stuff, when you're sharing yours? I don't get it. She's just sharing her knowledge cuz not everyone knows alcohol is a depressant. If it makes you feel good, how can it be a depressant????? I get it, but there are lots who don't. Thanks bridgey!!!! :-)
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 15, 2003, at 16:39:10
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness?, posted by boonie on December 15, 2003, at 16:11:41
I wasn't. I was just informing her that it was a depressant so she would avoid it. It may make you feel good while you are drinking, but it's when you sober up that's the problem. I wasn't jumping on her. Sorry if I gave you that impression!
Posted by headachequeen on December 15, 2003, at 17:24:15
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness?, posted by bridgey1128 on December 15, 2003, at 16:39:10
> I wasn't. I was just informing her that it was a depressant so she would avoid it. It may make you feel good while you are drinking, but it's when you sober up that's the problem. I wasn't jumping on her. Sorry if I gave you that impression!
I don't think it was you to whom she is referring but the reply to your post ...
just my impression...
actually, I hadn't considered the fact that alcohol is a depressant, although somewhere in the recesses of my mind I knew that...needed the reminder...
and another of those funny quirks, had a session with my shrink today.. forgot to mention the topomax and tegretol questions I had for him sigh...still doing the compartmentalising thing...
we did talk about that though LOLas we talked, he mentioned that he was surprised that I had not turned to alcohol in an attempt to deal with the issues that led me to need psycotherapy... I assume this means I did something right..
at this point he is suggesting that I return to low doses of antidepressants and see if that helps... perhaps it will need increased dosages along with the psycotherapy to get through this... here we go again... and at some point I will again have to quit taking the stuff...
I asked him what hypo manicdepressive meant if I am not depressed ... still no solid answers...
why on earth does this thing not go away....I am running as fast as I can to keep ahead of it... and he informs there is no use running because it is myself I am running from...
just what I needed to hear...and of course if the meds chosen include zyprexa there goes more weight gain... that and tegretol will make a great Christmas gift...weight I do not want... and I will be really really depressed...
Does anyone else feel like a cat chasing its own tail???
kat
and please someone explain this bipolar II to me... or is that the hypomanicdepressive bit???
and if it is... then someone explain that so it makes sense please....
and does topomax help with that????
Just when I think I am out of the woods, the trees start to get thicker again...
Posted by boonie on December 15, 2003, at 17:30:55
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness?, posted by bridgey1128 on December 15, 2003, at 16:39:10
> I wasn't. I was just informing her that it was a depressant so she would avoid it. It may make you feel good while you are drinking, but it's when you sober up that's the problem. I wasn't jumping on her. Sorry if I gave you that impression!
Not you bridgey. You were the jumpee, not the jumper!! You were giving good info. I, for one, appreciated reading it on here! :-)
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 15, 2003, at 17:51:07
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness? » bridgey1128, posted by headachequeen on December 15, 2003, at 17:24:15
If he has no solid answers for you...You might want to think about switching Dr's. You need a Dr who will be sensitive to unwanted weight gain and a willingness to dig a little and see what combination would work to keep you from gaining. Some Drs add Topamax to other drugs to battle the weight gain. Zyprexa made me gain 5lbs in 3 days! I immediately stopped taking it. I hate to tell you, but if you are bipolar it won't just "go away". It's a disease, just like depression and alcoholism. I wish it just went away. It would make life a whole lot easier!! ;) Easier said than done but just watch the heck out of what you eat if he puts you on those. The weight issue is an uphill battle. Just know that you aren't alone!! It may take a while but you will find a medicine that helps. I will look for a link for bipolarII to maybe help explain a bit and I will post it later.
Posted by katia on December 15, 2003, at 18:02:32
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness?, posted by boonie on December 15, 2003, at 17:30:55
Sorry if I overreacted. Everything feels antagonistic to me today :-( so I probably took it the wrong way - it's my mood today....an agitated horrible mixed state - you know that mood where everything feels cruel and no one understands....and you jump at everything and everything distorted!
