Posted by Jay_Clockwork_Angels on October 13, 2010, at 1:09:05
In reply to going back to bipolar medications, posted by linkadge on October 10, 2010, at 18:29:52
> ok, so I don't know if I am bipolar or not.
>
> However, lately it seems that any kind of antidepressant just makes things worse --> ssris making anxiety worse, causing insomnia, TCAs just plain being intollerable etc. etc.
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> mood stabilizers like lithium and tegretol have been helping me more than other treatments lately. They seem to be able to produce a calming effect without inducing all forms of insanity that I get from antidepressants. Basically, I just want something that will help my brain shut/calm down without a kazillion week "waiting period" of worsened symptoms, and all manners of akathesia.
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> I guess the bottom line is that with antidepressants I just feel *much less* in control. I can't stand the feeling of being out of control. They are so unpredictable. Ritalin is predictable for me (just up and down --> not all around). Mood stabilizers are more predictable too.
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> Linkadge
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>Hey Link, I know what you mean, man. I also wanted to add my support to your above post about coming up with new *mixes* using old scripts and such. The only reason I ever got any better on medications is because I took some unconventional (but safe) moves and juggled around some of my meds.
But, about this post, I'd like to add a few things. A couple of meds you may have not tried...but most of these aren't covered by Trillium or most public health plans.
-Trileptal seems to be a very interesting med on it's own, as supposedly in it's formula (difference from Tegretol) it hits the dopamine in the brain. Good anti-anxiety, and anti-depressant. I've tried it, but it was too expensive for me way back when it first came out.
-Abilify. Though it is as expensive as hell here in Canada, I've been on it for awhile, and found it has a combo of mood-brightening and anti-anxiety properties. You still have to take all of the precautions as you do with other 3rd Gen AP's. The blood sugar risk seems to be as problematic as on any of these meds.
-Dexidrine (IR) This is the only version covered by public health plans, but I have found this med incredible. Soooooo smooth, as I had tons of ups and downs on Ritalin. But, I know Ritalin has been good to you.
-Lyrica Again it is pricey, but even after a year on it, I can still feel it's anti-anxiety effect.
Just some ideas....hope you are feeling better soon.
Jay
poster:Jay_Clockwork_Angels
thread:965275
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20101009/msgs/965611.html