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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by andromeda on November 9, 2007, at 11:35:47
Been messing around for 15 years with this bipolar. First Dx as Bipolar NOS Today I would say I have Bipolar II with mixed states and daily,weekly cycling.
Came to the conclusion that I have to stop the cycling completely. Is not worth waiting around for maybe a nice hypo manic mood to show up. So back on lithium as a start until I see my PDoc. Low dose 150 mg 2 x day. So far dull cognition, flat, boring, spacey but not exactly depressed. More anxious than anything. In past Docs would add something for depression but all that would do would cause more cycling. Lamictal caused cycling. Been on all types of meds, combos, etc. Lower doses cause less problems with sedation. 12.5 mg of seroquel will put me to sleep for 8 hours.
May switch to Depakote or add to lithium.
If cycling completely stops are you left with depression forever or will it eventually even out. How long will that take to do so?
Its almost like giving up yourself or your way of life. Have decided I can give that up for the gain of something that may be less stressful. Just have to remember how sucky it was vast majority of time. Be like losing your arm, learn to live with loss.
Has anyone gotten better when they stopped their cycling completely? Does it feel like losing yourself? Do you than become NORMAL and life is just kind of mediocre instead of chaos? Help me understand what I can or cannot expect if cycling is stopped. Thank you
Posted by Phillipa on November 9, 2007, at 12:15:00
In reply to What will happen next, posted by andromeda on November 9, 2007, at 11:35:47
Seems the thread above you the person is having the same problem. Phillipa
Posted by bleauberry on November 9, 2007, at 21:30:30
In reply to What will happen next, posted by andromeda on November 9, 2007, at 11:35:47
I am only going on what I have read at a couple psyciatric websites that deal with bipolar. Basically they say the flat somewhat depressed effect you mentioned is what precedes euthymia. It is supposedly part of the journey on the way to normalcy. They said the time spent in that flat life is about 3 to 6 months before normalcy starts to show. I'm sure mileage varies. I think for alot of us there is a trade off like you mentioned, where we accept a mediocre state in order to avoid a worse one.
In your frustrating trials I don't know if you have ever tried depakote+zyprexa+lexapro or depakote+zyprexa+prozac. Those combos have special synergy for bipolar and depression.
I do not know if you have tried basic things. Simple things look exactly like bad cases of resistant bipolar. For example, a magnesium deficiency. Or a taurine deficiency. The need for more zinc than normal. The need for extra chromium to control blood sugar fluctuations. The critical need to have any silver fillings removed from your teeth. All of these things look and feel like bipolar, and none of the meds do a thing to address them. I only mention these things because you have tried so many meds with frustrating results. You would not be the first person with a massive history of psychiatric drugs to be completely healed by something you can buy at the health food store or grocery store. If your body is lacking in some key nutrient that makes hundreds of biochemical reactions in your body and brain possible, the meds will not work.
This is the end of the thread.
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