Katia
Posted by katia on December 15, 2003, at 18:06:31
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness? » bridgey1128, posted by headachequeen on December 15, 2003, at 17:24:15
Hi kat,
I'm bipolar II/mixed (what I"m experiencing today - a combo of depression and mania at the same time!!! GRRRRR!). It's the worst kind.
You might want to start at www.psycheducation.com to get more info on BPII.
Katia
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 15, 2003, at 21:45:24
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness?, posted by katia on December 15, 2003, at 18:02:32
Don't stress it chick. No harm done. I understand completely. I found a definition for hypomania.
Hypomania (hypomanic episode) is a milder form of mania with less severe symptoms and less overall impairment. For example, the individual may have an elevated mood, feel better than usual, and be more productive. During these episodes patients often feel good--so good, in fact, that they may stop taking their medication.
If you have had severe depression that doesn't sound like hypomania. I would consider another Dr really. Weight affects your physical health as well as we ALL know your mental health. You take antidepressants because you are upset about weight or other things and in turn you gain weight so you will never be undepressed!!! Its a Catch 22 sometimes. Sorry you are going through this and sorry Katia that you are having a hard time. I know what it's like to be constantly pissed off and want to cry at any and everything!
Posted by katia on December 16, 2003, at 5:12:16
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness?, posted by bridgey1128 on December 15, 2003, at 21:45:24
> Don't stress it chick. No harm done. I understand completely. I found a definition for hypomania.
>> Sorry you are going through this and sorry Katia that you are having a hard time. I know what it's like to be constantly pissed off and want to cry at any and everything!
HI Bridgey-
You have no idea how much this means to me now. I've had one of those days where everyone was mean to me! And it just got worse from when I reacted to you. AFter that I went to my therapist and cried, ranted and RAVED for 50mins. She even wanted to have me call my pdoc to put me on Lithium or somethiing! I worked tonight and it's just been one thing after another. And I so appreciated your support here. I can't explain what is happening to me....I'm losing it completely and spiraling out of reality. At one point tonight I thought - ok, well nothing left but suicide. And then I thought - "chuck the ATkins diet and have a glass of wine if it means something that will save you from yourself". And the combo with the resignation that I would end it and then the fact that I had something else (the glass of wine)(and I'm not even a big drinker) or not even that glass of wine. just the thought and plan (but no action ) of suicide helps me to actually live more? does that make sense to anyone? Once I decide I'd had enough and started planning a suicide, then suddenly things got lighter....it's odd. Mixed states are when suicides happen the most. it's awful. it's like you're in that backwash of water going back out to sea. you have no idea where to take stand - I feel like a wild animal has gotten loose and is banging up against the insides of my mind - I feel out of control with emotion and I'm scared.
I don't know what to do. And all I know for this board is I"m glad no one else was mean to me today. all I seek is support.
katia
Posted by boonie on December 16, 2003, at 6:42:56
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness?, posted by katia on December 15, 2003, at 18:01:39
Katia, I wasn't being mean, I just thought if you were here for a sympathetic and helpful ear, you were going about it all wrong. Everyone is here cuz life is throwing them a curve - You're not alone. ;-)
I'm extremely cranky right now cuz I just started seeing a new doctor who thinks (is pretty sure) that I may not be bi-polar at all. After two years of trying too many fattening drugs, it all may have been for nothing. I do have a strong and passionate personality, but that doesn't make me bi-polar, according to this new doctor. The meds I've been on haven't made much of a difference other than to help me not be as happy as I once was. I'm just wondering how many of you have had a second opinion? With someone who doesn't have connections with the doctor you're seeing right now. My problems all started with Paxil for anxiety - the Paxil did horrible things to me so I had to see a psychiatrist to help me go off the med and the next thing I knew I was bi-polar (cyclothymic) and I've been on a number of meds that didn't work any better than the Paxil. The doctor seemed to forget all about my anxiety, which I still have. Right now I'm only on 50 mg of Topomax and take .25 mg of clonazempam to sleep at night. I lost 30 lbs in the first 3 - 4 months - I can't say if it is the topomax or not being on valproic acid or other mood altering drugs. Or, the high anxiety I'm still experiencing. Apparently 50 mg isn't a very high dose for topomax. The new doc is taking me off all meds so she can actually see what kind of personality she is dealing with. Something the other psych doctor didn't bother to do.
