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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by royce on June 5, 2001, at 19:18:16
I have been newly diagnosed as bipolar. I had been taking Zoloft and Klonopin, but I hit an extended period (months) of insomnia, anxiety, and excessive energy. I saw a new doc, and he diagnosed bipolar disorder. This was a shock- in the past I was always diagnosed with severe PTSD and depression.
Over the last 5 years I have taken various combinations of Zoloft, Prozac, Klonopin, Clonodine, Serzone, and Zyprexa. All of them (except Zyprexa) worked well, without noticeable side effects but never for more than a year. The zyprexa worked EXTREMELY well, but i quit it after major weght gain.
The new doc prescribed remeron, and if it does not work, he wants to try depakote. I am very leery about either one, mostly because of the weight gain.
The remeron has worked wonders in putting me to sleep, but it hasn't relieved my nightmares or my anxiety. I still get up in the morning drenched in sweat, although I have only a very slight memory of the dreams. I still end up nervous and shaky and over-hyper during the day.
Is this bipolar II or is it an agitated/anxious depressed state due in part to the effects of PTSD? Personally, I've given up trying to figure it out. But does anyone have medication suggestions for these type of symptoms? I'm pretty confused at this point, and I'm sick of feeling like I'm on major amounts of cocaine every single day.
thanks,
royce
Posted by medeena k on June 7, 2001, at 22:28:07
In reply to bipolar or depression with PTSD, - what meds? , posted by royce on June 5, 2001, at 19:18:16
> I have been newly diagnosed as bipolar. I had been taking Zoloft and Klonopin, but I hit an extended period (months) of insomnia, anxiety, and excessive energy. I saw a new doc, and he diagnosed bipolar disorder. This was a shock- in the past I was always diagnosed with severe PTSD and depression.
>
> Over the last 5 years I have taken various combinations of Zoloft, Prozac, Klonopin, Clonodine, Serzone, and Zyprexa. All of them (except Zyprexa) worked well, without noticeable side effects but never for more than a year. The zyprexa worked EXTREMELY well, but i quit it after major weght gain.
>
> The new doc prescribed remeron, and if it does not work, he wants to try depakote. I am very leery about either one, mostly because of the weight gain.
>
> The remeron has worked wonders in putting me to sleep, but it hasn't relieved my nightmares or my anxiety. I still get up in the morning drenched in sweat, although I have only a very slight memory of the dreams. I still end up nervous and shaky and over-hyper during the day.
>
> Is this bipolar II or is it an agitated/anxious depressed state due in part to the effects of PTSD? Personally, I've given up trying to figure it out. But does anyone have medication suggestions for these type of symptoms? I'm pretty confused at this point, and I'm sick of feeling like I'm on major amounts of cocaine every single day.
>
> thanks,
> roycei don't know if this will help much. i had been diagnosed once of being bi-polar and severely depressed. my doctor prescribed lithium 350mg for the bi-polar, and paxil for my depression. it worked well for a while. after about 6 months, i started feeling 'not right' again. i tapered off the lithium, and changed my anti-depression to effexor 37.5mg. at bedtime i usually take 15mg oxazepam, which is relatively close to klonopin.
so far, i am feeling o.k. no great miracle, but i'm hanging in there.
take care!
Posted by lifelongevity on June 7, 2001, at 22:52:25
In reply to bipolar or depression with PTSD, - what meds? , posted by royce on June 5, 2001, at 19:18:16
I don't know for sure. I have PTSD and I was put on effexor which I've read is suggested for PTSD patients. It worked well for my depression. But it didn't stop the anxiety. So I was put on Effexor AND buspar. That stopped the anxiety.
Now I'm on Effexor, Wellbutrin and Remeron (no buspar). Remeron seems to work on lifting mental fog, memory. It does give vivid imaging however, which if you are having PTSD dreams might be hard to handle.
I'm far enough along on recovery that there is nothing I could dream or find out at this point that could upset me now! I've seen it all! So going on Remeron did not bother me.
It hasn't affected my dreams, but it's helped my imagination. I can "see" pictures more vividly in my mind when I think of something.
The vivid dreams side effect might be a benefit if it helps you work through things. Or it might be overload if it comes to fast and your not ready for it. I don't know.
But, for what it is worth, my experience has been good.
Posted by royce on June 8, 2001, at 13:36:59
In reply to Re: bipolar or depression with PTSD, - what meds? , posted by lifelongevity on June 7, 2001, at 22:52:25
Thanks for the input guys! (I'm a new user here ond was not sure if I'd get any responses.)
I've spoken to my therapist about this, and I think I'll sick with the Remeron. If the daytime anxiety persists maybe I can get the M.D. to prescribe another benzo.
royce
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