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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by banga on August 23, 2011, at 5:02:46
Hi-
I strongly suspect my friend has Bipolar II Disorder (Im a psychologist, but not ethical to dx friends!) Overactivity, overtalkative, risky behavior, hypersexuality, over-texting!, comorbid anxiety are some core symptoms I gleaned (he has been rather tight-lipped until last week). He said no problem with sleep...then I learned he drinks nightly to fall asleep! He did not speak much of depressive symptoms; it is clear its the manic/hypomanic sxs which are wreaking the most havoc in his life.I know some of the good atypicals have the nastiest side effects,esp. weight gain and somnolence......wondering if you were a "fresh" bipolar, where would *you* start? (I have a great, think-outside-the-box doc who actually listens and goes along with my suggestion unless contraindicated somehow-he is a genius who will take risks, which harnessed my ;untreatable 'depression)).
I LOVE Abilify, it is my butter on desipramine/lamictal toast! but worry it may be too agitating....Thanks in advance for any input!
Posted by sheilac on August 23, 2011, at 7:44:52
In reply to Help for bipolar friend, posted by banga on August 23, 2011, at 5:02:46
Abilify causes me to be hungry and gain weight - I don't know if it does something to my metabolism or what.
I loved Seroquel for sleep, but anything over 100mg and I gained weight.
Currently trying to make Geodon work. Doc likes it due to no weight gain. But I need 80mg at night to sleep and 40mg during the day. Anything less and Geodon makes me manic!
I am BPII and Geodon has really helped with depression. But, I think you really have to be careful with it. I think at lower doses it can make people manic.
I also have Klonopin to use as needed for anxiety.
Posted by Christ_empowered on August 23, 2011, at 8:42:55
In reply to Re: Help for bipolar friend, posted by sheilac on August 23, 2011, at 7:44:52
Sufficiently high doses of Lamictal have helped someone I know with Bipolar II. He would get "angry depression" and angry hypomania. 400mgs/day Lamictal smoothed things out.
Posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2011, at 11:26:00
In reply to Re: Help for bipolar friend, posted by Christ_empowered on August 23, 2011, at 8:42:55
Banga I do hope some of the bipolars that know you weight in also. Phillipa
Posted by Phil on August 24, 2011, at 7:01:08
In reply to Re: Help for bipolar friend, posted by Christ_empowered on August 23, 2011, at 8:42:55
lithium or lamictal or both
This is the end of the thread.
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