I'm not a redhead, but a blonde with a redhead complexion - the fair skin that burns through an umbrella, the freckles, the blue eyes, the temperment ;-), and I am extremely drug sensitive.
Posted by boonie on December 16, 2003, at 6:57:23
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness? » bridgey1128, posted by headachequeen on December 15, 2003, at 17:24:15
> I don't think it was you to whom she is referring but the reply to your post ...
> just my impression...
> actually, I hadn't considered the fact that alcohol is a depressant, although somewhere in the recesses of my mind I knew that...needed the reminder...
> and another of those funny quirks, had a session with my shrink today.. forgot to mention the topomax and tegretol questions I had for him sigh...still doing the compartmentalising thing...
> we did talk about that though LOL
>
> as we talked, he mentioned that he was surprised that I had not turned to alcohol in an attempt to deal with the issues that led me to need psycotherapy... I assume this means I did something right..
>
> at this point he is suggesting that I return to low doses of antidepressants and see if that helps... perhaps it will need increased dosages along with the psycotherapy to get through this... here we go again... and at some point I will again have to quit taking the stuff...
>
> I asked him what hypo manicdepressive meant if I am not depressed ... still no solid answers...
> why on earth does this thing not go away....
>
> I am running as fast as I can to keep ahead of it... and he informs there is no use running because it is myself I am running from...
> just what I needed to hear...
>
> and of course if the meds chosen include zyprexa there goes more weight gain... that and tegretol will make a great Christmas gift...weight I do not want... and I will be really really depressed...
>
> Does anyone else feel like a cat chasing its own tail???
>
> kat
>
> and please someone explain this bipolar II to me... or is that the hypomanicdepressive bit???
> and if it is... then someone explain that so it makes sense please....
> and does topomax help with that????
> Just when I think I am out of the woods, the trees start to get thicker again...Kat, I'm just wondering, cuz I think I might remember this, and I will look for my stuff. Is hypomanic, bi-polar II, the same as cyclothymic? Perhaps? Cyclothymic is where you're not as manic and not as depressed as full bi-polar. You don't swing out of control when manic (still functioning) and you don't get so depressed you can't get out of bed (still functioning, just don't really feel like it). There's also a link for cyclothymic - ARGH!!!! I recently moved, cleared my hard drive in the process (by mistake), but I will see if I can find it and I will get back to you. It's just tickling my brain and I remember seeing bi-polar II and cyclothymic mentioned in the same write up.
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 16, 2003, at 7:53:29
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness?, posted by boonie on December 16, 2003, at 6:42:56
> How come you're jumping all over the poor girl for sharing her stuff
> I just thought if you were here for a sympathetic and helpful ear, you were going about it all wrong.
I'm sorry if life is throwing you a curve, but please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Thanks,
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by boonie on December 16, 2003, at 8:30:28
In reply to Re: please be civil » boonie, posted by Dr. Bob on December 16, 2003, at 7:53:29
> > How come you're jumping all over the poor girl for sharing her stuff
>
> > I just thought if you were here for a sympathetic and helpful ear, you were going about it all wrong.
>
> I'm sorry if life is throwing you a curve, but please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob
>
> PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.I sincerely apologize. The last thing in the world I intended was to seem uncivil. I'm truly sorry if I offended.
