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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by butternut on October 6, 2005, at 19:10:33
Sincere thanks to anyone who takes the time to read and respond to this. I'm not sure whether I should leave well enough alone. I'm doing pretty ok on zoloft, prescribed for major depression and anxiety. My pdoc is always on the lookout for bipolar because I have a family history of it, as well as second-degree relatives with schizophrenia. I've had several major breakdowns in my life (33 right now) severe enough to disrupt life but not to land me in the hospital. Basically, I was frozen with panic, dread, racing thoughts, and depersonalization. Once that was relaxed with klonopin, I would feel very tired and depressed, hopeless, etc. Zoloft turned out to be a godsend. I was put on a very low dose (25mg)and felt better than I had in my entire life. For five years, I was very stable--the constant worring gone, constant self-analysis gone, social anxiety gone, and I had a general sense of well-being. Went off zoloft for a few years--struggled with irritability and depression. Then, had a tragic death in the family, and it all unraveled. Back to constant panic, round the clock worrying, knots in stomach, plus some new stuff--intrusive thoughts of what would happen after I gave birth (I was pregnant). Went back on the Zoloft and felt better surprisingly quickly. Now that I've had time to research bipolar now, I see that it's not just highs and lows. My husband has never thought I was bipolar because he thinks I'm quite even tempered. However, when not on Zoloft, I do have bouts of anger and frustration where I throw things and want to hit myself. Now I see this could be a sign of a bipolar mixed state. To get to the point--I seem to be stable on zoloft. Even though I have a hunch I'm bipolar, should I just leave it alone until I"m not okay on the zoloft? Or ask my pdoc to start me on a mood stabiliser now, to prevent me from having trouble in the future? Mainly I'm concerned about weight gain and side effects of a drug I may not absolutely need. Also, I'm starting to have trouble concentrating at work and to obsess about the possibility of being bipolar, which I think might be a warning sign of another mixed state or something.
Posted by blueberry on October 6, 2005, at 19:52:24
In reply to What would you do?, posted by butternut on October 6, 2005, at 19:10:33
From everything I've read, if there is even a hint of bipolar there should be a mood stabilizer in the mix. The reason is because the disease will progressively get worse as the years go by, and the longer it is left untreated, the worse it will get and the harder it will be to treat when you finally do decide to. Better to get a handle on it early to prevent really scary stuff down the road.
I speak from personal experience that the above is true. I won't bore you with my long story, only to say that I was exactly like you 5 years ago. Those nice hypomanias turned into the scariest hellish things the mind can't even imagine.
Depakote extended release in the 500mg to 1000mg range is very mild, often with no side effects at all. Brought me down from 1000mph and up from the depths of hell simultaneously beginning the first day.
Posted by Phillipa on October 6, 2005, at 20:26:57
In reply to Re: What would you do?, posted by blueberry on October 6, 2005, at 19:52:24
I think this a question to bring up with your pdoc. He knows your history. Fondly Phillipa
Posted by B2chica on October 7, 2005, at 9:00:01
In reply to What would you do?, posted by butternut on October 6, 2005, at 19:10:33
i think you should discuss this with a pdoc. make sure you are active in this decision and tell them your concerns. you should definately address this sooner rather than later.
b2c.
Posted by Sebastian on October 8, 2005, at 16:31:24
In reply to What would you do?, posted by butternut on October 6, 2005, at 19:10:33
If you are having trouble concentrating at work it is time for a mood stabilizer. Geodon has the least side-effects for me.
Posted by butternut on October 17, 2005, at 18:53:01
In reply to Re: What would you do?, posted by blueberry on October 6, 2005, at 19:52:24
This is the end of the thread.
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