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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by chiron on November 5, 2006, at 21:06:19
My next adventure is to add lithium to my zoloft & wellbutrin combo. But from what I've been reading, it isn't so promising for Bipolar II, mixed states & rapid cycling folks. (for me Lamictal=extreme acne; Geodon=good then bad; Abilify=not good). Is there anyone with Bipolar II that has found that lithium has helped? (please!)
Posted by ronaldo on November 6, 2006, at 7:28:35
In reply to Ltihium Bipolar II, posted by chiron on November 5, 2006, at 21:06:19
Hi Chiron,
I suppose I could call myself BipolarII. I have been on Lithium for some 25 years altogether. First as monotherapy for about 20 years, then with Olanzapine; first at 5 mg and more recently at 10 mg.
I guess I blame my Lithium for the flat affect I have, makes me drink a lot of water in the morning (but that could be the Olanzapine), and generally takes away the fun in my life. I take it at 900 mg nocte. I imagine you would not consider such a high dose. My Lithium blood levels are 0.8 mMol/litre, within the therapeutic range. I have to say that I have stayed out of hospital on Lithium. But I have not had a lot of fun.
.....Alan
Posted by tensor on November 6, 2006, at 14:45:18
In reply to Ltihium Bipolar II, posted by chiron on November 5, 2006, at 21:06:19
Hi chiron,
i'm "almost" bipolar II meaning recurring unipolar depression. I've tried lithium but it did really nothing for me. Sorry, this is no help for you but i have to ask, did you notice any effect with lamictal or did you have to quit early due to acne? At what dose?
/Mattias
Posted by ronaldo on November 6, 2006, at 15:21:37
In reply to Ltihium Bipolar II, posted by chiron on November 5, 2006, at 21:06:19
> My next adventure is to add lithium to my zoloft & wellbutrin combo. But from what I've been reading, it isn't so promising for Bipolar II, mixed states & rapid cycling folks. (for me Lamictal=extreme acne; Geodon=good then bad; Abilify=not good). Is there anyone with Bipolar II that has found that lithium has helped? (please!)
Hi Chiron,
What dosage of Lamictal gave you the acne? I only ask because they say that if you start on a low dose and increase very slowly and gradually then you can usually avoid the dermatological s/e's. Do you think Lamictal could work for you if you gave it another chance with a very slow and gradual titration? Probably not....?
Lithium is an option, but d/t flat affect I can't recommend it. But then everybody is different. You might not get the flat affect. I would like to augment my Lithium with a bit of Lamictal. At the moment I am still sorting out a sleep problem. Provided I can get past that I will give the Lamictal a go, pdoc willing.
...Alan
Posted by med_empowered on November 6, 2006, at 16:45:18
In reply to Re: Ltihium Bipolar II » chiron, posted by ronaldo on November 6, 2006, at 15:21:37
I dunno man...lithium really works best in Bipolar I, and then in "classical" BP I, meaning very manic (and euphoric) manias, intense depressions, and lots of normal, functioning space between them. If there's other stuff going on--anxiety, hypomanias, mixed episodes, etc.--you're not as likely to derive significant benefit.
Have you tried Trileptal? Or Depakote? Even Klonopin can be helfpul, since you're on the lower end of BP II..personally, Trileptal (900-1200mgs) and Klonopin (2mgs) combined helped me a lot with anxiety and mood swings and what not; maye that's an option for you, too?
Anyway..Lithium **could** be very helpful for you, I'm just confused as to why your doc is jumping at it this early in the game. Good luck.
Posted by chiron on November 6, 2006, at 19:39:41
In reply to Re: Ltihium Bipolar II » chiron, posted by tensor on November 6, 2006, at 14:45:18
> Hi chiron,
>
> i'm "almost" bipolar II meaning recurring unipolar depression. I've tried lithium but it did really nothing for me. Sorry, this is no help for you but i have to ask, did you notice any effect with lamictal or did you have to quit early due to acne? At what dose?
>
> /Mattias
Mattias,
I was on Lamictal so long ago I don't remember much. I am thinking about giving it a try again because it seems that it is the only drug that is "suppose" to help with bipolar II. Maybe I needed it as an adjunct. And maybe this time the acne (the intensified acne) won't be so bad. Have you tried it?
Posted by tensor on November 7, 2006, at 2:53:06
In reply to Re: Ltihium Bipolar II, posted by chiron on November 6, 2006, at 19:39:41
Hi,
>And maybe this time the acne (the intensified acne) won't be so bad. Have you tried it?
I am actually in my sixth week right now, currently 100mg. I've noticed some acne on my butt, i don't know if it's due to Lamictal, my partner keeps saying it's because i don't work now and sits on my butt all day long. Some moisturizing creme has almost annihilated them, there some left though. I informed my doc and he asked me if they were itching and said "no" and they are not spreading so he told me to continue treatment.
/Mattias
Posted by ed_uk on November 7, 2006, at 13:52:23
In reply to Re: Ltihium Bipolar II » chiron, posted by tensor on November 7, 2006, at 2:53:06
>my partner keeps saying it's because i don't work now and sits on my butt all day long
LOL
Posted by chiron on November 7, 2006, at 16:08:00
In reply to Re: Ltihium Bipolar II » chiron, posted by tensor on November 7, 2006, at 2:53:06
Have you noticed any mood improvement on Lamictal?
Posted by tensor on November 7, 2006, at 16:18:10
In reply to Re: Lithium Bipolar II, posted by chiron on November 7, 2006, at 16:08:00
>Have you noticed any mood improvement on Lamictal?
No, rather the opposite, i don't know what's going on. I have no energy at all right now, i was much better before Lamictal, but i will continue and will probably raise the dose soon. I'm calling my pdoc tomorrow morning, i will let you know what we decided.
/Mattias
This is the end of the thread.
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