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 16, 2003, at 10:16:40
In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by boonie on December 16, 2003, at 8:30:28
Are you blonde or strawberry blonde? I wonder if the fair skin gene carrys something as well and not just the redheaded gene. My bipolar is not as bad as the full blown manic depressive bipolar. My "mania" isn't to the point where I would go nuts and spend thousands of dollars I didn't have. I guess that is why it took me so long to realize I might be bipolar. You don't go to the Dr because you are hyper and happy. You go because you are sad and depressed. I thought it was just post partum depression. WRONG! Pregnancy may have triggered the depression but I think I have always been bipolar. I can switch from laughing to snapping someone's head off in a split second. I never thought I was bipolar because I was thiking about traditional manic depressive bipolar. That and since I am a redhead...well you know temper comes with that territory! I am blessed to have a MORE than understanding husband who has tolerated my strange mood swings for the past 9 1/2 years that we have been together. At least now he understands why. WOW! I ACTUALLY AM CRAZY! hehe j/k It feels that way sometimes. I am not in therapy, although I have seen the psych. twice just for evaluation. Insurance coverage just sucks when it comes to psychiatric care and mental health. I really think it's biased. But I am sure that is a totally different message board altogether!! I don't really feel like I need therapy. Maybe that is just denial but I really don't have the $ for it anyway. Not when there is a $1000 deductible! THen they only pay 50%...but I digress.
Posted by boonie on December 16, 2003, at 10:43:16
In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by bridgey1128 on December 16, 2003, at 10:16:40
My mom is a real redhead - My dad a platinum blonde. I do have really blonde hair, but the rest is pure redhead. :-) Your symptoms sound just like mine. Can I ask a personal question? How's PMS? Just asking cuz since I've been on meds, I have also had a hysterectomy. Before that - RUN - HIDE - Mom/Wife is PMS!!!! Cyclic, that's for sure. And, I could be very happy, then very snappy in an instant and cry because I burnt the toast. Some commercials for greeting cards would send me to the washroom bawling like a baby. Tired to the point of ill for, at least, 2 weeks prior. I still have my ovaries, so no need for any hormone replacement therapy, but what a difference in mood swings. I'm not suggesting the cure is a hysterectomy, eeeeekkkk, I'm just wondering if PMS wasn't one of my biggest contributing factors to diagnosis. I tried talking to my psychiatrist about this and he poo-pooed it.
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 16, 2003, at 11:21:54
In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by boonie on December 16, 2003, at 10:43:16
Hmmm maybe you need a woman psychiatrist. PMS has ALWAYS been an issue for me more than normal people. Yeah but the PMS may have been worse because of the bipolar. I am much too young to have a hysterectomy, 27 and planning on more kids, but maybe it does have something to do with it. I THINK that women suffer from mood disorders more than men. Or maybe we suffer in the same numbers but you know how men are! ;) Don't want to admit anything is wrong. My dad is like that. He takes Ativan (works well without weight gain BTW..at least for me..then it stopped working) but doesn't take it regularly. I think he might be bipolar too, but HEAVEN FORBID he should admit something is wrong. I can't even talk to him about me being bipolar because he gets all defensive and mad about it...like it's something I can just change. UH...if it were something I could just change then I would have done it a LONG TIME AGO!!!Whereas, since having kids, my periods have been lighter and less cramps..my PMS hasn't gotten any better. I think sometimes that men Drs just aren't as sensitive to women's issues as women Drs. I don't think any Dr should just dismiss your feelings. They may give you a valid reason why they don't agree, not just pooh pooh it. That would make me feel like I didn't want to see them again if they didn't think my opinions were worth anything. Anyway, I have to go now! If you want to chat, live time, I am on AOL as Bridgey1128 and on yahoo chat as the same. I am very open so it isn't likely you would offend me by asking me something personal. cya :)
Posted by jtevers on December 16, 2003, at 16:04:27
In reply to Re: neuroleptics... weight sleep and mood? » jtevers, posted by blondegirl47 on December 14, 2003, at 13:06:08
> I too have had a slowing of weight loss on the atkins diet...I have found that I have to watch how much cream cheese and also how much low carb candy I eat. Although I can eat more calories and lose on Atkins, I still have to be watch the amount of calories I take in, especially if I am not exercising. Hope things get better for you. I don't have any experience with the medication you are taking, but I thought I would put my two cents in on the Atkins thing :) Hope it helps
> Blondegirlblondegirl,
it was really kind of you to offer your insight... i hope you get this appreciative message.
i have been plateaued for some time and am now attempting a trial with an anti-epileptic med. topamax sometimes used "off-label" as a mood stabilizer which has weight reducing properties!!! although there are also some very harrowing side effects, too ... wish me luck.
thanks again and good luck.
Posted by jtevers on December 16, 2003, at 16:10:27
In reply to Lamictal and dizziness? Atkins Diet?, posted by katia on December 14, 2003, at 15:29:19
> JTEVERS-- I know you've done the diet. What were the first few days like? Did you experience this sort of thing? For me it's gotten worse since I started the diet, but I was feeling a bit of this last Monday (I was hungover - pre Atkin's Diet - now no more alcohol). I've also found on Lamictal, that hangovers are NO FUN. It's awful. I don't think I'll over indulge again simply from that. It's like someone takes my brain and hides it from me and i develop disassociation feelings and anxiety. Anyone else have a tough time drinking on Lamicta? (I know I shouldn't be drinking at all, but I have to be honest about my experiences).
>
> Anyone have insights, comments???
> thanks.
> Katia
>Katia,
i have been on the Atkins Diet for almost 6 months...initially i felt only slight nausea, in my stomache not in my head, and a more moderate amount of fatigue until my body acclamated.
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 16, 2003, at 16:22:37
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness? Atkins Diet?, posted by jtevers on December 16, 2003, at 16:10:27
It's withdrawl from carbs. Then your body starts burning fat for fuel instead of carbs. Only diet that has ever worked for me!
Posted by Angie J on December 16, 2003, at 23:06:57
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by krissi on May 25, 2001, at 10:10:25
I am on Lithium,(600mg) Seroquel,(50mg) Topomax 100mg, and Desryl and Imovane for sleep, and gained 80 lbs on prednisone for asthma and Rheumatoid Arithritis(also on Methotrexate). Lost 30 lbs twice on topomax, but gained it back both times, severe overeating disorder. I tried a new drug Enbrel for the RA, but had a severe reaction which my psychiatrist figured was caused by the Topomax. We are reducing Topomax to 25 mg over 3 weeks, but I need the drug because it STOPPED my severe migraines. I read at a bipolar site on the web somewhere that Bipolar Affective Disorder causes, or AFFECTS the brain with migraines, which is why so many bipolar people have migraines. Also, leg cramps, the only thing that works for me is 350 mg of iron with 5 mg of folic acid per day. I need to get my RA under control to stop the depression I sink into when I see my body eroding before my eyes, to say nothing of the pain. All these major diseases is too much. Anyone experience sexual difficulties with Topomax?
Posted by moosehaps on December 17, 2003, at 1:56:26
In reply to Re: Lamictal and dizziness?, posted by katia on December 16, 2003, at 5:12:16
> > Don't stress it chick. No harm done. I understand completely. I found a definition for hypomania.
> >> Sorry you are going through this and sorry Katia that you are having a hard time. I know what it's like to be constantly pissed off and want to cry at any and everything!
> HI Bridgey-
> You have no idea how much this means to me now. I've had one of those days where everyone was mean to me! And it just got worse from when I reacted to you. AFter that I went to my therapist and cried, ranted and RAVED for 50mins. She even wanted to have me call my pdoc to put me on Lithium or somethiing! I worked tonight and it's just been one thing after another. And I so appreciated your support here. I can't explain what is happening to me....I'm losing it completely and spiraling out of reality. At one point tonight I thought - ok, well nothing left but suicide. And then I thought - "chuck the ATkins diet and have a glass of wine if it means something that will save you from yourself". And the combo with the resignation that I would end it and then the fact that I had something else (the glass of wine)(and I'm not even a big drinker) or not even that glass of wine. just the thought and plan (but no action ) of suicide helps me to actually live more? does that make sense to anyone? Once I decide I'd had enough and started planning a suicide, then suddenly things got lighter....it's odd. Mixed states are when suicides happen the most. it's awful. it's like you're in that backwash of water going back out to sea. you have no idea where to take stand - I feel like a wild animal has gotten loose and is banging up against the insides of my mind - I feel out of control with emotion and I'm scared.
> I don't know what to do. And all I know for this board is I"m glad no one else was mean to me today. all I seek is support.
> katia
>SLURP!!(((katia)))SLURP!! (how mooses show their support). Hope you are feeling better soon.
moosehaps
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